Let's Talk Grazing & Raising-Solutions to Help Ranchers Grow More Grass and Increase Bottomline
February 21, 2026
From the heart of Music City, Nashville, the trade show floor at CattleCon26 was buzzing with innovation, ideas, and conversations centered on one goal—helping cattle producers become more profitable.
Acres of exhibits showcased the latest products, services, and technologies designed to move the beef industry forward. But before the trade show doors fully opened, CattleCon26 kicked off with a special, invitation-only media event focused squarely on the foundation of cow-calf production: grazing management.
Let’s Talk Grazing and Raising
Hosted by Corteva Agriscience, alongside partners Zoetis and John Deere, the “Let’s Talk Grazing and Raising” program brought industry experts together to discuss how smarter pasture management translates into real dollars at the scale.
During the event, media members visited with Abe Smith, a range and pasture specialist with Corteva Agriscience, who emphasized a message he believes too often gets overlooked in beef production.
“Production matters,” Smith said. “We think about maximizing production on crop ground all the time, but sometimes beef producers don’t think about maximizing what actually goes across the scale.”
More Grass Means More Pounds
According to Smith, profitability in beef production starts with pasture productivity. By increasing forage availability and quality, producers can raise healthier cows, heavier calves, and ultimately capture more value—regardless of market conditions.
“The way we do that is by putting more grass on the pasture,” he explained. “If we can take a pound of weeds out of a pasture, we’re often going to put a pound—or even a pound and a half—of grass back in its place.”
Beyond added forage, effective weed control brings additional benefits, including improved animal health and fewer injury risks. From ragweed-related eye issues in Nebraska to poisonous plants in Montana, managing unwanted vegetation helps protect both cattle and bottom lines.
The Cheapest Feed You’ll Ever Buy
Smith also encouraged producers to look beyond short-term cost savings when making weed control decisions.
“Sometimes we get laser-focused on killing weeds as cheaply as possible,” he said. “But when we remove weeds across the entire system, we improve the whole pasture—and the cheapest feed you’ll ever buy is the grass you grow yourself.”
Tools Designed for Regional Needs
Corteva Agriscience continues to expand its range and pasture portfolio to help producers meet regional challenges. Along with familiar solutions for noxious weed control, the company has recently relaunched High Noon® Herbicide, offering broad-spectrum control well-suited for Western pastures, including Montana rangeland.
Just as important as the products, Smith noted, is access to local expertise.
“Across the country, Corteva has local pasture specialists who understand what grows—and what doesn’t—in each region,” he said. “Whether it’s an on-ranch visit or a quick recommendation from a cell phone photo, we can customize solutions that improve results.”
Helping Producers Stay Profitable
As CattleCon 2026 continued in Nashville, one theme remained clear: better grazing management leads to better production, healthier cattle, and stronger returns for America’s ranchers.
Coverage from CattleCon 2026 was powered by Inherit Select, a new genetic tool designed to help cow-calf producers add value and profitability. Learn more at inheritselect.com.
Source: Western Ag Network
