FRONTLINE Beef Producer Nov/Dec 2009. Cow Efficiency & Industry Trends What makes a good cow? For the commercial producer it is pretty simple; she’s got to generate a return every year. The difference between good cows and great cows is the magnitude of that return. What can be done to identify and multiply those great cows? Is it all genetics? What’s the impact of management? This issue searches for those answers and more. What in the world is going on here? The economy, industry regulations, animal activist activities, export markets; what does it all mean to the average cow-calf producer? Are there new obstacles and/or opportunities on the horizon? This issue examines the industry outlook for 2010 and beyond.