The Strengthening Local Processing Act will increase options for local livestock and poultry producers and assist smaller facilities as they adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and expand to meet consumer demand.

Nearly 900 cows are set to be euthanized by Spanish authorities fearing bluetongue after the cattle drifted for more than two months on the Mediterranean Sea while the owners searched for a buyer.

Auction markets noted firm demand and a stronger undertone last week for grazing cattle with spring now less than a month away. Auctions were in full-swing again after the previous week’s winter storms.

Livestock auction markets are built on relationships, but for LMA member market owners and employees, the importance of relationships isn’t limited to sale day.

DVMs Bob Larson and Jennifer Koziol will discuss how to evaluate bulls so only those that can get a high percentage of exposed cows pregnant in a short period of time are turned out into the breeding pasture this spring.

Packers, as usual, were in a position of leverage and needed very little cattle for the next week’s harvest. This continues to be the biggest problem with driving the cash price higher.