Latest News From Drovers Guest Editor

Cattle Market Declines, Supplies Still a Concern

Coming off the holiday, retail beef demand drops and futures were lower, but fed cattle prices were higher last week.

Ki Fanning
Cattle Nutrition: The Importance of Body Condition Scores

With winter just around the corner and calving season set to start in 60 to 90 days, it’s time to evaluate cows’ body condition.

Pasture Perspective: Preparing for the Next Drought

Unless the production system is irrigated, drought will always be part of the risk associated with forage and livestock production.

5 4 11 cattle on wheat
Limit Grazing Wheat an Option for Cow Herds

If used properly, wheat pasture can provide a key source of protein and energy for cows.

Canadian Beef Recall Expanded in U.S.

A large Canadian beef recall has spread to several hundred U.S. supermarkets.

Feed Hay Now to Allow Pastures to Recover

While it’s tempting to turn cows onto new fall growth when rains return after a drought, holding off can help pastures and cows.

Beef Checkoff Sets FY2013 Plan of Work

Operating Committee of the Cattlemen's Beef Board makes $2.9 million in cuts to meet budget constraints.

New Oat and Winter Wheat Varieties Released

The new varieties should be available to producers for planting in fall 2013.

BTstockers
Stocker Strategies Affect Value

Research looks at the impact stocker nutrition and management strategies have on marbling.

Deer Disease Confirmed in Nebraska Cattle

Nebraska confirms 10 cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease in cattle. Learn the symptoms and impact on cattle.

Livestock Producers: Plan for Winter Hay Supplies Now

Having adequate supplies of hay available is critical as producers make plans for winter management.

It’s Producer ‘Decision Time’ for Cattle Restocking

Ranchers considering restocking options should think profitability first and foremost before writing a check.

Cattle on Feed Up 1 Percent

Meanwhile, placements in feedlots during July totaled 1.92 million, 10 percent below 2011.

HSUS, OCM Form Alliance to Destroy Beef Checkoff

Animal rights organization partners with fringe farm group.

Livestock Producers Need to Test Water to Reduce Risk

Water quality issues continue to worsen as drought and high temperatures increase the risk of high sulfate water.

Making Headway with Consumer Perceptions of Beef

The latest checkoff-funded Consumer Beef Index survey shows increasingly positive perceptions about beef. 

Cattlemen Given Signals to ‘Hang Tough’

Drought drives cattle Inventory down but consumer demand remains high.

Crossbred Bull 'Fix'

Producers looking for a simpler route to heterosis often opt to use a composite bull, but composites may trade predictability for simplicity.

Cattle on Feed Up 2 Percent, Placements Up 15%

As expected, placements for May were higher, while marketings were 1% higher.

Dry Season Pasture Management

Dry conditions continue to challenge farmers and their ability to keep forages growing and productive.

EPA Proposes Dust Standard

The agency plans to retain the current standard.

Cattlemen's Group Opposes Federal Mandate on Animal Agriculture

An amendment to the farm bill would mandate on-farm production practices.

April Pork and Beef Exports Remain Strong

Pork exports were up in volume and value, while beef export values for April were the strongest so far this year.

grasshopper
Scout and Treat Fields for Grasshoppers

With the mild winter, experts say, pastures and fields are likely to be bustling with young grasshoppers (nymphs).

Selling Cattle on a Grid

Help for understanding the basics of a grid marketing system for selling finished cattle.

Feeding Beef Steers Algae Co-products

Algae typically isn’t associated with cattle feed, but some interesting research results may change this.

USDA Implements New Rules Targeting E. coli Strains

USDA's testing regimen targets six additional strains of E.coli in raw beef trim.

Weigh Options Before Considering Restocking Beef Herds

Restocking may be an option for some, but rainfall and other factors will weigh heavily into the decision-making process.

Pasture Rent Considerations for Cattle Producers

Rental rates for range and pastureland are on the rise, due to increasing demands for corn.

Cattle Market Signals Point Up

Oklahoma State University market analyst Derrell Peel talks about the growing demand for high-quality beef.

Detecting Cows in Standing Estrus

Heat detection becomes the single greatest limiting factor in managing beef cow reproductive programs.

Identifying Hidden Sperm Defects

All bull semen is not created equal, but researchers have found a way to level the bovine-fertility playing field.

Cattle on Feed Placements 15% Lower

Analysts predicted feedyard placements to be lower but April placements totaled 1.52 million, 15 percent below 2011.

Cattle Group Supports USDA Proposed Comprehensive BSE Rule

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association says it's ready to work with Congress and the Obama Administration to finalize the rule.

New “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” Ads on the Web

Watch two new checkoff-funded “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” online video commercials set to debut this week.

Second Quarter Holds Downside Price Risk for Beef

Rabobank's global research report shows downside price risk short-term with recovery expected by midyear.

Get Cattle Handling and Facility Design Tips from BQA

The beef checkoff’s Beef Quality Assurance program offers two educational videos geared toward cattle producers.

Cattle on Feed Up 2 Percent

The U.S. cattle on feed inventory totaled 11.5 million head on April 1, 2012.

USDA Grants LFTB Labeling on Ground Beef Products

Several companies push for labeling of lean, finely textured beef products to help educate concerned consumers.

BTstockers
Control Stocker Cattle Risk with Management

Backgrounding may seem simple, but it has its challenges.

Expert: Education Needed about Lean, Finely Textured Beef

Lean, finely textured beef "is meat" and a healthy form of protein, according to a Texas A&M University expert.

Expect Wilder Ride for Cattle Prices

But opportunities abound for stocker operators and backgrounders.

Coalition of Governors Joins Forces to Support Beef Industry

They want to set the record straight about lean finely textured beef and tour a BPI plant.

NCBA Disappointed with COOL Appeal

Cattle group disappointed in U.S. Trade Representative decision to appeal the World Trade Organization ruling on COOL.

Drought-damaged Pastures Require Special Care this Spring

With ramifications of the drought in the Southern Plains still being felt, producers should take precautions for forage production in 2012.

Additional Choices for Beef Products in School Lunches

In response to requests from school districts, the USDA will offer more ground beef product choices to schools.

CAB Premiums at Seven-Year High

Demand for the Certified Angus Beef brand surged higher in 2011.

Vilsack Announces New CRP Initiative to Restore Grasslands, Wetlands and Wildlife

Producers will have the opportunity to enroll 1 million acres.

Don't Rush to Restock Drought Impacted Pastures

Beef producers in the Southern Plains shouldn’t get too caught up in adding cattle to herds despite recent rainfall.

Acclimating Cattle Is Good Business

Comfortable cattle are profitable cattle. That's why many feeders take steps to acclimate new arrivals.