Latest News From Kim Watson Potts

Don't let drought’s impact may sneak up during breeding season.

The World Organization for Animal Health is recommending that the U.S. risk classification for BSE be upgraded to negligible risk.

A closer look at USDA's Cattle Inventory report finds some surprises, such as a 9% increase in heifer retention in Texas.

Dwindling supplies translated into beef processing overcapacity for the region, so the reduction in processing was bound to happen.

To date, Cattle-Exchange.com has posted over 1,000 listings, which translates into more than 108,000 head of animals listed.

There’s interesting speculation about when and how the nation’s cowherd will start rebuilding.

The cattle market still anticipates peak prices for 2013 in nearly every segment of the industry, but it all depends on the weather.

With rising feed costs, the cattle industry looks at shifting to a forage-based production system.

Follow these tips to make sure your feed mixers are ready for work.

Even with the farm bill in limbo, EQIP funds are available to producers to make improvements on their land.

With high feed costs, every improvement in feed efficiency boosts the bottom line.

Mother Nature continues to dictate the size of the nation’s cowherd and subsequent calf crop leading to tighter beef supplies.

Drought conditions continue to overshadow cattle prices as producers struggle to maintain herds, with many forced to sell off cows and calves.

Continued extreme heat, drought, wildfires and higher input costs are keeping farmers and ranchers from growing cattle herds.

Drought always presents a major challenge, but there are ways to get through it and survive another year.

Listing cattle online is one method of "testing the waters" to get an idea of their value.

Take advantage of strong cattle prices by implementing a market plan now to stay ahead of drought-forced sell-offs and the fall run.

Hot, muggy weather is here, which means a long, hot summer, especially for livestock.

Currently, cattle movement is limited to shuffling to new pastures, with no major herd sell-offs occurring yet.

Officially it's still spring, but the Western half of the U.S. continues to struggle with drier weather, which is spreading into the Plains.

Take precautions to make sure you use products correctly to keep your herd healthy.

In this time of high cattle prices, do you have the capital to buy more cattle?

Even while the news was still a rumor, cattle futures were down the limit before settling on losses over $2.50/cwt. for the day.

Beef Products Inc., the maker of lean finely textured beef, is closing three plants following media firestorm over the product.

With breeding season around the corner, is your herd ready?

Cattle production shifts back to a forage-based feed system.

Livestock producers might get a reprieve in feed costs if the upcoming USDA report corroborates what many expect.

Cattle producers should expect to pay more for pastures, as most regions are estimating increases.

Most analysts expect the nation's cattle herd to be 1.5% lower compared to year ago.

Higher replacement female prices will become more common as demand for quality replacement females increases.

Feedyard opens door to producers wanting to save breeding inventory.

Record cattle prices set the stage for expansion.

Higher prices anticipated in 2012 with analysts expecting the cattle cycle to post its high in 2013.

Reports like the July Cattle report were on the chopping block to reduce costs. However, the National Agricultural Statistics Service has reversed that decision.

Now is a good time to add temperament to culling criteria.

As we head into the holidays, it’s time to give thanks and appreciate all the blessings we have received. But this year has been full of mixed blessings.

This winter may bring cattle producers even more challenges in terms of weather and keeping winter feed costs in check.

This winter may bring cattle producers even more challenges in terms of weather and keeping winter feed costs in check.

The cattle market turned lower this morning due in part to a false rumor.

From floods to droughts, 2011’s weather extremes can create unexpected health problems in your cattle herd.

With corn prices rising, producers look at alternative feeds

We can test, but testing may not be the most effective way to protect consumers.

When a plain old burger or taco won't do, restaurants and retailers look to businesses that can take the plain and make it unique.

Friday's Cattle on Feed inventory numbers caught analysts off guard, but it may just be a sign of a shrinking cowherd.

The national cowherd continues to decline and prices are good, but is it time to expand?

Make management and marketing decisions that will take advantage of the opportunities.

It appears that following 2006, we entered a new climate pattern, one with warmer and drier weather in the South.

While not a drought buster, the welcomed rains will help fill dried tanks and recharge dwindling water supplies.

But may face downside pressure in the near term as fed cattle supplies are larger than expected.

While corn prices drop, feeder futures prices move higher potentially offsetting any benefit from lower corn prices.