Latest News From University News Release

There were 467 million pounds of beef in cold storage at the end of March. That was 5% less than the month before and 3% less than a year earlier. 

Feed conversions of calves fed creep feeds have been quite variable to say the least.

Two research studies at the University of Nebraska suggest that the key information needed to identify heifers most likely to be successful as replacements is known the day the heifers are born.

Producers are going to have to be a little more savvy in marketing calves and feeder cattle since forward pricing opportunities appear limited.

Key performance indicators, also known as KPIs, can assist beef producers in measuring factors crucial to an operation.

USDA's April Cattle on Feed report said placements were up 4.6% in March and marketings were up 7.1%. 

Take forage quality as well as quantity into account when deciding when to harvest.

Spring time marches on: Prospective Plantings was quite the surprise, a major moisture event causes flooding in the southern plains with concerns of excess up through Nebraska and generous needed snowfall in Colorado, and the deadline for filing your income taxes passes.

New bulls need to be managed carefully between delivery and the start of breeding season to maximize the return on the investment in new genetics.

In a high or low cattle market environment, capturing the most pounds per calf affects a producer’s bottom line, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist.

As the breeding season for spring calving herds is getting closer, understanding heat stress in cattle takes on increased importance. 

A new K-State publication provides vital information on plants that, if consumed, could harm cattle and other livestock.

A Kansas State University study shows feeding cattle higher concentrations of zinc helps improve growth and could improve profits.

There was little change in finished cattle prices this week which likely has feedlot managers sweating bullets.

Recently, over 8,000 acres of native range burned in the Nebraska Sandhills. These types of disasters often leave producers in a forage shortage for the summer. 

Beef production is forecast at 59.0 MMT in 2016, 23 percent of total meat production. 

More beef and lower prices should be positive for U.S. international trade. 

Monitoring helps determine how much forage has been consumed.

Antibodies in colostrum provide calves with their initial protection. 

The plantings report revealed that U.S. producers intend to plant 93.601 million acres of corn this summer, up 6 percent from last year’s 87.999 million acres and more than 2.6 million acres higher than even the highest trade estimate.

Correct administration of any injection is a critical control point in beef production and animal health.  

The gains today and tomorrow could disappear by the next morning.

A K-State veterinarian explains the purpose and importance of a bull breeding soundness exam. 

Less beef was shipped to Mexico, Canada and Philippines than last year.

Try for a less than 3 percent calf death loss.

Winter feed stores are dwindling and the urge to get cows to grass is escalating.

Take time now during the peak of lactation to write down which fall-calving cows have unsound udders.

As we move out of winter and into spring, prolonged periods of mud and moisture can significantly hinder cattle performance and profitability.

While the adverse impact on those directly affected is certainly real in both financial and emotional ways, it is also important to step back and examine any broader, cattle market impacts.

Replacement heifer selection can affect the profitability of your herd for years to come. 

Mexican beef exports have grown rapidly in recent years.  

USDA's prospective planting report projects a large corn crop and resulted in a feeder cattle rally, but it could be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Many cattlemen dread buying bulls, according to Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Bulls that are underconditioned, overconditioned, underweight and lackluster need to be dealt with now.

For the second week in a row, cattle and beef prices are sharply lower. 

Winter and spring rains across much of Texas and the country have created good conditions for the cattle market.

Every operation should develop and maintain a marketing plan.

Cow-calf producers need to work smarter, not harder.

Cow calf producers with fall-calving cows have options as to the optimum date to wean the calves.

Selecting and buying the right bull for your herd is a complex question involving many factors including who you are, the type of cows in your herd, and the type of calves you are marketing.

Pork got top billing this week in grocery stores with Easter hams selling better than beef.

Rebreeding efficiency comes down to three key words: body condition score.

There were 491 million pounds of beef in cold storage at the end of February. 

Fetal programming is a term that many producers may have heard of in recent years, but may not have understood the concept. 

As producers finish this (or any) calving season it is very important to record any multiple births that may have occurred. 

The latest Cattle on Feed report, released March 18th, was an interesting one, especially for placements.  Placements have been, arguably, the most interesting number for many months. 

The calf market continued to strengthen this week as the demand for lightweight calves intensified.

The latest Cattle on Feed report pegs March 1 feedlot inventories at 10.77 million head, 101 percent of year ago levels.  

Grazing time is coming back with spring’s arrival on cool season perennial pastures around the southeast, but before dispatching the cattle to the pasture, producers should make some preparations.