Latest News From Wyatt Bechtel

Truck drivers who haul fed cattle to Tyson and Cargill packing plants will soon need to complete the Beef Quality Assurance Transportation certification program.

Taking care of internal parasites is an annual or biannual proactive measure producers follow to protect their cattle herds and ultimately their operations’ bottom line.

Spreading paint and the Certified Angus Beef brand across America’s barns.

The beef cattle industry has experienced some extraordinary dynamics in the past decade that provoked unprecedented volatility and record price levels.

There have been astounding increases in the Prime grade and to a smaller degree, the Certified Angus Beef  brand and the best combination of the two, Certified Angus Beef brand Prime.

Karan Beef doubled exports by gaining access to China. Now it’s targeting Malaysia.

After a settlement was reached with local law enforcement, a wrongful death lawsuit has been dismissed in Idaho.

Producers are faced with the challenge of maintaining body condition on the replacement heifers through the calving season and into next spring.

Last week brought a flurry of market information from various NASS reports that give added insight into the cattle supply situation and the inventory levels likely in 2019.

Now is the time to select replacement heifers and start them on a development plan that aligns with female management and breeding goals.

For the upcoming 2019 year, cow-calf share leases or cash leases should be reviewed.

Ammoniation can transform baled corn residue into forage that meets the energy and protein needs of a dry cow without supplementation.

This interactive, online tool helps farmers and cattle producers connect and develop mutually beneficial agreements to use crop residue and forage cover crops for grazing.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) equips producers with production strategies and general skills to maintain and strengthen a quality, wholesome food supply.

A group of researchers at the University of Tennessee have been conducting research concerning cattle producer, consumer, and retail sector attitudes toward Tennessee Branded Beef the past few years.

Information on when cows did get pregnant during the breeding season can be very informative.

In this article we will explore some of the ways drones might be used on a ranch to improve management and operations.

While hay is often used to feed cows through the winter, current prices make corn a competitive option to feeding hay.

Low prices and adverse harvest conditions often drive us toward alternative options that – if nothing else – are perceived to add value to a crop.

Producers delivering fiber based protein supplements to cows grazing low quality forages may be able to reduce the frequency of supplementation.

Prepping equipment, cow nutrition and vaccinations are just a few things to consider.

A 19 year old dog owner has been arrested following attacks on several cattle by two of her dogs in Mississippi.

Steer slaughter continues to run below year ago levels so far this year.

November turkey demand provides a brief respite to seasonally increasing beef values, normally peaking in early December after a final post-Thanksgiving surge.

Odd fall weather and fescue pasture growth set up potential poisonous pastures causing fescue foot in cow herds.

For the second time in nearly a month a Wyoming beef cattle herd has been found to contain Brucellosis.

Lethal action has been approved by wildlife officials in Washington for two packs that have killed and injured multiple cattle this year.

Estimating forage usage by cows is an important part of the task of calculating winter feed needs. Hay or standing forage intake must be estimated in order to make the calculations.

A cattle rustler in Arkansas has been sentenced to five years in state prison after pleading guilty to stealing cattle in 2014.

Cattle producers have little reason to be concerned about calf prices declining much more than where they are now.

Argentines still much more carnivorous than richer Europeans as consumers skimp on bread, pasta and fuel but not protein.

Many producers learned an unfortunate lesson last year, and have increased their hay storage amounts this year to avoid similar issues next spring.

Analysts says there isn’t much excitement in cattle markets thanks to an economy that has consumers “buying T-bone steaks instead of pork chops” but the market could turn upside down by the Spring.

Market cows often represent 15% to 25% of the herd’s gross income.

Replacement heifers to upgrade cow-calf herds will be offered in six Show-Me-Select sales this fall. Also, owners can restock cow herds culled in the drought.

“I can” is a much better approach to agriculture than “I can’t.”

Several different wolf packs in Oregon have been responsible for attacks on cattle that resulted in injuries or death.

It’s not unusual for the cutout to increase during October, and that occurred again this year. 

Corn residue can serve many purposes on cow/calf operations in the Upper Midwest. From grazing to bedding; however, it may be one of the most underutilized resources we can access to produce beef.

The fall foliage also reminds us that 2018 is winding to a close and we are beginning to see markets take on their final look for the year.

Several different wolf packs in Oregon have been responsible for attacks on cattle that resulted in injuries or death.

Incorporating good stockmanship during sorting, loading and unloading can assist in reducing bruising.

Three suspects have been arrested, while another has a warrant for their arrest following the theft of 13 cattle in Oklahoma.

How the combination of two technology categories are being used together to make the metaphorical snowball of genetic advancement grow and roll faster.

The fall breeding season is near. If you have not assessed your bull battery recently, time is running out.

Three suspects have been arrested, while another has a warrant for their arrest following the theft of 13 cattle in Oklahoma.

Solar cells will help contribute to a microgrid project being done by the Parker Ranch in Hawaii.

Data help guide farm and ranch decisions.

Solar cells will help contribute to a microgrid project being done by the Parker Ranch in Hawaii.

Police in Harper County, Kansas are searching for 42 cattle that have either been lost or stolen from a ranch.