Latest News From Wyatt Bechtel

Anywhere there is moist wet abrasive environmental conditions; there is a problem with foot rot.
Foot Rot: Prevention and Treatment

Anywhere there is moist wet abrasive environmental conditions; there is a problem with foot rot.

Wildlife officials have confirmed that a grizzly bear is responsible for killing a calf in central Montana.
Grizzly Kills Calf in Central Montana; Bears Expanding Territory

Wildlife officials have confirmed that a grizzly bear is responsible for killing a calf in central Montana.

Having the right team is critical to the success of the cattle operation.
BeefTalk: The Challenge of Managing Human Resources

Having the right team is critical to the success of the cattle operation.

Cattle grazing winter wheat in Texas.
Grazing in Southern Plains Expected to Increase on Small Grain Pasture

Although no animals have even been placed yet onto Southern Plains wheat pastures, as indicated in the prior article, conditions currently are quite favorable

The Beef Balance Sheet
The Beef Balance Sheet

Supply and demand flows for most agricultural markets are commonly summarized in the form of supply and utilization tables, often called the balance sheet.

If you have been selling cows in the fall as your normal practice, it may be profitable to feed cull cows by considering the seasonal price patterns.
Cull Cow Marketing Decisions

Fall weather brings many changes to the cattle operation, one of them being pregnancy testing and the subsequent removal of open, thin, lame or poor temperament cows from the herd.

Fall is the time for cattle producers to make herd management decisions.
NDSU Extension Offers Fall Checklist for Cattle Producers

Now is a good time to protect the herd from health issues.

Blizzard Snowstorm 1100
Fifth Anniversary of Western South Dakota's Atlas Blizzard

As we remember the fifth anniversary of the blizzard that occurred on October 3–5, 2013, the event provides a reminder that it is time to begin preparation and planning for winter weather events.

Second Wolf Killed in Washington’s Old Profanity Territory Pack

A second wolf in the Old Profanity Territory pack has been killed by a wildlife department marksman in Washington after the pack killed multiple cattle.

Market Highlights: Cull Cow and Bull Prices Seasonally Falling
Market Highlights: Cull Cow and Bull Prices Seasonally Falling

Contrary to the current feeder cattle market, the slaughter cow and bull market are seasonally faltering.

A second wolf in the Old Profanity Territory pack has been killed by a wildlife department marksman in Washington after the pack killed multiple cattle.
Second Wolf Killed in Washington’s Old Profanity Territory Pack

A second wolf in the Old Profanity Territory pack has been killed by a wildlife department marksman in Washington after the pack killed multiple cattle.

Time to Pregnancy Check Cows
Time to Pregnancy Check Cows

The start and end of the breeding season needs to be put on the calendar just like other special events.

When it comes to rental agreements for grazing corn residue, a number of questions need to be asked and answered up front to avoid disagreements later.
Cornstalks for Cow Feed is a No-brainer

The best way to utilize cornstalks is to graze them.

Cow Age and Cow Productivity (When is She Too Old?)
Cow Age and Cow Productivity (When is She Too Old?)

At cow culling time, producers often face some tough decisions. Optimum culling of the herd often seems to require a sharp crystal ball that could see into the future.

The value of beef ultimately determines the long-term stability of the cattle operation.
BeefTalk: Add Value to Market Cows and Bulls

The value of beef ultimately determines the long-term stability of the cattle operation.

Producer's Perspective to Select and Develop Replacement Heifers
Producer's Perspective to Select and Develop Replacement Heifers

During the 2018 Heifer Development Tour, the Erickson Family provided insight on how they select and manage their replacement heifers to match their farm’s environment near Langford in Northeastern South Dakota.

Beef's Quality Chain: Restaurants Offering More Beef Dining Options
Beef's Quality Chain: Restaurants Offering More Beef Dining Options

McDonald’s completed the rollout of its fresh beef Quarter Pounders this year to rave reviews from food critics who called it “juicier with more depth of flavor.”

Why Mineral Consumption Matters
Why Mineral Consumption Matters

Cattle mineral nutrition is complex and often confusing, but one strategy to help ranchers better understand their mineral program is to monitor mineral consumption.

If you have been selling cows in the fall as your normal practice, it may be profitable to feed cull cows by considering the seasonal price patterns.
Considerations for Culling Cows

Regardless of the real cost to maintain a cow per year there are females in every cowherd which will not produce enough pounds of calf to cover that cost.

Retail beef prices have come up in the past month, but they are down from last year.
CAB Insider: CAB Marks 12th Record Year for 40th Birthday

For the 12th consecutive year CAB sales tonnage set another record. The company had set a goal of 1 billion pounds in annual sales by 2020, but that was reached ahead of schedule two years ago.

McDonald’s completed the rollout of its fresh beef Quarter Pounders this year to rave reviews from food critics who called it “juicier with more depth of flavor.”
Beef's Quality Chain: Restaurants Offering More Beef Dining Options

McDonald’s completed the rollout of its fresh beef Quarter Pounders this year to rave reviews from food critics who called it “juicier with more depth of flavor.”

Fall Feeder Cattle Market Situation
Fall Feeder Cattle Market Situation

Prices for feeder steers over 650 pounds were also higher compared to the previous week. However, prices for steers between 550 and 650 pounds declined compared to the previous week.

Beef's Quality Chain: Grocers Helping Consumers with Tasty Experiences

Albertsons/Safeway operates more than 2,300 U.S. grocery stores, and its Hometown Butcher program provides guidance to customers for selecting and cooking beef.

Soybeans May Be Viable Cattle Feed Option
Soybeans May Be Viable Cattle Feed Option

Soybeans can be used as a protein supplement for beef cattle, as long as the beans are a small part of the cattle’s diet.

Albertsons/Safeway operates more than 2,300 U.S. grocery stores, and its Hometown Butcher program provides guidance to customers for selecting and cooking beef.
Beef's Quality Chain: Grocers Helping Consumers with Tasty Experiences

Albertsons/Safeway operates more than 2,300 U.S. grocery stores, and its Hometown Butcher program provides guidance to customers for selecting and cooking beef.

In The Cattle Markets: Yearly Choice Beef Production a Little Tighter
In The Cattle Markets: Yearly Choice Beef Production a Little Tighter

Beef production has continued to run above a year ago throughout 2018. 

Market Highlights: Should You Have Hedged Your Cattle?
Market Highlights: Should You Have Hedged Your Cattle?

It is sometimes useful to use hindsight to make decisions for the current and future marketing time periods

$5,000 Reward Offered for 30 Cattle Stolen in Kansas

After 30 cattle were stolen from a farm in Kansas, a reward is being offered that helps lead to their discovery.

Beef's Quality Chain: Grading Changes Help Packers Identify Quality

Creating quality beef eating experiences depends not just on cattle producers, but packers, retailers and consumers too.

The stolen cattle are a mix of steers and heifers and have a yellow numbered tag in the left ear and a purple fly tag in the right ear.
$5,000 Reward Offered for 30 Cattle Stolen in Kansas

After 30 cattle were stolen from a farm in Kansas, a reward is being offered that helps lead to their discovery.

Creating quality beef eating experiences depends not just on cattle producers, but packers, retailers and consumers too.
Beef's Quality Chain: Grading Changes Help Packers Identify Quality

Creating quality beef eating experiences depends not just on cattle producers, but packers, retailers and consumers too.

Long stem, grass hay is a recognizable feedstuff to calves.
Starting Newly Weaned Calves on Feed

Newly weaned calves are faced with the stress of separation from the cow, deprivation of feed and water during transportation, and adaptation to the feedlot environment.

Two Oklahoma Men Charged with Series of Cattle and Equipment Thefts

A pair of Oklahoma men already accused of stealing cattle in other counties face up to 10 years in prison following the theft of cattle and equipment in Osage County.

With Hay Quality Lacking, Determine Your Supplementation Needs
With Hay Quality Lacking, Determine Your Supplementation Needs

For some producers, a number of factors came together to create the perfect storm that led to significantly lowered forage quality.

A pair of Oklahoma men already accused of stealing cattle in other counties face up to 10 years in prison following the theft of cattle and equipment in Osage County. Cody Joseph Porter (left), 32, of Sperry and Michael Joseph Demaro (right), 43, of Skiatook, both face charges.
Two Oklahoma Men Charged with Series of Cattle and Equipment Thefts

A pair of Oklahoma men already accused of stealing cattle in other counties face up to 10 years in prison following the theft of cattle and equipment in Osage County.

No herd should have any cull cows or bulls.
BeefTalk: Market Cows and Bulls Rather Than Cull

No herd should have any cull cows or bulls.

Growing Weaned Heifers on Wheat Pasture
Growing Weaned Heifers on Wheat Pasture

Some producers may have questions about the utilization of wheat pasture for growing replacement heifers, before, during, and after their first breeding season.

South Dakota Man Accused of Stealing $348,000 Worth of Cattle, Feed

A man from South Dakota is alleged to have stolen $301,871.30 worth of cattle and feed checks worth approximately $47,000.

A man from South Dakota is alleged to have stolen $301,871.30 worth of cattle and feed checks worth approximately $47,000.
South Dakota Man Accused of Stealing $348,000 Worth of Cattle, Feed

A man from South Dakota is alleged to have stolen $301,871.30 worth of cattle and feed checks worth approximately $47,000.

Grazing vs. Dry Lot to Develop Replacement Heifers
Grazing vs. Dry Lot to Develop Replacement Heifers

Cow-calf production systems that rely heavily on harvested and purchased feeds have less potential to be profitable.

Ground Beef Recall Includes Target, Safeway, Sam's Club and Aldi

A recall on ground beef produced by Cargill Meat Solutions has pinpointed eight major grocers across the country including Sam’s Club and Target.

Mysterious Cattle Deaths Still Under Investigation in Arizona

The death of 24 cattle in Arizona is being investigated by multiple government agencies.

Ground Beef Recall Includes Target, Safeway, Sam's Club and Aldi
Ground Beef Recall Includes Target, Safeway, Sam's Club and Aldi

A recall on ground beef produced by Cargill Meat Solutions has pinpointed eight major grocers across the country including Sam’s Club and Target.

Bunk space can vary depending on if calves were preconditioned or not prior to entering the feedlot.
Preconditioned vs Weaned Calves can Affect Bunk Space Requirements

Bunk space can vary depending on if calves were preconditioned or not prior to entering the feedlot.

The death of 24 cattle in Arizona is being investigated by multiple government agencies.
Mysterious Cattle Deaths Still Under Investigation in Arizona

The death of 24 cattle in Arizona is being investigated by multiple government agencies.

Early Pregnancy in Heifer Calves
Early Pregnancy in Heifer Calves

The main objective in developing replacement heifers is to have them reach puberty well before the first breeding season.

Feedlots Place More and Lighter Cattle
Feedlots Place More and Lighter Cattle

The latest Cattle on Feed report showed a September 1 feedlot inventory of 11.125 million head, a record for the month since the current data series began in 1996.

Growing Bred Replacement Heifers
Growing Bred Replacement Heifers

Ideally, two year old heifers should be in a body condition score “6” at the time that their first calf is born. 

Man in Oklahoma Surrenders on Cattle Embezzlement Charges

Johnny Ray Simmons, 52, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, surrendered to police after being charged with six counts of embezzlement related to the sale of calves in a partnership on leased tribal land.

Johnny Ray Simmons, 52, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, surrendered to police after being charged with six counts of embezzlement related to the sale of calves in a partnership on leased tribal land.
Man in Oklahoma Surrenders on Cattle Embezzlement Charges

Johnny Ray Simmons, 52, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, surrendered to police after being charged with six counts of embezzlement related to the sale of calves in a partnership on leased tribal land.