Drovers
As the fight to keep the flesh-eating parasite out of the U.S. intensifies, the economic impact on ranchers and the industry is top of mind. “This pest will be one that leaves quite a mark on our economy,” says one veterinarian.
On the surface, strong livestock prices and government payments are painting a rosy picture for the farm sector. A closer look at input costs, commodity prices and interest rates says otherwise.
Cow slaughter was down by more than 17% through mid-May. If that trend continues through the rest of the year, beef cow slaughter would be at the lowest levels we have seen since 2015.
The Senate and House each have their own Committee proposals for President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. There are some key differences in each that could impact farmers and ranchers.
Technology, genetics and market signals must align to drive meaningful improvements in beef production. Meat scientist Dale Woerner says the industry needs to move from simply measuring weight to understanding the true composition and efficiency of cattle.
The Nebraska and Iowa/Minnesota reporting regions continue to lead the way with a trading range from $239 to $244/cwt.
In a marketplace filled with competing messages and general mistrust among consumers, it is encouraging to see high levels of trust by consumers in those individuals with hands-on experience with the animals, namely the veterinarian and the producer.
One of the oldest U.S. Wagyu breeders, the Reeves family from Washington has been raising Wagyu since the 1990s.
Native to east Asia, the ALHT was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to more than 20 states with recent confirmations in Illinois, Michigan and Iowa.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announces plans to reopen Moore Air Base in Texas as a New World screwworm sterile fly distribution facility. Long-term production is anticipated to be 300 million sterile flies per week.
Scott Varilek with Kooima Kooima Varilek says cattle futures are trying to recover after tanking Tuesday due to geopolitical and war concerns and the lower day in the stock market.
After a record performance in 2024, U.S. beef exports to Central America are reaching new heights again this year.
In one second, years of audience-building and customer relationships were lost for Chris and Kaitlyn Hofschulte, showpig breeders in Miami, Okla.
Check out Sterling Marketing’s Profit Tracker for week of June 14.
Expanding its livestock product line, FBN adds Ridley Feeds, fencing supplies, equine products and more.
Increasing carcass size, global methane research and beef on dairy were some of the key topics discussed during the 2025 BIF Symposium.
Preventing PI calves starts with strong biosecurity and smart vaccination.
Old farm trucks might be rough around the edges, but their quirks, dents and stubborn reliability make them unforgettable fixtures of life on the farm.
BIF recognizes Hammack, Paschal, Sanders, Shafer, Steffen and Taylor for their contributions to beef cattle improvement.
After a week of ICE seemingly targeting dairy farms, California produce farms and a meat packing plant in Nebraska, President Donald Trump is reportedly ordering the Department of Homeland Security to exclude farms from immigration raids.
Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says cattle futures started the day higher in recovery mode after a poor technical close on Friday and a bearish reversal lower for the week. Soybeans continue to rally on the heels of the surge in bean oil on EPA’s surprise biofuels news.
Meat Institute’s Julie Anna Potts says President Trump has an opportunity to solve the agriculture labor crisis that has challenged farmers and ranchers for decades.
Cattle producers are holding on to a younger cow herd and retaining fewer heifers.
Scott Varilek, Kooima Kooima Varilek, says cattle are seeing risk off selling tied to the news overnight of escalating war between Iran and Israel which has the financial markets sharply lower. Bean oil is limit up on news of higher blending levels for biomass based diesel.
It’s not too early to start planning. In fact, Tiffany Lashmet advises Beef Improvement Federation Young Producer Conference attendees it’s time to think about an estate plan once you’re 18.
The borrower and lender relationship should be ongoing throughout the year, not just when renewing loans.
Alan Hojer shares tools to help ranch families turn tension into trust and pass the reins with purpose.
2025 BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year, River Creek Farms, uses cutting-edge genetic and reproductive technologies to improve predictability, reduce risk and accelerate genetic progress within their Simmental-based herd.
Three simple, actionable ways ranchers can stop feeling behind and start recognizing progress.