Beef Production
Veterinarians at Kansas State University discuss summer grazing management techniques that can help improve animal performance and pasture productivity.
USDA’s Cattle on Feed report for May 1 found 11.554 million head on feed, down 1% and the first year-over-year decrease in feedlot inventories in eight months.
Mike Morgan was struck by lightning as he was feeding his cows following a branding event on the ranch outside of the town of Rand in Jackson County.
Cash cattle prices trade higher for a fifth consecutive week and on feed inventories continue to shrink seasonally. Cattle on feed numbers matched pre-report estimates.
Cattlemen are looking to rebuild hay stockpiles this year and preserving hay quality will be of utmost importance this season to maximize tonnage, relative feed value (RFV) and storability.
Planning for a water source for rotational grazing programs helps improve pasture productivity and better distribution of nutrients back into the soil.
With the changing seasons, it may be time to test trace minerals in your herd as they play an important role in livestock health, bodily functions, fertility and reproductive health, and an animal’s overall wellbeing.
Entrepreneur decided to “be that guy,” to open Utah’s new packing facility. With 323,000 beef cows in the state, this new facility is primed to fill a big need for additional processing.
The incoming heat can negatively affect animal growth performance, fertility, and animal welfare, but taking these management precautions can help to reduce the impacts of anticipated and extreme weather conditions.
Cull cow prices and the decision to rebuild the cowherd are common points of discussion. Much of the unease of the expansion decision is tied to the sheer size of the investment.
A second human case of bird flu has been confirmed in the United States since the virus was first confirmed in dairy cattle in late March,
This week’s guest says ranchers hold a lot of the cards in the beef industry. Producers decide how cattle are raised, how they are vaccinated, how they are weaned, what mineral they receive and how they are sold.
A solid rally for cash fed cattle coupled with declining total feeding costs helped boost cattle feeding margins nearly $85 per head above the previous week. Pork margins now over $40 for the fourth consecutive week.
Shorter production and processing schedules have produced the desired effect for packers – a rally in wholesale beef markets. Feeders gain more marketing leverage.
Reid Weiland makes investments and sets outcomes for his farmland that pay back with environmental, yield and long-term metrics.
USDA reports 47% of pasture and range conditions are in good to excellent health, compared to just 34% a year ago. Pasture and range conditions rated poor and very poor is down 9% from last year.
Wholesale beef prices staged an impressive rally this week, leading the cash and futures markets higher. Packers’ marketing leverage remains elusive.
#88 is quite possibly the most popular cow on social media right now, and it’s one post that sparked it all. Clay Scott is using it as an opportunity to educate others about ranching, growing into a global sensation.
Joint statement unites cattlemen across North America to promote efficient cattle production and encourage governments to provide science-based oversight of beef imports.
Managing a farm is no easy job. Managing people – in some cases – is even more stressful.
Carcass marbling has benefitted from extra days on feed and heavier carcass weights resulting from current market conditions. Thus, the beef from fed cattle is historically quality-rich for this time of the year.
The cattle markets breathed a sigh of relief after USDA announced negative test results for H5N1 in ground beef. And a former USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety says is unlikely to be found in beef in the future.
How do genetics play a role in the sustainability of a cowherd? Jason Warner, K-State Cow-Calf Specialist, visits with a professor and Ph.D. student in K-State Animal Breeding and Genetics to find out.
Livestock feeders find solid profits as the summer grilling season begins. Beef and pork packers continue to struggle with negative margins.
Machinery Pete selected a pair of used tractors as his Pete’s Pick of the Week on AgriTalk Radio. He also discussed the over supply of late model, high horsepower tractors pushing prices down on dealer lots.
When considering which practices to implement to mitigate disease, risk assessments in coordination with a veterinarian should take place, and recognition of the need for biodiversity on the operation must be considered.
Genetic progress by breeds and seedstock breeders has helped improve our odds of making improvements in multiple traits by raising the average in specific traits.
Higher asking prices meet resistance and feeders find security in cash/futures basis strength. A similar standoff pattern shapes up for this week.
As replacement heifer inventory increases the percentage of heifers in the fed slaughter mix declines. That decline in the recent cycle was especially sharp, dropping below 34% for three years.
Cattle feeders maintain a strong bargaining position despite a softer futures market. Feeder cattle and calves trade mostly lower.