Beef Production
Evaluating money saved when purchasing feed on cost per unit of protein and energy basis.
Despite ever smaller feeder cattle supplies, feedlot inventories have temporarily halted the slow decline of the last year with the September surge in placements.
Packers were forced to add to their inventory and pushed prices $2 higher last week. The surprises in the Cattle on Feed report may offer a reason to push prices lower, yet feedyards maintain the upper hand.
Cattle feeders saw $1 to $2 gains in all regions during the week, but a struggling futures market and an unfriendly placement number in Friday’s Cattle on Feed report may drag on cash prices in the short-term.
In any nutritional program it is imperative to determine the objective of why we are feeding or supplementing. After defining our goal, we can minimize input costs and maximize our profit potential.
A coalition of 32 producers from across the industry will begin work to help accelerate the use of genetic information in feeder cattle marketing.
Cattle feeding margins improved modestly last week after cash bids rallied nearly $2 higher. Pork producer margins remain in red.
“We most abolish animal ag to prevent the next pandemic.” While animal rights supporters make up a small percentage, they are loud and can mislead consumers with messages like this. Here’s the 2023 activist roundup.
Preconditioning has benefits for those looking to sell their calves and to those retaining ownership. Though it is not a “one size fits all” for operations. The benefits need to be considered along with practicality.
Three primary methods of pregnancy checking cows are available for beef producers. Those who choose not to evaluate pregnancy status are leaving money of the table.
Although mastitis, an infection of the udder, is often considered a dairy cow problem, the disease can also impact beef cows. Here’s what to look for to keep beef herds healthy.
Small things make a big impact, but in the instance of parasites that impact isn’t a good one from a herd health or economic standpoint.
Data from multiple sources confirm the important connection between reproductive efficiency and body composition of the cow.
North Dakota State University Extension has found that heavy grazing use in the fall can reduce forage production the following growing season by over 50%.
Ground beef is the inexpensive alternative consumers turn to when prices rise. However, the overall decline in beef production means that ground beef supplies will be smaller and prices higher going forward.
Following a couple of weeks of steady to lower money, fed cattle prices posted advances in all regions last week.
One of the biggest days of the year for most ranchers—sale day—is much anticipated, yet stressful. Here’s some helpful tips and considerations in the days and hours leading up to sale time.
There can be little doubt that the biggest issue in the cattle industry right now is the question of when herd rebuilding will begin. The challenge of herd rebuilding can be summed up with three questions.
Implementing a weaning program that emphasizes quality nutrition helps give calves a healthy start and can bring more return on investment.
As we look at the future of the beef industry, it all comes down to focusing on the simple decisions that could ultimately drive big changes to keep all of us in business longer.
Procurement decisions by feedyards are heavily influenced by vaccination status and current health condition. An “Industry Insights” report from CattleFax and Angus Media provides useful insight on current trends.
Cattle feeding margins remain solidly profitable and supported by significant declines in feed costs. Pork producer margins erode.
Fall temperature fluctuations can cause stress on sorghum plants, which can lead to toxicity issues for livestock. Ranchers are encouraged to be aware of conditions that can cause prussic acid or nitrate poisoning.
As the board moved on its second leg down last week, packers motivated sellers with additional kickers on their offers.
The first frost may be welcome for its fly-killing ability, but for cattle on annual forages, a few management steps this time of year can make sure that first frost doesn’t have the same effect on cattle.
Bull purchases are among the riskiest decisions commercial cow-calf operators make, says University of Tennessee professor Dr. Troy Rowan.
The goal of any feedlot receiving strategy is to make the transition from calf origin into the feedlot or backgrounding yard as seamless as possible in order to achieve best cattle performance.
Outside factors pressured cattle markets through most of the past week before futures and wholesale beef prices rebounded on Friday. Market fundamentals remain positive for cattle going forward.
Patience and caring for the land has helped Phil and Rhonda Perry successfully expand their cattle operation in an area that “grows a lot of houses.”
Changes in cattle market value are having an impact on beef cow share and cash lease agreements in determining what is “fair” to both cow owners and those who are leasing the cows.