Beef Production
Now is the time to check for ergot, a toxic fungus which infects the surface of grasses and cereal crops and can cause severe illness in livestock such as cattle and horses.
The Hadricks, both fifth-generation beef producers in South Dakota noticed a need for a small packing plant in their area to help not only themselves but also their rural community. The result? North Prairie Butchery.
Scientists at Clay Center, Neb., have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a virus that costs the U.S. cattle sector billions of dollars annually.
Gardiner Angus Ranch’s 8th Annual “Meating Demand” sale was held May 1, 2023, at the ranch, Ashland, Kansas.
Packers are working to remain profitable, using basis for extended delivery, freighting cheaper inventory to areas of regional cash strength and running harvest at a snail’s pace.
Nearly all market indicators suggest the time to rebuild the cow herd is here, all we need is a cooperative environment. For those turning out bulls this spring the foundation of herd rebuilding has already begun.
Negotiated cash cattle prices declined for the third consecutive week in a moderate to active trade. Wholesale beef prices also declined yet remain above seasonal averages.
If you haven’t recently contemplated how your breeding and calving seasons contribute to the value of your cattle operation, take some time to consider whether there are incentives to change it.
Minimizing handling stress provides several benefits for ranchers, including improvements in animal immune response, appetite and performance.
Bull breeding soundness exams offer the opportunity to identify and remove bulls from the breeding herd that have a low probability of siring calves.
Resist the temptation to turn cattle out before grass is ready and use caution if there is no other option. Management practices now can have lasting impacts.
As beef producers, who is our real customer? While there is value in focusing on the person writing the check, it’s also important to keep the whole supply chain in mind, Koester says.
Currently, 94 participants from 22 states are feeding more than 1,400 head of Hereford and Hereford-influenced feeder cattle at HRC Feed Yards, Scott City, Kansas.
This is the time of year when it is easy to get excited about the cattle business. It is also time to be planning for the future and keep your business poised for economic sustainability.
Strip-grazing milo (grain sorghum) is a money-saving alternative winter feed plan for cattle, according to Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Rusty Lee.
Wholesale beef prices hit a recent low the end of March at $280.51 per cwt., but the steady march higher since then put Friday’s close as the highest Choice cutout value for that week on data available back to 2004.
Global macroeconomic concerns continue to keep beef markets nervous. Slowdowns in some markets have had some impact and, yet global beef markets continue to be resilient and demonstrate continued growth.
With persistent drought conditions across many states, indications show the current cattle cycle may not be nearing an end anytime soon. Here’s a look a historical trends and what we might expect in the coming months.
While drought does not lead to ideal parasite growing conditions, it does not necessarily mean the threat of parasites no longer exists. Here are some management considerations heading into the 2023 grazing season.
Cash cattle traded lower in all regions while feeder cattle and calves were mostly higher. Many analysts remain optimistic that the spring highs are yet to be seen.
While drought hits all portions of an operation hard, being strictly focused on the herd and the immediate concerns about feeding or finding a place for cattle often leads to the impacts on our pastures being overlooked.
The push for renewable energy, with a new wave of focus on biodiesel, has a full head of steam and will likely result in changes in how we feed cattle.
Before we implement change and take action to move forward with innovation and goal setting, it is important to understand 2 things: 1) What type of operation are you running? 2) What type of operation do you want to be?
Misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in livestock continue, despite efforts of the scientific community, who emphasize, “mRNA from a vaccine will NOT be passed along in meat.”
The cattle market has moved into uncharted territory. It came as a result of one of the worst droughts in history but how long will the bull market last?
A 15,000-head sustainable beef feeding operation is planned for development by a 6th generation family farming and feeding operation in the Red River Valley near Bathgate, North Dakota.
Last week, a group from Oklahoma visited Florida to learn about cattle and agricultural production in an environment unlike anywhere else in the country.
A softer market for the first time in a month, but its a breather we have all been expecting. Keep an eye on the basis between cash and futures as packers will use it to gain leverage.
Negotiated cattle prices fell short of steady on the week, though fundamentals point to further gains in the short-term. Cattle on feed found 4.4% fewer cattle at the bunk, but placements were mildly surprising.
The updated Seasonal Drought Outlook for the U.S. is painting a grim picture for many drought-plagued areas of the Plains, but forecasters also expect drought to improve in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.