EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.
Cash cattle and wholesale beef prices moved higher last week, increasing profit margins for both cattle feeders and beef packers. Pork producers saw modest per head losses.
Legislation was introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate on Tuesday that seeks to reform the Beef Checkoff program the industry self-funds for promotional and educational use.
Bull shopping season is upon us and in full swing. It's time to think about the goals of your operation, and which traits need to be improved in your herd to get there faster.
Feeding cows through the winter after a drought season is always challenging. Did you know the mineral content of forages, even if the same hay fields that are always used, is likely different than normal?
Market participants seem to be more focused on the day-to-day trading in the spot meat/livestock markets, and the short-term impact from weather events, Steiner Consulting says.
Scenes across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas resemble the Dust Bowl after winds topping 100 mph ravaged the area. Growers are dealing with a dryland wheat crop that could already see abandonment as high as 80%.
When you invest in bulls this spring, it is a good idea to pen bulls of similar ages and size together for several weeks prior to start of breeding season to allow for social ranking of bulls.
Data from Performance Livestock Analytics software and competitive grid marketing access from GeneNet helps beef producers market the value of their cattle.
For the third straight year, agricultural exports from the U.S. to the Dominican Republic have reached an all-time record with pork leading the way in 2022.
After seeing a controversial Facebook post with two photos of ground beef that differed in appearance for many reasons, Dr. Chad Carr speaks up about why it's great to have your own opinion, but not your own facts.
Although some recent moisture has reduced drought in Oklahoma, over 80 percent of the state remains in some stage of drought. Cattle producers face considerable challenges to maintain herds through winter.
Packers grudgingly bid higher for the week in what was called a light to moderate trade. Cattle feeders were firm sellers as some passed on those higher bids late week.
The smallest beef cow herd in 60 years will be rebuilt cautiously as ranchers struggle to recover from the perfect storm of economic and weather black swans.
Dual purpose wheat for grazing and grain production is a major enterprise in the Southern Great Plains. Research at OSU showed the first hollow stem is the critical stage to minimize grazing damage to grain yields.
With hay supplies extraordinarily tight and winter still here, both wheat stocker producers and cow-calf producers are looking for forage sources to get by until stockers are sold or grass greens up for grazing.
Barry Whitworth, Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian recommends cow-calf operators keep several doses of colostrum or colostrum replacer handy as calving season is underway in many parts of the country.
The cold seasonal temperatures enhance “Winter Tick” survival. Here's what to look for, the possible economic damage and how to control the pest in your herd.
Cattle and hog harvest rates were lower last week with higher cash prices paid to farmers and feeders. Margins for both beef and pork packers are trending lower.
Cattle producers have a unique role of being able to create businesses and communities that excel in all 3 areas of sustainability – economic, environmental and social. How does your operation look in these areas?
Tighter inventories of market-ready cattle are leaving packers little alternative to placing higher bids. Last week's 5-area average price was the highest in nearly eight years.
Feedlots inventories should continue to tighten, and cattle slaughter should decline in the coming weeks, although continued drought conditions may slow the rate of decrease if more animals are liquidated.
A cattle rally is under way and attempts by packers to ignore it are having little effect. Cash cattle prices ticked up as front-end supplies continue to tighten.
Scott Brown, livestock economist at the University of Missouri, explains how even in a bullish cattle scenario, there are still downside risks to consider. How much risk can you afford?
You’ve poured blood, sweat and tears into building the cattle operation and business you have today. Have you taken the time to write down your vision and share it with the next generation?
Practices that decrease feed costs without affecting productivity have potential to improve profitability. Ionophores can increase energetic efficiency and reduce production of waste molecules such as methane.
From a cattlemen’s perspective fed cattle prices have been "just good enough" since the first of the year, only showing some spark as recently as last week with the nearly $3/cwt. move.
Packers waited as long as possible last week, grudgingly pushing the market higher with trades well into Friday’s happy hour and some even on the weekend.
Calf scours results in sickness, poor performance, medical expenses and death. Here's a look at the complex disease and one management method found to decrease and even prevent transmission.
After years of liquidation, the U.S. cattle herd continues to contract. With drought still a driving force behind lower cattle numbers, market experts think cattle price could top previous price records set back in 2014.
Has the 'golden ticket' to cattle feeding efficiency and carcass yield with reduction in methane gas emissions and wet waste been found? FBN, along with its partner, Boveta Nutrition, LLC, believe so.
For many ranchers, large amounts of snow on ground not entirely frozen has led to some wet and muddy situations. Here's some tips to help make it through the calving season with focus on animal health.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your last calving season? Here's a few things to consider and have ready for when that first calf hits the ground.
Rising production costs and steady to weaker cash prices trimmed cattle feeding margins to near breakeven levels. Pork producer margins remain solidly in the red.