Latest News From Beef Production

Profit Tracker:  Profits Improve for Feeders and Packers
Profit Tracker: Profits Improve for Feeders and Packers

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.

What Antibiotics Will No Longer be Available OTC?
What Antibiotics Will No Longer be Available OTC?

On June 11, 2023, the following antibiotics will no longer be available for purchase over-the-counter.

NCBA Fights Another Attempt to End Checkoff
NCBA Fights Another Attempt to End Checkoff

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.

Tips for Bull Buying and Selling
Tips for Bull Buying and Selling

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.

BT_Cows_Hay
Check for Adequate Mineral Supplementation with Drought Stressed Forages

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?

Semi Trailer
The Beef and Pork Supply Situation: What’s Ahead?

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.

'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm
'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm

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%.

BT_Red_Angus_Bulls
Bull to Female Ratios: Prepare for Breeding Season

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. 

Cash Cattle Rally in Progress; COF Down 4%
Cash Cattle Rally in Progress; COF Down 4%

Cattle feeders continued gaining market leverage this week as prices moved higher and slaughter levels declined.

Zoetis and Select Sires Inc. Partner to Help Producers Apply Data for Strategic Decision-making
Zoetis and Select Sires Inc. Partner to Help Producers Apply Data for Strategic Decision-making

Data from Performance Livestock Analytics software and competitive grid marketing access from GeneNet helps beef producers market the value of their cattle.

U.S. Exports to Dominican Republic Reach Record-High; Pork Leads Way
U.S. Exports to Dominican Republic Reach Record-High; Pork Leads Way

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. 

Ground Meat: Don’t Believe Everything You See on Social Media
Ground Meat: Don’t Believe Everything You See on Social Media

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.

Profit Tracker: Capacity Utilization Declines as Supplies Tighten
Profit Tracker: Capacity Utilization Declines as Supplies Tighten

Rising wholesale beef prices and declining packing plant utilization are two indicators to watch as the 2023 cattle markets unfold.

Is the H-2A Program a Fit for Your Cattle Operation?
Is the H-2A Program a Fit for Your Cattle Operation?

The topic of the labor shortage is not new for any industry, with agriculture as no exception. What would you do with an extra set of hands?

Understanding Diseases Associated with Histophilus Somni
Understanding Diseases Associated with Histophilus Somni

Veterinarians and researchers have hypothesized why H. somni is becoming more widespread and increasingly prevalent, but there is not a clear culprit.

CAB Insider: Cattle Contracts Library Kicks Off
CAB Insider: Cattle Contracts Library Kicks Off

The combination of smaller slaughter totals and lighter carcass weights across all cattle classes have pushed boxed beef values sharply higher.

Oklahoma Forage and Water Supplies Limited This Winter
Oklahoma Forage and Water Supplies Limited This Winter

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.

BT_Feedlot_Cattle
Cowboys Are Firm Sellers As Cash Moves Higher

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.

Restocking Will Be a Slow-Go
Restocking Will Be a Slow-Go

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.

Composites Simplify Reproductive Management
Composites Simplify Reproductive Management

Composite breeds like Lim-Flex provide hybrid vigor in a straightbred system.

Early Adopters Find Unique Approaches to Alternative Cow Housing Systems
Early Adopters Find Unique Approaches to Alternative Cow Housing Systems

Researchers studied what happens when cow and calf producers move cattle into open-air buildings for long periods.

First Hollow Stem is the Critical Point for Removing Cattle from Dual Purpose Wheat
First Hollow Stem is the Critical Point for Removing Cattle from Dual Purpose Wheat

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.

BTstockers
How Does Extended Wheat Stocker Grazing Impact Economic Returns?

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.

Cow-Calf Producers Benefit From Keeping Colostrum Supplies On Hand
Cow-Calf Producers Benefit From Keeping Colostrum Supplies On Hand

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.

Rethink, Renew and Reshape: Building Back from Drought Offers a Unique Opportunity
Rethink, Renew and Reshape: Building Back from Drought Offers a Unique Opportunity

As the idea of rebuilding herds is on the horizon, how producers go about it will drive how high prices go and for how long, says Wes Ishmael.

Winter Tick: What You Need to Know
Winter Tick: What You Need to Know

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.

Profit Tracker: Harvest Declines, Prices Higher
Profit Tracker: Harvest Declines, Prices Higher

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.

A Big Picture View of Preserving Family Farms
A Big Picture View of Preserving Family Farms

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?

BT_Feedlot_Bunk_Cattle
Acidosis and Feed Connection

When cattle diets are changed without an adaptation period or if cattle have sudden access to a new feedstuff, health problems can follow.

Managing Hypothermia in Newborn Calves
Managing Hypothermia in Newborn Calves

Plans for calving season should include how to identify and manage cold stress in newborns. Here's what you need to know.

Mackey: Higher Bids Aid Showlist Cleanup
Mackey: Higher Bids Aid Showlist Cleanup

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.

Cattle Markets Building Momentum
Cattle Markets Building Momentum

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.

Packers Attempt To Keep Bulls Corralled
Packers Attempt To Keep Bulls Corralled

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.

Watch for Wheat Pasture Bloat
Watch for Wheat Pasture Bloat

Rapidly growing small grain forage can lead to bloat of grazing cattle, bloat potential can be enhanced when frost damages immature wheat forage.

Hesitant to Say 'Record' Cattle Prices, Expert Warns of Downside Risks
Hesitant to Say 'Record' Cattle Prices, Expert Warns of Downside Risks

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?

How and Why You Need to Create an Estate Plan
How and Why You Need to Create an Estate Plan

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?

Feeding Monensin to Cows Decreases Intake but Increases Efficiency
Feeding Monensin to Cows Decreases Intake but Increases Efficiency

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.

CAB Insider: Calm Before the Storm
CAB Insider: Calm Before the Storm

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.

Profit Tracker: Supplies Tighten, Weights Decline
Profit Tracker: Supplies Tighten, Weights Decline

Cattle prices moved higher last week but cattle feeding margins remain modest. The supply-demand fundamentals are trending in favor of cattle feeders.

First-Generation Cattleman Makes His Mark in the Show Cattle World
First-Generation Cattleman Makes His Mark in the Show Cattle World

Hard work, passion and a great mentor are the foundations of Casey Hilmes' success.

Mackey: Happy Hour Trading Ignites Cattle Rally
Mackey: Happy Hour Trading Ignites Cattle Rally

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 and Calving Pasture Rotation
Calf Scours and Calving Pasture Rotation

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.

Will Cattle Prices Smash New Records This Year, Topping 2014?
Will Cattle Prices Smash New Records This Year, Topping 2014?

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.

The 'Golden Ticket' To Cattle Feeding Efficiency? It’s Been Found, FBN and Boveta Suggest
The 'Golden Ticket' To Cattle Feeding Efficiency? It’s Been Found, FBN and Boveta Suggest

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.

Forage Testing is Good Management
Forage Testing is Good Management

Testing forage and feed for nutrient quality helps ranchers ensure they are meeting nutrient requirements for optimum beef cattle performance.

Prepare for Cold-Weather Calving
Prepare for Cold-Weather Calving

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.

U.S. Cattle Herd Smallest in Eight Years
U.S. Cattle Herd Smallest in Eight Years

America's beef cow herd shrank by 4% last year, leaving the total inventory down 3% and the smallest in eight years.

Elanco Enhances PenPoint™ Offering for Feedyards
Elanco Enhances PenPoint™ Offering for Feedyards

PenPoint Sort is a bolt-on chute technology system that helps simplify the difficult task of objectively measuring and sorting cattle.

The Essentials of a Successful Calving Season
The Essentials of a Successful Calving Season

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.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Feeding Margins At Breakeven
Profit Tracker: Cattle Feeding Margins At Breakeven

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.