Latest News From Beef Production

Consumers want to know how beef production contributes to environmental sustainability. AHA-CSU research aims to identify genetic traits that influence cattle's environmental footprint.

There was never enough need by any packer to push the market but could be a sign they may be getting shorter on committed cattle. Regional packers seem to have cooled down in the North.

Lower cattle inventories combined with a cattle on feed inventory about equal to last year, is expected to lead to a roughly three percent decrease year over year in estimated feeder supplies outside of feedlots.

Feedyard sales continue to slide lower though marketings are seen as current. Drought is forcing ranchers to trim their herds but cull cow prices are holding firm.

Flies can be more than an annoyance – they can even be dangerous, whether impacting a ride with your horse in a single, painful bite, or transmitting diseases to horses and cattle.

Triple digit heat blankets the Southwest this week, and forecasters expect the ridge of high pressure to park over the western Corn Belt next week. AccuWeather projects U.S. corn production could be severely impacted.

Current data on beef cow slaughter, combined with historical price performance of cattle markets after reaching an inventory low point, provides some insight for cattle price trends for the second half of 2022 and 2023.

NCBA and USDA will host a free two-day webinar symposium to address concerns regarding the Asian Longhorned Tick and the pest’s possible impact on the U.S. cattle industry.

Reviewing cattle placement in feedlots this year suggests that fewer fed cattle supplies expected in the fourth quarter along with much higher costs of gain will hold carcass weights below a year ago.

According to the USDA, 2020 farming activities in the U.S. made up 11.2 percent, or 670 of 5,981 million metrics tons, of the U.S.’s total carbon contribution.

Performance of stocker calves on native range declines from highs of around 2 to 3 pounds per day during the spring and early summer to less than one pound per day through the late summer.

Solar energy offers numerous benefits for agricultural irrigation, including energy savings, efficiency, reduced environmental impact and potential tax savings through incentive programs.

Packers regained much of their leverage last week and prices inched lower. Feeders will struggle to hold prices at a similar level this week.

Fed cattle prices weakened slightly following the long holiday weekend, but prices for feeder cattle and calves continue a contra-seasonal advance. Beef demand remains at a high level.

Haying ditches has unique safety concerns any year due to the highly variable sloped surfaces of ditches. Unsafe conditions can create wear and tear on equipment, damage equipment or cause injuries or even death.

Strategically supplementing yearlings with dry distillers grains in the second half of the summer as the grass quality declines will increase average daily gain (ADG), but will it increase returns?

Profit is a pillar of ranch sustainability and superior genetics is the foundation.

In a world of competition, there is value in U.S. agriculture producers finding ways to work together in search for separate, yet common goals.

AHA webinar to provide details about ongoing research with Colorado State University to characterize the relationship between genetics associated with efficiency and those associated with cattle's carbon footprint.

Growth promoting technologies for cattle provide even more impact on net returns when costs are high.

Exactly how continuing drought, reduced forage production and high feed prices will impact cattle and beef markets in the coming months remains uncertain. 

Market analysts expect demand for beef and wholesale beef prices will begin a post-July 4 seasonal decline the next several weeks.

Drought has limited pasture availability and forced many producers into feeding total mixed rations to cows. Including silage in a TMR can reduce ration cost, improve the energy content of the diet, and add moisture.

Gaining a greater understanding of how your cattle development decisions impact the next phase provides context around the market signals from bidders and buyers.

Oklahoma State University meat scientist Gretchen Mafi has studied the scientific differences between beef that comes from animals finished on a grain diet versus those animals finished on grass.

Providing access to water can be challenging especially for operations enduring drought conditions. Water related toxicities and fatalities may be seen with greater frequency under hot and dry time periods.

North Dakota weather conditions this year have provided much needed rainfall, good for forage growth but less than ideal for hay drying and curing.

More than 45% of the contiguous US is currently in drought, with many parts of the southwest experiencing severe, extreme or exceptional drought. And no state has it worse than Texas.

Strong basis bids are sparking questions about the reality of corn supplies and issues in getting grain to areas of the country that need it. Analysts are watching USDA's Grain Stocks report this week for answers.

Grazing cattle generally benefit from a vitamin and mineral supplementation program, but achieving “balance” between animal requirements and vitamin or mineral supply can be a challenge.

High temps are here to stay! In preparation for upcoming heat waves, here's a list of strategies to reduce the impact of heat stress on cattle and decrease the chances of cattle loss on your operation.

Over 1,250 poll responses reveal the least favorite job you had as a kid likely centered around weeds and rocks.

Prussic acid toxicity led to the death of some cattle in northwest Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle. Oklahoma State veterinarians provide management tips for cattlemen during times of increased prussic acid danger.

It will take much of the remainder of the year for feedlots to work through the current inventory and we can’t be sure what additional impacts the drought may have in the coming months. 

Prices in the North continued to trade premium to the South while wholesale beef prices inched lower for the week. USDA's cattle on feed report looks positive for next week's markets.

UNL researchers found that planting, harvest and calving season shave off 28 minutes of a farmer’s sleep each night, while fewer than 7.5 hours increases their risk of injury by 61%.

Weed infestations can diminish the nutritional value of pastures, forage availability and stocking rates.

Last week, hot and dry weather fueled commodity markets. This week, the change in the weather forecast, as well as growing concerns about a recession, spurred market speculators to sell.

Genetics are cumulative, with long-lasting impacts in both positive and negative ways, says Red Angus Assn. CEO Tom Brink. The stronger the cowherd, genetically speaking, the greater the payback for many years to come.

Grasses and crop growth are stunted in Texas under abnormally dry conditions, and damages begin to show as moderate drought sets in. Extremely high temperatures are exacerbating the moisture deficit for pasture grasses.

Compared to other animals, cattle can’t dissipate their heat load very effectively. Cattle do not sweat effectively and rely on respiration to cool themselves.

Packers in the Northern region remain short on cattle which helped boost the price for a second consecutive week.

Active cash cattle trade in the northern feeding region led to a $4 to $5 rally this week even as an early season heat wave gripped the plains states.

Feedyards battled through the intense conditions to keep their cattle safe this week. The heat and humidity proved devastating, and estimates point to western Kansas feedlots seeing losses of 100 to 500 head per day.

Fly season is upon us! With three major fly types, it's important to approach fly control with a variety of strategies for optimal control.

After seeing the devastation of a major heat stress event, consider these strategies to help mitigate heat stress issues in the herd.

With recent rains, humidity and warmer temperatures an ideal breeding ground for annoying pests that rob profit potential from beef operations.

Consumer concerns with inflation are quite real and retail beef values closed out the first quarter 15% higher than last year. Even so, the end user beef market has gained a widening appreciation for Prime beef.

Feeding, management and marketing needs to be evaluated prior to weaning so the best options and management practices are selected.

Feeding, management and marketing needs to be evaluated prior to weaning so the best options and management practices are selected.