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Analyzing profit and loss relationships across the production end of both the beef and pork supply chains is key to decisions regardless of where you sit in that supply chain.

Meat sales - both dollar values and volume - were significantly higher in 2020. Those gains, however, came at the expense of a crippled restaurant and food service industry that may take years to recover.

Lessons learned from the pandemic marketing year suggest a decision structure built on gathering the most relevant data while minimizing the noise of the uncontrollable.

When rumors circled a few weeks ago of pork packing plants refusing loads because of diminished capacity from worker absenteeism due to COVID-19, how could anyone really be surprised?

While packing plant closure and slow-downs disrupted the beef industry in 2020, demand will become more critical heading into 2021 including consumption at-home, away-from-home, and for export. 

Few producers in the U.S. even want to consider the fact that alternative proteins (aka “fake meat”) are a threat to their business in the foreseeable future. We want to try to change your mind on that.  

As much as 2020 has shown us being flexible is just as valuable as having plans, I still believe there is merit to taking a moment to reflect on some of the trends we’ve seen and how they may impact us moving forward.

With so many problems to overcome throughout the past year, most are eager to put 2020 behind us. Still, there were tremendous achievements made and even the storm clouds had silver linings that we should not overlook.

A judge in eastern Oregon awarded $180,000 in litigation costs to animal rights groups in a wild horse lawsuit. Such management and litigation show the system has gone awry.

Some of the greatest benefits to feeding a cow herd have little to do with nutrition. Even the smallest amount of feed simplifies gathering, moving, and checking cows with the sound of the feed truck.

Cash fed cattle began trading early last week, $1 higher than the week before. Packer margins continue to widen with each passing week, and feedyard showlists called manageable.

Feeders in the South hurried to sell cattle on a Tuesday-steady bid. The early trade made it easy on the Packers who seemed more than willing to take on the inventory at steady money.

Maybe you’ve got the best set of calves you’ve ever weaned in front of you, but you’re trying to market them with extra information. It’s a new process that feels more cumbersome than your usual methods.

Criticism of beef production is rampant worldwide, and a new international report will only further fuel activists who want your business shut down.

National Cattlemen's Beef Association president Marty Smith issues a statement about the group declining to participate in two Florida producer meetings.

The process of generating beef demand is like a well-primed pump. It provides the beef industry with the means to push our great product into the hands of hungry consumers the world over.

Californians will vote on Proposition 15, which is billed as tax reform, except neither side can agree on exactly what gets reformed. Farmers and ranchers are rightly wary of the repercussions.

Long term financial success for the beef industry will require fostering market approaches that are consistent with the future direction of the industry, says John Nalivka who supports a CME Beef Cutout contract.

Whether you are looking to market spring-born calves, yearlings off grass or buying the next turn, everyone is looking to capture the value added by their management.

California rancher Dave Daley reflects on the Bear Fire and its aftermath, and calls for change in regulations to help prevent mega-fires such as the Bear Fire.

Burger King does not care about the prosperity of your farm or ranch. Oh, BK would never admit to as much, but that’s the only conclusion one can draw from its latest drivel disguised as an advertising campaign.

The coffee giant recently announced they’ll be encouraging customers to turn away from dairy and toward plant-based beverages in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

There are so many reasons why kids should say yes to 4-H. But here are five reasons to say yes that don't get as much attention.

The speed fake meat products capture market share from the real stuff is dependent on money from investors. So what advice does an investment pro offer?

I love the 4th of July because it’s an annual reminder of the sacrifices made by the founding fathers – and all past and current service men and women – that we may live free, eat bacon, and sue our neighbors.

The founder of Impossible Foods says "cows aren't getting any better at making meat." He needs to take a closer look at his competition.

Traders who bet against Beyond Meat in its IPO have lost $150 million. Analysts now think a partnership with a big American burger chain is looming.

Will Royal baby Archie be raised vegan? Reports say the British Queen - Archie's great-grandmother, "won't have it."

The agriculture community often tells consumers to "thank a farmer" but we should be thankful for consumers, writes Kate Miller.

A 7-footer you’ve never heard of has joined with an oil company in a campaign to tell the Twitter world not to eat meat in order to save the planet. You can’t make this up!

Some 13 years later, tensions remain high over America’s beef checkoff, with a new legal challenge that seeks to deliver a crippling blow to the state beef councils in 15 states.

Is there any marketing scheme more dishonest than the promotion of an alcoholic beverage as non-GMO?

Is there any marketing scheme more dishonest than the promotion of an alcoholic beverage as non-GMO?

Paul McCartney's new album includes a song about climate change deniers, which he unabashedly sings while trotting the globe in private jets and driving sports cars.

Paul McCartney's new album includes a song about climate change deniers, which he unabashedly sings while trotting the globe in private jets and driving sports cars.

PETA shows disrespect to the Queen of Soul's family in seeking to acquire her trademark fur collection.

PETA shows disrespect to the Queen of Soul's family in seeking to acquire her trademark fur collection.

Montana remains one of the few places in America where a smidgen of cowboy-cred is advantageous if you are running for political office. John Tester has it. Matt Rosendale wants it.

Montana remains one of the few places in America where a smidgen of cowboy-cred is advantageous if you are running for political office. John Tester has it. Matt Rosendale wants it.

Successfully communicating factual information about BSE and the firewalls in place to protect the food supply has now made BSE announcements ho-hum events.

Successfully communicating factual information about BSE and the firewalls in place to protect the food supply has now made BSE announcements ho-hum events.

PETA, which has been protesting the use of animals in circuses for more than 30 years, also had their sights set on Nabisco’s cracker boxes.

A new study attacks the beef industry for its environmental footprint, but it's laden with alternative facts, myths and falsehoods.

A new study attacks the beef industry for its environmental footprint, but it's laden with alternative facts, myths and falsehoods.

America’s illegal lemonade stand industry operates under-the-radar of local authorities, popping up one day and gone the next. Prices are unregulated and authorities have mostly given up trying to collect sales taxes.

While food companies are currently focused on millennials – because they currently have the buying power – Generation Z is looming on the not so distant horizon.

A recent study says pesticide levels in organically grown foods is equal to conventionally grown foods. Yes, consumers are paying more for organic foods that still use pesticides. But that won't change their minds.

Does xanthan gum, a synthetic substance, disqualify Tyson's 100% All Natural Batter Dipped Chicken Tenders as “all natural?”

Demand for organic ingredients have pushed vanilla prices higher—a conundrum if you’re committed to natural and organic food, yet realize vanilla is produced in Third World countries by people making pennies a day.