The effect of winter weather in terms of frost damage to cattle and calves was less of a problem than expected, according to a survey of producers, veterinarians and feedlots conducted by Oklahoma State University.
Understanding and valuing genetic data can present a daunting task to seedstock and commercial producers. Panelists were asked to describe how they use genetic data to navigate breeding decisions and market cattle.
Forage growing conditions vary around the country and 2021 brought a lot of variability due to weather so cattle producers should prepare to supplement their herds based on the forage quality they have available.
Budgets for growing calves at higher rates of gain always have a lower cost per pound gain, and this year budgets for growing heifers have the most profitable projection.
The fall run of calves to auction markets is in full swing as the number of feeder cattle weighing over 600 pounds offered at auctions dipped below 40% last week.
Heat across the Plains stifled prices on steers and heifers, yet August is historically a good time to sell yearlings and this year is no exception, AMS reporters said. Wholesale beef prices continued higher Monday.
Early pregnancy testing helps producers make important management decisions related to nutrition programs and marketing plans, as well as evaluating the reproductive efficiency of the cow herd.
Agricultural Marketing Service reporters called demand for feeder cattle and calves “good to very good.” Last week’s fed cattle traded at mostly steady prices on moderate demand.
Feeder cattle sold high on good to moderate demand last week. CME live cattle traded lower following Friday's cattle on feed report, while feeder futures were modestly higher.
Lower grain prices last week helped boost prices for feeder cattle and calves at most auctions across the country. AMS reporters expect grain prices will continue to be a major factor in cattle prices going forward.
Summer pneumonia is respiratory disease/pneumonia that occurs in beef calves nursing their dams. The age range of calves affected can be as early as 3 to 4 weeks and from 3 to 5 months of age.
Following BQA guidelines is a commitment to consumers by producers for a quality product. It also ensures the safety, health, and welfare of both the processing team and cattle.
Managing infectious diseases in cattle involves all aspects of the cow-calf system. A systems approach includes matching genetic selection to resources, nutrition, reducing stress and the use of vaccine protocols.
Demand for spring and summer grazing cattle remains high with prices reflecting good buyer competition. Agricultural Marketing Service reporters called last week’s prices for steers and heifers steady to $4 higher.
Stocker and feeder cattle sold higher at auctions last week, but pressure on prices may develop as a result of the the WASDE report which projects smaller corn and soybean acres and higher grains prices.
A new arrangement between the Red Angus Association of America and IMI Global will allow cattle producers who take advantage of Red Angus value-added programs to more easily utilize IMI Global verification services.
The U.S. calf-raising sector now has a program to help ensure optimal calf health and welfare via the Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA) program, the first, collaborative educational tool that provides guidelines.
When calving in early spring with lush pastures we can find mature cows that are in otherwise good condition with unusual behaviors, unsteady gait or inability to rise—early signs of both grass tetany and milk fever.
Veterinarians remind ranchers to keep calving best practices in place for the healthiest herd possible, including good vaccination programs, clean calving environments and good nutrition.
DVMs Bob Larson and Jennifer Koziol will discuss how to evaluate bulls so only those that can get a high percentage of exposed cows pregnant in a short period of time are turned out into the breeding pasture this spring.
As snow, ice and frigid temperatures hit the middle of the country, the biggest concern right now is the long tail this cold weather could have on livestock, AgDay’s Clinton Griffiths reports.
Join Robert Fulton, DVM, PhD, Oklahoma State University, as he shares findings from several studies that clarify the most predominant subtype of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV).
As feed prices rise, calf prices tend to trend lower, and ranchers may consider backgrounding calves for a period of time to help get calves through weaning stress and develop immunity through administered vaccines.
Thanks to our readers, here's a slide show of farm-themed Halloween costumes for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned to the end for a do-it-yourself costume that's sure to turn heads.
Ensuring calf health from day one spells success later – in performance and quality. Zoetis veterinarian Mark Alley shares why it's important to have a prevention and treatment plan ready.
Providing assistance to cows or first calf heifers generally concentrates on the survival and health of the calf. However, calving difficulty resulting in prolonged labor can have adverse effects on the cow as well.
Calves are most successful in transitioning off the farm when they’ve had good care, are current on their vaccinations, and have been exposed to the challenges of a changing diet.
Demand for calves with documented health records and backgrounded for 45 to 90 days has become so strong that auction premiums are receding while steep discounts may apply.
Producers who want to improve the genetic makeup of their beef herds often turn to AI as a tool to accomplish that goal. Many times, these producers have very high expectations as they begin the first season of AI.
Time is of the essence when a calving cow or heifer has a situation where the calf is coming backwards. If the umbilical cord is totally pinched by the pelvic rim, the calf can only survive about four minutes.
Beef cow-calf producers recognize the importance of staying informed on all aspects of their operation, and a new four-part webinar series from Iowa Beef Center will help them do just that.
It is not too soon to begin to prepare for the spring calving season. Locating, obtaining, and storing several doses of colostrum or colostrum replacer will come in handy before the first heifers start to go into labor.
Marketing professionals encourage ranchers to have conversations with calf sales reps to help find the program that is most relevant for your management and genetics.
Researchers at Texas A&M University say cattle docility will bring benefits at every level, from the cattle to their managers and ultimately beef consumers.
