Cow-Calf
Drought will be the principal determinant of the general cattle industry scenario in 2022. The current Climate Prediction Center drought outlook suggests drought may persist in regions of the west and northern plains.
There is considerable variation in the mineral composition of small grain forages, depending on management, growth conditions, and soil mineral content.
In the second installment of this series about the current cattle markets, veteran editor Steve Cornett visits with a Midwestern feeder who helps us understand Senator Grassley’s curmudgeonly attitude about packers.
Cotton production is estimated at 18.3 million bales for 2021, a 25% increase from the 2020 crop year, according to USDA. That means whole cottonseed supply is estimated to be about 1 million tons more than 2021.
Considering the production factors of the past two years, it’s logical to consider that advances in carcass quality, or higher marbling scores, will be less likely to develop in 2022 than in the previous two years.
Cows/heifers are faced with nutritional and environmental stressors. Knowing the stress periods that cause nutrient deficiencies is where you must help the herd meet these nutritional challenges.
The Lazy KT Ranch of Freedom has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award®.
While markets are one component of the cattle cycle, the critical factor driving the cattle cycle and the cow-calf sector of the cattle industry is forage.
Regardless of the market examined, “uncertainty” is an accurate descriptive term. U.S. equities are unsettled despite a promised interest rate hike and that spills over to cattle and beef.
The USDA January 1 cow herd inventory, published this Monday, confirmed a 2% decline in the beef cow herd, along with a 1% decline in feeder cattle supplies.
America’s cattle herd shrank by 2% last year, according to the annual Cattle report issued by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Drought also forced larger inventory reductions in several states.
Beef producers know grazing land is in short supply. With more acres being developed or converted to cropland, cow-calf operations may consider alternatives to traditional pasture management.
AFBF is the only producer trade association in D.C. that supports some form of mandatory minimum cash fed cattle trade in order to increase price discovery. But it may not necessarily be the silver bullet many want.
Preparing for breeding season begins long before bulls are turned out. Evaluate bred heifers, cows, and bulls for Body Condition Score (BCS) to ensure your herd breeds back successfully.
Feed requirements of cows during winter weather varies, depending on body condition, temperature, moisture, and hair coat. The Mesonet Cattle Comfort Advisor helps calculate how much feed is necessary.
In an effort to connect farmers, ranchers, and land managers to current, useful range management resources, the Society for Range Management (SRM) launched Good Grazing Makes Cent$ (GGMC).
When harsh winter conditions are in the forecast, avoid being caught off-guard and consider these ways to manage your cows, calves, and bulls to help them weather the storm.
Unexpectedly large December feedlot placements pushed feedyard inventories higher year-over-year, while marketings were in-line with pre-report estimates. Placements of lightweight cattle were nearly 10% higher.
Calving during daylight means calves are born during times of warmer temperatures, cows calving are easier to find and provide assistance if needed and accordingly, more calves saved and alive.
Fed cattle markets have seen challenges in January. The Omicron variant is pressuring packing plant efficiency through increased worker absence, resulting in much smaller slaughter totals so far this month.
The upcoming USDA Cattle Inventory report - due Jan. 31- will detail how much America’s beef cow herd has declined given the 2021 cow culling rate was the highest since 2011.
Evaluating market fundamentals has led most analysts to project stronger price trends over the next few years. But just how high could prices go? Studying market patterns over the last 30 years provides valuable clues.
Understanding the stages of calving is critical in order to know when/if we need to provide assistance during calving season to increase the likelihood a live calf is born and off to a good start.
Colostrum plays a large role in the health of a newborn calf. Preparing for calving season starts well before the first calf hits the ground.
The MBA program is a free, self-guided online course that provides members of the beef community with the tools and resources needed to become a strong advocate for the beef community.
Is the Biden Administration’s plan for the beef industry workable, or does it ignore the economics of market structure and pricing across the meat industry supply chain?
With generally rising input costs, cow-calf producers need to put additional effort into cost management. Managing feed costs will be a key to minimizing cow costs and capitalizing on better market conditions in 2022.
Powles Ranch Partnership is the recipient of the 2021 AGA Commercial Producer of the Year award presented during the 2021 AGA National Convention and 50th Anniversary Celebration in Oklahoma City.
Cattle markets have improved significantly in the final weeks of 2021, with market analysts projecting those positive trends to continue in 2022.
Ranchers are encouraged to make record keeping a priority, including production records and complete financial analysis and planning.