Feedlot Fundamentals
Harnessing the full potential of the finishing phase requires a seamless integration of health, nutrition and partnership. From the importance of pre-arrival conditioning and transition protocols to the shifting dynamics of how pens are filled in today’s market, every decision impacts the bottom line. By exploring the nutritional development of stockers and the long-term effects of extended feeding on beef supply and carcass quality, producers can optimize cattle performance from the ranch to the rail.
Wearable technology is becoming more available for ranchers to keep an eye on individual animals in their herds.
The total U.S. feedlot inventory on Jan. 1, 2025 was 14.297 million head, including 2.474 million head in feedlots with capacity less than 1,000 head.
George “Frank” Littrell Jr., Midwest Feeders, Inc. Ingalls, Kan., received the 2025 Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award during the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet in San Antonio.
Colorado cattle feeder, Dan May, was inducted into the 2025 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame during the Cattle Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
With native cattle numbers still under pressure, beef-on-dairy crossbreds are providing the industry with a critical supply of cattle.
Total on-feed inventory to start the year was estimated at a little over 11.8 million head, which is down by just under 1% from January of 2024.
With the Trump administration moving forward on its promise of mass deportations, the livestock and agriculture industries are concerned about the disruption and financial impact the loss of workers would put on producers and consumers.
Preliminary UNL Beef research shows no performance loss associated with varying distillers grains in cattle finishing diets.
With no post-holiday wavering, all cattle and beef markets moved higher in the first half of January – setting new record price levels to start the new year.
Top of mind issues for producers and managers with cattle in feedyard or drylot pens during winter weather include bedding, nutritional needs and equipment.
Using heart score and health records could help develop an EPD for the fatal, untreatable condition.
In person and online educational events cover a variety of cow-calf and feedlot topics from University of Nebraska — Lincoln and Nebraska Extension.
The event will feature topics including “The Competitive Edge: Tech Innovations in Feedlot Management” and “Balance4ward’s Cattle Market Outlook.”
Did you miss these stories in 2024? See these helpful topics for beef producers.
Calf and feeder cattle prices have been much more active in the past three weeks with two market-moving events, including precipitation in the central states and the temporary closure of the southern border due to screwworms.
The latest Cattle on Feed report showed feedlot inventories on Nov. 1 were 11.99 million head, equal to one year ago. Heifer retention still affecting herd rebuilding.
Margins widened this week this week for pork and beef producers while packer margins remain in the red for beef at -$34.67 and decreased for pork to $8.65.
Last week’s harvest averaged 100,000 with except of Veteran’s Day holiday. Feeder cattle demand elevated after widespread precipitation throughout much of the winter wheat grazing region.
Resources have been created to help livestock producers develop plans for the continuity of business, movement and marketing of livestock, milk and wool in the unfortunate event of a foreign disease outbreak.
As part of the company’s overall goals, FDA approval has been secured for three combinations of Experior and MGA for use in finishing heifers.
Feedlot owners and cow-calf producers can use best practices for helping those cattle get off to a good start when entering the yard.
Heifers made up 39.7 percent of the total feedlot inventory on Oct. 1, up slightly from the 39.6 percent in July.
David Lalman, Ph.D., has researched cow size and feed efficiency with intent to help producers create a cowherd that is resilient and productive in the best environment and still productive in the worst of years.
Kennedy Cattle Company triples feedlot size to take advantage of strong cattle prices. Manages margins by growing more of its own feed.
The one-day event will feature expert speakers, panels, and discussions that address critical topics in the beef industry.
The Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center is a $7.2-million project that is taking a new approach to research by focusing on performance, environmental issues and animal-welfare challenges in the beef industry.
Beef Quality Assurance programs offered to help producers interested in a tune-up and certification on BQA practices.
The feedlot industry continues to find ways to hold inventory levels despite an ever-smaller feeder cattle supply and carcass weights continue to increase.
Beef-on-dairy breeding has revolutionized the U.S. cattle industry, shored up dwindling fed-beef cattle supplies, and added considerable black ink to the bottom lines of dairies in recent years. But is it a phenomenon gone too far?
Topics covered in the 2024 event will include the cattle outlook, coccidiosis, and future trends in the Kansas cattle feeding industry.