Kansas

New World Record: G A R Market Maker Valued at $2.1 Million After Historic Sale

Thu, 07 May 2026 19:07:23 GMT

G A R Market Maker set a new world record on May 4, selling to Riverbend Ranch, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The son of B&B Preeminent out of GAR Kansas N762, sold in the Gardiner Angus Ranch Meating Demand Sale.

According to the American Angus Association, with a value of $2.1 million, G A R Market Maker outvalues the past record holder — SAV America — that sold in 2019 for $1.51 million for 80% semen interest, or total value of $1.887 million.

“We want to extend both gratitude and congratulations to Frank VanderSloot and the entire Riverbend Ranch team for making one of the boldest moves in the Angus seedstock business by investing $1.05 million in 49% of GAR Market Maker,” Mark Gardiner says. “Market Maker is a young sire destined to change populations of beef cattle. This, to date, is the culmination of what we can achieve with a commitment to multi-trait discipline over decades.”

Gardiner adds Riverbend Ranch has a powerful footprint in Angus seedstock production, but its Riverbend Meats has created a supply chain of home-raised, high-quality Angus beef as well as sourcing cattle from the family ranching operations in the Western U.S. using Riverbend genetics.

“Riverbend owns the supply through processing and marketing to consumers and understands the consumer signals sent every day that quality and taste are the No. 1 criteria for selecting our product for their families,” he says.

Semen will be available from Market Makers Beef Genetics.

Visit Angus.org for the full sale report.

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What Makes A Bull Worth $ Millions?

More Than Cowboys: Feedlot Immersion Event Showcases Diverse Career Paths

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:35:06 GMT

The modern feedlot is a sophisticated hub of technology, science and commerce. A recent feedlot immersion event hosted at Irsik & Doll’s Ingalls Feed Yard, Ingalls, Kan., brought together high school students from across the region to learn more how the cattle feeding sector relies on diverse expertise far beyond traditional pen riding.

More than 40 students from eight high schools attended the event on April 8. Organizers say their focus with the event is to strengthen the workforce pipeline while creating a new generation of informed beef advocates.

“Educational programs like this are very important for kids in high school and any age,” says attendee Braylee Kraisinger from Hugoton, Kan. “It helps us see more job opportunities that most people have never really thought about before. Programs like this are helping give kids a head start in understanding different industries and what it takes to succeed in them.”

She stresses there is so much more to a feedlot than cowboys and pen riders.

“There are hundreds of other jobs,” she says. “Everyone’s job at the feedlot is very important to make sure everything runs smoothly. Each job is connected in some way, and they all have to work together to be successful.”

(Rachel Waggie, KLA)

The Workforce Pipeline: Recruiting for a High-Tech Future

One of the main goals for the event is to highlight the jobs behind the scenes; everyone sees those jobs from the highway but getting as hands-on as possible with those careers in the back office and out of sight is the real purpose.

A major theme is career awareness: showing students that feedyards and allied businesses offer many different jobs, not just riding horses.

“Our initial goal was to have every station be a real experience of getting the students to do just a snippet of what that person does on a daily basis,” says Russell Plaschka, Kansas
Cooperative Council CEO and president. “As you know, you can see it, hear about it, but if they get to do the job it starts to stick and make an impression on career decisions.”

The event organizers developed a program to showcase the diverse career paths available in cattle feeding.

“Finding skilled employees is challenging, and I wanted to help strengthen the pipeline of quality talent for our industry,” says Trevor Cox, Zoetis strategic account manager. “Many young people don’t realize how many different kinds of careers are available in cattle feeding, so this event was a way to give back — by educating, inspiring and sparking interest in roles they might not have considered. Our goal was to showcase real, rewarding career paths and encourage the next generation to see themselves in this industry.”

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From Drones to Necropsies: Seven Stations of Complexity

Cox says students had a chance to see how feedyards aren’t just about cattle and cowboys — the industry thrives on diverse expertise, from technology and safety to nutrition, equipment and marketing.

Participants were divided into small groups and rotated through a series of stations around the feedyard exposing students to potential careers in cattle feeding and adjacent industries.

Highlights of the seven sessions include:

A feed mill tour focused on animal nutrition
An animal health and necropsy session facilitated by Zoetis’ Dr. Shawn Blood
Headcount’s demonstration of drone-based cattle counting
MWI’s session on its feed technology
KLA’s safety trailer where students learned about managing risk
Equipment showcases from Roto-Mix and Murphy Tractor
A cattle marketing discussion led by Irsik & Dolls’ David Ast and Daniel Berg

(Angie Stump Denton)

The Marketing Matrix: Understanding How Cattle are Valued

Attendee Kayden Holstein from Scott City, Kan., says, “The most interesting rotation to me was the marketing portion, because it provided a new perspective on how decisions are made and how cattle are valued within the industry.”

During the cattle marketing rotation lead by Ast and Berg, students got the chance to predict quality and yield grades as well as carcass value on a pen of finished steers.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Advocacy in Action: Creating Informed Beef Consumers

Brandon Depenbusch, Irsik & Doll vice president of the cattle division and one of the event organizers, summarizes, “While the primary goal is educationally focused — exposing high school students to feedyards and the related industries that support them — we also wanted to expose them to production agriculture practices so they become informed beef consumers and advocates.”

He notes they hope students can counter misinformation later in life and “speak intelligently” when others say negative or incorrect things about feedyards.

“Students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions throughout the event,” Cox explains.

(Rachel Waggie, KLA)

During a Q&A session following lunch Cox says students shared what they learned.

“Three key takeaways for me were getting to see the marketing side of the cattle industry, learning how feedyards are increasingly focused on finishing cattle and seeing how advanced technology has become within feedyard operations,” Holstein summarizes. “I was especially impressed by how efficient and well-managed the mill was.”

Kraisinger adds three fact about feedlots that stood out to her were:

Lots of technology is used in feedlots. Technology is used from tracking feed rations to flying drones.
Safety is key in a feedlot. The most common injuries are due to slips, trips and falls. It’s important to make sure you have a safety harness on whether you’re climbing a ladder or going into a silo.
Employees need to work together and make sure they always have someone aware of where they are or what they are doing.

Both Cox and Depenbusch confirm they plan to make it an annual event and rotate it around to different locations in the region.

“It’s a small investment of time and resources with a big payoff for building the workforce our industry will rely on for years to come,” Cox says.

Sponsors of the program were Irsik & Doll, Zoetis, HeadCount, MWI Animal Health, Roto-Mix, Ascendance Truck Centers, Murphy Tractor, KLA, Kansas Cooperative Council and Kansas State University Southwest Research-Extension Center.

Closing the Child Care Gap: Cargill Invests $5 Million to Support Dodge City’s Workforce

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:39:59 GMT

Cargill is investing $5 million in the Full Circle Childcare Center in Dodge City, Kan., to provide 24-hour and extended childcare for 100 children. This project aims to strengthen the rural workforce supporting the regional beef supply chain.

“At Cargill, we believe strong communities are essential to a strong workforce,” says Jeremy Burr, general manager of Cargill’s Dodge City beef plant. “Access to childcare is one of the biggest challenges facing families today, and it plays a critical role in supporting working families and strengthening local economies. We’re proud to partner with Dodge City and others to invest in a solution that will support families and benefit the broader community for years to come.”

Expected to be completed in July 2027, the facility will offer non-traditional hours to better meet the needs of working families and employers in the region. This project is structured as a community-wide solution in partnership with local and state stakeholders, aimed at strengthening the broader workforce that supports the regional cattle and beef supply chain.

Community leaders, partners and residents gathered on April 10 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Full Circle Childcare Center.

According to a press releas e, the new facility represents years of planning and collaboration focused on addressing the community’s growing childcare needs. Conversations surrounding childcare challenges began in 2019, bringing together stakeholders to identify solutions and build a path forward. The groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in that ongoing effort.

“This project represents progress, momentum and a shared commitment to strengthening our community for years to come,” says Mollea Lightner, Dodge City/Ford County Development Corporation assistant director of economic development.

The project is backed by more than $6 million in total funding, including a $5 million investment from Cargill. Other major contributors include the State of Kansas, with funding allocated through the Kansas Children’s Cabinet Trust Fund with the support of Rep. Jason Goetz; the Patterson Family Foundation; and Hilmar Cheese. Additional contributions include MR Builder, who donated the building and site and is serving as the project’s contractor.

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The Heifer Retention Blueprint: Why Preparation Starts Long Before Breeding Season

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:58:22 GMT

Preparing replacement heifers to breed starts earlier than deciding which bull to turnout or what semen to purchase. The long-term management of heifers directly correlates with higher conception rates and avoiding calving challenges, and nutrition is key.

When Should I Start Preparing Replacement Heifers for Breeding?

The process begins at birth. While it is common for heifers to be bred to calve at 24 months of age, nutrition management practices starting in the first months of life impact their entire reproductive future. Purina recommends heifers reach a body condition score (BCS) of 6 before calving to ensure a shorter postpartum interval and a successful breed-back the following season.

Weston Schrader says strong maternal genetics are incredibly important to their operation, and that’s where the process of heifer retention starts.

(Schrader Family)

What Are the Best Criteria for Selecting Replacement Heifers?

Schrader Ranch in Wells, Kan., manages around 400 to 500 purebred Charolais, SimAngus and commercial cows. Their replacement heifers are evaluated on strict criteria to maintain quality and efficiency. Well in advance of making breeding decisions, sorting replacement heifers is important to later success.

“Strong maternal genetics are incredibly important to our operation, and that’s where the process of heifer retention starts,” says Weston Schrader. “We keep detailed records of calving ease, udder quality, docility and body condition. Phenotypic quality has always been a priority for our operation; cattle must be structurally sound, functional and fit our environment. From there, we use EPDs (expected progeny differences) to confirm genetic merit and make disciplined, data-backed breeding decisions.”

Schrader identifies four foundational pillars for heifer retention:

Phenotypic quality — Cattle must be structurally sound, functional and fit the environment.
Maternal genetics —Detailed records are kept on udder quality and docility.
Data verification — Using EPDs to confirm genetic merit.
Calving history — Selecting for proven calving ease to minimize future labor.

Christina Christensen of Christensen Charolais Ranch recommends producers only keep their best heifers and avoid single-trait selection.

Located near Wessington Springs, S.D., Christensen manages more than 400 purebred and commercial cows, plus runs stockers on grass. Their breeding program is divided among embryo work, artificial insemination (AI) and using their herd bulls.

“Our primary focus is on carcass and performance while still maintaining functionality and soundness,” Christensen says. “We base our decisions off performance, phenotype and EPDs. This careful selection helps us pick the best of the best. Commercial heifers are selected on breedability, pelvic measurement, disposition and maternal qualities.”

(Schrader Ranch)

Why Is Nutrition Important in Heifer Development?

After sorting heifers, Schrader shifts to nutritional management strategies.

“Ensuring females attain appropriate body condition prebreeding is crucial and allows your best chance at shorter postpartum intervals and the ability to efficiently breed back the following breeding season,” he says.

Christensen echoes nutrition in replacement heifers is of utmost importance.

“Having a stable feed and mineral program is absolutely key,” she says.

The combination of selecting their best heifers for retention and a quality nutrition program is vital for Christensen. When breeding season is approaching, checking breedability and pelvic measurement helps ensure the heifers are ready for breeding.

“Don’t chase only certain traits; make sure to have balanced traits,” she says. “Don’t limit the selection process to single traits. Chasing single traits tends to take away from the broad picture.”

(Christensen family)

Why Is Early Calving Critical?

Another strategy Schrader uses is setting up first-calf heifers to calve in their earliest calving window, allowing them to keep pace with their mature cows the next year.

“Ahead of breeding season we identify proven, calving-ease sires for use in a 14-day CIDR (controlled internal drug release) protocol with a timed-AI option,” Schrader explains. “Then calving-ease bulls are turned out for 30 days.”

By calving heifers in their earliest possible window, producers give them the maximum amount of time to recover and rebreed as second-calvers.

Axiota Animal Health Names Wamego as Global Headquarters

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:37:28 GMT

Axiota Animal Health, a global leader in cattle health solutions, announced it will name its facility in Wamego, Kan., as the company’s global headquarters.

The announcement formalizes the longstanding presence of Axiota Animal Health in Wamego, where the company operates manufacturing, research and development, and scientific operations for its products used by cattle producers in more than 30 countries worldwide.

“Wamego has long been a cornerstone of Axiota’s manufacturing and research, so designating it as our global headquarters is a natural next step,” says Bill Weldon, Axiota Animal Health CEO. “From here, we’re developing and producing technologies that help cattle producers around the world improve herd health and productivity. Leveraging our location within the KC Animal Health Corridor and our longstanding relationship with Kansas State University allows us to drive innovation and attract the top talent the industry demands.”

Located near K-State, the facility benefits from proximity to one of the nation’s leading veterinary and animal health research institutions. That connection helps Axiota attract specialized scientific talent and collaborate with researchers advancing the future of livestock health.

From its Wamego facility, Axiota supports cattle producers worldwide in improving herd health and performance through prevention-based, nonantibiotic solutions. This includes:

Lactipro , the only rumen-native probiotic that delivers Mega e, proven to promote rumen health and performance.
Multimin 90 (zinc, copper, manganese and selenium injection) is the only FDA-approved injectable supplement that delivers four trace minerals known to support cattle health and reproduction.

The decision highlights the global impact of the KC Animal Health Corridor , a hub stretching from Manhattan, Kan., to Columbia, Mo., with Kansas City at its heart. The region, home to the world’s largest concentration of animal health assets, serves as a leading center for life science research, development and collaboration.

“Axiota’s decision to locate its global headquarters in Wamego reflects the industry leadership that continues to define the corridor,” says Kimberly Young, president of the KC Animal Health Corridor. “Companies here aren’t just participating in the industry — they’re driving the science, technology and production that support animal health and food security around the world.”

After Wildfire: Livestock Care, Documentation and Recovery

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:21:19 GMT

Recent wildfires have left many cattle producers across the country facing urgent management decisions.

Once humans are safe, producers should focus on three priorities:

Stabilizing livestock through health checks and access to clean water and feed
Documenting losses and engaging with insurers or assistance programs
Developing a grazing recovery plan that protects rangeland health going into the next grazing season.

Cattle Care

Cattle should not be allowed back into recently burned areas. Ashes, smoldering fence lines, hay piles and hot spots can cause significant injury to hooves and soft tissues.

If producers evacuated before all livestock were accounted for, make sure neighbors or first responders know where animals may be. In addition to brands, temporary identification such as paint or chalk marks, can help reconnect animals with owners later.

Plan to evaluate livestock multiple times over the coming days and weeks. Burn-related hoof damage, in particular, may take time to show up.

As you assess cattle, take time to examine the areas most vulnerable to heat and smoke damage:

Hooves, udders, sheaths and testicles for burns or swelling
Eyes and muzzle for soot, abrasions or ulceration
Respiratory signs such as coughing or rapid breathing

On days when smoke drifts across the area, avoid working or exerting cattle unnecessarily. Respiratory irritation from smoke can worsen with handling.

Cows in late gestation and pairs may need extra monitoring. Post-fire stress can weaken maternal behavior or reduce milk production. Burned or singed udders may prevent calves from nursing.

Consult your veterinarian early for burn treatment, pain management, antibiotics if needed and guidance about which animals are likely to recover. In some cases, humane euthanasia may be the best choice. Severely injured animals may also be unable to move safely or may not be accepted at packing plants, so evaluate transport options carefully.

Water and Short-Term Nutrition

Water access is critical. Displaced and stressed cattle often require more water. Animals that have gone without may overdrink when water becomes available again. When possible, cattle that have been without water for more than a day should be slowly adapted back to water by providing them with access to small amounts of water every half hour (3 to 5 gallons for cows and bulls, 1 to 2 gallons for growing cattle) until the cattle are no longer thirsty. Offering clean water from several access points helps avoid crowding and reduces digestive issues linked to sudden intake.

Forage losses may require temporary feeding support. Having forage available maintains rumen health. However, if no forage is available, a low-protein (12% to 14% CP), low-starch (8% to 12% crude fiber) commercial feed product can be used for four to five days to minimize weight loss until hay and/or grazing can be secured. If hay supplies have to be stretched, a combination of limit feeding hay and feeding a 28% to 32% range cube may help maintain body condition. Consult a nutritionist or your local extension educator for help with developing a feeding plan in these scenarios.

Documentation and Working With Insurance and Assistance Programs

Before moving carcasses or starting repairs, take clear, date-stamped photos of carcasses or injured animals; damaged fences, tanks and infrastructure; and burned hay or feed.

Record tag numbers, brands, and locations where possible. Contact your insurance provider early for instructions.

Carcasses should be handled according to state-approved disposal methods. Timing of disposal often depends on insurance and regulatory guidance. Follow local directives closely and take steps to prevent contamination around disposal sites or damaged feed areas.

Producers may qualify for several USDA programs, but it’s important to contact the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office promptly. These programs can help with livestock mortality, water and feed transport and grazing losses.

Coordinate any fencing or grazing changes with the FSA and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) beforehand to ensure documentation and eligibility requirements are met. To locate your local USDA Service Center, visit https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

Keep veterinary statements and sale receipts for animals that decline or die in the weeks following the wildfire, as these may still qualify for compensation if linked to the event.

Burned pastures need time to recover. Plan for deferred or rested grazing and reevaluate stocking rates as you track regrowth through spring and early summer. Infrastructure such as fences, tanks and pipelines should be inspected and repaired before turnout. Temporary fencing can help keep cattle away from sensitive areas undergoing recovery.

The stress of wildfire recovery shouldn’t be overlooked. Here is a list of contacts that provide confidential support for emotional, financial and legal concerns associated with disasters:

Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258)
AgriStress Helpline: 1-833-897-2474
988 Lifeline: Dial 988
Kansas: Visit KansasAgStress.org or call 785-532-6011
Texas: Call or Text the SAgE/AgriStress Helpline at 833-897-2474
Oklahoma: Contact OSU Extension at 405-744-5398 or visit farmstress.org .

How Will U.S. Producers Maintain Business when New World Screwworm Invades?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:59:31 GMT

With animal disease, prevention and preparation beat panic. Since New World screwworm (NWS) was last eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s, the tools and infrastructure to deal with foreign animal disease have dramatically changed.

Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas animal health commissioner and state veterinarian, during the recent Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day gave an update on how Kansas and other states are preparing for NWS. The approach is designed to keep producers in business, keep cattle and products moving, and manage NWS in a way that protects both herds and markets.

He says the U.S. animal health officials along with USDA are planning a multistate, coordinated response that aims for consistency across state borders.

Smith summarizes the industry’s preparation to tackle NWS is like a three-legged stool. U.S. producers will be able to maintain business when NWS invades through surveillance, treatment and movement controls.

Surveillance: Eyes on Animals

The first leg of the stool is surveillance. He stresses early detection depends heavily on producers and veterinarians watching animals closely and reporting anything suspicious.

Smith emphasizes they would rather over investigate than miss a case.

“We want to make sure that we err on the side of having to say no on many occasions, versus saying, ‘Yep, this is what we got.’ Eyes on animals is going to be key.”

He was clear this should feel like partnership, not policing.

“They don’t want it to look like Big Brother coming over your shoulder,” he explains. “I hope we want to get this thing quickly.”

Smith explains that once a positive premises is identified, surveillance becomes structured around zones. The infested premises sit at the center, surrounded by an infested zone, an adjacent surveillance zone and a broader fly surveillance area.

The infested zone is 12.4 miles in radius from the infested premises. In this zone, there will be frequent on‑animal checks for wounds and larvae, plus enhanced monitoring in surrounding zones using fly traps and animal observation. The adjacent surveillance zone is another 12.4 miles radius and then there will be a fly surveillance area — an 124-mile radius from the infested premises.

Smith says movements out of the infested zone will require visual inspection for wounds and systemic treatment, including a treatment window of three to 14 days before movement plus a documented certificate of veterinary inspection.

He says the current Kansas response plan aligns with USDA’s playbook and neighboring states’ plans while taking into account specific needs of the Kansas livestock industry.

He stresses the playbook will continue to evolve, and state-by-state implementation may vary, but he says the “zone approach” will be utilized by all states.

Treatment: Limited Tools, Use Strategically

The second leg is treatment. Smith says that after decades without large domestic outbreaks, labeled options are limited.

From the fact that we haven’t had this new tool in our nation, in a large-spread outbreak since the 60s, we don’t have a lot of treatments out there that are labeled for this organism.”

To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four products for large animals:

He cautions, “The goal is not to go out there and just habitually treat your animals just in case. We want to make sure that we’re utilizing these [products] responsibly. There’s not an unlimited supply out there, and so we want to make sure that it’s available for us when we do need it.”

On a positive premises, Smith says treatment will be mandatory and systematic.

“There will be a quarantine placed on that premises. We’re also going to require a certain level of treatment on that premises,” he explains.

There will be protocols for daily mortality disposal, so carcasses don’t become breeding sites.

“The last thing you want to do is bury an animal that has larvae and has the ability to advance.”

He says treatment is also tied to movement out of infested zones, with most animals needing prophylactic treatment before leaving.

Movement Controls: Targeted, Not Statewide Shutdowns

The third leg is movement control, designed to be precise rather than broad-brush. Smith stresses NWS is an infestation, not an infection , emphasizing it is not a systemic disease problem, but an infestation that still demands strong controls.

He says there will be movement restrictions if a premises falls into an infested region. To move animals out of that zone, there will be steps to follow but movement will not be completely shut down.

He explains some exceptions exist:

Animals moving directly to slaughter can go without pre‑movement treatment, but those animals have to be hanging on the rail within 72 hours.
Baby dairy calves must be treated but can move right away if treatment and navel care are documented.

He says Kansas is also coordinating with neighboring states to create “synergistic” rules, especially for cattle from higher‑risk states such as Texas. Cattle entering Kansas from recognized infested zones will face inspection, treatment requirements and at least 14 days in drylot containment on arrival.

NWS is Not a Food Safety Issue

Smith reassures producers and consumers that NWS is not a meat safety threat.

“This is not a food safety issue,” he says. “If an animal is presented to slaughter, it has a screwworm wound then it has the ability to be trimmed. That carcass will not be condemned. There are no restrictions on any inspected product for food safety reasons.”

Smith summarizes underpinning all three legs is a commitment to dynamic planning and continuity. He notes a revised USDA playbook is forthcoming and that “plans will be a little bit dynamic” as they learn more.

The core message for producers is clear: watch your cattle, report early, use treatments wisely and expect targeted movement controls — not blanket shutdowns — if NWS crosses the border.

USDA Announces Sterile Fly Production Facility Construction Contract

USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced March 9 a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas.

This facility is a key component in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ sweeping 5-prong strategy to fight NWS. USACE is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering and construction of the facility.

“The Army Corps of Engineers is an essential partner in bringing this facility to life and further highlights the Trump Administration’s government-wide effort to fight the New World Screwworm threat in Mexico,” Rollins says. “The Army Corps is the best in the business and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come. This first-of-its-kind facility on U.S. soil will ensure we are not reliant on other countries for sterile flies.”

A sterile fly production facility is a specialized biosecure complex where NWS flies are raised and sterilized using irradiation and then released into targeted areas.

USDA currently produces about 100 million sterile flies per week at the COPEG facility in Panama and disperses them within and just north of affected areas in Mexico. In addition to the COPEG facility in Panama, USDA invested $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa , which will double NWS production capacity once complete.

With ongoing support from APHIS technical experts, Mexico anticipates sterile fly production will begin at this facility in summer 2026. The new facility at Moore Air Base will be the only U.S.-based sterile fly production facility and will work in tandem with facilities in Panama and Mexico to help eradicate the pest and protect American agriculture.

USDA and USACE will break ground on this new facility later this spring, after initial planning and development meetings with the new contractor. By November 2027, the production facility at Moore Air Base is expected to reach its initial goal of producing 100 million sterile flies per week. After that, construction will continue at the facility to increase production with the long-term goal of producing 300 million sterile flies per week.

Feedlot Cattle Health Summit Scheduled for April 7 and April 8

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:41:27 GMT

Production Animal Consultation (PAC) will host two beef industry summits, allowing people from the beef industry to gather and exchange ideas.

“ PAC’s Beef Summits offer a valuable opportunity for feedlot managers, caregivers, veterinarians and industry leaders to come together and learn new information about the issues shaping today’s beef industry,” says Dr. Corbin Stevens, PAC veterinarian and owner.

The PAC Beef Summits will be hosted April 7, 2026, at the Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center in Scott City, Kan., and April 8, 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Kearney, Neb. The event features an exciting line-up of speakers and topics:

An update on what’s new and upcoming at PAC
Bryant Hess, Appleton Steel, will present tips for individual animal care and hoof trimming to improve lameness outcomes.
Leadership expert Dr. Nels Lindberg, PAC, will provide strategies to successfully plan your business’ succession.
An entertaining keynote from Dr. Bo Brock, who owns and operates Brock Veterinary Clinic in Lamesa, Texas.

“We believe progress in the beef industry starts with people coming together to learn and to challenge one another. Our PAC Beef Summits are designed to create those connections and provide education that makes a difference on operations every day. The program brings in speakers who share timely and relevant insights to help prepare us for both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By investing in people and knowledge today, we are helping shape a stronger future for the beef industry tomorrow,” says Dr. Taw Fredrickson, PAC veterinarian.

Production Animal Consultation veterinarians care for cattle from birth to harvest. In addition to providing veterinary health services, PAC conducts cattle research and data analysis, hosts educational opportunities on animal stewardship and facility design, and provides bilingual consultation for livestock producers both domestic and international. PAC veterinarians strive to provide industry leaders with opportunities to improve their operations through collaboration and science.

To register and learn more about the 2026 PAC Beef Summits, visit pacdvms.com/beefsummit

CattleZen Calming Pheromone Available to Cattle Producers Facing Wildfires

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:18:34 GMT

In the wake of recent wildfires in Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma, many cattle producers are managing heightened cattle stress caused by relocation, environmental disruption and changes in routine. To help support cattle during this transition, Solvet will be providing CattleZen at no cost to producers impacted by the fires. Designated area veterinarians have CattleZen on hand to distribute as needed. To find your participating veterinarian or determine how to receive product, email Dr. Doug Shane, Solvet veterinary technical support, at douglas.shane@solvet-us.com .

“The unfortunate wildfire conditions create significant stress for cattle, which can cause lasting effects on cattle health,” Shane says. “CattleZen is designed to stimulate a natural calming response, helping support cattle and handler safety through stressful events such as this.”

Shane adds that the resilience of cattle producers during these events does not go unnoticed.

“We hope offering this product will help producers with one aspect during a challenging time. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the producers, veterinarians and first responders working tirelessly to protect livestock and livelihoods.”

Your Next Reads:
After the Fire: The Need for Feed, Fence and Prayers
Tips for Care Following Wildfire

National Blue and Corn Gold: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:47:11 GMT

It’s National FFA Week. A special week for all of those who have worn the blue corduroy jacket. To me, the FFA jacket is a symbol of leadership, commitment to agriculture and a heart to serve.

My FFA membership opened doors, helped me create lifelong networks and prepared me for my career. National FFA Week means more to me than just wearing the blue and gold — it’s about the people who make this organization unforgettable. My FFA friends growing up were not just teammates; they’re the ones who pushed me to work harder, laugh louder and grow into a better leader every day.

There was only one Mr. Dan Palmateer — no one like him — the Valley Heights FFA ag educator. He was just what the three Stump girls — Angie, Jami and Kim — needed to find their paths in FFA and in life. He knew how to make each one of them stronger, build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. He challenged each sister to be the best she could be.

(Stump Family)

I am who I am today because of my ag teacher, Dan Palmateer. He didn’t just teach agriculture — he taught me confidence and how to believe in myself even when things got tough. My two sisters — Jami Stump Gillig and Kim Stump Schmidt — and I were so blessed to call him our FFA advisor. He knew how to make each one of us stronger, build on our strengths and overcome our weaknesses. He challenged us to be the best we could be. I’m so thankful for my time in his classroom and the many lessons he taught me.

Like Mr. Palmateer, ag educators and FFA advisors are so critical to FFA’s success. Teaching is not an easy career. I’m so thankful for those who are majoring in agricultural education and have a passion to teach agriculture to the next generation. This profession is so essential as more and more generations are removed from the farm.

From an FFA Member to FFA Mom

I’m so thankful for my time in the jacket and the skills I developed because of this great organization. Now, as an FFA mom, I feel even more blessed to have watched both of my boys grow and develop because of their time as FFA members. From the classroom to the community, the organization empowers students with the skills and confidence to lead in agriculture and beyond.

Dustin Denton

(Kansas FFA)

My son, Dustin, is currently serving as a state FFA officer. While I, too, had the chance to serve our state many years ago, I’m amazed at how much the program has grown and the amazing opportunities he has had during his year of service. From traveling the state to meet with fellow members, to networking with key agriculture-industry stakeholders to numerous speaking and workshop-leading experiences this opportunity is life-changing.

A Global Perspective on Agriculture

Dustin also had the chance to travel to Spain in January for 12 days as part of the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO). ILSSO is a National FFA Organization program that takes 75 current or past state FFA officers abroad to study global agriculture and enhance cultural competency. Participants travel internationally, meet with agribusiness leaders and explore foreign farming practices to gain a global perspective on the industry.

Dustin had the opportunity to visit Ganados Ruigan — a beef cattle feeding operation. There he learned about the differences between American and Spanish beef production. He also toured Mas Bes Dairy and had the chance to learn a lot about vertical and horizontal integration in Spain’s dairy industry.

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His experience was amazing, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you’d like to see a day-by-day recap of his trip you can visit his Instagram page .

Through hands-on learning, leadership development and real-world experiences, FFA members are building the skills that will shape the future of agriculture. I believe it is so important FFA members have a chance to learn what it means to work hard, serve others and be stewards of the land.

National FFA Week is a reminder that FFA isn’t just an organization — it’s family, mentorship and friendships that will last long after high school. We should all strive to live by the 12 words that make up the FFA motto: “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

Give FFA Day

Because I believe so deeply in how this organization shapes the future generation of agriculturists, I want to share a specific way you can help: Thursday is Give FFA Day. This 24-hour campaign is a chance to invest directly in the students who will one day lead our industry.

If you are able, please consider giving to your local chapter, state association or the National FFA Foundation . If a financial gift isn’t possible right now, your time is an equally valuable investment. Local chapters are always looking for mentors to:

Critique speeches and facilitate mock interviews
Assist with career and leadership development event preparation
Mentor to a student as they build their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program

You’ll find that when you invest in FFA students, the return on investment is seen in the strength of our entire agricultural community.

Tips for Care Following Wildfire

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:42:07 GMT

As Oklahomans and their nearby neighbors in Kansas endure wildfire season , Oklahoma State University Extension specialists offer tips to keep livestock safe, as well as help with recovery efforts.

Livestock Welfare After a Fire

Monitoring surviving animals is crucial in the days after a wildfire, says Dr. Rosslyn Biggs , OSU Extension beef cattle specialist.

“We need to be thinking about long-term repercussions,” she adds. “Thermal injuries, burns can be a big issue on these animals. We also need to be thinking about smoke inhalation and the systems that those affect.”

Enhanced monitoring of the surviving animals is crucial after a wildfire, Biggs explains. In addition to nutrition, hydration is key. Cows that are in the later stages of pregnancy need to be thought about, too. Consider their capacity to care for either calves on the ground or those they will soon birth.

Post-wildfire evaluation can lead to difficult decisions, too.

“It’s very important in these disaster-type situations that animal welfare needs to be our first consideration,” Biggs says. “How are those animals that have survived going to be able to recover from those injuries? In many cases, unfortunately, euthanasia may be the most humane decision that we have to make.”

Protecting Horses During Wildfires

Have your horses loaded and ready to go before you see a wildfire reach your property, says Kris Hiney , OSU Extension equine specialist.

“So many animals, when fire is coming, it causes panic,” Hiney says. “They may be harder to handle, so if trouble is coming, have the horses already up in a small lot where you can catch them. In a burning building, horses won’t want to leave, but now we’re talking about a threat to human safety as well.”

Horses will often be reluctant to leave an environment they deem safe, Hiney adds. Keep the horses together and avoid isolating one horse at a time, as this could cause further panic.

“The calmer the handler can be, the better the horses will act,” Hiney says.

Preparation is also key. Maintaining your property, like mowing fence lines and creating fire breaks, is important. Be aware that fire structures, such as hay storage, can be extremely dangerous for animals to be near. Have photographs and records of all your horses, Hiney says.

If smoke is high in the air, even if not directly where fire is impacting your land, respiratory health in horses is important. Hiney recommends not working the horses when the smoke particulate matter is high.

Emergency Cattle Nutrition

Wildfires can ravage forage, requiring producers to pivot in the aftermath.

There are several strategies to minimize weight loss until hay can be secured. One option is to provide a commercial “creep feed” product for four to five days . Commercial creep feeds will generally contain 12 to 14% protein and are aneasily accessible option, with this feed bagged and ready to ship immediately.

The feeding rate is equivalent to eight pounds of feed per day, assuming cows weigh 1,200 lb. If hay is more abundant, 15 lb. of grass hay fed with five lb. of a 28% to 32% range cube can maintain a 1,200-lb. cow in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Mineral supplements with a high calcium level are essential to offset the high phosphorus levels in concentrate feeds. Work with your local Extension educator to ensure a well-balanced diet for your cattle in limit-feeding scenarios.

The priority is to meet nutritional needs while stretching hay supplies.

Documenting Losses

After a wildfire, documenting losses will be crucial for producers. Review your existing records and then create a line of documentation on a day-to-day basis after a disaster.

“Having documentation becomes very important from a financial aspect,” Biggs says. “It can be as simple as, if we have losses, documenting those with photographic evidence. Most people can use their cellphones to take pictures that can be timestamped. For many emergency-type programs, it’s going to be necessary to have verifiable records.”

Carcass Disposal

Burial will be the best option for disposing of livestock carcasses, says Doug Hamilton , OSU Extension water management specialist.

“You need to be in a high spot,” Hamilton says. “You need to be well above a flood plain. You’re going to have to dig a hole 4-6 feet deep and be at least two feet above where the water table may rise.”

It is also important to keep burial sites at least 300 feet away from water sources.

The state of Oklahoma has five methods for disposing of livestock: landfilling, rendering, incineration, composting and burial. Finding a landfill to take a dead animal will be difficult, even in an emergency. Rendering will be hard if the animal has been dead for several days and incineration requires expensive and specific equipment.

Composting is viable, but it will require wood shavings or sawdust and management . An advantage of composting is that once you’ve completed it, the land site will be viable for use again.

If you are affected by the wildfires and have agricultural, livestock care or forage questions — or wish to donate or receive hay — contact OSU Extension by calling 405-780-4569 or emailing DisasterSupport@okstate.edu.

Your Next Reads:
After the Fire: The Need for Feed, Fence and Prayers
Why the Southern Plains Became a ‘Perfect Recipe’ for Wildfires

Why the Southern Plains Became a ‘Perfect Recipe’ for Wildfires

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:29:09 GMT

Farmers and ranchers across the Plains are dealing with the aftermath of devastating wildfires .

According to Drovers , fast-moving Ranger Road Fire has already scorched more than 283,000 acres in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas since last week. The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture said Monday it’s now 65% contained, but the devastation has charred thousands of pasture and farmland, also killing an unknown number of cattle.

Flames spread across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico since last week. While March through April is typically wildfire season in Kansas, conditions across the Plains are creating conditions that are fueling the flames.

According to Brian Bledsoe of Brian Bledsoe Weather, the devastation is the result of a “worst-case scenario” pattern that has been building for months.

A Windy Season Meets Dry Fuels

Bledsoe says in order to understand why conditions are so ripe for wildfires this year, the calendar alone raises red flags.

“From February through early to mid-April, that’s traditionally when we see some of these higher-end wind events,” he explains. “But it’s not just about the wind. It’s about what the wind and fire combine to burn.”

The Southern Plains experienced adequate to above-average moisture over parts of the region during the past year. However, that broader window masks a sharp turn toward dryness in recent months.

When looking at the last 180 days, moisture held on in portions of the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwest Kansas. But conditions deteriorated quickly moving south into the Texas Panhandle. Over the past 90 days, dryness expanded northward into the heart of the wildfire zone.

90-day precip map for the Plains

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather )

Zooming in further, the last 30 days tell the most concerning story. Some locations in the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwest Kansas have received just 5% to 20% of average precipitation.

That rapid drying followed a warm-season growing period that produced ample vegetation. Once cured and left without additional moisture or snow cover, those grasses became prime fuel.

“You grow up all that vegetation during the warm season, then you dry it out and don’t get anything else to keep it somewhat wet so it doesn’t burn. It’s a perfect recipe,” Bledsoe says.

Precipitation over the past 30 days.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

Wildfires in the Plains

The setup isn’t without precedent. In late February 2024, the Smokehouse Creek Fire burned more than a million acres in the Canadian River Valley of the Texas Panhandle under similar conditions, which were strong winds, above-average warmth and critically dry fuels.

“This is not unprecedented for the Western High Plains this time of year,” Bledsoe notes. “It’s just the worst-case scenario when you put all those things together.”

Little Relief in the Forecast

Unfortunately for producers hoping for moisture, the near-term outlook offers limited help.

Over the next 10 days, much of the U.S. is expected to trend drier than average. The only notably wet areas are projected to be in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, above-average temperatures are likely to persist across much of the Plains, with colder air remaining locked in Canada.

The short-term forecast shows little relief for much of the U.S.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

Above normal temperatures could also pose a problem for producers in the West and Plains.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

“This pattern is not going to be that favorable to grace those areas that we’re dealing with the wildfires with any real significant moisture,” Bledsoe says. “In fact, you see a pretty good chunk of the U.S. that will likely see just drier than average conditions for that 10-day period. Not necessarily dry for everybody, but drier than average. The only really wet areas will be in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. And we’re going to revert back to the warmth too.”

Looking ahead to March, extended European model guidance suggests a continuation of the pattern: dry conditions across California, Arizona, New Mexico and much of Texas and the Southwest High Plains, with wetter conditions developing farther east.

The extended forecast shows little relief across the Plains.

(Brian Bledsoe, Brian Bledsoe Weather)

March is often a volatile month, Bledsoe says, bringing sharp contrasts between “haves” and “have-nots” in terms of precipitation.

“You’re going to the haves farther east, and then areas farther south and west that have been kind of shut out are probably going struggle a little bit. And time, I know it only takes one storm to change this narrative here in the Western High Plains to cover the ground with snow or put more moisture in the ground or kind of turn the corner,” he says. “But right now this pattern is not conducive to bringing one of those significant storms into the fray.”

Bledsoe knows more than anyone that the forecast can change, but the set-up right now doesn’t look favorable for moisture in the Plains through March.

“It only takes one storm to change the narrative, to cover the ground with snow or put meaningful moisture back into the soil,” he says. “But right now, this pattern is not conducive to bringing one of those significant storms into the fray.”

For livestock producers and farmers across the High Plains, that means continued vigilance. With cured grasses, persistent wind and limited precipitation in the forecast, wildfire risk may remain elevated as the region moves deeper into its traditional spring wind season.

After the Fire: The Need for Feed, Fence and Prayers

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:18:59 GMT

Wildfires plagued the Plains last week from southern Kansas into Oklahoma and Texas. Hundreds of thousands of acres of grass are now burned to sand.

The Ranger Road Fire, which started in Oklahoma and made its way into southern Kansas, to date has burned more than 283,000 acres and is 65% contained as of Monday morning, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry .

The Oklahoma Forestry Services reports moderated fire weather over dormant fuels resulted in a downtick in wildfire activity over the weekend, allowing firefighters to improve the containment of recent large fires.

“Conditions also supported opportunity to execute burn plans for prescribed fires,” the report says. “If you engaged in prescribed burning, controlled burns or pile burns over the weekend, please ensure that fire perimeters are mopped up and secured ahead of increasing fire weather concerns Tuesday through the remainder of the week.”

Read more about how strong winds, above-average warmth and months of worsening dryness created a “perfect recipe”

for wildfires across the Southern Plains, scorching pasture and farmland — with little moisture relief in the forecast:

Why the Southern Plains Became a ‘Perfect Recipe’ for Wildfire

The wildfires have left a path of heartbreak and devastation. From the loss of livestock and homes, barns and shops to pastures and fence, the damage is hard to fathom.

Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur visited Oklahoma producers impacted by the wildfires on Thursday. “Please pray for our farmers and ranchers and our first responders who continue to battle challenging fires and weather,” she says.

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Dr. Randall Spare, Ashland Veterinary Center Inc., says nine years after the losses resulting from the Starbuck Wildfire — still the largest, most extensive wildfire in Kansas history — many of the same ranchers have been affected by the Ranger Road Fire.

Spare explains the wildfire was unstoppable with little farmland or breaks to get ahead of the fire plus the extreme wind. The fire started near Beaver, Okla., at 11 a.m., and he reports many ranchers in the path were moving cattle by noon. He says the highest losses occurred where there were no nearby wheat fields or safe pasture alternatives for the cattle.

“When you have contiguous grass for 90 miles, and the fire line was 90 miles long, from Beaver, Okla. to Protection, Kan., and it was moving 70 miles an hour, it’s hard to get in front of it,” he says.

He also explains because of the good moisture in 2025 and good stewardship of the land, there was a lot of tall, dense forage to fuel the fire.

“Many of the best stewards — those who don’t overgraze and stockpile grass for calving and drought management — actually experienced some of the worst damage,” he explains. “Because they’ve done a good job of managing their grass and have forage to eat in the spring of the year before the growing season starts to calve on, they experienced some of the greatest damage.”

Spare says the Ranger Road Fire took the same path as the Starbuck Fire, but it did not burn as many acres in Kansas — about one-third less in comparison.

“The good thing is it did not go north of Ashland. It’s five miles south of Ashland before it starts and not near the acreage burned,” he summarizes. “Since it isn’t like the Starbuck Fire, we have an opportunity as neighbors to help neighbors, whereas before we couldn’t do that because we were all affected.”

He predicts producers in Kansas lost 1,000 to 1,100 head. He adds there will continue to be more loss as producers evaluate cattle condition.

“One of the biggest damage is feet,” he explains. “The walls of their hooves start to fall off due to the fire. And sometimes that doesn’t show up for five days.”

How Can You Help?

According to Reuters , other fires have burned thousands more acres in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.

In agriculture, community is strong. When one producer hurts we all feel it and, if possible, we step up and help our neighbors in need. Along with prayers, Spare adds the immediate needs are:

Hay
Money (financial support)

In response to producers offering help, Spare shares a list of ways others can support ranchers recovering from the wildfires on social media, including lessons learned from the Starbuck Fire.

“I would like to share what we learned from the Starbuck Fire that, hopefully, will be helpful as you consider making decisions about how to help,” he writes.

Fencing supplies: “After the Starbuck Fire, we learned that if federal funds are used to rebuild and replace fences, the construction requirements to access those funds are very specific regarding type of wire, posts, etc. While the generosity of those giving nine years ago was remarkable, we were limited in how much of the donated resources actually could be used simply because federal loss recovery funds needed to be used, and the donated fencing supplies didn’t meet government specifications.”
Money: “Today, money is the most precious resource and in the greatest need. Many of the ranching operations affected need time to truly assess their losses. Some are finding cattle they first thought to be lost, alive and safe. Others are experiencing the opposite and unfortunately are seeing the losses increase.”
Available pasture and grassland: “If you have pasture available either short term or long term, please reach out to Ashland Community Foundation, Kansas Livestock Association or Ashland Veterinary Center,” he suggests.
Hay: There are designated drop off locations ready to accept loads of hay.

Multiple organizations have stepped up and are organizing supplies and assistance.

• Kansas Livestock Association. KLA is helping connect those wishing to donate with the most suitable drop location. If you’re hoping to donate goods including livestock feed or hay, you can contact KLA at (785) 273-5115, or visit this website . On KLA’s Facebook page you can find posts from feedlots that are offering pen space to wildfire victims.

• The Ashland Community Foundation. ACF is accepting monetary donations to help those affected by the fires in their community. To donate, please visit the ACF website and select “Become A Partner” in the dropdown. Donations are also being accepted at Stockgrowers State Bank or can be mailed to ACF at P.O. Box 276, Ashland, KS 67831.

• Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation. OCF has established a relief fund to help cattle producers who have been affected. As the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, the fire relief fund at the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation will distribute 100% of received funds to affected cattle producers. You can give online or make checks payable to Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation with “Fire Relief” in the memo line and mail to P.O. Box 82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.

• Beaver County Stockyards and Beaver County OSU Extension office. For those willing to donate feed or hay to the Beaver County, Okla., area, visit the Stockyards website or the Extension office website .

• Beaneighbor.org . The Oklahoma Healthcare Authority, provides access to local support including financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help. Search for aid in your area at Beaneighbor.org.

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry reminds the public to use caution before bringing hay to northwest Oklahoma to prevent the spread of invasive fire ants. Find out if your county is under quarantine for fire ants on the USDA website

Fire Weather is Not Over: Stay Prepared

The Kansas Forest Service reminds producers there are still months of fire season to come.

“As firefighters continue to mop up or extinguish hot spots along miles of fire line, recovery begins for the communities most impacted by recent wildfires,” the agency says. “Many wildfire managers are already preparing for the next round of fire weather.”

While recovery and readiness are happening at the same time, the forest service share these two tips:

Learn how to prepare your home and property for a wildfire. Proper preparation can help your home withstand a wildfire.
Have a plan when the wildfire is heading toward your home or property.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has a Fires & Wildfires website dedicated to providing resources to help prepare for and survive wildfires.

A Note to Survivors

Spare says his message to producers who are recovering from the wildfires is to:

Think beyond today. Plan not only for immediate survival but for summer grazing and next winter’s feed. Recognize that hay now is also about having feed later, since grass is gone.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. “If you are struggling, reach out to a trusted friend and accept neighbor and outside assistance,” he stresses.

Spare summarizes producers from his area are deeply appreciative and humbled by people from across the country who helped nine years ago and are helping again now, even to the point that local folks feel “almost embarrassed” it happened again.

“But it is life, and we’re going to trust God and go on,” he says.

Your Next Read: Tips for Care Following Wildfire

Ranchers on Alert as Wildfires Spread Across the Plains

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:16:49 GMT

High fire danger continues after wildfires swept across western Oklahoma, southwest Kansas and the Texas Panhandle on Tuesday forcing numerous evacuations. High wind gusts and low humidity Thursday will cause more threats for fire danger. Thursday morning, red-flag warnings were issued once again for the same region, including most of Oklahoma; Southern Kansas and Western North Texas.

The message to those in the red flag warning areas: do not burn, and if you see smoke, report it.

With containment efforts underway and the situation still unfolding, here is the current status of the fires challenging Plains ranchers:

Oklahoma

Reports say more than 300,000 acres have burned across Oklahoma since Tuesday.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed Executive Order 2026-09 declaring a State of Emergency in Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties following a series of destructive wildfires across northwest Oklahoma.

“The Woodward fires are about 20% contained, and we were very fortunate to keep most neighborhoods safe. A few homes were lost, and we’re keeping four injured firefighters in our prayers as they recover after working tirelessly through the night,” Governor Stitt reports on Wednesday. “I’m deeply grateful for the incredible efforts of our firefighters and forestry crews on the ground. In Beaver County, the town of Tyrone was evacuated earlier as a precaution. As we head into today and tomorrow, conditions remain dangerous. We need every Oklahoman to stay alert and continue taking fire warnings seriously.”

The Stevens Fire, that started east of Hooker, Okla., had burned an estimated 12,428 acres as of Thursday morning and is 50% contained.

Track Oklahoma Wildfires

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation has established a Fire Relief Fund to support cattle producers impacted by the recent wildfires in Northwest Oklahoma. Read the full press release and donate now at okcattlemen.org.

Kansas

According to the Kansas Forest Service , fires across Kansas remained active overnight with firefighters working through the night and are making steady progress on many incidents today.

In coordination with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, additional resources from across the state have deployed and are supporting local responders. With continued elevated fire weather statewide, more firefighters are available and strategically staged for rapid response.

Winds have decreased enough to allow aviation resources to assist where needed. Kansas is coordinating aircraft with Oklahoma Forestry Services on the Ranger Road Fire.

“At this time, all evacuation notices have been rescinded,” the Kansas Forest Service reports. “Evacuations, if needed, will be coordinated through local emergency management agencies. Please make sure you are signed up for your county’s emergency alert text notifications so you can receive timely updates.”

Updates as of 6 a.m. Thursday:
Stevens Fire (Seward Co. Fire): Burned from Texas County, Okla, into Seward County, KS. Located southwest of Liberal. The fire is 50% contained and has burned 12,428 acres.

Andrew Lane Fire (Seward Co. Fire #2): Located southeast of Liberal and remains active. Aviation resources are assisting firefighters on the ground. The Johnson County Task Force and Kansas Forest Service DFMO Williams are coordinating closely with local departments.

Tennis Fire (Garden City Fire): Good progress continues. Kansas Forest Service DFMO Brad Ilonummi is transitioning to assist with other fires in the area. A state task force remains integrated with local firefighters.

Ranger Road Fire (Started in Beaver Co., Okla.): Remains active. Coordination continues between Oklahoma and Kansas state resources.

The Ranger Road Fire originated in Beaver County in the Oklahoma Panhandle spread north into southern Kansas, impacting areas in Clark and Meade counties. The fire crossed the Oklahoma and Kansas state line, burned near the Cimarron River, and affected communities along Highways 64, 270 and 283. The blaze was moving east-northeast under strong wind conditions. As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the Ranger Road Fire has burned more than 283,283 acres and is 15% contained.

“Extremely high winds and dry ground and air produced conditions ideal for multiple fires to build and spread in several counties in southwest Kansas yesterday, with some still uncontained,” explains Scarlett Madinger, KLA vice president of communications. “While we continue to assess the needs of those in the hardest hit areas, we know producers have lost fence, livestock and feed resources. Donations of hay and fencing supplies are being accepted at various collection sites, as those are the most immediate needs. If people would like to donate, they can call the KLA office at (785) 273-5115 and we will help coordinate a drop-off.”

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam joined Chip Flory on AgriTalk Wednesday and discussed the wildfire situation in Kansas and what recovery resources are available.

Texas

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the organization received nine requests for assistance on wildfires burning 18,522.9 acres on Tuesday. Wednesday was a quieter day in Texas with three requests burning 371 acres.

As of 9 a.m. on Thursday, there are four active — Jones 1507, 8 Ball, Lavendar and Canadian Bridge. The 8 Ball Fire in Armstrong County is 40% contained and has burned about 13,000 acres. The Lavendar fire in Oldham County is 20% contained and has burned about 12,000 acres.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller declared an Agricultural Emergency, rallying Texans to back the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund and urging wildfire-hit producers and agribusinesses to seek financial aid. Across the Panhandle and West Texas, Texans are facing devastating losses due to wildfires.

“Texans always rise for neighbors in crisis,” Commissioner Miller says. “I’m calling on individuals, businesses, and groups statewide to fuel the STAR Fund to help sustain the backbone of our food, fiber and fuel supply.”

The STAR Fund, administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, is a private-donation-funded disaster relief program that provides recovery grants to eligible farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses at no cost to taxpayers to help repair or rebuild damaged agricultural infrastructure.

Ranchers needing hay can use TDA’s Hay Hotline, (877) 429-1998, a free service linking hay providers and those in need, including during emergencies, for donations.

TDA reminds Texans that mental health support is available 24/7 through the AgriStress Helpline, staffed by trained professionals familiar with rural challenges. Commissioner Miller stresses the importance of mental well-being in crises. If you or a loved one experiences a mental health crisis during this time, call 833-897-2474.

A Role Model and Leader: Lyons-Blythe Advocates For Stewardship and the Next Generation

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:05:14 GMT

As the world recognizes 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) is turning the spotlight on the women shaping agriculture every day here in the U.S. From innovative land management strategies to raising livestock with care and precision, women are vital contributors to our food systems and communities.

With a passion for the industry, Debbie Lyons-Blythe advocates for environmental stewardship, succession planning, family operations and keeping grazing lands viable for future generations. As co-owner of Blythe Family Farms in White City, Kan., Lyons-Blythe combines hands-on ranching with visionary leadership.

A Life Rooted in Ranching

Lyons-Blythe’s story begins on Lyons Angus Ranch south of Manhattan, Kan. Growing up, she and her sister learned cattle care knows no gender. They worked alongside their mother, Jan Lyons, and showed Angus heifers across the U.S. in the National Junior Angus Association — building lifelong connections and sharpening their skills in livestock management.

After marrying Duane Blythe in 1989, she brought her cows to her husband’s family farm, starting a new chapter that blended two legacies. Today, her five grown children remain involved in the operation. Three sons work full time on the ranch, two daughters remain co-owners and the third generation is sure to continue the family tradition.

Leadership, Learning and Legacy

Lyons-Blythe’s leadership extends far beyond feeding and caring for cattle. A proud example of her leadership is her long-standing commitment to advocacy. She has been active at the local, state and national levels, working alongside organizations and fellow producers to help shape policies and conversations that impact the industry.

Her noteworthy achievements are in abundance, which is a reflection of her strong character and dedication.

While the list extends well beyond this, these are just a few accolades and leadership highlights:

Past chair of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) from 2022 to 2023
Founding member of USRSB and helping shape the organization from its earliest days
USRSB panelist at NYC Climate Week
2022 Certified Angus Beef Progressive Partner Award (Blythe Family Farms)
2012 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year, awarded by Monsanto
Board leader on the Kansas Livestock Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Women in Agriculture: Then and Now

Reflecting on her career, Lyons-Blythe has seen significant change in the role of women in farming and ranching.

“When I was a kid, women couldn’t even get their own bank loan without a husband’s signature,” she recalls.

Today, she notes, women are recognized as vital partners and leaders, making decisions alongside men and taking on leadership roles across operations and organizations.

Her advice to young women considering agriculture?

“Do the work. Don’t worry about being a woman. The cows need fed, the hay needs cut, the job needs done. It does not matter whether you are a guy or a gal,” she shares.

(Provided by USRSB)

Lessons from the Land

Farming and ranching come with constant challenges, from unpredictable weather to market shifts, but Debbie finds motivation in family, teamwork and the land itself. She stresses the importance of passing down values as well as skills.

“Every day on a ranch is busy, but there are ways to include the entire family – grandkids, too – in the daily work,” she says.

Her hope for the future? A new generation of ranchers who blend respect for tradition with openness to technology, efficiency and sustainability.

“The future of the Blythe Family Farms is in excellent hands,” she notes. “I believe the entire farming and ranching industries are as well.”

A Legacy in Action

Lyons-Blythe’s story is a reminder that women in agriculture are not only caretakers of the land and animals, but they are leaders, innovators and role models. Her legacy at Blythe Family Farms is demonstrated through collaboration, resilience and mentorship, showing young women and families across the U.S. that all have a place at every table in agriculture.

You can learn more about Lyons-Blythe’s advocacy efforts on her personal blog Kids, Cows and Grass.

2026 is the year to celebrate all the women shaping our food systems. Stories like Lyons-Blythe’s remind us farming is more than a job. It’s a legacy, a community and a calling.

Producer-to-Producer: That’s a Wrap on CattleCon 2026

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:57:56 GMT

As beef producers pack up and leave Nashville, Tenn., they are returning home with new strategies, renewed optimism and memories from a memorable CattleCon 2026.

Thank you to the five producers who were our boots on the ground and shared their perspective this week:

Jenna Fitzsimmons, Cunningham, Kan.
Rachel Gray , Blackduck, Minn.
Ken Odde , Pollock, S.D.
Logan Pribbeno , Imperial, Neb.
Kim Rounds, Johnstown, Colo.

Here are their final thoughts about this year’s event:

Fitzsimmons: “My first CattleCon was a great experience! I really enjoyed the overall positive energy at CattleCon that could be felt from meetings, discussions, presentations and interactions I experienced.

“My biggest highlights were the region and policy meetings, Cattlemen’s College sessions and the [National Cattlemen’s Beef Association] State of the Industry Town Hall. These felt the most impactful to me because they allowed producers’ voices to be heard, covered industry issues, expanded my knowledge, inspired me to be a leader and challenged me to improve my operation.

“I love learning and will always be a lifelong learner. CattleCon offered many various learning opportunities for any topic a producer could want. I was able to attend a few sessions I was interested in and even a couple that surprised me by providing knowledge I didn’t realize I needed.

“It is important to go outside of your comfort zone when learning because you never know what you might pick up to improve yourself and your operation. Learning also comes from networking, producer-to-producer.

“I was able to visit with several producers from all across the U.S. and Canada! Everyone was so genuine and kindhearted! Now, you have to take the next step and apply what you have learned, even if it can be daunting. It is pertinent to keep learning and improving as a beef producer for the benefit of the cattle and the consumer. This allows the industry to pave the way and move forward into the future.

“The beef industry is excited, passionate and ready to support the world.”

Gray: “I finished Wednesday attending some Cattleman’s College events. I learned a lot from the ranchers who were part of the legacy panel. Both gentlemen suggested Ranching For Profit and other classes. I am glad to hear the focus on education.

“Thursday, I enjoyed hearing U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speak and getting his thoughts on dietary guidelines . I then headed to the plane to return home for bull sales and calving.”

Odde: The biggest highlight for me was the education and celebration associated with the change in dietary guidelines. I think the change in dietary guidelines has long-term support for demand.

Pribbeno: “The biggest highlight was having [Kennedy] speak at the afternoon general session. He was greeted with a standing ovation. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein said it was the most packed he has seen a convention setting.

“Kennedy says he eats beef twice a day, and his favorite cut was the strip. He also touched on how and why he and his team rebuilt the food pyramid and the science behind putting proteins at the base.

“The early morning CattleFax session is a perennial favorite. I had an associate tell me that the CattleFax session alone is worth the trip to Nashville. Randy [Blach] and the team presented on a theme that I would call cautious optimism.

“After the CattleFax session, we hit the trade show floor for some networking.”

Rounds: “My biggest takeaway was that I spent the majority of my day with emerging leaders and leadership, and I’m so excited and positive about the future of the beef industry and knowing that our futures are in these kids’ hands.

“They are so hungry, and they want it so bad. Every single conversation that I had yesterday blew me away, and I know that we have a lot of fun and exciting things on the horizon.

“And, of course, the networking. The beef industry is full of the best people, and when we all get together in a room like we did yesterday, you can’t help but have so much fun.”

A Lifetime as a Feedlot Cowboy: Rick Hibler’s Unwavering Dedication to Cattle Care

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:35:03 GMT

Having been around cattle all his life, Rick Hibler serves as assistant manager at Irsik & Doll Beefland Feedyard in Garden City, Kan.

Hibler was born and raised on his family’s ranch south of Garden City, where they raised 4-H calves.

“I have been around cattle all my life, and that’s what I wanted to do, was take care of them,” Hibler says. “When I was a kid, you were either a farmer, or you went to work in the feedyard — and I don’t like farming.”

With a career in the cattle feeding industry spanning since 1971, Hibler’s dedication was celebrated Feb. 4 when he received the 2026 Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award. The award is presented annually during the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet. Named for a long-time, devoted employee of Poky Feeders, the award recognizes feedyard employees who go above and beyond to improve the cattle-feeding industry and the beef feeders provide to American families.

A Feedyard Cowboy

Hibler started working as a vet’s helper at Masters Feeders, now Cobalt Cattle Co., in Garden City as a pen rider for five years.

He then took a brief detour going to Kansas State University for a year for wrestling. Following his time in Manhattan, he moved to Wichita for about a year, building airplanes for Cessna.

The cattle industry was his true calling, so he moved back to southwest Kansas and went to work at several feedyards (Sublette Feeders, S Bar Feedyard, Gigot Feeders, Gotcha and Sagebrush Feedyard) before finding his home at Beefland.

He began working for Irsik & Doll in 1995 as a pen rider and has worked his way up to assistant manager in his 30 years there.

Today, Hibler explains his role is to make sure no sick calves are missed.

Adam Peterson, Beefland Feedyard general manager, says Hibler’s exceptional cattle care, consistency and work ethic are what truly distinguish him.

“He cares about the cattle,” Peterson stresses how Hibler makes sure the cattle are handled in the way that they ought to be. “I think that sets him apart, because of the time and effort he puts into and works at it each and every day. He keeps everybody on their task.”

When he isn’t at the yard, Hibler spends his time with his wife of 39 years, Gwen, their five children and stepchildren, and their 17 grandchildren. But even in his free time, his passion for the outdoors and cattle remains clear.

“I don’t like working inside. I don’t like driving tractor,” Hibler summarizes “I like riding horses and taking care of cattle. I like keeping cattle alive.”

Ambition, Vision and Grit: How Bob Foote Built a Cattle Feeding Legacy

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:31:22 GMT

Bob Foote loved cattle. He knew how to find a good one, but more importantly, he knew a bad one. He loved negotiation and was the best at it.

Foote began his marriage to the love of his life, Gail, as well as his cattle business journey, in 1975. He worked early on, and throughout his time, to perfect his craft and his passion — the cattle business. Countless cattle-deal negotiations helped Foote become comfortable with taking on significant risk.

“Dad grew up loving cattle and really enjoyed working with the dairy cattle on the dairy farm,” explains his oldest son, Scott. “He also realized that he wanted to explore his love for the cattle industry, and so Dad made the leap to jump into the cattle industry and start Foote Cattle Co. in 1985.”

He loved the game of business and negotiation. These traits proved to work well together and became the foundation for his business career.

“What he tried to team up was his love for cattle and also his love for dealmaking,” Scott recalls. “He was really a dealmaker at heart.”

In 1985, when the couple founded Foote Cattle Co., it encompassed farming, order buying and cattle feeding. Hoxie Feedyard became a part of Foote Cattle Co. in 1997 with an initial capacity of 10,000 head. Today, Foote Cattle Co. has grown to a multi-location family-owned cattle operation with a 285,000-head feeding capacity as well as land, farming, ranching, banking and other investments across Kansas and Nebraska.

Foote passed away in 2022, but his legacy lives on through his three sons – Scott, Brad and Greg.

Foote’s impact on the cattle feeding industry was celebrated Feb. 4 when he was inducted posthumously into the 2026 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame during CattleCon in Nashville, Tenn.

Bob Foote

(Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame)

Evolution of Foote Cattle

He started his cattle career trading dairy and beef cows and calves out of the back of a 2-ton truck with stock racks. As his business matured, Foote transitioned from cattle trading to cattle buying. He began buying country cattle and attending local auctions. He developed a customer base selling cattle to feeders in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas.

“He had a great eye for cattle,” Brad says. “He understood value … there might be days he didn’t buy a single hoof at a sale, and there’d be times he might buy three-quarters of them … he understood the value and he understood the market.”

Bob Foote and Wayne Tilly, a good friend and Bob’s original business partner when they bought Hoxie Feedyard.

(Foote Family)

In 1989 at the Kansas City Stockyards, Foote bought three loads of steers. He had developed a friendship with Wayne Tilly in the seats at the auction. After that purchase, Tilly asked him what he planned to do with those steers. Tilly convinced Bob they should partner on the set and send them to the feedyard and feed them. This was the beginning of a great partnership.

After a few years, they were feeding so many that they decided they should consider buying their own feedlot together. After a search that took a couple of years, they bought the Hoxie Feedyard in 1997.

Another key purchase was the ranch near Manhattan in 2003. Their late daughter, Coleen, loved the rolling hills and green grass on the ranch, and passed shortly after the purchase. Foote’s family says he loved buying a good farm and making it better; they bought several farms and ranches through the years.

Foote worked with his sons to grow the business. Buying Imperial Beef in 2007, followed by Lane County Feeders, Pioneer Feedyard and then Decatur County Beef. In 2019, the family purchased a bank. The Foote family has always stayed aggressive and bullish in business.

His family says he always loved corn planting, good equipment, hard-working truck drivers and driving through any of the feedyards to look at a good pen of fat cattle, simultaneously judging the feeder cattle buyer.

Above all, his family stresses, faith was the most important thing in his life and became the foundation for his teachings to his kids, then to his grandkids.

“He truly worked to do business with faith in his mind and held the strong belief that his God-given talent was doing business,” they say. “He knew that it was his duty as a good, Catholic man to fully use the talents that God gave him to the best of his ability each and every day.”

Bob Foote and his three sons — Scott, Brad and Greg.

(Foote Family)

A Family Man and Businessman

Foote had an aggressive business nature as well as an unassuming soft side that people who truly knew him had the opportunity to connect with. He conducted business, and his life, in his own way. He used the talents given to him by God to the best of his ability.

His family says he was most proud of his Catholic faith, his family and the Foote Cattle brand. Foote was respected by everyone who knew him and is quoted by many for the motto he lived by, “GET IT!”

Kansas Rep. Tracey Mann recognized Foote on the House floor following his passing.

“Our state has lost a tremendous Kansan,” Mann says. “Bob Foote passed away on March 25. He was a man of many talents and leaves behind a strong legacy in the Foote Cattle Co. for future generations of his family. I am hard-pressed to think of any ag producer who had such an impact on Kansas agriculture.”

For Gail, his impact is measured not just in cattle or acres, but in joy, faith and love.

“My life with Bob was never boring, ever … that laugh, that smile, his joy of life and everything he did, he did deeply and with passion,” she says. “God has given us more gifts and blessings than there are stars in the sky. All this would never have been possible without God, without our three sons… It’s a miracle.”

Through his work, his family and his faith, Foote created a legacy that continues to shape the cattle industry and the lives of those who knew him.

Producer-to-Producer: The Lessons We've Learned During CattleCon

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:26:52 GMT

It’s day two of CattleCon 2026. It’s been an exciting day of educational sessions, time on the trade show floor learning about new products, live AgriTalk broadcasts and taping of U.S. Farm Report.

To help us provide a producer’s perspective, we’ve invited five CattleCon attendees to be our boots on the ground and help us capture highlights from their experiences in Nashville, including:

A first-time CattleCon attendee, Jenna Fitzsimmons, from Cunningham, Kan.
Rachel Gray of Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minn., who specializes in developing heifers, is attending her fifth convention.
Ken Odde , South Dakota commercial cow-calf producer from Pollock, who has attended more than 30 NCBA Conventions and Trade Shows.
Commercial cow-calf producer Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass Ranch, Imperial, Neb., will be attending his third CattleCon this year and is bringing his entire family to experience the event.
Kim Rounds, Five Rivers manager of talent acquisition and social media, is looking forward to her seventh CattleCon.

Tuesday morning two of our producers — Pribbeno and Gray — joined Chip Flory on “AgriTalk” for the Farmer Forum.

Congratulations to Pribbeno and his family on being named the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) national winner on Tuesday evening.

Here’s what the producers have to say about their CattleCon experience thus far:

What have you attended since you arrived in Nashville?

Fitzsimmons: I attended the NCBA policy meetings on Monday and Tuesday, specifically “Live Cattle Marketing” and “Cattle Health & Well-Being”. I also attended the opening general session and the trade show. I highly enjoyed being part of the policy discussion. The specialist speakers within the policy meetings offered great insight. The grassroots discussions throughout this week are so important to the future of the industry. The opening general session with Dale Earnhardt Jr. was very inspiring. I appreciated how he advised those who are at a beginning stage to enjoy it, because you won’t have that time again, and it has its own uniqueness. I loved seeing exhibitors in the trade show of businesses of all kinds and sizes. I cannot wait to learn more about what they all have to offer.

Gray: I attended the opening general session featuring Earnhardt. I’ve also been going to some cattle chats and the learning lounge sessions.

Odde: Probably the session I spent the most time at Tuesday was international trade, and it was a very good session. I learned a number of things. I also thought the BQA producer forum was really good. The BQA program has now gotten much stronger legs than what it actually had earlier in my career. I could really see that at the session, especially taking on the transportation issues, you know, taking this issue far beyond how we use animal health products.

Pribbeno: We went to the Dale Earnhardt Jr. session and turnout was great. I’ve been busy with ESAP discussions following last night’s award ceremony. I am speaking on a panel later this afternoon, and I’m going to the AI (artificial intelligence) Cattleman’s College session. I do think it’s going to be kind of a game changer. So, I’m looking forward to going to that and seeing how to more fully use AI.

Rounds: I spent most of the morning today preparing for my Cattlemen’s College presentation “Work that Works,” where I discussed finding jobs and keeping employees. So, I haven’t actually had a chance to attend too many informational meetings. The majority of my time here has been catching up with my connections I only see here and really seeing what the advocacy side of the industry looks like right now.

Big takeaways so far?

Fitzsimmons: The specialist speakers within the policy meetings offered great insight. I was very impressed with how they were beyond excited for producers to be involved with their processes. These specialists want to make sure what they are doing is working correctly for the producers they serve.

Veterinarian Dr. Sierra Guynn, from Clemson University, presented on the Asian Longhorn Tick (ALHT) in the “Cattle Health & Well-Being” policy meeting. Something I found very interesting was that, unlike most all ticks, the AHLT is resilient in the way that they will go back to feed on a host even if they were knocked off already. Guynn offered several ways of practical tick prevention and control that producers should already be doing through cattle and environment. Within our beef operation, we already are completing those steps through the cattle side. After Guynn’s presentation, I am inspired and challenged to add the environmental prevention and control to our operation plan. I am looking forward to attending her Cattlemen’s College session on New World screwworm on Thursday.

Gray: My key takeaway from Earnhardt’s comments was when he was talking about taking risks and using innovation. It’s okay to be a little bit of a risk taker. The educational sessions on trace minerals were good. It makes me wonder if we are paying enough attention to that in our rations. I will go home and check that.

Odde: No. 1 is the situation we’re in with regard to trade, and particularly the loss of the China market. I think we all kind of know that happened but didn’t really maybe understand the magnitude of that effect. That’s really a big deal for our industry. Our industry will be working hard over the next several years to see if we can recapture that China market.

No. 2 is the importance of the change in dietary guidelines . I’m old enough to remember the war on fat in the ‘80s. And what we started learning, especially in the ‘90s, is that it’s really not fat. It’s really sugar. Sugar is the big, bad, evil item associated with diet. I think this change in the pyramid is a really big deal. It’s not just a big deal for Americans — it’s a big deal globally.

Pribbeno: Earnhardt did a really good job talking about his career and when he knew to hang it up and focus on family. I really appreciated that as a high-performing athlete, and he just at a certain age decided to completely shift his focus, and now he’s really into the people development — his team and the cars that he runs. He’s not about getting the victories anymore. He’s about getting people into their prime positions and outside of his company and developing people. He did a really nice job.

Rounds: I’m always curious to see what the messages are being shared by the advocates of our industry, and that’s kind of where I’ve been focused so far today.

Turning Empty Feedlot Pens Into Opportunity: Five Rivers Offers Heifer Development Program

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:48:08 GMT

At a low in the cattle cycle, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding is betting on heifer development. By opening select yards to replacement heifers, the company aims to fill pens while helping producers develop more females.

The January Cattle on Feed report released last week included the quarterly inventory of steers and heifers in feedlots. Heifers as a percentage of feedlot inventories increased to 38.7%, the highest level in the last year.

Derrell Peel, Extension livestock marketing specialist from Oklahoma State University, says heifers continue to make up an above average share of total cattle on feed and suggest limited heifer retention thus far. USDA will release the cattle report on Jan. 30 and provide data on cattle inventories, including the inventory of replacement heifers.

“Low culling rates have allowed producers to sell more heifers in the last three years, but additional heifer retention is needed going forward just to maintain the productivity of the current low cow inventory,” Peel says.

As producers consider consider cow herd expansion, key expenses to consider are the cost of buying versus the price of developing their own replacements . Lingering drought continues to limit forage availability in key regions while high interest rates and the substantial capital required to develop or purchase bred females further suppresses expansion. Many producers also remain wary of a repeat of the post-2014 market correction, adding a layer of caution. Other key concerns for producers considering heifer retention and development are facilities and labor.

To help producers with the facilities, feed and management details and to fill open pen space, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding is offering a heifer development program. Kim Rounds, Five Rivers manager talent acquisition, says the program grew out of both market conditions and industry stewardship — a way to help rebuild the cow herd.

“We are at an all-time cattle cycle low, and so we have the pen space right now,” Rounds explains. “We’re like a hotel. We operate best when full. The more cattle we have in pens, the better, and there aren’t cattle to be bought right now.”

“We obviously want the cow herd to grow, so incentivizing, encouraging, finding ways for people to retain more heifers is going to be better for our industry in the long term,” she adds.

Five Rivers has 13 locations in six states. They are offering the heifer development program at three locations: Gilcrest Feeders, LaSalle, Colo.; Grant County Feeders, Ulysses, Kan.; and Coronado Feeders, Dalhart, Texas.

What Services Are Provided?

Rounds says Five Rivers development program will include:

Customized nutrition plans developed by nutritionist to hit optimal body condition score for breeding.
Professional cattle handling by staff who are BQA trained and certified.
Health and growth monitoring, including valuable data to help set up heifers for a lifetime of productivity.

The program can be as simple or as full-service as the customer wants.

She explains optional services include:

Medicine and chute fees at cost
DNA collection
Facility use for synchronization, artificial insemination and ultrasound
EID placement
Buy back option for heifers that don’t meet replacement standards
Options for cows and feeder steers

At this time, Five Rivers will not offer artificial insemination services, they will provide the facilities where producers can synchronize and breed.

Pen sizes are flexible.

“We have smaller pens — 50 to 100 head,” Rounds says. “Or we can obviously take up to thousands, depending on how you want to have them sorted out and what groups you want them in.”

Other Program Benefits

Rounds says another objective of the program is building long-term relationships.

“If you’ve ever had an interest in retaining ownership of feeder steers, I think this is a really safe way to get a taste of what that looks like,” she explains.

If there are heifers in the development program that don’t meet the producer’s performance or breed, Five Rivers will buy them.

“If you decide I don’t want to keep them, I didn’t like their performance, we will buy them back and put them on feed as feeders,” Rounds says.

She acknowledges the emotional and financial leap producers make when they hand cattle over to someone else to manage.

“That’s your livelihood that you have in somebody else’s hands, but our teams are amazing, and they’re super specialized,” she notes, explaining Five Rivers has dedicated staff for pen riding, feed delivery, facility maintenance and to support animal health and nutrition.

What Are Some Key Questions About the Program?

Rounds says there has been two key questions from producers interested in the service.

“I think the biggest concern is that we’re going to get them over fat and mess up breeding,” she says.

She counters these concerns emphasizing their specialized nutrition expertise and cost competitiveness.

“We have two phenomenal nutritionists, and they understand the requirements for a feeder steer getting fat and a heifer going back to breeding are going to be very different, so they’re going to custom build a ration for the heifers,” she explains. “The next is cost, and we’re pretty competitive on yardage. And if you are going to have to feed cows over the winter anyway, it’s going to be really good.”

To learn more about the program, call 970-408-0174 or visit fiveriverscattle.com .

Your Next Read — Developing Heifers: Expectations for the Next Generation

Apply Now: Legacy Landscapes Program Opens New Round of Funding and Technical Support

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:06:55 GMT

An update to last year’s Legacy Landscapes Program is set to put even more value into ranchers’ pockets, according to program partners at Nestle Purina PetCare, AgriWebb, National Grazing Lands Coalition and Regrow.

Currently working with cow-calf producers in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas, the program is seeking to correlate land stewardship and profitability through financial and technical assistance. Ranchers enrolled in the program receive more than $70,000 in valued assistance, ranging from financial assistance for new practice adoption, ranch managment software and technical advice.

During a recent AgriWebb webinar, producer Eric Yates, owner and operator of Yates Family Farms, spoke about the impact Legacy Landscapes has had on his operation in the year since his enrollment, specifically the program’s ability to de-risk conservation change and innovation.

“It’s no risk at all,” he explains. “You either win, because the practice made you better, or you fail at the practice, but you have very limited financial costs invested in it, and you learn something.”

For Yates, the ability to capitalize on AgriWebb to organize his ranch record keeping was a key driver for his enrollment in the program.

“Traditionally we’ve done Excel sheets and pieces of paper, written on the back of a feed tag,” he says. “Then when we need to look at it, it’s a full week of compiling data.”

Through the program, Yates has been able to organize his ranch data, identify grazing patterns and make better operational decisions for his herd and his business.

“At its core, data is the catalyst that allows a producer and their adviser to build a road map and actually see the impact of every management decision,” says John Fargher, cofounder and chief strategy officer at AgriWebb. “By turning daily records into clear insights, ranchers can confidently work toward their specific goals while maintaining total ownership and control of their information. We believe that when a producer truly understands how their decisions are moving the needle on their operation, they can build a more resilient and profitable legacy.”

The program is currently accepting applications for producers. Find more information or sign up by visiting grazinglands.org/legacy-landscapes .

Raising Cattle, Raising Leaders: How Adalaide Kline is Shaping the Future of the Beef Industry

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:25:03 GMT

“We’re not doing it just to do it; we’re doing it for a purpose,” says Adalaide Kline, the beef program director at Colby Community College in northwest Kansas.

Kline is building a quality herd of cattle while teaching students practical production skills and turning the program into a platform for advocacy and community partnership.

“The main purpose of the program is educating students to be equipped to go into any operation with the skills and confidence that would make them an asset,” Kline says.

In her fourth year at the helm of CCC’s beef program, Kline is in it for the long haul. When she took over, there was a seemingly random assortment of commercial cows. Since she took the position in 2022 she has redirected the program from strictly commercial cow-calf to now including registered Angus seedstock.

“There’s no reason we can’t have a really elite genetic herd,” Kline says.

Kline’s breeding philosophy is based on selecting balanced cattle that function in the terrain of the high plains. In the dry landscape of Thomas County, low maintenance cows who do their job are a must.

“I want to produce females that can wean a calf every year on lower inputs and still have genetically elite calves,” Kline says.

In order to reach these aspirations, Kline utilizes a detailed data driven approach. Kline uses an Excel sheet with all of the expected progeny differences of all the females and potential artificial insemination sires, mating each female individually in order to achieve the optimal genetic makeup for each calf. The program traces cattle from conception to consumption. She also receives carcass data on CCC cattle harvested at the National Beef packing plant in Dodge City.

“Having data on your animals is really important — it allows you to make better management decisions,” Kline says.

Students learn firsthand how to interpret that data and how it relates to real-world profitability and genetic improvement. Kline also teaches her students hands-on skills such as breeding cattle via artificial insemination (AI), pregnancy ultrasounding, branding, vaccination, health monitoring, feeding cattle and cattle handling. Kline, an instructor at CCC, takes immense pride also in her students.

“I think it’s my job to find what students like, what their potential is — even the potential they may not be aware of —and push them toward it,” Kline says.

Between lectures, and caring for the cattle, Kline spends a lot of time with her students and builds lasting relationships. Those relationships do not end at graduation. She loves to hear from alumni — whether it is just to check in or to share conception rates on cattle they AI-bred and pregnancy checked themselves.

(CCC Beef Productions and Shea Baird Photography)

The annual bull test sale plays a major role in the program, students gain real experience in planning and organizing all aspects of a production sale. Consignors, many of whom are alumni, benefit from the data driven program. Producers receive information on their bulls’ performance and feed efficiency as well as the ability to market their cattle to a new customer base.

Kline does not come from a traditional agricultural background. While her family owned a seedstock operation, she grew up in town. Instead of 4-H and FFA, she was devoted to sports. Which is part of what developed her passion for agricultural advocacy. Playing Division I soccer at Oklahoma State University and South Dakota State University presented her with a unique opportunity to share the truth about beef with teammates who had previously never encountered agriculture.

“I really want to pass that on to my students; for them to be aware that they need to be advocates for our industry,” Kline says.

Kline makes advocacy an expectation for all of her students —not an option. Partnering with Foote Cattle Company, the beef production students host the Beef Advocacy Dinner, an event where student athletes learn about the importance of beef rich diets, as well as a general overview of the beef production system. Here, beef program students can practice answering tough questions and become confident and approachable voices for the beef industry.

Another advocacy initiative is the Herd It Here podcast hosted by sophomore student, Kaleigh Mason. The podcast highlights different hands-on activities in the program, such as branding, weaning, and BVD testing.

For Kline, the cattle matter. Improving the genetics matters. The conversations about beef matter. However, what matters most is the students and using the responsibility and technical training to prepare them for a future in agriculture.

“The most amazing thing about my job is seeing students transform from quiet, uncertain freshmen into confident, passionate people who know what they’re doing,” Kline says.

CattleFax Predicts Profitability Despite Increased Uncertainty

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:15:24 GMT

The beef industry has experienced a year of “hybrid vigor” as cattle prices soared due to tight supplies and increasing consumer demand, summarizes CattleFax’s Kevin Good.

“The market has gotten a lot higher than any of us would have suggested as we started the year,” he says. “Now the market is anticipating some of those things that propelled the market to higher highs to come off. In other words, tariffs being reduced as well as the Mexican border reopening.”

Forecasting strong prices into 2026, the next market phase will be shaped by herd rebuilding and shifting global trade, Good adds. The volatility and political noise will continue, but the fundamentals will still matter.

(CattleFax)

Here are five key takeaways from Good’s presentation at the recent Kansas Livestock Association Convention:

1. The markets are experiencing significant volatility, largely influenced by noise in the media, tariffs and the Mexican border closure.

Good says regional market dynamics spotlight Kansas and the Midwest as more advantaged relative to Texas, for example, which faces tighter supplies and higher costs until the Mexican border reopens.

Market volatility is strongly influenced by psychology and external policy issues.

“Psychology can take the markets higher than they should otherwise, and they can take them lower than they should otherwise,” he explains.

2. The dairy industry’s role in the beef supply is growing.

“We are getting more beef out of the dairy industry than we ever have in the past,” Good says.

This is the largest dairy herd in about 25 years.
A bigger percentage of the dairy producers’ income is derived from beef — salvage cow value or day-old beef-on-dairy calves.
In 2025, 18% of the cattle harvested will be dairy or beef-on-dairy cross.
Slower culling: Dairy producers have transitioned from culling cows after their third lactation to their fourth lactation.
The export portion of dairy revenue has tripled in the last 25 years.

(CattleFax)

3. Strong consumer demand continues, but high prices pose risks.

Beef demand and evolving consumer preferences are shaping industry profitability. Consumer demand for high-quality protein remains strong, but there is concern about potential pushback if prices stay high. Good predicts retail prices may soften somewhat next year, but market fundamentals are still solid.

“If we just continue to focus on what’s paid us over the last 25 years as beef demand has improved — quality and consistency — it is as simple as that,” he says.

(CattleFax)

4. Future expansion remains tentative, hinging on weather and profitability.

“We liquidated for about six years, probably one to two years longer than the economics suggested because of drought,” Good says.

The outlook projects continued tight supply for the first half of next year and possibly lower prices in the second half, with gradual expansion expected to follow depending on weather and economic conditions.

5. The overall market outlook is healthy but shifting.

Good says packing capacity continues to favor cattle feeders for now, but labor challenges and changing market cycles could impact this leverage in the coming years.

“Big picture … we’re suggesting we’ve seen our cycle high. The trends changed. Fundamentals are still solid. Beef demand is great,” Good says.

“Generally speaking, I would say [there’s a] positive outlook looking at prices,” he says. “If we make the assumption the border reopens in the first half of next year, and at the same time tariffs are more normalized … average prices for next year will be a little bit lower. [2026] will be a tale of two halves — the first half will resemble the second half of this year and then you’ve got more risk as you go through the second half of next year.”

Good is optimistic for continued profitability for the cow-calf producer in 2026.

“Just think about the dollars in the system,” Good summarizes. “Our prices have gone up at least 2% on an annual basis, faster than inflation, for 25 years. Those are real dollars — real dollars that are now landing in your pocket no matter what segment of the business you’re in.”

Your next read: What Does Talk of $10 Ground Beef Mean to Producers?

A Kansas Comeback: Farm Income Set to Nearly Double in 2025

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:48:46 GMT

When it comes to the farm economy, 2025 has been a year of contrasts. Some farmers are finally seeing brighter days, while others are fighting just to stay afloat.

Kansas State University’s Joe Parcell says the latest farm financial data tells a story of both opportunity and risk — and of two very different realities across American agriculture.

A Center Focused on Risk — and Reality

Inside the business school at K-State, Parcell leads what he calls a “pretty unique” operation. As director of the K-State Risk Management Center, Parcell’s work spans across the College of Business, College of Agriculture, and College of Engineering.

“I have the pleasure of leading a center here that’s pretty unique out there in the country,” he says. “It’s the Risk Management Center, and here we believe it’s interdisciplinary, that as you get into your career and making decisions, it’s not just about your discipline — it’s about learning from others, because we don’t work in disciplines. We work interdisciplinary when we’re trying to solve problems with firms. So, we’re a joint [operation] between really the College of Business, the Ag College, and the Engineering College here at K-State.”

That interdisciplinary approach is helping shed new light on farm-level financial pressures. Recently, Parcell’s team joined forces with the University of Missouri to study leading indicators of farm financial stress. What they found, he says, reveals a growing divide within agriculture.

Row Crops Versus Livestock: A Tale of Two Economies

“The one glaring [issue] out there is the difference between row crop farming and livestock farming right now,” Parcell explains. “The other is what’s going on in the equipment sector — and not just at the farm. I mean, this really extends into our communities and our rural areas. And, you know, probably the third one is the banks. It’s not just the farms, but it’s the banks that are lending them money and what kind of situation that they’re in, especially our local community banks.”

The disparity between the sectors has widened dramatically, as noted in a recently released report called “Leading Indicators of Farm Financial Stress: Fall 2025.” Cattle producers are seeing strong profits and renewed optimism, while many young row-crop farmers are dealing with tight margins and higher costs that have become the new normal.

Parcell notes part of the challenge is policy-related.

“Frankly, we need the government to reopen,” he says, referring to the ongoing federal shutdown. “We got some good news last week with our FSA offices reopening on limited staff, but we’ve got a lot of money out there to push out to the farmers from even last year yet — and this year. Plus, we need the Risk Management Agency to be open and help those producers out with what’s going on in crop insurance and stuff.”

Cattle Drive Kansas’ Rebound

Despite the challenges, Kansas agriculture is showing signs of recovery — thanks largely to cattle. Parcell says farm income in Kansas is set to double from last year. That’s one of the revelations that showed up in a report released last last week called the “Fall 2025 Farm Income Outlook for Kansas.” The report was released jointly between the University of Missouri and K-State.

“We’re going to have farm income about doubling from last year to this year,” he says. “And that’s a combination of three things really driven by an increase in revenues more than a drop in expenses. That revenue is being driven — of the $6.2 billion we’re going to add to the farm revenue side — 58% of that is with the cattle side or livestock side. We’ve got 34% of the government payments and only 8% in row crop.”

Kansas crop receipts are projected to rise by $559.18 million (8%) in 2025, with increases expected across all four major commodities despite lower prices. This is because yields are estimated to recover from recent lows as the state recovers from persistent drought.

(Kansas State University )

The report shows Kansas crop receipts are projected to rise by $559.18 million (8%) in 2025, with increases expected across all four major commodities despite lower prices. This is because yields are estimated to recover from recent lows as the state recovers from persistent drought.

According to the new report:

Corn planted area is projected 550,000 acres (9%) higher at 6.85 million acres in 2025. This, combined with higher yields than in 2024, results in a 17% projected increase in production that would offset a 9% drop in price and generate a $316.34 million (11%) increase in cash receipts. Crop receipts will increase by 8%, and 2025 Kansas net farm income will increase by 88% in 2025.
Soybean cash receipts are projected to jump $182.98 million (13%) in 2025, driven largely by recovering yields after three years of drought. Total production is expected to increase 2% to 157.95 million bushels, despite a decline of 430,000 planted acres (-9%).
Wheat planted acres dipped by 300,000 (-4%) in 2025; however, an increase in yield is projected to contribute to a $25.49 million (2%) increase in cash receipts.

A breakdown of the share of projected crop receipts in Kansas.

(Kansas State University and University of Missouri )

Recovery from drought is also helping fuel the cattle sector. According to the report,

Cash receipts for cattle and calves, which account for 90% of Kansas’s livestock receipts, are projected to increase by $3.54 billion (24%) to $18.33 billion in 2025.
Marketings for cattle and calves are projected to increase by 4%, and fed steer prices are projected to increase by 21%.

Cash receipts for cattle and calves, which account for 90% of Kansas’s livestock receipts, are projected to increase by $3.54 billion (24%) to $18.33 billion in 2025. Marketings for cattle and calves are projected to increase by 4% and fed steer prices are projected to increase by 21%.

(Kansas State University and University of Missouri)

After years of drought and depressed prices, cow-calf producers are finally getting a chance to reinvest.

“These cattle producers, especially the cow-calf producers, I mean they’ve suffered through a lot of years,” Parcell says. “They’ve had drought years, they’ve had low prices, and this has just given them a chance to kind of replenish their supplies so they’re getting ready for the next cycle — because we know everything will come to an end and we’ll end up the other way as part of this cattle cycle. High prices sell high prices, and we’re going to be at low prices in the near future.”

Equipment and Banking Pressures Build

While higher cattle prices offer temporary relief, Parcell warns that other parts of the rural economy are under real stress. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ latest flash report shows new 4-wheel-drive tractor and combine sales are down almost 40% this year — a sign of cautious spending and shrinking margins.

“I think our biggest concern in this is with the equipment dealers themselves,” Parcell says. “We saw a lot of consolidation last year. These equipment dealers hire a lot of folks in the rural areas. They’re an important source for our farmers when it comes time to fix equipment and get parts and stuff. It’s just their survivability — and they’re carrying some pretty expensive equipment on that yard right now with some higher interest rates than we had a few years ago.”

Still, despite the softening in sentiment among farmers, Parcell says bankers aren’t panicking — at least not yet.

“That’s the most interesting one,” he says. “Because you really see things in a declining mode, but it’s not in a fully worrisome mode. So, in what we talk about, or what we use as kind of our benchmark, we go back to 2016, ’17, ’18, where we had similar things. We had depressed commodity prices, we had some trade wars going on in there, and sentiment is not strong. But it’s not as weak as what it was back during that period.”

Looking Ahead: Volatility Rules

When asked what worries him most, Parcell doesn’t hesitate. It’s not what’s happening today — it’s what could happen next.

“I think the biggest concern is what’s to come,” he says. “There’s so much volatility out there in the market right now. We have trade wars. We have what’s going to be said next out of the administration. We have a government shutdown right now. We continue to have, again, strong land prices. There’s just so much uncertainty — some things that maybe we don’t typically associate with a downturn in the farm economy. Or counter to what we might expect to see right now in there. So, I think that’s the biggest challenge in all this — we all feel like things should be worse. At least the indicators should be worse than what they are.”

As the new year unfolds, Parcell says Kansas farmers and ranchers will continue navigating this uncertain terrain — balancing optimism with caution, and watching closely for what’s next in this unpredictable farm economy.

The Asian Longhorn Tick Moves West to Kansas

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:34:59 GMT

The Asian longhorn tick (ALHT) has now been identified in Kansas . The tick was submitted to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for identification after being found on a dog in Franklin County last week. This represents the western most occurrence of the tick; it was last found in Iowa in June, 2025.

ALHT was first identified in the U.S. in 2017 in New Jersey. Since then it has gradually spread westward and has been documented in 21 states according to USDA .

These ticks are a threat to both human and animal health. ALTH are known to carry Theileria, a protozoan parasite that infects red and white blood cells. Theileria can lead to anemia and even death. Typically, cattle affected by Theileriosis will show signs of lethargy and difficulty breathing.

Because the female tick can reproduce without a male and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time, a single tick can lead to a major infestation on a single animal leading to reduced growth and production, and, in the most severe cases, death from blood loss.

Cattle producers should be on high alert for external parasites on their animals. While their activity might decrease in the winter months, the ALTH can survive for up to six months off an animal and is tolerant of the cold.

For more information on the ALHT, check out:

Beef Producers Be Aware: Dangerous Asian Longhorned Tick Continues Migrating West

Theileria and the Asian Longhorned Tick: What Beef Producers Need to Know

Veterinarian Becomes Disease Detective: Nichols Connects Animal Disease and Human Health

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:24:04 GMT

Growing up on a New Mexico ranch, veterinarian and public health leader Megin Nichols says she learned early the health of animals, humans and the environment are deeply connected.

Initially planning to practice small animal medicine, she says her plans began to pivot when she met a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) epidemic intelligence service officer who sparked her interest in public health. That realization led her to pursue a master’s degree in public health at the University of Minnesota, with a focus on food safety and biosecurity. Her career has included roles in local, state and federal health departments, investigating foodborne illness outbreaks and developing strategies to prevent them.

“Life has a way of taking you in places you never anticipated,” she shared during the 2025 Henry C. Gardiner Global Food Systems Lecture Oct. 6 at Kansas State University.

Today, as the CDC’s director in the division of foodborne, waterborne and environmental diseases, she lends her expertise to efforts involving disease investigation, food safety, antimicrobial resistance and agriculture literacy.

Megin Nichols has more than 15 years of zoonotic disease experience and has served at the federal and state levels. She has served as the lead of the Enteric Zoonoses Team investigating multistate outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli. Prior to joining CDC, Nichols worked as the Principal Investigator of the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance Program at the New Mexico Department of Health for five years.

(Angie Stump Denton)

One Health: Connecting Animal Disease and Human Health

Nichols’ work focuses on the One Health concept.

“One Health is recognizing the health and well-being of humans, of animals and our environment are all interconnected,” she explains. “One Health is something that many of us do every single day and are very, very aware of, especially if you have ties to agriculture and the land. But One Health as a concept oftentimes is difficult to fully understand.”

Nichols says One Health is:

Ongoing relationships with animal agencies.
Understand the culture of agriculture.
Having access to integrated human and animal surveillance.
Protocols for conducting joint response investigations.
Agreements for sharing biological samples and lab results.
Established lines of communication with agriculture and animal industry.
Plans for unified communication messaging.
Need to build linkages and trust before and outbreak.

“What happens in one area can significantly impact others — whether it’s a wildfire, a disease outbreak or environmental changes,” Nichols summarizes.

Pandemic and Disease Response Insights

Nichols was a leader in investigating and finding unique solutions for the livestock industry and specifically meat packing industry related to COVID-19.

“In April 2020, I got a call from my supervisor saying there are some meat, poultry packing plants that are going down because of labor shortages and illness,” she explains.

She selected and lead a team to figure out how to get the plants opened back up safely and to find unique solution to deal with the related animal welfare issues.

Summarizing the experiences, Nichols reports the estimated economic cost of COVID-19 is $14 trillion. Along with supply chain disruptions the industry experienced changes in consumer behavior, labor shortage and complex operations challenges. On a positive note, she says the industry did experience a lot of innovation and uptake of technology due to the pandemic, which resulted in innovative approaches to workplace safety and communication.

“We saw innovative strategies where if one person got sick, they looked around that worker and said, ‘OK, who do we need to monitor quickly for symptoms?’” she says.

Nichols also discussed the increase in salmonella outbreaks during the pandemic. She links the rise to the increase in backyard poultry ownership and the improper handling of backyard chickens.

“Many new chicken owners were unaware of disease transmission risks,” she explains.

Nichols also shared insights to H5N1 influenza and emphasized the complexity of tracking and preventing. She highlights the need for integrated, cross-species surveillance and communication strategies.

She also touched on emerging threats, including New World screwworm (NWS) . Her message emphasized the importance of prevention, control and preparedness.

She shares these five key strategies related to NWS:

Surveillance. Early dection through wound inspections and reporting in livestock.
Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Ongoing release of serile male flies to prevent reproduction.
Biosecurity. Movement control of imported animals and monitoring at entry points.
Public Awareness. Education for doctors, ranchers, veterinarians and travelers.
Rapid Response Planning. Multi-agency coordination to contain outbreaks swiftly and deploy sterile flies.

Agricultural Literacy, Communication is Key

“Growing up in the middle of nowhere, I also came to understand that not everyone appreciates — or even understands — where their food comes from,” Nichols says.

She shared a 1993 study that revealed significant gaps in public knowledge about agriculture. She summarizes understanding food systems involves knowing:

Where food comes from.
How it’s produced.
Its impact on economy, environment and technology.

Throughout her lecture she shared the importance of transforming complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible insights that resonate with students, farmers, ranchers and public health professionals alike.

“It doesn’t matter how much information we have if we don’t get it out to the people,” Nichols says.

She stresses the importance of agricultural communication specialists in translating scientific information and engaging audiences.

“Don’t leave the communications to the scientists,” she says.

Nichols emphasizes that agricultural literacy and effective communication are crucial for bridging knowledge gaps and building public understanding of food systems.

She shares this advice for agricultural advocates:

Bring agricultural perspective to discussions by speaking up and sharing lived experiences.
Challenge misconceptions with personal stories by focusing on storytelling rather than technical details.
Understand your audience and use relatable language and provide context.

Nichols stresses the importance of preparedness and collaboration. She explains the importance of local-level discussions and community preparedness, suggesting that some of the most effective emergency preparedness conversations happen “at the coffee house” or during casual community gatherings.

Designing the Perfect Cattle Facility: A Producer’s Blueprint

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:53:03 GMT

For Kansas beef producer Trey Ruetti, quality and value comes first.

“Quality is our first box that needs to be checked with everything we do,” Ruetti says. “As expensive as junk is these days, a little extra for good quality is a no-brainer. If it’s worth doing at all, it’s worth doing right — whether that’s equipment, fencing or the cattle themselves. The second has to be value.”

Ruetti’s approach to farming is collaborative and forward-thinking. He consults widely, learns from others’ experiences and is willing to invest in quality infrastructure and genetics. His operation reflects a modern approach to cattle farming that balances traditional knowledge with innovative techniques.

Ruetti and his wife, Lexie, have a 200-head commercial cow herd that is currently in the process of transitioning to a registered Wagyu herd. The couple’s goal is to build a direct-to-consumer e-commerce beef sales platform — Firegrass Wagyu — with their partner, Michael Tilley.

“We raise them from birth to finish, aside from the few operators we are currently working with through our calf buy-back program,” he explains.

Ruetti’s family has farmed since the 1910s and solely crops since the mid 1980s. Although his family prefers crops to cows, the couple bought their first seven heifer pairs in 2014 and have built their herd since that initial purchase.

“The symbiotic nature of cattle production and grain farming is paramount,” he says. “One does not exist in its current form without the other. We bale our waterways, we graze our stalks and stubble fields. In the last few years, we have been implementing cover crops on more and more acres, and grazing them subsequently. From the biological side, these prairie soils evolved with a large ruminant animal grazing, and I believe we are witnessing these soils wake back up and take the next step in production due to their return.”

(Angie Stump Denton)

Investing in New Facilities

Last fall the couple made the decision to build a 500-head feedyard with working facilities at their headquarters location.

“Today’s cattle market has made it easier to justify investment on this side of the aisle,” Ruetti says. “With that said, starting from scratch, our choices were pretty limited. Our options were either to reinvest or sell out. Lexie and I are too stubborn for Option B.”

As the couple is transitioning from a commercial to registered herd, they have been implanting purchased Wagyu embryos in all their cows. Prior to their new facility they had been using a portable corral to do all their set-up and embryo work.

“It’s been an awful lot of faith in single-strand hot wire, and has not been without fault,” he recalls. “We wanted a space that would reduce the stress of gathering on the animals, as well as ourselves. This, coupled with the need to increase space to finish our calves, made this decision simple.”

After visiting several operations, consulting with other beef producers and visiting with different companies, the couple chose to put in a 20-foot adjustable alley, as well as gates and continuous fence from Linn Post and Pipe for their feedyard project.

“The reasoning was pretty simple,” he says. “They came highly recommended from people I trusted. The quality was easy to see, and Ryan Wieters made the entire process incredibly simple.”

The facility features a bud box handling system.

“I’d been around some bud boxes, and I’ve been around some tubs, and I thought the flow of the bud box made sense,” he explains.

He incorporated a slight modification, adding a tub-style gate for that occasional stubborn animal.

To go with the bud box system, he purchased a used Moly Silencer cattle chute. He says he’s been impressed with its longevity, reliability, durability and its quiet operation.

He notes, “It’s a used chute, 20 years old, and everything still works.”

(Angie-Stump Denton)

Feed Bunks and Waterers

The water infrastructure received significant attention. Ruetti invested in Johnson Concrete Waterers. He chose the water tanks because of their sturdiness and its heating elements.

Local contractor Kyle Blackwood of Blackwood Fencing did the lion’s share of the project’s construction including the custom-formed bunks.

“He is a premier builder in our area which is easy to see in all of his work,” Ruetti says. “His common-sense approach coupled with his creativity made this project come to life.”

The facility represents more than just a current solution it is a steppingstone to future expansion with the family’s cow herd, feedlot and beef business. For Ruetti, the cattle are more than a business venture; they are a testament to his deep commitment of raising his family involved in agriculture and specifically the beef industry.

Your Next Read: Efficiency Meets Innovation: Investing in Cutting-Edge Cattle Equipment and Technology