Pasture-Forage

The Forage Insurance Policy: Why Diversity is Your Best Defense Against Drought

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:14:26 GMT

Periods of dry conditions often bring renewed interest in alternative forages, annual crops and cover crop mixes to maintain feed supplies and reduce reliance on perennial pasture alone. While no single strategy eliminates drought risk, diversifying the forage base can function as a practical “insurance policy” by spreading risk across species, planting windows and rooting depths.

Rather than relying on a single forage system, producers can improve resilience by incorporating a combination of perennial forages, annual crops and strategically selected cover crops that respond differently to moisture stress and temperature variability.

Thinking in Systems, Not Seasons

A diversified forage program works best when it is planned as a system rather than implemented in reaction to current conditions.

Perennial pastures provide a base level of production in most years, while annual forages can be used to bridge forage gaps during drought, after failed crops or when seasonal pasture growth slows.

Integrating these components allows producers to:

Extend the grazing season in the spring and fall.
Distribute your operation’s forage production across multiple planting dates.
Capture moisture and nutrients when perennial growth is limited.
Maintain flexibility in stocking rate adjustments during dry years.

Herbicide Carryover and Field History

Before establishing any annual forages or cover crops, herbicide application history must be reviewed carefully. Residual herbicides from previous cash crops may limit establishment or create grazing and harvest restrictions for forage use. This includes products applied during the previous growing season and, in some cases, earlier applications depending on the chemical and soil conditions.

Always consult current herbicide labels for rotational, grazing and harvest restrictions prior to planting alternative forages or cover crop mixes. If crops are not listed, it may be appropriate to perform a bioassay prior to planting to ensure the safety of your crop.

Matching Forages to Risk and Moisture Conditions

One of the most effective ways to manage drought risk is to match forage species to expected moisture availability and planting timing.

Using both cool- and warm-season annuals across an operation can reduce the likelihood of complete forage failure during a single dry period.

Cool-Season Annuals
Cool-season annuals typically provide early or late-season forage and may include species such as:
1. Oats, barley, triticale, cereal rye and winter wheat.
2. Peas, forage radishes, turnips and hairy vetch.
These species often perform best when planted early or late in the growing season, allowing them to take advantage of cooler temperatures and available soil moisture.
Warm-Season Annuals
Warm-season annuals generally provide mid-summer forage when cool-season pasture growth slows. Examples include:
1. Sorghum-sudangrass and forage sorghum.
2. Pearl millet, foxtail (including German and Japanese types) and proso millet.
3. Teff.
Once established, warm-season species are typically more water-use efficient and better adapted to hot conditions.

Strategic Use of Perennials

Perennial forages remain the foundation of most grazing systems. Although their productivity can decline substantially during drought, management strategies such as rotational grazing, deferred grazing and stockpiling can help extend pasture use during dry conditions.

Including deep-rooted perennial species, such as alfalfa on suitable sites, alongside grass-dominant pastures can also improve drought resilience. Differences in rooting depth and growth patterns allow these species to access moisture from different soil layers and respond differently to stress.

Soil Water Use and Recovery Periods

Diversified forage systems should account for how different forage species use soil moisture and how quickly they recover following grazing or drought stress. Rapid-growing annual forages can provide timely feed but may draw down surface soil moisture quickly. Perennials typically use water more gradually but often recover more slowly once moisture becomes limiting.

Combining annuals and perennials can help balance these effects by distributing water use across species with varying root systems and growth habits. Incorporating adequate recovery periods into grazing plans is especially critical during dry years to maintain stand persistence.

Establishment Timing and Flexibility

Planting flexibility is a key advantage of annual forages. Warm-season species can be planted after frost risk has passed, while cool-season species fit well into early-spring or late-summer planting windows.

In drought-prone conditions, delaying planting until a meaningful rainfall event may improve establishment success compared to planting in dry soils. Although this approach can reduce early-season forage availability, it often results in more uniform emergence and improved stand longevity.

Nutrient Management Considerations

Nitrogen management should be adjusted according to forage species, yield potential and available moisture. Under drought conditions, excessive nitrogen application can increase the risk of nitrate accumulation in certain forage crops, particularly grass species such as oats, sorghum and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids.

Soil testing, previous crop nitrogen credits and realistic yield expectations should guide fertilization decisions. In some situations, reduced nitrogen rates or no additional nitrogen may be appropriate when moisture is expected to limit growth potential.

Grazing Management and Risk Distribution

Diversification involves not only what is planted, but how forages are managed and utilized. Practices such as rotational grazing, stockpiling and flexible stocking rates allow producers to shift grazing pressure among forage resources as conditions change. Having multiple forage options available reduces dependence on any single pasture or crop and allows for more measured forage use during dry periods of environmental stress.

Drought is an inevitable part of forage production systems, but total reliance on any single forage type increases vulnerability to weather extremes. A diversified forage base — built from a combination of perennial pastures, annual forages and strategically selected cover crops — can improve flexibility, extend grazing opportunities and reduce production risk across variable growing seasons.

— Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension forage specialist

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Making the Most of Every Bale: How to Improve Hay Quality This Season

Mon, 11 May 2026 13:26:38 GMT

With hay season on the horizon, putting up quality product is crucial to ensure livestock are getting the most nutritious forages in their diets. In a recent episode of K-State Agriculture Today , Kansas State University Extension agronomists Tina Sullivan and Logan Simon discuss growth, harvest and maintenance to provide the highest-quality forage for your livestock.

Factors Affecting Quality

When thinking hay quality, a variety of factors can make or break the final product. Sullivan explains controllable factors include cutting time, cutting height, and fertility application and management. As most producers understand, what is uncontrollable are weather conditions like heat, cool periods and unexpected freezes, to name a few.

She says, “Some of these factors go into once the hay is cut — we can’t control if hay gets wet, but when it does, we lose hay quality.”

Reproductive Stages and What They Mean

At this point in the season in early May, fertility products should already be applied to hay patches. Sullivan explains that applying fertilizers at this point is not cost-effective, nor will producers see the return on investment in the amount of forage produced, no matter what type it is.

At this stage and given the weather Kansas has experienced, with recent warmth and rain pockets in parts of the state, forage is most likely greening and maturing faster than in previous years.

With this advanced maturity, it is crucial to be mindful of a quicker reproduction progression. “Once we are into heading stages, forage quality does significantly decline,” said Simon. This is because the plant is slowly transitioning all its resources from growing leaves and stems to the head and seeds.

With a more advanced schedule, as predicted this season, closer plant monitoring is required. Both agronomists explained that there is potential to cut the plants at a shorter height than expected to maintain the quality of forage.

This point applies to all grasses and legumes. Alfalfa, for example, is a legume that produces flowers, and when stages move faster to a bigger bloom, the quality has already been reduced.

From Swathing to Baling

When swathing time comes, Sullivan reminds producers that “plants are moving sugars at different times in the day,” so emphasis on harvest times is suggested. In highly humid environments especially, cutting time is best mid to late morning, only after the dew has dried. This helps with quicker drying products and contains nutrients at peak time.

Considering optimal raking conditions is the next priority. Hot, dry and windy days increase hay drying rates; the drier a product becomes, the greater the risk of breaking off leaf material.

“We are losing forage quality and increasing indigestible fiber,” Sullivan explains. Ensuring the swathing, raking and baling timeline is appropriate for the conditions is vital to the quality of hay produced.

Simon adds that the proteins in forage, especially legumes, come from the leaves. If those are broken off, you’re left with forage that has a high concentrate of indigestible nutrients or lignin.

He says, “It’s all about the concentration and ratios of these key nutritional factors,” when considering the hay season timeline.

Hay Storage

“The way we store our hay bales is going to affect the overall longevity of those proteins, fibers, structures and overall quality over time,” Sullivan explains.

Whether your hay is wrapped in plastic film or netting, stored indoors or outdoors, the environmental factors like water and temperature affect the longevity of a quality hay product.

Simon explains that 15% to 18% moisture is ideal before baling to ensure best storage, avoiding mold and heating concerns. Wet hay will spark microbial growth that, worst-case scenario, causes spontaneous combustion. For regions where wetter hay is a concern, wet wrapping is another storage alternative, acting as a fermenting rather than heating environment.

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The High Cost of Haste: Why Early Pasture Turnout Could Cost You $6 a Pound

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:13:36 GMT

It’s May. The cows are restless at the sight of green grass just on the other side of the fence. Your lawn is a bright green, and pastures are becoming green. Before you decide that the pasture looks good enough to turn cattle out on, think again. This year, that decision carries more weight than ever.

Iowa State forage specialist Shelby Gruss recently joined “ Beef Collective ” host Patrick Wall on the podcast to talk through what producers should be thinking about as they prepare for spring turnout. At the top of the list: don’t turn out too early, and don’t underestimate what that decision costs you in the long run.

“The No. 1 thing it takes to grow grass is grass,” Wall notes.

Why Early Turnout Backfires

In the spring, grass looks more mature than it really is. Visually, that vibrant green signals that the grass is ready to be grazed on. Turning cattle out too early puts underdeveloped plants under pressure they cannot handle yet.

“We also think that way because spring is when our grass grows the best, typically,” Gruss says. “Typically, we think, ‘Oh, we’ll get ahead of it by doing this.’ But we’re actually just starting off on a bad foot in general.”

That above-ground growth sets up pastures for success. Turning out too early, combined with continuous grazing of the same plants, does not give grass a chance to fully develop.

“If we turn out too early, especially this year, with producers saving more heifers and trying to expand, we’re going to put ourselves behind the eight ball before we ever hit peak growing season,” Wall says.

What “Ready” Actually Looks Like

Gruss recommends a minimum 10-inch height benchmark for grass in continuous grazing systems. That height gives the plant enough leaf area to continue photosynthesizing even while cattle are actively grazing. In operations that use rotational grazing, cattle can be turned out on shorter grass but must be moved more quickly to avoid eating the grass down in one pasture.

“The plant uses photosynthesis; you have to have above-ground growth to support the whole plant,” Gruss explains.

Sunlight captured in the blades of the grass is transformed into nutrients and energy to support healthy grass. When cattle graze a plant too low, they strip away the leaf area the plant needs to capture sunlight. Without that above-ground growth working to support it, the plant essentially has to start over. That recovery draws from the root reserves, weakening the plant over time and reducing overall pasture production.

“If we’re constantly hitting it, we are not giving that plant an opportunity to grow and keep producing,” Gruss says.

Hay as a Management Tool

In this season, carryover hay is widely available and affordable. Feeding hay to keep cattle off grass can be used as a bridge strategy.

“A cow is smart enough — and dumb enough — that if you put dry hay and green grass in front of her, she’s going to nub down whatever’s growing before she touches the bale,” Gruss adds.

Before turning cattle out on grass, ensure they are full and not ready to eat everything in front of them. This will slow down their excitement to graze on grass while supporting the grass growth, recommends Gruss.

For producers tempted to split the difference, Gruss suggests a stair-step approach. Turn cattle out for a limited time, bring them back in and shut them off the pasture, then feed hay until the grass is ready to handle the pressure of the herd grazing.

The Financial Stakes

“Every pound that calf gains on the side of that cow this year has been historically worth about $5 to $6 right now per pound. You can’t make any hay that’s ever worth $5 to $6
a pound,” Wall says.

Producers who mismanage spring turnout risk shortening their grazing season, reducing the number of grazing days available in the most valuable time in the cattle market in a generation. Using a stair-step approach supports the grass for grazing throughout the whole season.

Have a Plan

No season goes perfectly. Between weather and the market, many factors are out of our control. Choosing when to turn out cattle to graze this spring, however, is within our control. Producers who have thought ahead of the season and prepared a backup plan will have the most gain while protecting their pasture.

“Grazing is the cheapest option that we can have,” Gruss summarizes. “If we manage them like we manage our corn or soybeans, we’re going to get the most productivity that we can.”

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Re-imagining the Ranch: How Virtual Fencing is Turning "Moonscapes" into Profitable Pastures

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:53:26 GMT

U.S. beef producers are using virtual fencing to create pastures this summer where none existed last year. They also are using the tool to create business opportunities for themselves.

Canda Mueller is a third-generation cow-calf producer in western Oklahoma. Growing up in the business, Mueller has the experience and the space to raise cattle. Whether she could do so profitably was another question. Years of weather extremes have taken a toll on the land and the quality of forage available. Some areas on her 640 acres looked more like a moonscape than a pasture, Mueller explains.

“We’ve seen so many things happen in the extreme weather of western Oklahoma,” she says. “Using virtual fencing, we’re reimagining how we fence cattle and how we move them from place to place. We’re able to correct or improve how we did things in the past when we didn’t have the tools or the knowledge we have now.”

Five years ago, Mueller started being more intentional about where she placed bales on the quarter of the property she lives on. She placed bales on areas with poor soil quality to draw cattle to the sites despite the lack of forage. As the cattle eat the bales, bits of uneaten hay become mulch for the soil, and their manure provides nutrients. Even their saliva feeds the soil microbiome to improve it for future forage growth.

“Anything they leave behind is good cover and protection for the soil,” Mueller says. “I’m creating a plan so I don’t have to apply fertilizer. The cows put as much back into the ground as I’m taking out.”

Mueller could see improvement in the areas she was bale grazing, so she kept at it. Two years ago, she started intentionally rotational grazing across her property to rest the pasture she had been working on.

“I realized virtual fencing made more sense than moving hot wires or investing in traditional barbed fencing,” Mueller says. “Hot wire, in particular, wasn’t working because the ground was too dry for the cattle to pay attention to it.”

Instead of fencing, Mueller draws paddock boundaries using an app on her phone or a platform on her laptop. Her cows wear GPS-enabled collars that deliver audio cues to encourage them to return to the herd if they approach the boundaries. If a cow continues to the boundary, the collar delivers a mild electrical pulse to reinforce the audio cue. After a seven- to 10-day controlled training period, the majority of cattle respond to the audio cues and never need the pulse.

Virtual fencing also made another forage improvement tactic possible: multispecies grazing. Mueller has been impressed with the results. Grazing goats alongside her cattle has made it faster and easier to improve forage quality. The goats eat small elm trees and other problematic brush that cows won’t eat, and they help in the ongoing battle against cedar trees, which consume a lot of water, Mueller says. The goats’ smaller hooves create divots that help pull water into the dry ground in the case of rain.

“They have made a big difference on the ground and improving the soil to improve grazing for the cattle,” Mueller says.

Melanie Jacobs, owner of Heritage Hooves, raises Pinewoods cattle on 200 acres north of Birmingham, Ala., and markets beef to consumers. She uses Nofence virtual fencing to grow her grazing program without adding physical fences and to rotate cattle through paddocks or bring them to a corral for handling.

(Nofence)

New Business With an “Old” Breed

Across the country, Melanie Jacobs is also reimagining what raising beef cattle can look like. Jacobs and her husband, Johnny, raise Pineywoods cattle on 200 acres about 60 miles north of Birmingham, Ala., and market beef directly to consumers. They did not plan to get into the beef business when they bought the property.

“We always said we would not have cattle,” Jacobs says. “Dad’s cows were always getting out, and there were so many challenges. I had no interest in doing that kind of work.”

However, the Jacobses agreed to take two Pineywoods cows and a donkey when they took over the property. Despite themselves, they fell in love with the livestock.

Virtual fencing helped turn that love into a business. Pineywoods cattle are hardy and low maintenance, which is a good fit for the rocky, hilly property. They are a heritage breed tied to the history of the Southern U.S., and Jacobs has joined a network of Pineywoods breeders who share what they learn with each other.

Jacobs was preparing to graze cattle rotationally in a large pasture and wanted to graze them for a short time in a wooded area to help manage brush. A neighbor’s harvested cornfield kept catching her attention, and she wanted to find a way to include it in her grazing plan.

“The physical fences around the field were in poor condition, and it felt like wasted opportunity,” Jacobs says. “Using virtual fencing, we added that cornfield into our rotation without having to build a new fence. We improved how we graze without adding inputs.”

Flexibility Empowers Success

Mueller and Jacobs appreciate how the virtual fencing system sends alerts to changes in cattle behavior. They can see when a cow separates herself from the herd and stops grazing, indicating she might be starting to calve. Jacobs also uses the virtual fencing system to bring cattle to the corral when needed.

“We just cinch their virtual pasture down and bring them in close so we can get them into the corral,” she says.

Mueller can’t say enough about the value of being able to move cattle without having to dedicate time or needing to be physically present.

“I’m a consultant and travel a lot for my other job. It is so helpful to get alerts when I need to check on a cow,” Mueller summarizes. “I can move the (virtual) fence while I’m traveling. I was in Mexico last week for work, changing the boundaries and texting my significant other to check on a cow. It’s such an incredible change in how I can work, and it gives me peace of mind that my cattle are OK.”

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Spot check: Small Actions Can Unlock Pasture Profitability

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:08:44 GMT

If you feel like you didn’t have enough time to prepare pastures this spring, you’re not alone. Many producers feel that once the grass starts growing, they don’t get to stop for a breath until June.

The good news is, producers still have time to make positive changes this year. Forage management is a year-round practice, and producers can do plenty of things now in early summer to improve forage performance and, in turn, cattle performance.

Forage Quality and Quantity

What looks like a beautiful, lush early summer pasture might really be too lush to provide quality nutrition. New growth forage lacks fiber. It’s high in protein, which is great for putting weight on calves, but the lack of fiber reduces the animal’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Greg Brann, a livestock producer and grazing consultant from Adolphus, Ky., encourages producers to leave a few paddocks with six inches or more of grass over winter.

(Nofence)

“In a perfect world, you would have a few paddocks that you didn’t graze hard in the fall where you left 6 inches or more of grass over winter,” says Greg Brann, a livestock producer and grazing consultant from Adolphus, Ky. “In that case, you’d have some older grass with higher fiber that can slow down the rate of passage of the fresh, new grass through the animal and allow them to absorb more nutrients.”

If last fall you weren’t able to plan to create a mix of mature and fresh grass, now is the time to make plans to do so for next year. It’s also a good time to observe the overall quantity and quality of forage in your pastures.

Observe cattle grazing patterns to monitor forage quantity. Selective grazing indicates enough forage is available that cattle can pick and choose their favorites. If cattle continue to graze during the heat of the day rather than in the morning or evening, it’s an indication that they are not getting enough forage to meet their needs.

Watch their manure to observe the forage quality, which is defined by the mix of protein and fiber. Runny manure is not desirable, nor is manure that stacks, Brann says. Manure the consistency of pumpkin pie filling indicates adequate fiber for cattle nutrition.

Looking Ahead to June

It’s early yet, but as the season progresses, Brann typically gets a lot of questions about mowing. Mowing is a useful practice to manage weeds and improve pasture quality, but it costs money, especially when fuel prices are high.

An alternative to mowing is high-density grazing by holding 40,000 lb. or more of livestock in one paddock. This tactic knocks down grass to shade out weeds, similarly to how mowing would. And it has the added benefit of fertilizing the soil with manure.

“A common practice is to control vegetation when weeds make up 20% or more of the forage mix in a pasture,” Brann says. “When I mow, I prefer to do so after grazing and not mow more than 20% of the total pasture acreage at one time.”

Brann can make quick adjustments to stocking density to meet the nutritional needs of the cattle and the growing speed of the forage because he uses virtual fencing, a tool that allows producers to manage where cattle graze without the use of physical fences.

Brann creates paddock boundaries using an app on his phone or a platform on his computer. His livestock wear GPS-enabled collars that deliver audio cues to encourage them to return to the herd if they approach the boundaries.

If an animal continues to the boundary, the collar delivers a mild electrical pulse to reinforce the audio cue. After a seven- to 10-day controlled training period, the majority of cattle respond to the audio cues and never need the pulse.

Beyond Containment

Virtual fencing does more than contain cattle. It gives producers time back in their day because they don’t have to move or repair physical fences. It also gives them data they can use to refine their pasture management plans.

For example, reviewing cattle grazing patterns in the virtual fence app or platform can help identify areas of a pasture that are being over- or under-grazed so producers can determine the cause and how to address it.

Virtual fencing gives producers something that’s hard to come by in a busy season: the option to use their time differently. Producers can choose to stop and take a breath, refine their grazing strategies or work on another aspect of their business.

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Is the Grass Ready? Rethinking Pasture Turnout Beyond the Calendar

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:07:21 GMT

As soon as pastures green up, beef producers start thinking about turnout. They don’t want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed.

Pasture turnout is an important time in a cow herd management calendar. It is critical to make sure both the forage and cattle are ready before opening the pasture gate.

Extension specialists explain it is important not to turn out just because the calendar date says it is time. Turning out too soon can result in reducing the forage production potential for the entire grazing season.

What Should Producers Consider Before Turnout?

Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska beef systems educator, says there are three things to consider ensuring a successful and safe pasture turnout:

1. Forage readiness
“The first and most crucial step is assessing grass conditions,” Berger says. “Producers should ensure there are at least three leaves present.”

This is important during drought conditions, when grass availability may be limited. Berger says turning out cattle too early can exacerbate feed shortages and potentially damage pasture vegetation.

Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says forage height is important. He explains cool-season grasses should be at least 6” tall.

“Leaf material is critical for photosynthesis and plant recovery after grazing,” he says. “The early-season forages are typically high in water, potassium and soluble nitrogen content but low in energy. We used to refer to this as ‘washy grass.’”

The challenge here is that cattle cannot eat enough dry matter to meet their energy requirement. This is especially true for replacement heifers coming off a gaining diet to reach approximately 60% of their mature weight by the beginning of the breeding season. When turned out to lush early-season pasture, they can crash on energy and go into negative energy balance.

“This results in a reduction in the number of heifers cycling and early embryo death,” Lemenager says. “If the breeding season coincides with this energy crash, fewer heifers will become pregnant until they adapt.”

Kansas State University Extension veterinarian A.J. Tarpoff says it is important to scout pastures before opening the gate: “Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary.”

2. Water source evaluation
Water availability and quality are paramount. Berger reminds producers to carefully inspect water sources, especially during drought years.

Stock ponds, dams and dugouts may not be recharged as usual, potentially leading to poor water quality. Water with high solid content can be unsuitable for livestock consumption, making thorough assessment critical.

3. Noxious plant identification
Berger says scouting the pasture for potentially harmful plants is essential. Drought conditions can make cattle more likely to consume plants they would normally avoid. Identifying and addressing these potential hazards can prevent livestock health issues.

Get Ahead of Weeds

As winter gives way to spring and pastures begin to green up, it is critical to have a plan in place to control weeds before they become a problem. Abe Smith, Corteva Agriscience range and pasture specialist, encourages producers to get ahead of weeds this spring to set their operation up for success.

“We see long-term impacts throughout a season that if you don’t get to weeds early, we see residual effects of that later into the season,” Smith says. “This has impacts in terms of seed production or getting additional weed seeds produced if they don’t remove those weeds early in the season.”

Smith says the true benefit of managing weeds in range and pasture is really maximizing the amount of forage that producers have available, and the economic benefits play out pretty simply if producers look at pastures as pounds of grass.

“Pounds of grass correlate to pounds of beef at the end of the day,” he says. “I have generally used the math that if we remove a pound of weeds through control measures from the pasture, we can put a pound or more of grass back into the pasture.”

Lemenager says soil condition is another factor to consider.

“If it is cool and soils are water-logged, the root system is compromised,” he explains. “Additionally, hoof action on wet soils will result in pugging (deep depressions). The challenge here is that weed seeds that have accumulated and laid dormant over the years but [are] buried below the germination zone. When soils are pugged, these weed seeds are now closer to the surface and germinate.”

(Lexy Tenpenny)

Be Sure the Cow Herd Is Ready

Along with the forage, it is important to make sure the cows are ready for turnout. Tarpoff shares four tips producers should consider before sending cattle to pasture:

Perform spring herd health program
Tarpoff reminds producers of the importance of doing bull breeding soundness exams before putting the bull to work. He also encourages producers to do pre-breeding vaccinations, consider synchronization options and plan for common pasture ailments such as foot rot and pinkeye .

Make a plan for internal and external parasites
Now is the time to decide how you are going to tackle flies, ticks and internal nematodes. Berger reminds producers there are several options available to help control flies and to consider the option that works best for your management plan.

Establish summer mineral program
Tarpoff encourages producers to prepare mineral feeders and calculate needs and delivery intervals.

Check cattle identification
Be sure cattle are identified before turnout. This can include brands if required in your area or tags. Along with identification, Tarpoff shares these strategies for protecting cattle from theft: Lock gates, and don’t leave cattle penned up overnight in an easily accessible location. He also encourages producers to communicate with neighbors who share a fence line when turning out about what types of cattle are going and how the cattle are identified.

Minimize Grass Tetany Risk, and Look Out For Bloat

Lemenager encourages producers to watch for two potential health issues that can occur at grass turnout: grass tetany and bloat .

Early season lush pasture grasses are high in water content, potassium and soluble nitrogen but low in magnesium and energy content. It should be noted that pastures containing legumes provide a grazing diet that is somewhat higher in magnesium.

“ Grass tetany can be a problem, especially in older lactating cows that are less efficient in mobilizing magnesium from body stores,” Lemenager explains. “Feeding a high-magnesium mineral for several weeks prior to turnout is a standard recommendation to minimize the incidence of grass tetany.”

He reminds producers that magnesium, usually in the form of magnesium oxide, is not palatable. Therefore, it is important that mineral intake be monitored.

Lemenager says legumes are beneficial to diet quality, providing nitrogen for companion grasses and increased forage production, but lush legumes can cause bloat . As legumes advance in maturity, the risk for bloat does decrease.

(Farm Journal)

Good Fences Matter

Tarpoff says it is important to walk fence lines and scout pastures.

“Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary,” he says.

Berger adds it is important to look for fence damage, especially from winter weather and to ensure fenced-out areas remain inaccessible. He also says it is beneficial to consider potential fence-line interactions with neighboring herds.

Tarpoff encourages producers to have an open line of communications with neighbors. It’s a good idea to share, when turning out, what types of cattle are going out (yearlings, pairs, bulls) and how the cattle are identified — tags or brands.

“This open communication helps identify strays earlier,” he adds.

Through following these strategies with accurate planning and preparation, pasture turnout can be stress-free for both the producer and the cow herd.

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Spring Success: How Strategic Pasture Planning Boosts Annual Productivity

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:31:03 GMT

Springtime on-ranch can be a make-or-break time for the entire growing season, especially when pastures come out of dormancy and animals emerge from their low winter energy levels. This is especially true for regenerative ranches.

Putting your herd out on dormant pastures or pastures with depleted resources can negatively impact both herd health — leading to decreased body condition and overall health — and pasture health. Both of these eventualities can cause stress that lingers throughout the entire growing season.

We tapped the expertise of Travis Jones, regenerative ranching adviser for Noble Research Institute , for the top tactics his team recommends to start your high-impact grazing season off in a way that helps you finish with strong productivity, animal health and profitability.

Master the Art of Spring Monitoring

For Jones, this is the time for graziers to open their eyes.

“Spring is usually the time when grazing land producers start to monitor perennial forage growth and forage vitality coming out of dormancy,” he says.

That means it is the perfect time to evaluate past management decisions and determine what has benefited a ranch’s overall goals and objectives and what has caused challenges.

A good monitoring plan is a safe place to start, Jones says. Each spring, he encourages ranchers to get out in pastures to get eyes on the following:

Grazing enclosures
Watering systems
Photo points
Soil health systems
Grazing patterns and rotational grazing systems

In the spring, graziers should spend time diligently monitoring and tracking their grazing infrastructure and forage. Accurate data can help ranchers make better operational decisions in the following year.

(Noble Research Institute)

But monitoring shouldn’t be limited to infrastructure; observing and tracking forage is also critical.

Jones recommends keeping diligent data around the following forage observations:

Plant health and vigor
Winter precipitation
Plant species
Plant growth phase

“These are all factors that help producers stay adaptive in their management,” he says. “Current data is a must for making good grazing decisions.”

From Data Points to Pasture Profits

If the data collected during spring monitoring doesn’t give you hope for the growing season, Jones says that forage additions can be a way to course-correct for the future.

“Overall, ranch productivity can increase with a bump in forage production and quality,” he says. “Often, producers can sustain livestock production with forage additions rather than feeding hay.”

While every ranch’s unique ecosystem drives which forage additions are needed, Jones says that vibrant native systems should have multiple species of plants representing all forage groups, including:

Woody
Legume
Warm-season annual grasses
Cool-season perennial grasses

Depending on a ranch’s goals and context, interseeding a primary warm-season perennial pasture with a legume or cool-season grass can not only boost forage quality for an introduced system but also extend grazing from fall into early spring, giving a marketable advantage over others.

“For animal health, having high-quality forage after the winter months when animal energy consumption may be higher can help increase body condition and overall health,” Jones says. “Often, this early spring growth is good for building condition in bred livestock expected to give birth during the spring months.

“The more options you have regarding forage quality and availability, the more you can take advantage of opportunities in market and seasonal weather dynamics,” he adds.

High plant biodiversity contributes to overall soil health, which can enhance the resilience of pastures, giving them the power to withstand drought conditions.

Step-by-Step Tactics for Forage Enhancement

For forage additions to work in the spring, Jones says that fall planning is critical. Following these steps can help you choose the correct spring forage addition for your ecosystem, environment and ranch goals.

Test the soil — Using a traditional soil test can ensure that you have the correct soil chemistry to make your forage additions work. “Seed germination can be highly dependent on soil pH; if your pH isn’t right, you might not get the forage intended,” Jones says.
Choose a trusted seed mix — Knowing the makeup of your soil can help you choose a seed mix that works for your soil type and management style.
Start small — Investing in forage additions on your most at-risk pastures is a good way to start a forage enhancement program in a way that is cost-effective and will have maximum impact on your overall grazing plan. Additionally, at-risk pastures can often benefit from investments in soil health that forage enhancements provide.

Whatever spring changes you make to your pastures must be part of your holistic management strategy, Jones says.

“New ideas and plans should be documented and discussed for how they will impact overall ranch goals and mission,” he explains. “The beauty in capturing this data is that it establishes a baseline for future decisions.

“In our education courses, we advise ranchers to prioritize capturing data that will help make future management decisions,” he adds.

Noble Research Institute provides education resources and courses that can help regenerative ranchers capture productivity, profitability and stewardship on ranches throughout the U.S.

Your Next Read: 4 Ways to Boost Profitability Through Soil Health

Stored Joules vs. Output Joules: What Really Powers an Electric Fence?

Mon, 04 May 2026 15:37:41 GMT

It is usually the headline spec, and bigger numbers can make a unit seem more powerful at first glance. But that number does not always tell the full story.

Stored joules represent potential energy, or the amount of energy the energizer can hold internally. Output joules represent delivered energy, or the amount of energy that actually leaves the energizer and travels through the fence under real working conditions.

That difference matters, because your fence does not operate inside the energizer. It operates across acres of land in changing, less-than-perfect conditions.

The confusion often starts with how energizers are marketed. Stored joules are easy to highlight and easy to compare on paper. But energy held inside the unit is not what controls livestock. What matters is the energy that makes it to the wire.

Why Output Joules Matter

Output joules measure the usable power your fence is truly delivering.

This is the energy that travels the length of the fence, pushes through vegetation load and helps maintain performance as soil conditions and weather change. It is what delivers the pulse animals feel when they encounter the fence.

That consistency is what builds and maintains respect for the electric fence itself. Without it, even an energizer with impressive numbers on a spec sheet can fall short in the pasture.

Why Real-World Conditions Change Everything

Electric fencing rarely operates under ideal conditions. Fence lines cover distance. Vegetation creates load. Soil moisture affects grounding. Weather changes resistance. Add in splices, connections and overall fence pressure, and the system is challenged every step of the way.

So, while stored joules may look strong on paper, the real question is whether that energy can perform under adverse conditions and still carry power all the way down the line.

What Happens When Power Does Not Deliver

When output drops, fence performance drops with it.

A fence that tests strong near the energizer but weak at the far end creates inconsistency, and livestock learn that quickly. When pulses feel uneven or weak, animals are more likely to test the fence. Over time, that can lead to more breakouts, more time spent checking fence and more labor pulled away from other important work.

At that point, it is no longer just a fencing problem. It has become an operational problem, because a fence only works if animals respect it everywhere.

(Datamars)

What to Look for When Comparing Energizers

When evaluating energizers, it is important to look beyond stored joules alone and consider how the unit performs under load.

The real measure of performance is how well it maintains power across distance, how it handles vegetation pressure and how reliably it performs when conditions are less than ideal.

Those are the factors that determine whether a fence holds strong day after day.

The Bottom Line

Stored joules tell you what an energizer can hold.
Output joules tell you what your fence receives.

And when it comes to controlling livestock, the number that matters most is the one that makes it all the way down the fence line, because the only power that matters is the power at the wire.

10 Toxic Pasture Weeds: How To Identify and Manage

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:11:28 GMT

Not all toxic plants are equally dangerous, and many factors, such as stage of growth, part of the plant consumed and quantity, play a role in whether animals are affected.

With the ongoing weather variability the past few years, pasture conditions have been highly inconsistent. Some are thriving, while others are struggling due to overgrazing, flooding or drought.

“When pastures thin out, they leave space for opportunistic weeds to move in,” Shelby Gruss, Iowa State University Extension forage specialist, says. “While all weeds can compete for light, nutrients and moisture, some pose a greater threat due to toxicity risks for livestock.”

Below is a list of some of the most common toxic pasture weeds in Iowa and the Midwest, with tips on identification:

Poison Hemlock

(Kevin Bradley)

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Toxic Part: Entire plant, especially leaves and stems
Risk: Highly toxic to all livestock (and humans); small amounts can be fatal
ID Tips: Finely divided, fern-like leaves; purple-spotted stems; umbrella-shaped white flower clusters
Notes: Often found in ditches and low-lying areas; do not mow when flowering — can release toxins and spread seeds
Common look-a-like: Queen’s Anne Lace/wild carrot

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L)

(John Cardina, The Ohio State University, IPM Images)

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
Toxic Part: Sap causes skin irritation when exposed to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis)
Risk: Mainly a risk to humans (and pets) through skin contact; generally avoided by livestock, but ingestion can cause photosensitivity and severe sunburn
ID Tips: Yellow umbrella-shaped flowers; hairy and grooved stems; leaves look like celery or parsley
Notes: Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling; mowing before seed set helps control
Common look-a-like: Queen’s Anne Lace/wild carrot

Common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

(L.L. Berry, IPM Images)

St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum)
Toxic Part: Entire plant
Risk: Contains hypericin, which causes photosensitivity (sunburn-like skin damage) in light-skinned livestock such as sheep, cattle, goats and horses; severe cases can lead to skin sloughing, blindness or death
ID Tips: Upright perennial with small flowers; the flowers have five bright yellow petals that often have black dots on the petal margins; leaves are opposite, oval and have translucent spots when held up to light; woody base; grows 1' to 3' tall in clumps
Notes: Becomes more problematic in overgrazed or low-fertility areas. Most toxic when flowering. Often avoided unless forage is limited

Common Milkweed

(Kevin Bradley)

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Toxic Part: Leaves and stems
Risk: Contains cardiac glycosides; toxic in large amounts, especially to cattle and sheep
ID Tips: Thick oblong, opposite arranged leaves; milky sap; large round pink flower clusters; stems covered with dense pubescence
Notes: Generally unpalatable unless forage is scarce; monitor pasture for adequate forage growth

Johnsongrass

(Kevin Bradley)

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) / Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
Toxic Part: Wilted leaves (Black Cherry); young regrowth and frost-damaged tissue (Johnsongrass)
Risk: Both produce cyanide (prussic acid), which can be fatal within minutes
ID Tips (Cherry): Tree with shiny leaves, dark bark, and white flowers
ID Tips (Johnsongrass): Tall grass with prominent midrib, purple panicle seeds, spreads rhizomes
Notes: Do not allow livestock access to wilted branches or frosted regrowth; delay grazing after frost or drought
Common look-a-like (Johnsongrass): Sorghum species

White Snakeroot (Ageratina Altissima)

(Ansel Oommen, IPM Images)

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)
Toxic Part: Entire plant
Risk: Causes “milk sickness” in humans through milk from affected cattle; toxic to cattle, goats, horses
ID Tips: Opposite triangular leaves with serrated edges (sharply toothed) with three main veins; white flowers in flat-topped clusters
Notes: Common in wooded pastures or shaded edges; control early; avoid grazing densely infested areas
Common Look-a-like species: bonesets, other snakeroots

Horsenettle (Solanum Carolinense)

(Kevin Bradley)

Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense)
Toxic Part: Berries and leaves
Risk: Contains solanine; can affect the nervous system and digestive tract
ID Tips: Spiny stems and leaves; small, star-shaped purple flowers; yellow berries when ripe
Notes: Toxic when consumed in large amounts; spot spray or dig out to reduce spread; berries are particularly toxic

Cocklebur

(Kevin Bradley)

Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)
Toxic Part: Seeds and seedlings
Risk: Toxic to pigs, sheep and cattle; seedlings are especially dangerous
ID Tips: Rough stems with darks pots; sandpaper-like, triangular leaves with serrated leaf edges; hooked burs that cling to fur and clothing
Notes: Can cause liver damage; avoid overgrazing, as seedlings are more likely to be eaten when forage is limited

Pigweed (Genus Amaranthus L)

(Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, IPM Images)

Nitrate Accumulators
Some plants can accumulate toxic levels of nitrates, especially after drought or heavy fertilization:
Common culprits: Pigweed, lambs quarters, Johnsongrass, and thistles
Risk: Nitrate poisoning reduces oxygen transport in blood — can be fatal
Management Tip: Have suspect forages tested before grazing or feeding; elevated risks following fertilization, and following drought breaking rains

Field Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense L)

(John Cardina, The Ohio State University, IPM Images)

Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
Toxic Part: Entire plant
Risk: Contains thiaminase; can cause neurological symptoms, especially in horses
ID Tips: Hollow, jointed stems; no true leaves; resembles a bottle brush
Notes: Grows in poorly drained soils and along ditches; improve drainage and limit access

“The first step to weed management is identifying the species you have in your field,” Gruss says.

If you’re unsure about a plant in your pasture, contact your local field specialist.

“When in doubt, better safe than sorry — keep animals away until you’ve confirmed safety,” she summarizes. “Typically, animals will avoid toxic species when there is something else to graze, but eliminating the toxic weed species is ideal. If using herbicides, please read and follow all herbicide directions and grazing restrictions.”

More information on common pasture weeds can be found here: Recognizing and managing common pasture weeds .

More information can be found here: 2025 Herbicide Guide: Iowa Corn and Soybean Production for herbicides labeled for grass pasture, hayfield (table 6) and alfalfa and legumes (table 7).

Stop Haying to Improve Your Bottom Line

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:58:15 GMT

Haying season is a traditional summer activity for ranchers, but in today’s economy, doing the work yourself versus buying hay might be hurting your bottom line.

“When you look at the numbers honestly, you may find you’re better off not making hay at all,” says Carson Roberts, extension specialist for forage and agronomy at the University of Missouri.

Time, equipment, interest rates and inflation shift with each generation. With feed as a top cost for cow-calf producers, knowing the true cost of hay production is imperative to running the ranch like a business.

“It’s all about getting above the business and looking down at it — and numbers are a really good way to do that,” Roberts says. “Know your numbers, not someone else’s numbers.”

There’s a lot that goes into calculating hay production costs. The first place to start is by separating enterprises.

“You need to separate your haying operation from your cattle operation — those are two different enterprises,” Roberts says. “Even if you’re feeding it yourself, put a real dollar value on that hay.”

After that, take inventory.

“Brainstorm everything — walk around your farm and take a picture of anything that has to do with producing hay,” he says.

From fertilizing to spraying to harvesting, there are many pieces of equipment and tractors to account for.

“Usually, if hay isn’t profitable, it comes down to equipment costs,” Roberts says.

This is largely due to increased equipment and repair costs.

“Today it takes about 28 calves to buy a new baler — 50 years ago it took 14,” he says. “We’re looking at equipment inflation running about 10 times faster than cattle prices.”

Using loan-free, older equipment isn’t free, either.

“If you’re running older equipment and doing your own repairs, you’re subsidizing your hay enterprise with your mechanic skills,” Roberts says.

Those mechanic skills take time and labor, which are often overlooked costs for business owners.

“Your time is most valuable doing the thing that makes you the most money,” he says. “If you’re a good cattle producer, you’ll make your most money producing cattle — not producing hay.”

The profitability of hay production is also dependent on the scale of the operation. For larger operators, the numbers might pencil out.

“At a large enough scale, owning equipment might make sense — but most producers aren’t there,” Roberts says.

To accurately calculate the cost of hay production on your operation, lean on local extension services that already have budgets or spreadsheets built for producers.

Once the numbers are calculated, what’s next?

“If you’re going to get out of haying, sell the equipment — it frees up capital and keeps you from going back,” Roberts says.

Purchasing hay also creates more freedom to feed what you want, instead of feeding what you put up regardless of quality.

“You can inspect it, sample it and know exactly what you’re feeding,” he says. “If half the hay got rained on, you can go find the producer whose hay didn’t.”

Sampling hay is well worth the cost to understand exactly what you are feeding. Outside of buying hay, increasing days spent grazing can have the biggest impact on the bottom line.

“You can make almost twice as much money per acre grazing as you can haying,” Roberts says.

Grazing isn’t limited to summer pastures. It can include stockpiled forages, corn stalks or cover crops. Cattle are more efficient at harvesting forage than haying equipment — let them do the work.

Learn more about how to transition from producing hay to purchasing hay on the “Casual Cattle Conversations” podcast .

Your Next Reads:

Halter Launches World-First Virtual Fencing Via Satellite

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:22:54 GMT

Halter, the leading digital operating system for pasture-based ranches, today announced the launch of direct-to-satellite connectivity for its smart cattle collars — a world-first that removes the need for cell towers or on-ranch infrastructure.

Using Starlink, the new technology enables ranchers to manage cattle anywhere they can see the sky. Combined with a suite of new tools for reproduction, animal behavior and precision pasture management, the release significantly expands what is possible for cattle ranch management.

Beef ranchers in remote and rugged regions that were limited by connectivity can now turn to virtual fencing to run more productive and sustainable operations — at a time when they face rising fuel costs, labor shortages and aging workforce pressures.

Halter’s internal modeling estimates direct-to-satellite capability expands coverage of the U.S. beef cattle market by 2.5x.

Until now, Halter’s solar-powered, GPS-enabled collars relied on Halter’s proprietary long-range radio towers. With direct-to-satellite, the collars can communicate via Starlink, eliminating ground infrastructure entirely.

“Connectivity has been the final barrier to bringing virtual fencing across remote and expansive ranches,” says Craig Piggott, CEO and founder of Halter. “Direct-to-satellite allows ranchers to manage hundreds of thousands of acres in the most remote terrain on the planet. Combined with our new suite of product features, these ranchers can be even more productive.”

HALTER 2026 | High Lonesome Ranch | Loma, CO

(Halter)

Case Study: Managing 225,000 Acres at High Lonesome Ranch

Lloyd Calvert, livestock and agriculture manager at High Lonesome Ranch in western Colorado, has been among the first to deploy the satellite-enabled system across the ranch’s 225,000 acres of complex terrain.

“Halter has changed the game completely,” Calvert says. “Satellite unlocks the ability to run very remote country while still seeing what the cattle are doing, without needing someone with them all the time. We call ourselves Halter junkies now because we can check to see where the cows are any time of day, no matter where I am. It gives me a great deal of assurance and that’s irreplaceable.”

Beyond the Fence: New Tools for Heat Detection and Feed Demand

Alongside the launch, Halter has rolled out its largest-ever product upgrade for beef cattle ranchers. The update includes an all-in-one heat detection tool to identify non-cycling animals before breeding, a new behavior tool providing near real-time insight into how feed allocation and pasture quality are influencing cattle performance and advanced grazing features including high-resolution pasture mapping, pasture metrics, zone and block management and a feed demand calculator.

Since Halter launched in the U.S. in 2024, it has expanded to more than 25 states. Globally, its customers have created nearly 900,000 miles of virtual fencing.

Halter direct-to-satellite will be available to beef operations in the U.S., New Zealand and coming soon to Australia and Canada. Interested ranchers can learn more at halterhq.com/beef

Your Next Reads:

5 Ways Smart Collars Improve Grazing

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:31:22 GMT

Virtual fencing is suddenly everywhere in ranching headlines — but not every operation is a fit. In a wide-ranging discussion on the “ Future of Beef Show ,” Halter President Andrew Fraser walks through the practical questions producers should ask, from herd size and terrain to water infrastructure, labor and available cost-share programs.

Fraser, originally from New Zealand, with a background in management consulting, mining and tech startups, was the featured guest on episode 20 of the Future of Beef podcast. Halter spent about five years in research and development, and is now commercially active in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. with more than 750,000 animals on the system.

“If we were being fancy, we would say that it’s an operating system for a farmer. But really at the heart of it, we are a collar for cows,” Fraser explains.

Beyond grass and fencing, Fraser sees Halter as a tool for addressing some of ranching’s most pressing human challenges: labor and succession. By automating low-value tasks like shifting poly wire and checking distant pastures, Halter lets employees focus more on animal care and land stewardship.

A Collar, an App and Virtual Fences

Halter’s system centers on a lightweight, above-neck collar and a phone app. Ranchers use the app to draw virtual fences or breaks on a map. The collars then hold or move cattle using sound and vibration cues, with a very mild pulse as a back-up.

When an animal approaches a virtual boundary, it hears a directional beep in one ear to encourage it to turn back. When it’s moving the right way, it feels a gentle vibration — something Fraser likens to a smartwatch buzz — as positive reinforcement.

Halter can also shift cattle between paddocks, replacing the need for riders, dogs or temporary electric fence to move a herd. Behind the scenes, the collars continuously track behavior such as grazing, ruminating, resting and walking, plus GPS location.

In dairy herds, Halter already uses this behavior data for heat detection and health alerts. In beef systems, it’s being used for grazing management, stock location and early warning of unusual behavior.

Training Cows with Sound, Not Shock

Fraser is quick to point out that Halter is designed around sound, not pain.

“Even our strongest pulse is 1/50 the strength of an electric fence,” he says. “So, this is not a significant shock, or anything like what cows are used to with hot wire or poly wire.”

Training a herd typically takes two to seven days. Ranchers start with an existing strip of hot wire, then gradually move it and pair the fence with sound cues, teaching cows to use sound instead of a visible wire as their boundary.

According to the podcast discussion, here are five ways a smart collar can change how producers graze cattle:

1. Turn Fixed Fences into Flexible, On‑Demand Paddocks

With virtual fencing, producers can draw the paddock on an app instead of building it with posts and wire.

“On your app, you’ll draw where you want your cows to stay, or your cattle to stay, and they will stay there,” Fraser explains.
Using the Halter system, producers can:

Tighten or loosen breaks day‑to‑day.
Change paddock shape, for example hub‑and‑spoke around water instead of rectangles.
Redraw setbacks along waterways or sensitive areas instantly as rules or conditions change.

According to Fraser, using Halter, producers can graze to the residuals they want, in the spots they want, without being locked into permanent fencelines.

2. Intensify Rotational Grazing and Boost Pasture Utilization

For all the technology involved — solar-powered collars and towers, satellite data, and machine learning — Fraser insists Halter’s value proposition starts with something simple: better grass management.

Because cattle can be kept in tighter areas and moved frequently with sound cues, rotational grazing becomes much more precise and practical. Fraser says producers “should be able to make the cost of Halter back from gains in pasture alone.”

By holding cattle in small areas and moving them often, Fraser says:

You push cattle to eat more uniformly — not just the “ice cream” spots.
You protect regrowth by not overgrazing favorite areas.
You can raise stocking rate or hold numbers steady with fatter cattle.

He gave an example of a Wyoming ranch that went from grazing approximately 800 to 1,500 head in a year, pairing Halter with better water infrastructure to fully use its grass.

3. Replace Chase-and-Pressure Moves with Calm, Low‑Stress Shifts

Instead of horses, bikes, dogs and yelling, with the Halter system cattle learn to move on their own in response to sound and vibration. Fraser explains the cues are beeps in one ear or the other to turn left or right. Apple Watch–style vibrations are positive reinforcement when they’re headed the right way.

This changes how producers graze by turning musters and shifts into scheduled, low‑stress, almost “hands‑off” events, which is better for cattle, people and time use.

4. Use Data on Behavior and Biomass to Refine Grazing Decisions

Smart collars and supporting tools give real data on what’s happening in the paddock, not just gut feel. Behind the scenes, Halter has invested heavily in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Today, Halter uses on-collar machine learning to interpret behavior, plus satellite imagery and weather data to estimate pasture biomass and residuals.

Halter helps producers track where cows are, how long they graze, ruminate, rest and move. It can help calculate how many tons of dry matter are consumed.

“We’re able to tell you what the residual is when the cow goes in, what the residual is when the cow leaves,” Fraser says.

This helps ranchers understand herd-level dry matter consumption between moves. Looking ahead, Fraser is especially interested in individual cow feed efficiency — answering a question many ranchers have wondered about for years.

Right now, he said, producers know which cows are the heaviest or give the most milk, but not how much forage each one eats to get there. Halter hopes to help identify animals that eat less but still perform well, offering new levers for genetic selection, profitability and sustainability.

Today, consumption data is built from satellite data plus time in paddock plus behavior. He says the research and development aim is to go from herd-level to cow-level intake, so producers know which cows are genuinely efficient, not just big eaters.

5. Integrate Grazing with Water, Labor, Risk and Regulations

Fraser summarizes once producers can move virtual fences easily, grazing decisions connect more tightly to other constraints:

Water access: Producers can design hub‑and‑spoke paddocks around fixed water or move small troughs and redraw breaks to match.
Labor: Less time on poly wire and fence repair frees people up for land and animal work; Fraser notes that avoiding “boring tasks” is a big benefit.
Risk and emergencies: Ranchers have used Halter to move cattle in floods or fires when it’s unsafe or impossible for people to go in, and fences might burn or wash out.
Changing rules: When riparian buffer rules tightened in New Zealand, farms with Halter simply redrew the virtual exclusion zones. “If you had fencing, that would have been a huge cost to move all of that. If you had Halter, you just drew a different break on your phone,” Fraser says.

Those factors change grazing from a mostly fence‑ and labor‑limited system to one that’s more data‑, water‑ and policy‑aware, and much quicker to adjust.

Not a Fit For Everyone

Fraser was upfront that Halter falls short or isn’t a fit yet for:

Very small “hobby” herds — fewer than 50 head — return on investment doesn’t pencil out.
Extremely large, ultra-extensive ranches — tower-based communications still limit practicality.
True cow-level feed intake/efficiency today — still herd-level, with individual metrics as an research and development goal.
Full system integrations and “AI for everything” — they’ve done relatively few integrations so far and intentionally avoid AI where it doesn’t clearly help producers.

For an industry built on barbed wire and sweat, the idea that cattle might one day move mostly to the sound of a beep and the buzz of a collar is a big shift. But for Fraser, that’s exactly the point: use technology to make ranching more controlled, more flexible and more humane — without losing sight of what matters most on the land.

Your Next Reads:

The Hidden Cost of Overgrazing: How It Drains Your Watershed, Rainfall and Bottom Line

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:01:30 GMT

Overgrazing is a primary driver of water scarcity on rangelands. When livestock repeatedly remove too much leaf area, soil infiltration rates drop, causing rainfall to become surface runoff rather than stored soil moisture. According to Texas A&M AgriLife Research, heavily grazed sites can lose up to 10% of their annual precipitation to runoff — water that could have driven forage production.

Every drop of rain is precious. On healthy rangeland, most of that rainfall enters the soil (infiltration), is stored in the profile and then drives forage production. Under prolonged overgrazing, however, plant vigor declines, roots shrink, litter disappears and soils compact, reducing infiltration, increasing runoff and erosion and shrinking the water available for grass growth. Over time, that damages both watershed function and ranch profitability.

What Overgrazing Does to Water

Less plant cover → less infiltration. Texas A&M Extension work shows that rangeland sites with robust bunchgrass or oak-understory cover retain more rainfall and lose less to runoff than sites dominated by sodgrasses or bare ground. Heavily grazed watersheds at the Sonora Station have shown runoff approaching 10% of annual precipitation, water that could have been growing grass.
More bare ground and compaction → more runoff and sediment. Vegetation and ground cover are the two attributes managers can influence most to control raindrop impact, maintain soil structure and limit concentrated flow erosion; when cover is lost, rills and sheet flow move soil, nutrients and carbon off the pasture and downstream.
Hydrologic decline scales from paddock to watershed. AgriLife Research modeling in northwest Texas found heavy continuous grazing increased bare ground and reduced infiltration, elevating surface runoff, soil erosion and carbon export to streams, while adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing reduced those losses at both ranch and watershed scales.
Stream water quality takes a hit. Edge-of-field monitoring in northeast Texas showed continuously grazed sites produced more than 24% more runoff than pastures under prescribed grazing and had significantly higher loads of nitrate/nitrite and total suspended solids, reflecting the combined effects of reduced infiltration and increased overland flow.

(West Texas Rangelands)

Why Infiltration Matters for Production

Every inch of rainfall that infiltrates instead of running off becomes soil moisture for roots, cooler soil temperatures and more days of active growth. Texas A&M’s classic “Improving Rainfall Effectiveness on Rangeland” illustrates how management that maintains cover and litter can shift water fate toward infiltration and storage, improving rain-use efficiency which translates to more grass per inch of rain.

From a forage and cattle performance standpoint, prolonged overgrazing repeatedly removes leaf area and growing points, which reduces photosynthesis, root mass and regrowth capacity resulting in the plant having fewer “tools” to capture and use the water that does infiltrate. Texas A&M AgriLife’s grazing series details how timing, intensity, and recovery periods govern these plant responses.

The Compounding Costs You Can’t See — At First

Reduced carrying capacity & higher feed costs. Lower infiltration and more runoff → less forage → lower stocking potential or higher reliance on hay and supplements. Over time, repeatedly “mining” residual cover shrinks both grass base and soil function.
More erosion & infrastructure risk. Concentrated flow cuts rills and gullies, damages roads and water gaps, and fills stock ponds with sediment; and these are costs that show up as repairs and lost storage. (NRCS hydrology guidance emphasizes cover as the first line of defense.)
Water quality liabilities. TWRI studies link poor grazing in creek pastures to higher bacteria and sediment delivery during runoff events; rotational/prescribed grazing and keeping livestock out of wet creek pastures during stormy periods reduce those loads dramatically.
Ecological drift. Overgrazed, drought-stressed sites can shift toward weedy/invasive species that livestock avoid, creating a feedback loop of selective overuse on the remaining palatable plants.

What to Do Instead: Practical Fixes that Pay

Match stocking to forage and recovery. Stocking rate is the “gatekeeper” decision; nothing else works if it’s wrong. Build flexibility to reduce numbers when growth slows, and plan for adequate post-graze recovery that changes with rainfall.
Manage timing, duration and distribution. Shorter grazing periods, longer rest and strategic water/mineral placement prevent chronic re-grazing of regrowth and spread hoof impact — core principles in the AgriLife Adaptive Multi-Paddock guidance.
Monitor cover, litter and bare ground. Simple photo points and transects documenting bare ground and litter depth are sensitive early-warning indicators of hydrologic decline; adjust grazing before the problem is expensive (AgriLife’s West Texas Rangelands site offers practical monitoring how-tos and also check out the Rangeland Analysis Platform for current production estimates).
Invest where infiltration starts: the soil surface. Where chronic traffic has sealed the surface, recovery requires rest + cover, not more grazing. NRCS and AgriLife hydrology guidance are clear: vegetation cover is the most manager-controllable driver of infiltration, compaction and erosion resistance on rangeland.

The Bottom Line

Prolonged overgrazing is more than a forage or drought problem; it’s a management problem that creates water scarcity. It trades infiltration for runoff, soil for loose dirt and carrying capacity for input costs. The fixes are well-known: destock, shorten grazing bouts, lengthen recovery and monitor cover and bare ground. Those steps rebuild infiltration, stabilize soils and turn the same rainfall into more grass and healthier soils.

Visit the West Texas Rangelands website for more information on rangeland management and current research on prescribed fire, wildfires, brush management and grazing management.

Building Resilience from the Ground Up: How Grazing Management Supports Climate Solutions

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:30:07 GMT

Across the globe, ranchers and pastoralists are navigating increased weather variability along with shifting ecosystems, among other pressures such as economic uncertainty. Strengthening resilience in these systems requires practical tools and adaptive management strategies, along with a deeper understanding of how land, livestock and people interact.

One of the most valuable tools available to producers is the written grazing management plan (GMP) — not simply as a document, but as a process that supports long-term ecological and economic sustainability.

A Global Perspective: Resilience Starts with Management

From the grasslands of Argentina to the rangelands of East Africa, producers face diverse challenges shaped by climate and policy. Yet a common thread unites them. Resilient grazing systems are built through intentional management.

Healthy rangelands play a vital role in supporting thriving ecosystems. They store carbon and support biodiversity while also improving water infiltration and reducing erosion, among other benefits. These ecosystem services ultimately depend on how land is grazed, rested and managed over time.

Globally, there is growing recognition that grazing lands are a key part of the solution.

Balancing Ecology, Economics and Legacy

In the U.S., cattle producers operate within their own unique set of challenges and opportunities.

According to Jeff Goodwin, director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management with Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension, long-term success in the cow-calf sector depends on balancing three core priorities:
● Ecological sustainability: protecting soil health, forage resources and biodiversity
● Economic viability: maintaining profitability in a fluctuating market
● Social sustainability: ensuring operations support quality of life and generational transfer

“Producers aren’t just managing cattle,” Goodwin explains. “They’re stewarding complex ecosystems while running a business.”

Today, that balancing act is becoming more difficult as producers contend with various pressures alongside the conversion of grazing lands to other uses.

Environmental Stewardship Award 2024 Region VII Winner Downey Ranch, Wamego, KS

(NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award Program/Baxter Communications Inc.)

The Value of Grazing Management Plans (GMPs)

While grazing management plans are often discussed as technical documents, their true value lies in the planning process itself.

Goodwin emphasizes that successful producers are not defined by rigid plans, but by their ability to adapt.

A written GMP helps producers:
● Define clear goals and objectives
● Inventory available resources (land, water, livestock, forage)
● Evaluate management options
● Implement strategies and monitor outcomes
● Adjust based on weather, markets and ecological feedback

“It’s not the piece of paper that matters,” Goodwin notes. “It’s going through the process and staying flexible.”

This adaptability is essential in a changing environment. Producers who actively plan, and revise those plans, are better equipped to respond to pressures as they arise, such as shifting seasons and market volatility.

Read More About Grazing Management Plans:

Grazing Management Plans: The Power of the Pen

State of Grazing Management: To Plan or Not to Plan

Grazing, Carbon and Land Resilience

As the role of grazing systems in maintaining healthy landscapes becomes clearer, they are gaining recognition not just for their use, but for the ecosystem services they support and the outcomes they can deliver when managed well.

Grazing management is now central to discussions around carbon sequestration, soil health and land resilience — and the broader supply chain is starting to take notice.

“For the first time in my career, grazing lands are getting the attention they deserve,” says Goodwin. “People are recognizing the value producers bring beyond just food production.”

A written grazing management plan helps turn that recognition into action. By linking ecological goals with day-to-day decisions, it gives producers a practical framework to apply soil health principles, adapt to changing conditions and build long-term resilience through intentional stewardship.

Resources and Support for Producers

For producers interested in developing or adapting their written grazing management plans, a variety of resources are available:
● U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef : Offers a Grazing Management Plan Development Module and template in addition to other sustainability tools
● Natural Resources Conservation Service : Provides technical assistance and conservation planning support
● National Grazing Lands Coalition : Connects producers with grazing specialists and educational programs
● Noble Research Institute : Hosts grazing and soil health workshops
● Ranching for Profit : Focuses on financial and ecological decision-making

Learning from peers is an important part of day-to-day decision-making. Some of the most practical insights come from neighbors and fellow ranchers dealing with the same conditions and challenges.

Looking Ahead

The April IYRP theme reinforces a powerful idea: resilience is not built overnight. It is developed through intentional management, continuous improvement and adaptability.

For U.S. cattle producers, written grazing management plans offer a pathway to strengthen both land and livelihood. By focusing on soil health, ecological function and strategic decision-making, producers can position their operations to withstand uncertainty while contributing to thriving ecosystems.

As more attention turns to rangelands, their importance is coming into sharper focus. A grazing management plan may be simple in structure, but it can play a powerful role in strengthening the long-term resilience of grazing systems and the people who depend on them.

— Provided by the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) in recognition of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP).

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Cut Feed Costs by Improving Pastures: Weed Control and Soil Fertility Strategies for Ranchers

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:43 GMT

Feed, it’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, expense for many ranches. So what can ranchers do to reduce feed costs and still meet nutritional requirements of animals?

“The cheapest way to feed cattle is through grazing standing forage,” says Sam Ingram, field scientist for Corteva Range and Pasture. More specifically, ranchers should prioritize the forage resources they already have access to.

Ingram explains, “If we prioritize those forages… we can produce more pounds of beef on that given acre.”

In addition to practicing rotational grazing, implementing weed control and fertilization practices are key components of prioritizing forages.

Weed Control

A few weeds may seem harmless at first, but they have a significant economic impact when the difference in pounds of forage is measured after removal.

“If we remove weeds, we see an increase in forage production,” shares Ingram. “A rule of thumb is remove a pound of weeds and you can get a pound or more of grass.”

Two weed control options are mechanical and chemical. Mechanical options include tillage, hand pulling or clipping weeds, which can be time consuming and labor intensive.

Chemical options involve the use of herbicides to control weeds. A challenge with chemical control is finding a herbicide that controls weeds without harming other beneficial forages such as grasses and legumes.

“In the past, we’ve had producers tell us they won’t spray because they don’t want to sacrifice their clovers and annual lespedeza,” Ingram shares. “Fortunately, producers who had this reservation about herbicide application don’t have to have it now.”

The herbicide NovaGraz is a broadleaf weed control option that doesn’t kill off beneficial legumes such as white clover and annual lespedeza.
Ingram exlains, “It’s a really revolutionary herbicide that we haven’t had on the market to date.”

For those prioritizing hay forages, the nonresidual feature of NovaGraz is also favorable.

“The nice part of a non-residual herbicide … is that it gives producers flexibility,” Ingram says. “They can make a broadleaf application and still have the option to rotate that acre into another crop.”

It gives both the hay producer and buyer confidence.

Soil Fertility

Ingram says creating a plan to focus on fertility starts with soil testing.

“If you don’t have that test to show you what your nutrient levels are, you’re just guessing,” Ingram says. “Pick a time of the year to test and stick with that time because seasonally our nutrient levels can change.”

Next, producers should put those results to use.

“After you get the results, what are you going to do with them,” asks Ingram. “If it makes sense to add fertility, then let’s do that.”

One caveat of adding fertility is that you are not only providing nutrients for those forages and beneficial legumes, but also weeds. Weeds and grasses are in competition for the same nutrients to thrive.

“Some producers have to choose — am I going to do fertilizer this year or weed control,” Ingram says. “Now with UltiGraz, you have one pass with both fertility and weed control.”

UltiGraz combines both weed control and fertility, and it can be done in one pass to save time and input costs.

He says, “We’re controlling the weeds we don’t want, and the fertility is right there for the forages to take off.”

These are two solutions to maximizing forage production, regardless of the methods you use, remember the bigger picture.

Ingram says, “If we can improve forages through grazing management, weed control and fertility, that’s going to benefit producers.”

Listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast. Learn more about weed control at RangeAndPasture.com/CattleConversation s.

$42 Million Investment: NFWF and McDonald’s USA Launch First Grassland Conservation Grants

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:40:21 GMT

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced an initial award of $32.8 million in grants under the new Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative , supported by funding from McDonald’s USA, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and several key McDonald’s USA beef and beverage suppliers.

Nearly $42 million in total conservation impact will be generated through this first round of awards from the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative, achieved by leveraging an additional $9.1 million in matching contributions from grantees. This initial investment will advance voluntary conservation practices benefiting both wildlife and ranchers across nearly 2.5 million acres of U.S. grasslands.

A Landmark Seven-Year Commitment to U.S. Grasslands

Launched in 2025, this landmark seven-year initiative aims to invest more than $200 million to benefit America’s iconic grasslands, cattle ranching communities and wildlife populations that depend on healthy soils, productive habitats and plentiful water. Through this initiative, grants will promote and accelerate wildlife conservation efforts across 4 million acres of grazing lands within the Great Plains, Rocky Mountain West, Midwest, West Coast and Southeast.

The six grants announced today to American Bird Conservancy , American Farmland Trust , Mule Deer Foundation , National Audubon Society , Sand County Foundation and University of Missouri are the first to be awarded through this historic investment.

These initial six grantees are expected to work with more than 750 private cattle ranch operations across 26 states to implement conservation activities including:

Developing and implementing improved grazing management plans
Installing grazing infrastructure such as wildlife-friendly fencing and watering systems
Restoring grasslands through reseeding of native plants, prescribed burning and removal of invasive vegetation
Conserving water and recharging aquifers by improving water control structures and restoring wet meadows and streambanks

Such conservation practices are designed to support ranchers in sustaining healthy, resilient cattle herds while also providing the diversity of high-quality habitats needed by wildlife species that depend on healthy grasslands. Many participating ranchers will build on their existing efforts and achieve meaningful gains in operational efficiencies made possible through the financial and technical support offered by the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative.

“Today is a great day for America’s wildlife, its ranching communities and its beef supply chain,” says Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “This first round of grants from the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative shows what can happen when corporations, federal agencies, conservation organizations and private landowners join forces to support both wildlife conservation and economic prosperity. This initiative is just getting started. We are confident it will play a leading role in grasslands conservation across the nation for years to come.”

McDonald’s USA suppliers participating in the initiative include Cargill, Golden State Foods, Lopez Foods, OSI and The Coca-Cola Company. On behalf of McDonald’s USA, Cultivo (now integrating Kateri) and Carbon Yield will provide independent monitoring and quantification of any improvements to soil health.

In its role within the initiative, NFWF will manage and invest funding to advance voluntary conservation efforts by ranchers. NFWF collaborates with NRCS and other funding partners across America’s grasslands to identify impactful, landscape-scale projects that will generate the greatest possible benefits to both wildlife populations and the productivity of vital U.S. ranch lands.

How Ranchers Can Participate in the Initiative

Ranchers interested in participating are encouraged to reach out directly to grantees.

Your Next Reads:
Why Did McDonald’s USA Invest $200 Million in Regenerative Agriculture?

Cow-Calf Checklist: Is Your Cow Herd Ready for Pasture Turnout and Breeding?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:40:19 GMT

Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist Jason Warner summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in April.

1. Evaluate cow BCS for spring-calving females going into breeding.

• Ensure thin (BCS ≤ 4) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition.
• BCS 5 or higher females should be maintaining weight and condition.

2. If you will synchronize females for breeding this spring, schedule your protocols well in advance and mark key dates on your calendar.

• Inventory your artificial insemination (AI) supplies and order products in advance.
• Check your tanks for current semen inventory and nitrogen levels.

3. If you have a fall herd, schedule pregnancy checks and make culling decisions.

• How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
• Do we need to rethink our fall/winter nutrition program for fall calvers?

4. Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.

• Make an effort to measure intake regularly and adjust it as needed.
• If using fly control products , start them at recommended times for your area.

5. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing lush, rapidly growing forages.

• Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass and other cool-season forages.
• Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows and older cows.

6. Evaluate herd bulls for BCS, adjust as needed prior to breeding.

• Bulls need to be in a BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use.
• Schedule breeding soundness examinations with your veterinarian well in advance of breeding.

7. Review your calf health protocols before spring turnout.

• Schedule calf working activities, mark dates on calendars.
• Reflect if changes from last year are needed.

8. Take inventory of any feed/forage that will be left over from winter.

• Cover piles or close bags if silage is left over and won’t be fed until fall.
• Clean up any soiled bedding or unused/wasted feed in pens and calving lots to reduce the breeding and development of stable flies as the weather warms up.

9. Take a balanced, multifaceted approach to fly and insect control.

• Use more than one method of fly control at the same time.
• Follow label directions and use proper dosage levels.

10. Wrap up any last-minute pasture management projects before spring turnout.

• Conduct burns , work to control trees and brush.
• Ensure sufficient water is available when cattle are turned out.

From Mongolia to Montana: Bridging the Access Gap for the World’s Grazers

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:34:29 GMT

From the high plains of Mongolia to the Sandhills of Nebraska, the long-term viability of our grazing lands depends on more than just rain and grass; it requires a robust network of knowledge, financial tools and professional services that empower land stewards to succeed in an increasingly complex global market.

The 2026 March International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) theme — Livelihoods and Economics — emphasizes an essential truth: healthy ecosystems and well-managed grazing rely not only on land and animals, but also on the services and knowledge that enable land stewards to succeed. Ensuring access to these resources is vital for resilient pastoral and ranching communities around the world.

A Global Perspective: The Geography of Access

Throughout pastoral regions, such as Mongolia, Kenya and Argentina, livestock producers work in environments where geography, infrastructure and policy shape their access to vital services. Often, and especially in remote regions, access is limited for services such as mobile veterinary units, credit programs and microloans, and other education programs designed for their pastoral communities.

Across landscapes and governance systems, the pattern is clear — thriving grazing operations rely on support and resources being made available to producers.

While specific needs vary by region, the challenge of access is consistent. Livestock producers everywhere depend on support systems that extend beyond pasture boundaries. Barriers often arise from challenges in accessing services or navigating programs, and these gaps can limit productivity, opportunity and the long-term viability of grazing operations.

Strengthening Access in the U.S.

In the U.S., producers face challenges that can limit the adoption of new tools and technologies, including:

Limited broadband in rural areas making it difficult to use digital solutions.
Financial resources, particularly for new and beginning ranchers seeking to invest in equipment or technology.
Navigating multiple technical and regulatory programs, which sometimes slows the ability to take full advantage of available resources.

Addressing these challenges through improved connectivity, targeted financial support and streamlined access to educational programs is a necessary focus.

Educational and Support Programs for Producers

Fortunately, a variety of programs in the U.S. provide producers with resources and guidance to improve their operations and maintain long-term economic stability. The best part? Most are free.

Some of these programs include the following:

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) : Offers science-based training on cattle care and handling, including animal health, medication use, injection site protocols and transportation practices. BQA certification promotes responsible livestock management while building consumer confidence.
The Noble Research Institute workshops : Provide guidance on grazing and soil health, with an emphasis on improving ranch management. Some of the available workshops include “Noble Grazing Essentials” and “MarketSMART Ranching.”
U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) : Learning modules provide practical guidance on grazing management and sustainable practices to help producers improve beef production. These resources help producers connect sustainability concepts to everyday operations. Visit their online learning center to review their resources, such as the “Grazing Management Plan Development Module” and the “Producer Sustainability Toolkit.”
Annie’s Project : Helps women in agriculture develop skills in managing their operations and planning for business success. The project supports women in agriculture by building skills and fostering connections within the community.
Ranching for Profit : One of North America’s longest-running ranch management schools that focuses on economic and ecological performance. It helps producers analyze finances and make enterprise decisions while linking ecological stewardship with business planning for long-term sustainability.

Collectively, these programs foster an environment for learning and support throughout the U.S. grazing community — and they barely scratch the surface of available programs.

Building Access Together

Strengthening access relies on producers and educators to work together with industry and community partners. For producers in the U.S., awareness of these programs can be just as hindering as receiving access to them.

Access-building requires attention to both technical and social aspects and depends on developing trust and fostering continuous learning.

Looking Ahead

The March IYRP theme reminds us globally that grazing systems depend on both the land and the networks supporting those who manage it. For U.S. ranchers, expanding awareness of available programs ensures producers have the knowledge, tools and connections to carry their legacies forward.

Access, much like the land itself, is fundamental, and advancing it remains a shared responsibility across the grazing landscape and within the beef community.

— Provided by the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) in recognition of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP).

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Halter Raises $220M in Series E to Accelerate Global Expansion of Virtual Fencing

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:40:41 GMT

Halter, the global agtech company transforming cattle farming, today announced it has raised $220 million in Series E funding at a $2 billion valuation. The round was led by Founders Fund, with participation from Blackbird, DCVC, Bond, Bessemer, NewView, Ubiquity, Promus and Icehouse Ventures, as it continues to expand alongside the ranchers using Halter in their operations.

The capital will be used to support the ranchers and farmers already using Halter and to extend it to more operations globally, with a continued focus on the people using it every day.

The round is one of the largest-ever in agtech globally and reflects growing demand for virtual fencing technology. Halter serves more than 2,000 ranchers and farmers across New Zealand, Australia and the U.S., with 1 million of its solar-powered collars now sold. Since launching in the U.S. in 2024, American ranchers using Halter have built 60,000 miles of virtual fencing as part of how they manage their land, with Halter working alongside them.

Ranchers using Halter can move herds, rest pastures and cut their reliance on physical fencing — all from their phones. The GPS-enabled, solar-powered collars help reduce the kind of labor-intensive work that has long defined cattle operations, giving ranchers back time and more control over how their land is managed.

“We started Halter because we believed technology could fundamentally change what it means to run a ranch, and enable ranchers to use innovation to build long-term futures on their land,” says Craig Piggott, CEO and founder of New Zealand-born Halter. “Our ranchers need tools that work, and the fact that they’re using Halter tells us our technology has earned their trust. This raise lets us bring it to far more of them — and faster.”

The deep tech company’s GPS-enabled collars use audio cues and gentle vibrations to contain and herd cattle within virtual boundaries, allowing ranchers to move herds from a smartphone — without breaking ground or stringing wire.

“Agriculture is a multitrillion-dollar industry that feeds the world, yet remains one of the least digitized sectors on Earth,” says Founders Fund Partner Amin Mirzadegan. “Halter is changing that by bringing software, sensors, and AI directly into livestock operations in a way that ranchers actually adopt. Craig’s deep understanding of the ranchers he serves has enabled the company to build something that’s not just useful, but mission-critical to how ranches run.”

Halter will deploy the new capital to grow its commercial and field operations across the U.S., New Zealand and Australia, while expanding into other international markets, starting with Ireland and the U.K. later this year. The company already has early ranches in Canada and is also exploring further expansion in North and South America this year.

Investment will continue across product development, including animal health monitoring and pasture management, shaped by how customers are using the system in the field. The focus remains on supporting the ranchers and farmers building their operations with Halter.

Halter plans to hire an additional 200-plus people — its largest-ever hiring effort — with a focus on product, engineering and customer roles at its Auckland headquarters.

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 .

Spring Pasture Growth Raises Grass Tetany Risk in Beef Herds

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 17:07:13 GMT

As spring moisture and fluctuating temperatures drive a surge in forage growth, conditions are aligning for an increase in grass tetany risk across many beef operations. The same environmental shifts that are jumpstarting wheat pasture and other small grains can also create the mineral imbalances that trigger sudden losses in lactating cows.

With rapid pasture growth underway in many areas, grass tetany risk is rising in susceptible herds, according to Paul Beck, Extension specialist for beef nutrition with Oklahoma State University. High-quality forage is often directed toward cows with the greatest nutritional demands, placing early-lactation animals directly into higher-risk environments.

Fertility and Forage Growth Driving the Issue

Cool-season annuals are a valuable resource, particularly when they reduce reliance on hay and supplemental feed. But as pasture quality improves, mineral balance can shift in ways that are not immediately visible.

“Our best managed cool-season annual pastures have had adequate fertilizer high in nitrogen and potassium, both of which are necessary for grass growth. But high nitrogen and high potassium interacts with the marginal magnesium level in these forages and create issues with beef cows as they begin lactating,” Beck says.

Nitrogen and potassium fertilization support aggressive forage growth, particularly during periods of favorable moisture. At the same time, they can interfere with magnesium uptake, leaving cows vulnerable even when forage appears nutritionally rich.

Magnesium absorption occurs primarily in the rumen and can be impaired by high potassium levels, which reduce transport across the rumen epithelium. This is why fertilized, rapidly growing forages create a consistent risk pattern.

Periods of rain followed by rapid pasture growth can further amplify the risk, especially when cattle are transitioned quickly onto highly digestible forage.

Early Signs Easy to Miss as Cases Develop Quickly

Grass tetany remains a neurologic condition driven by low blood magnesium, and clinical signs can escalate rapidly once levels fall.

“Cows will start shaking and have uncontrolled muscle movements. They will lose their balance. That will be one of the first signs you see,” Beck says.

In the early stages, affected cattle may appear nervous or uncoordinated. As the condition advances, animals can go down and become unable to rise, with death occurring shortly after if intervention is not successful.

Because of this rapid progression, cases are often first recognized only after severe signs appear.

Early treatment with intravenous or subcutaneous calcium-magnesium solutions can be effective, particularly before animals become recumbent. Relapses are possible, and animals should be monitored closely following initial treatment.

Grass tetany should be differentiated from other causes of neurologic signs and sudden death, including hypocalcemia, polioencephalomalacia, and lead toxicity. History, pasture conditions and response to magnesium therapy can help support a presumptive diagnosis in the field.

Prevention Hinges on Timing, Not Reaction

Despite the speed at which grass tetany can develop, the risk itself is highly predictable. That makes prevention the most effective strategy, particularly during periods of rapid pasture growth.

“The best way to counter the problem is to act before we get to it,” Beck says.

That means preparing ahead of turnout, not reacting after symptoms appear. In practical terms, that looks like identifying high-risk pastures and production stages in advance, then ensuring supplementation is in place before cattle enter those environments.

This is especially important during spring transitions, when forage conditions can change quickly over a short period of time.

Mineral Intake Remains the Weak Link

While most producers are aware of the need for high-magnesium mineral, consistent intake remains the primary challenge.

“Magnesium oxide does decrease the palatability of mineral mixes, making it important to manage the feeding of these minerals,” Beck says.

Magnesium oxide is widely used due to its availability and cost-effectiveness, but reduced palatability can limit voluntary intake. Without active management, even well-designed mineral programs may fall short.

Management Focus as Risk Window Opens

With pasture conditions improving and turnout underway or imminent in many areas, attention is shifting toward practical prevention.

Risk mitigation should focus on:

Ensuring high-magnesium mineral is available before and during turnout.
Monitoring intake closely, rather than assuming consumption.
Placing feeders in high-traffic areas to encourage consistent use.

A Seasonal Risk That Follows Predictable Patterns

Grass tetany tends to emerge when rapidly growing forage, high-producing cows and inadequate magnesium intake intersect. Spring conditions consistently bring those factors together, making this a predictable — yet preventable — challenge.

Outbreaks often affect multiple animals within a short timeframe, particularly when herd-level mineral intake is inconsistent. This makes grass tetany both an individual animal emergency and a herd management issue.

Timely supplementation and close management of intake can help you stay ahead of the problem before clinical cases begin to appear.

Five Generations of Women Ranching in California

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:03:34 GMT

There is cracked plaster above Grace Magruder’s desk at Ingel-Haven Ranch, the marks of a house that has carried generations and is still standing. Magruder describes it almost with affection, the way someone might notice the lines around a person’s eyes and recognize a life that has been lived.

The house in Potter Valley, Calif., has been holding women for more than a century, carrying the weight of decisions made long ago and the pattern of people choosing, again and again, to return.

A Century of Returning

Magruder’s great-grandmother, Helen, first walked through that doorway in 1919 after her father bought the land so she and her new husband could settle there while he was still strong enough to help them get started. It was the kind of gesture families make when land is both livelihood and inheritance.

Helen stepped into a life shaped by livestock, weather and land that asks something of you every single day and doesn’t much care if you’re tired. Helen met this demand head-on.

“You did not get between her and a chicken she was going to slaughter. She was a serious, serious lady,” Magruder says.

Seriousness can become its own inheritance. Helen raised two daughters on the ranch, and one eventually bought out her sister and continued the operation with her husband. The ranch moved forward because a woman chose to stay, and it moved forward again because another woman returned.

Another Helen, Magruder’s aunt, belongs in the story as well. She grew up on the ranch and later returned in the 1970s and 1980s to run a children’s summer camp there. Kids from the nearby cities would arrive each summer and sleep in tents and cabins while learning to ride horses and explore the ranch. For many of them, it was their first real experience of the land.

Over time Aunt Helen became the ranch’s most enthusiastic ecological observer, paying close attention to the birds, the creeks and the quieter corners of the landscape that others might pass without noticing.

“This ranch really owes itself to the women who decided to come back,” Magruder says. “They were never obligated to return. No one assigned them the responsibility of keeping it going. They chose it.”

Over the decades the ranch kept reshaping itself in the hands of those women. It began with sheep, as much of Mendocino County did in the early 20th century, when wool was the backbone of the local grazing economy. Later the ranch shifted toward cattle when Magruder’s grandmother took over the operation with her husband and decided sheep no longer suited either the landscape or their way of working. The ranch was never treated as something fixed, and what mattered was keeping the land productive and the family on it.

Magruder’s father continued that pattern of reinvention. After earning a master’s degree in sculpture, he returned to the ranch and began experimenting with ideas that were only just beginning to circulate in American agriculture. He noticed that the ranch grew grass well and began holding cattle longer, finishing them on pasture rather than sending them into conventional grain systems. He also began talking about rotational grazing before it became a common language in the industry.

At the same time, he kept one foot in the art world, teaching at the local college while managing the cattle operation. In this family, art and agriculture were never separate paths; they ran alongside each other.

By the time Magruder was growing up, the ranch had become an early example of grass-finished beef sold directly to customers. That model worked well for many years, until the realities around it began to shift. Slaughterhouses closed, markets tightened and weather became less predictable.

Each of those pressures required another adjustment, and you learned to observe what the land is offering, notice what the moment requires, and reshape the business accordingly.

Every generation did it a little differently; the land never stayed static and neither did the women caring for it.

Magruder herself left for eight years and built another life in Boston, studying American history and arts administration. She remembers knowing for a long time that she would return.

“I had known this was my path for a while,” she says.

When we talk about her earliest memories, you can hear the smile in Magruder’s voice. Rain hammering on a tin roof, the smell of hay dropping into winter stalls, cattle coming in from the weather, calves being raised on the ranch until they were 2 years old. “You got to see every step of their life,” she says.

Watching the full arc of an animal changes how you think about stewardship. You begin to understand the rhythm of growth and recovery, and the cost of rushing either.

(Halter)

The Physical Toll of Stewardship

Magruder also saw what decades of physical ranch work can do to a body. “I watched my dad get kind of gnarled by the ranch,” she says.

There were valves buried underground that required digging and wrenching hard enough to force water through the system, miles of fence to build and repair, posts to pound into uneven ground. Wire to stretch again and again across pasture.

“That work adds up over the years. It really does.”

(Halter)

Digital Boundaries, Natural Freedom

When Magruder and her husband, Kyle, stepped fully into managing the ranch, the conditions around them were shifting again. Slaughterhouses closed, margins tightened, rainfall patterns became less predictable. Elk began returning to the valley in larger numbers, which was very exciting for a family managing the land with wildlife in mind.

“This is such a dynamic climate,” Magruder says. “We couldn’t just have a stocking rate that worked every year.”

The land was asking for flexibility, and cattle needed to move regularly so grass could recover and wildlife could move through the landscape. Traditional fencing systems demanded constant physical work.

When the couple began exploring virtual fencing through Halter, they had their children front of mind.

“Being able to rotate the cattle regularly without physically building and moving fence is a game-changer,” Magruder says. “There is no point at which you’re unfit to rotate animals now.”

The ranch still requires judgment about grass height, water placement and herd health. Those decisions now translate into digital boundaries drawn from a phone. Cattle move calmly across the landscape without posts and wire defining every edge rotations can happen daily, grazing becomes more precise and wildlife movement can be accommodated without tearing down physical infrastructure.

(Halter)

After a few weeks of using Halter, she told Kyle, “I don’t want a ranch any other way. I love the dynamic of moving cattle comfortably and slowly and intentionally, across the landscape.”

For Magruder’s aunt Helen, that shift has opened up. Being able to guide cattle away from sensitive nesting areas and riparian corridors means parts of the ranch can recover while the rest continues to function as working land.

These days she shares her knowledge with Magruder’s children — June and Walter — through nature walks and birdwatching, passing on stories about the birds, the seasons and the life that exists alongside the cattle.

“We’ll be able to graze the way we want into later years in our lives,” Magruder says. “We’re not worried about having to switch careers when it becomes too hard.”

The Magruder Family

(Halter)

Grazing Into the Future

For this family, the question has always been how to stay in it, how to care for the land without grinding down the people doing the work and how to adapt as weather shifts and wildlife returns.

Five generations of women have shaped Ingel-Haven Ranch. Each inherited land already marked by the decisions of the last, and each adjusted the model to fit her moment. Virtual fencing becomes part of that lineage now. Another tool chosen by someone determined to keep the ranch viable, responsive and alive.

The cracked plaster above Magruder’s desk remains, and the house continues to hold the story of women returning. The land keeps asking for care, and the women keep answering.

Your Next Read:
Halter: Solar Charged Collars Aid Rancher Response to Summer Challenges

The Cost of Early Turnout: Why Waiting for Green Grass Pays Off

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:02:58 GMT

When pastures green up in the spring, producers start thinking about turnout. They do not want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed. Three extension specialists say the challenge is producers can turnout too soon, which can result in reducing the forage production potential for the entire grazing season.

What should producers consider before turnout? Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska beef systems education educator, says there are three things to consider ensuring a successful and safe pasture turnout:

Forage readiness. “The first and most crucial step is assessing grass conditions,” Berger says. “Producers should ensure there are at least three leaves present.”

This is important during drought conditions, when grass availability may be limited. Berger explains turning out cattle too early can exacerbate feed shortages and potentially damage pasture vegetation.
Water source evaluation. Water availability and quality are paramount. Berger reminds producers to carefully inspect water sources, especially during drought years. Stock ponds, dams and dugouts may not be recharged as usual, potentially leading to poor water quality. Water with high solid content can be unsuitable for livestock consumption, making thorough assessment critical.
Noxious plant identification. Berger says scouting the pasture for potentially harmful plants is essential. Drought conditions can make cattle more likely to consume plants they would normally avoid. Identifying and addressing these potential hazards can prevent livestock health issues.

Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says forage height is important. He explains cool-season grasses should be at least 6 inches tall.

“Leaf material is critical for photosynthesis and plant recovery after grazing,” he says. “The early-season forages are typically high in water, potassium and soluble nitrogen content but low in energy. We used to refer to this as ‘washy grass.’”

The challenge here is that cattle cannot eat enough dry matter to meet their energy requirement. This is especially true for replacement heifers coming off a gaining diet to reach approximately 60% of their mature weight by the beginning of the breeding season. When turned out to lush early season pasture, they can crash on energy and go into negative energy balance.

“This results in a reduction in the number of heifers cycling and early embryo death,” Lemenager says. “If the breeding season coincides with this energy crash, fewer heifers will become pregnant until they adapt.”

AJ Tarpoff, DVM and Kansas State University extension veterinarian, agrees with the importance of scouting pastures and determining forage availability.

“Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary,” Tarpoff adds.

Lemenager says soil condition is another factor to consider.

“If it is cool and soils are water-logged, the roots system is compromised,” he explains. “Additionally, hoof action on wet soils will result in pugging (deep depressions). The challenge here is that weed seeds that have accumulated and laid dormant over the years but buried below the germination zone. When soils are pugged, these weed seeds are now closer to the surface and germinate.”

Be Sure to Communicate With Neighbors

Tarpoff encourages producers to have an open line of communication with neighbors. It’s a good idea to share when turning out, what types of cattle are going out (yearlings, pairs, bulls) and how the cattle are identified, for example, tags or brands.

“This open communication helps identify strays earlier,” he adds.

Your Next Read: Unlocking Success with Cow Herd Health Metrics: A Scorecard Approach

Land Use & Balanced Development: A Shared Global Challenge

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:21:24 GMT

Across global grazing operations, day-to-day decisions revolve around forage conditions, water availability, weather, herd health, market variability and more. With so much attention required on the ground, it can be easy to miss some of the broader forces shaping the future of working lands.

As part of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP), February’s theme focuses on land use and balanced development, which accounts for producer livelihoods, ecosystem health and long-term land function, each connecting pastoralists worldwide.

The Global Perspective

Around the world, ranchers and pastoralists are navigating increasing pressure on the land that sustains their livelihoods and their communities. Depending on geography, governance, history or any other number of factors, land access and land security look different.

In many lower-middle-income regions, securing rights to land means establishing land tenure, protecting common property resources and maintaining mobility for livestock, sometimes across national borders. For pastoralists who rely on seasonal movement and shared grazing systems, land security is essential to both food production and community well-being.

In upper-middle-income regions, the challenge often shifts from access to management and retention. Producers must navigate a complex mix of public land leasing and private land ownership, regulatory frameworks and social pressures. Across all regions, however, pastoralists share a common concern — how to ensure progress continues in ways that support our grazinglands.

Shared Challenge, Different Expression

While the context varies, the pressure on land is universal. The landscapes we rely on are increasingly shaped by competing land uses. This is where the global IYRP conversation meets a distinctly American reality.

For the U.S., grazingland conversion has emerged as one of the most significant challenges tied to securing land and achieving balanced development. It occurs when grazing lands are converted to other uses, often permanently.
Key drivers include:
● Conversion of native grazing lands to cropland or other non-grazing uses such as recreation or hunting leases
● Woody encroachment — afforestation of invasive tree species due to absentee land ownership or mismanaged lands
● Residential and commercial development
● Transportation and energy infrastructure
● Renewable energy development like wind and solar

Each of these changes may be driven by legitimate societal needs. Taken together, however, they create combined pressure on grazing landscapes and the producers who depend on them.

Understanding the Scale

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , in the last 10 years alone, the U.S. has lost more than 50 million acres of grasslands.

When viewed at scale, grazingland conversion is not a collection of isolated decisions. It is a trend with long-term implications for grazing operations, wildlife habitat, carbon storage and rural communities. Once grazinglands are converted, they are rarely converted back to their grazing function.

This is particularly important to note because not all acres are interchangeable. Grazinglands provide ecosystem services that are difficult, if not impossible, to replace. They support biodiversity, protect soil and water resources, store carbon and depend on cattle and other grazing animals to remain healthy.

Balanced Development Is the Goal

As pastoralists and ranchers move forward, the goal for all is simple: intentional, balanced planning, with development that recognizes the value of working lands and the people who steward them.

Balanced development means:
● Considering long-term land function over short-term gains
● Planning development projects in ways that minimize fragmentation of grazinglands
● Ensuring pastoralists and ranchers are at the forefront of land-use conversations

Throughout IYRP, topics like this will continue to connect local management decisions with global priorities. Balanced development isn’t about choosing between progress and grazing. It’s about making room for both.

Looking Ahead
The February IYRP theme highlights a shared global concern of how to move forward without leaving pastoral systems and healthy rangelands behind. For American ranchers, grazingland conversion is one of the most visible expressions of that challenge.

In support of this, the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) has launched the Grazingland Conversion Task Force, which exists to unify stakeholders across the U.S. beef supply chain around a shared understanding of grazingland conversion and to collaboratively develop strategies that support reducing conversion. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Samantha Werth, USRSB executive eirector, at swerth@beef.org.

— Provided by the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) in recognition of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP).

Your Next Read:
What is the International Year of Rangelands & Pastoralists?

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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Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur

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Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur

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Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur

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

Can Small Cow-Calf Herds Be Profitable? 3 Strategies to Compete

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:58:19 GMT

Running a small cow-calf operation can be rewarding, but it is not without challenges.

“Larger farms spread their costs over more cows, making it harder for smaller herds to compete. There also tend to be scale efficiencies related to labor, input purchases and other expenses that make larger operations more economically efficient,” says Kenny Burdine, University of Kentucky livestock agriculture economist.

However, Burdine stresses that smaller producers can be highly profitable by shifting their mindsets from volume to efficiency. He encourages producers to consider these three strategies:

1. Keep Overhead Costs in Check

Small operations often fail because they are overcapitalized — meaning they have too much money tied up in equipment and buildings for the number of cows they own.

“Cow-calf operations are capital intensive by nature, so I chose to use the words ‘in check,’ rather than something more specific,” Burdine says. “But the reality is that an operation running 30 to 40 cows can’t have the same overhead structure as one running several hundred.”

Be Lean: An operation with 30 cows shouldn’t have the same tractor or baler as one with 300.
Proportional Investment: Ensure the scale of your equipment matches the scale of your herd.
Side Hustles: If you do own expensive equipment, consider performing custom work for neighbors to spread the cost and add a second income stream.

“Regardless of what approach is taken, small cow-calf operations must be aware that disproportionately large overhead cost structures can be a major drain on profitability,” he stresses.

2. Outsource Strategically to Save Time and Money

You don’t have to do everything yourself. In fact, doing it all might be costing you money.

“The first area that comes to mind is hay production,” Burdine says. “It may be more economical for a small cow-calf operation to purchase hay, rather than own hay equipment and devote land and time resources to producing it themselves.”

3. Explore Value-Added Marketing Opportunities

Since small farms can’t compete on cost-per-head, they must compete on revenue-per-head.

Commingled Sales: Sell in larger, uniform groups through cooperative sales to capture “large lot” price premiums.
Health Programs: Participate in certified preconditioning programs to prove the value of your calves.
Direct-to-Consumer: Explore freezer beef or farmers’ markets. Smaller herds are perfectly positioned to tell a local story consumers are willing to pay a premium for.

Small cow-calf operations should recognize they are unlikely to successfully compete with large operations on scale and cost efficiency. For that reason, they need to approach their operations differently and usee the unique advantages that come with being lean and flexible.

“By carefully managing their overhead cost structures and outsourcing operations that can be done more efficiently by other operations, they have the potential to see significant cost benefits,” Burdine summarizes. “And by exploring value-added marketing opportunities, they may be able to capture revenue benefits as well.”

Your Next Read: Marketing Options for Small Producers

Why Did McDonald’s USA Invest $200 Million in Regenerative Agriculture?

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:27:02 GMT

In September, McDonald’s USA unveiled its largest investment in regenerative agriculture to date with the launch of the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative . This public-private partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and key McDonald’s U.S. suppliers aims to scale regenerative grazing and conservation efforts across the U.S.

This initiative will invest more than $200 million over the next seven years to help promote and accelerate regenerative grazing practices, habitat restoration, water and wildlife conservation on cattle ranches spanning 4 million acres in up to 38 states.

“We know the natural resources that are required for the food system to thrive are under a lot of pressure, and so our desire to make our supply chain more resilient is really a business decision,” explains Audrey Leduc, McDonald’s U.S. sustainability director.

During the 2026 Top Producer Conference, Leduc shared McDonald’s has 13,000 U.S. restaurants that annually serve 90% of Americans. In 2024, McDonald’s bought 671 million pounds of beef in the U.S.

(McDonalds)

What Are the Core Objectives?

“There’s really two things that you need to think about when you’re thinking about a resilient supply chain,” Leduc says. “The first one is, you need to understand where are your vulnerabilities, and second, you need to understand where you’re having the most impact.”

The initiative is designed to bolster U.S. supply chain resilience while providing ranchers with the tools needed to:

Improve grazing management. Enhancing land productivity and soil health
Restore ecosystems. Protecting grasslands and wildlife habitats
Conserve water. Implementing practices that safeguard water resources
Upgrade infrastructure. Providing financial support for ranch improvements

Promoting and accelerating these practices benefits both the environment and ranchers and shows how large brands can help drive meaningful change in the food system.

“The benefits of grassland conservation are far-reaching,” says Jeff Trandahl, NFWF executive director and CEO. “When cattle are managed to optimize multiple ecological and economic values, the land holds more water, grows better grass and supports more wildlife. Conservation practices voluntarily adopted by ranchers can improve the productivity of grasslands, increase ranching profitability and strengthen the vitality of rural communities across the United States.”

What Are the Economic Incentives for Ranchers?

“We understand that the financial burden to move towards regenerative agriculture is often carried by the producer,” Leduc says. “And so how does big companies like McDonald’s get involved? Well, it’s with things like the grassland initiative.”

The initiative will help boost its U.S. supply chain resilience, including by providing participating ranchers economic returns such as incentive payments.

Participating ranchers will receive:

Incentive payments. Direct economic returns for adopting sustainable practices
Technical assistance. Access to resources for voluntary conservation efforts
Performance monitoring. Independent soil health quantification provided by Kateri and Carbon Yield

“We want to be good stewards of the land, and we’re putting money directly where our mouth is,” Leduc adds. “It’s a business decision to protect the beef supply chain, and we want to be accelerating and working alongside the producers.”

McDonald’s USA suppliers, including Cargill, Golden State Foods, Lopez Foods, OSI and The Coca-Cola Company, will provide funds to NFWF alongside McDonald’s USA.

Audrey Leduc, U.S. sustainability director for McDonald’s, shares the stage at the 2026 Top Producer Summit with Angie Denton, Drovers editorial leader, to talk about McDonald’s commitment to working with beef producers to source responsible beef and prioritize natural resource stewardship.

(Farm Journal)

What is the Timeline?

NFWF will manage and invest conservation funding to advance ranchers in their voluntary conservation efforts. NFWF is collaborating with its conservation partners across America’s grasslands to identify impactful landscape-scale projects that will generate the greatest possible benefits to both wildlife populations and the productivity of vital U.S. ranch lands.

NFWF will independently award competitive grants to organizations that will assist participating ranchers in adopting practices that advance wildlife conservation and regenerative agriculture. The first round of competitive grant-making will culminate in the announcement of awards, which is expected soon.

“As a brand that serves more than 90% of Americans every year, we recognize the responsibility we have to help safeguard our food systems for long-term vitality,” says Cesar Piña, McDonald’s senior vice president and chief supply chain officer, North America. “Through our support of this initiative, McDonald’s USA is demonstrating the power of partnership between the public and private sectors and that feeding the population and stewarding our natural resources can coexist.”

For additional information about the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative, visit the NFWF website .

How Do Alternative Proteins Fit Into McDonald’s Plans?

“At McDonald’s, we are not pursuing alternative protein,” Leduc says. “That’s not our sustainability strategy. Our sustainability strategy is a resilient beef supply chain in the U.S.”

Pasture-Forage

The Forage Insurance Policy: Why Diversity is Your Best Defense Against Drought

Thinking in Systems, Not Seasons

Herbicide Carryover and Field History

Matching Forages to Risk and Moisture Conditions

Cool-Season Annuals

Warm-Season Annuals

Strategic Use of Perennials

Soil Water Use and Recovery Periods

Establishment Timing and Flexibility

Nutrient Management Considerations

Grazing Management and Risk Distribution

Making the Most of Every Bale: How to Improve Hay Quality This Season

Factors Affecting Quality

Reproductive Stages and What They Mean

From Swathing to Baling

Hay Storage

The High Cost of Haste: Why Early Pasture Turnout Could Cost You $6 a Pound

Why Early Turnout Backfires

What “Ready” Actually Looks Like

Hay as a Management Tool

The Financial Stakes

Have a Plan

Re-imagining the Ranch: How Virtual Fencing is Turning "Moonscapes" into Profitable Pastures

New Business With an “Old” Breed

Flexibility Empowers Success

Spot check: Small Actions Can Unlock Pasture Profitability

Forage Quality and Quantity

Looking Ahead to June

Beyond Containment

Is the Grass Ready? Rethinking Pasture Turnout Beyond the Calendar

What Should Producers Consider Before Turnout?

Get Ahead of Weeds

Be Sure the Cow Herd Is Ready

Minimize Grass Tetany Risk, and Look Out For Bloat

Good Fences Matter

Spring Success: How Strategic Pasture Planning Boosts Annual Productivity

Master the Art of Spring Monitoring

From Data Points to Pasture Profits

Step-by-Step Tactics for Forage Enhancement

Stored Joules vs. Output Joules: What Really Powers an Electric Fence?

Why Output Joules Matter

Why Real-World Conditions Change Everything

What Happens When Power Does Not Deliver

What to Look for When Comparing Energizers

The Bottom Line

10 Toxic Pasture Weeds: How To Identify and Manage

Stop Haying to Improve Your Bottom Line

Once the numbers are calculated, what’s next?

Halter Launches World-First Virtual Fencing Via Satellite

Case Study: Managing 225,000 Acres at High Lonesome Ranch

Beyond the Fence: New Tools for Heat Detection and Feed Demand

5 Ways Smart Collars Improve Grazing

A Collar, an App and Virtual Fences

Training Cows with Sound, Not Shock

1. Turn Fixed Fences into Flexible, On‑Demand Paddocks

2. Intensify Rotational Grazing and Boost Pasture Utilization

3. Replace Chase-and-Pressure Moves with Calm, Low‑Stress Shifts

4. Use Data on Behavior and Biomass to Refine Grazing Decisions

5. Integrate Grazing with Water, Labor, Risk and Regulations

Not a Fit For Everyone

The Hidden Cost of Overgrazing: How It Drains Your Watershed, Rainfall and Bottom Line

What Overgrazing Does to Water

Why Infiltration Matters for Production

The Compounding Costs You Can’t See — At First

What to Do Instead: Practical Fixes that Pay

The Bottom Line

Building Resilience from the Ground Up: How Grazing Management Supports Climate Solutions

A Global Perspective: Resilience Starts with Management

Balancing Ecology, Economics and Legacy

The Value of Grazing Management Plans (GMPs)

Grazing, Carbon and Land Resilience

Resources and Support for Producers

Looking Ahead

Cut Feed Costs by Improving Pastures: Weed Control and Soil Fertility Strategies for Ranchers

Weed Control

Soil Fertility

$42 Million Investment: NFWF and McDonald’s USA Launch First Grassland Conservation Grants

A Landmark Seven-Year Commitment to U.S. Grasslands

How Ranchers Can Participate in the Initiative