Latest News From Weather

Cattle need extra feed while they get acclimated to cold temperatures.
Growing Inventory, Poor Weather Could Impact Cattle Market

The climbing cattle inventory and poor feeding conditions this winter are having mixed results on the cattle market.

Winter weather might require cows receive additional protein supplementation to maintain adequate body condition prior to calving.
Braving the Cold When Caring for Cattle This Winter

Cattle are generally doing fine in spite of the winter weather. Their rumens are keeping them warm, said Travis Mulliniks, beef cattle nutritionist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.

Cattle being fed hay after a snow storm.
Cold Weather Strategies for Cattlemen

As livestock owners care for livestock in frigid temperatures, it is important to know where efforts are best spent.

Managing Cattle Through Winter Weather Conditions
Managing Cattle Through Winter Weather Conditions

Although we can’t alter the weather, there are management steps that can be taken to help maintain cattle health and performance.

Rancher Describes California Camp Fire
Rancher Describes California Camp Fire

California farmers, ranchers and others in the community are still dealing with the impacts of the Camp Fire. AgDay national reporter Betsy Jibben talks with rancher Holly Foster of Oroville, California.

Cattle being fed hay after a snow storm.
Winter Weather Impacts Cattle Markets

A major winter storm this past week extended in a belt across the middle of the country from Denver east to the mid-Atlantic coast.

Take Advantage of Nice Weather in December
Take Advantage of Nice Weather in December

These pleasant December days could be put to good use in preparation for the spring calving season.

Five Hereford breeders banded together to sell a heifer that helped generate $40,800 in donation funds for wildfire relief efforts for northern California ranchers.
California Hereford Breeders Donate $40,000 to Wildfire Victims

Five Hereford breeders banded together to sell a heifer that helped generate $40,800 in donation funds for wildfire relief efforts for northern California ranchers.

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Get Ready for More Wintry Weather

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says a pattern of snow and cold could bring more wintry weather soon.

Grazing longer, feeding hay and supplementing grain are all ways to keep cattle fed in winter.
Three Tips for Winter Feeding Beef Cattle

Grazing longer, feeding hay and supplementing grain are all ways to keep cattle fed in winter.

‘Heartbreaking’ Drought Forces Canadian Ranchers to Cull Herds

With pastureland scorched, feed costs have skyrocketed. The past decade of setbacks has shrunk Canadian herd to 30-year low.

With pastureland scorched, feed costs have skyrocketed. The past decade of setbacks has shrunk Canadian herd to 30-year low.
‘Heartbreaking’ Drought Forces Canadian Ranchers to Cull Herds

With pastureland scorched, feed costs have skyrocketed. The past decade of setbacks has shrunk Canadian herd to 30-year low.

Rain Hampers Crop Harvest and Wheat Pasture in Oklahoma
Rain Hampers Crop Harvest and Wheat Pasture in Oklahoma

Sunshine finally appeared late last week raising hopes that Oklahoma will dry out and get summer crop harvest and wheat pasture grazing back on track.

What's in your evacuation toolkit?
Evacuation Toolkit for Small Farms

From health certificates to emergency contact lists, find out what you need in your evacuation kit.

Blizzard Snowstorm 1100
Fifth Anniversary of Western South Dakota's Atlas Blizzard

As we remember the fifth anniversary of the blizzard that occurred on October 3–5, 2013, the event provides a reminder that it is time to begin preparation and planning for winter weather events.

Flood waters sent a herd of cattle floating down a creek from their pasture in Oklahoma after more than 13 inches of rain fell in the area.
Oklahoma Cattle Herd Swept Down Stream by Flood Water

Flood waters sent a herd of cattle floating down a creek from their pasture in Oklahoma after more than 13 inches of rain fell in the area.

The BNSF Railway Company is being sued by a rancher after more than 50 cattle went missing and died following flooding that is being blamed on a railroad berm.
Missouri Rancher Blames Railroad Company for Cattle Deaths, Sues BNSF

The BNSF Railway Company is being sued by a rancher after more than 50 cattle went missing and died following flooding that is being blamed on a railroad berm.

Ranchers in central Utah have rescued 350 cattle from a wildfire that started in early August, but 100 head are still missing.
Utah Ranchers Search for 100 Cattle Lost in 30,000 Acre Wildfire

Ranchers in central Utah have rescued 350 cattle from a wildfire that started in early August, but 100 head are still missing.

Meeting protein requirements of cattle eating low quality forage through supplementation is one point of leverage in a cattle operation.
In Drought, Byproduct Feeds Help Cow Herds on Short Pastures, Hay

In the 2018 drought forages for cow herds are short. Without rain, pastures didn’t grow and stored hay for winter feeding fell short. But feed options are at hand that were not available before.

A herd of 23 cows and calves were rescued by the Albany Volunteer Fire Department  in Wisconsin after being stranded by flood water.
Wisconsin Firefighters Rescue 23 Cattle from Flood Waters

A herd of 23 cows and calves were rescued by the Albany Volunteer Fire Department in Wisconsin after being stranded by flood water.

For the world’s sixth-largest beef exporter, dry conditions are worsening in the heart of Canada's cattle country, scorching pastures and sending feed costs soaring.
Canada Hay Costs Double

Drought conditions in Canada are pushing ranchers to reduce their herds as feed costs soar.

Drought is taking a toll on crops in Missouri. This photo was taken in July 2018 in Ray County, Missouri. A new USDA crop progress report comes out this afternoon, but as of last week 45% of Missouri's corn was poor to very poor.
Drought Takes Toll on Missouri Crops, Cattle

Much of the western U.S. is also experiencing drought. But Missouri is the only Midwestern state with such severe conditions with suffering corn crops and hay in short supply for cattle.

A ranch in Williamson County, Texas had 82 cattle seized after 10 head were found dead. The likely cause was either starvation or a lack of water.
88 Cattle Confiscated in Texas After Being Malnourished, 18 More Dead

Ten cattle died on one Texas ranch where 82 cattle were seized, while another ranch in Texas had eight head die and six cattle confiscated. All of the cattle are believed to have been deprived of water or feed.

If drought conditions persist, producers could find themselves seeking winter feed options. The program will focus on what producers can do to maximize on rainfall or plan ahead for various scenarios this winter.
Winter Pasture, Stockpiled Forage Workshop to Cover Options in Drought

If drought conditions persist, producers could find themselves seeking winter feed options. The program will focus on what producers can do to maximize on rainfall or plan ahead for various scenarios this winter.

A rancher stands on his trailer observing the Grassy Ridge Fire in Idaho that has forced 2,500-3,000 cattle to be moved.
Idaho Wildfire Burns 100,000 Acres, Displaces Thousands of Cattle

Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 cattle have been moved from summer pasture while a wildfire continues to burn more than 100,000 acres in Idaho.

Cows stand in water to cool off on a hot summer day.
Reduce Heat Stress in Cattle

Summer heat and humidity can take a toll on cattle and humans.

Drought Stays as Beef Farms Plan on Fall Rains to Make Winter Pasture
Drought Stays as Beef Farms Plan on Fall Rains to Make Winter Pasture

Stunted, stemmy pastures unable to support grazing cattle have potential. Depend on fall rains to bring fall regrowth, says University of Missouri Extension forage agronomist Craig Roberts.

High Pressure Heat Domes and Beef Cattle
High Pressure Heat Domes and Beef Cattle

In extremely hot weather it is normal for body temperatures to rise moderately above normal during the heat of the day and to cool off at night when environmental temperatures are less.

Beef producers might start considering culling options in case drought conditions continue to decrease forage and hay availability.
Continued Drought Could Lead to Culling Herds in Southern Plains

Beef producers should be making plans regarding their herds in case drought conditions continue, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

(File photo)  Wildfires in Oregon turn deadly as one person using a tractor to cut a fire break is overrun by the fast moving fire.
Tractor Operator Dies in Oregon Wildfire

A tractor operator who was killed in a wildfire that scorched 70 square miles in little more than 24 hours in the Pacific Northwest appears to have died trying to restrain it, police said.

Warmer than normal temperatures dominated the Midwest last week, and despite some thunderstorm in the High Plains, drought conditions have intensified.
Despite Rain Drought Intensifies, Forces Early Culling and Hay Feeding

Warmer than normal temperatures dominated the Midwest last week, and despite some thunderstorm in the High Plains, drought conditions have intensified. Cattlemen are culling herds and dipping into hay supplies.

Ranchers in Oklahoma are getting more relief following wildfires that killed an estimated 1,500 cattle.
Nearly $460,000 Distributed to Oklahoma Wildfire Victims

Ranchers in Oklahoma are getting more relief following wildfires that killed an estimated 1,500 cattle.

Drought-stressed corn silage will contain lower levels of grain than normal corn silage.
Drought-stressed Corn: A Feed Opportunity

Drought-stressed corn silage will contain lower levels of grain than normal corn silage.

Considerations for Use of Drought-stressed Corn for Cattle
Considerations for Use of Drought-stressed Corn for Cattle

Cattle are one potential option to salvage some value if the corn crop does not look like it will yield. 

Drought Cuts Pasture Growth; Farmers Face Culling Cow Herds
Drought Cuts Pasture Growth; Farmers Face Culling Cow Herds

In dry weather with short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows' needs to available grass is to sell cows.

Missouri Farmers Seek Forage Options as Drought Cuts Grass Growth
Missouri Farmers Seek Forage Options as Drought Cuts Grass Growth

Shortage of cattle forage forces some Ozark herd owners to chop trees to feed leaves. That method was used in big droughts of the 1930s and 1950s.

Livestock stewardship will help ensure that cattle stay in good health.
Common Sense is the Key to Hot Weather Cattle Handling

Producers that are engaged in AI as a method of breeding cows and heifers need to be aware of the impact that handling cattle in summertime temperatures and humidity can have on reproductive success. 

Planning for the upcoming grazing season is important and should include factors such as estimated stocking rates, time of grazing for specific pastures, as well as contingency plans in the event of dry conditions.
Dry, Wet, or Average: Planning for the Grazing Season

Planning for the upcoming grazing season is important and should include factors such as estimated stocking rates, time of grazing for specific pastures, as well as contingency plans in the event of dry conditions.

Especially in times of drought or emergency feeding, producers have to consider which is more efficient to feed the herd: drylot feeding or hauling purchased forage.
Is It More Efficient to Move the Cows Or Move the Feed?

Especially in times of drought or emergency feeding, producers have to consider which is more efficient to feed the herd: drylot feeding or hauling purchased forage.

Nationally, Pasture and Range Begin the Year Struggling
Nationally, Pasture and Range Begin the Year Struggling

Pasture and range conditions opened this season with the U.S. having 20% rated as being in poor and very poor condition.

Is it Too Hot to Work Calves?
Is it Too Hot to Work Calves?

“Is the temperature and humidity going to kill these cattle this afternoon if we work them?”

Longer-term forecasts will benefit agriculture and natural resource management.
Drought Swells in Plains as Producers Fear Repeat of 2011

Before too long, May will be over, and cattle producers in the Plains are concerned about summer grazing prospects.

The Mallard Fire has burned just over 116 sq. miles of primarily pasture land 25 miles southeast from Amarillo, Texas in the past week and is still burning.
Texas Panhandle Wildfire Burns 74,000-acres

The Mallard Fire has burned just over 116 sq. miles of primarily pasture land 25 miles southeast from Amarillo, Texas in the past week and is still burning.

Grazing Conditions in Flint Hills Look Fair Following April Showers
Grazing Conditions in Flint Hills Look Fair Following April Showers

The Flint Hills region of Kansas is receiving stocker cattle following timely rains in April that are helping boost grass growing conditions.

Wildfires in northwest Oklahoma caused more than $26 million in damages for cattle ranchers after burning nearly 350,000 acres this April.
Oklahoma Wildfires Cause $26 Million in Damages for Cattle Ranchers

Wildfires in northwest Oklahoma caused more than $26 million in damages for cattle ranchers after burning nearly 350,000 acres this April.

Wildfires are becoming more prevalent. One thing that could help manage these higher fuel loads? Livestock grazing.
Nalivka: Grazing Is A Sensible Fire Suppression Tool That Benefits All

Wildfires are becoming more prevalent. One thing that could help manage these higher fuel loads? Livestock grazing.

Predicting Forage Growth in Kansas
Predicting Forage Growth in Kansas

The current drought monitor has much of the southern part of Kansas in severe or extreme drought, with exceptional drought along the western Oklahoma border.

Longer-term forecasts will benefit agriculture and natural resource management.
Producers in Drought Facing Decisions

The sooner a producer can evaluate and inventory resources, the more opportunity will exist to make decisions rather having decisions forced on them. 

Two major wildfires in Oklahoma have been contained after killing two people and at least 1,500 cattle while burning almost 350,000 acres. Now producers are trying to pick up the pieces and there are ways to help.
Oklahoma Wildfires Contained After Rains; Here is How to Help

Two major wildfires in Oklahoma have been contained after killing two people and at least 1,500 cattle while burning almost 350,000 acres. Now producers are trying to pick up the pieces and there are ways to help.

Wildfire Dewey County Oklahoma
Cattlemen Invite President Trump to Survey Wildfire Damage in Oklahoma

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association invited President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to visit Oklahoma and survey the damage caused by devastating wildfires.