Since 2011, dairy cows evaluated using genetic testing has doubled every five years to exceed 1 million annually. That reduced sire generation interval to the point where genetic improvement is at the biological limit.
Technology and robust data management will allow more cattlemen and smaller processors access to USDA graders to remotely assign official quality grades for beef carcasses, providing an opportunity to increase value.
Low-stress cattle handling methods have been discussed and promoted for many years, but could implementing low-stress handling techniques influence animal performance and improve your bottom line?
Rib and tenderloins are pricing near their annual highs, but a look at annual price trends across the beef carcass shows increasing contributions to CAB premiums from both ends of the carcass.
While it's likely the U.S. cowherd is generally of higher quality than it was a decade ago, today’s smaller herd presents an opportunity for ranchers to take another step forward with quality and management.
Speaking during the recent World Wagyu Conference, Midan Marketing cofounder Michael Uetz encouraged Wagyu breeders to better understand their consumer target.
Shifting market dynamics are most succinctly summarized through two factors, fewer cattle and higher prices, that will further entrench themselves in near term trends.
Certified Angus Beef recognizes the recipient of the Dr. Bobby VanStavern Award for Beef Quality Research and acknowledges other successful researchers for their contribution to improving beef quality.
Results from the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit provide insight into the quality and value of cattle on the rail, determining ways the industry might look to improve in the coming years.
Cash fed steer prices reached record highs two weeks ago, and the trajectory – fueled by strong demand and restricted head counts – was predestined to hit the seasonal ceiling.
Moving forward, lower quality grades in May and lighter carcass weights combined with shorter fed cattle supplies may be expected, driving premiums into the high-quality cattle and beef markets.
The 2022 National Beef Quality Audit was released May 16 during a call with media. Data from the audit indicate a safe and high-quality product is consistently offered to today’s consumers.
Calves enrolled in the OQBN Vac-45 Program attained an average market premium of $18.67/cwt in 2022 and an average of $13.06/cwt over the past 12 years, compared to similar nonpreconditioned calves.
As you’re contemplating the future impact of today’s genetic decisions, consider the marketability of both feeder calves and potential replacement heifer progeny.
While genetic selection and feeding decisions play a large role in the quality of beef product reaching consumers' plates, a number of studies show cattle health is also a key factor affecting carcass quality.
The best way to engage with Certified Angus Beef is by raising cattle that qualify for the brand. CAB shares ways producers focused on raising high-quality beef can be more connected with the brand.
Cattle feeders capitalized on a tighter supply of market-ready cattle last week, while packers came back with sharply higher bids as they competed to own inventory needed to fulfill boxed beef sales commitments.
Today’s weekly slaughter is much more robust than in 2015 and cattle supplies are at least adequate for the short term. Yet fed cattle numbers will certainly tighten as we move into 2023 due to the shrinking cow herd.
While dairy producers are rapidly embracing the concept of using beef semen to freshen their cows, the resulting crossbred calves are proving both a valuable opportunity and a challenge for the U.S. beef industry.
Through a consistent premium beef experience, the CAB brand provides economic incentives to cattlemen up and down the supply chain. The brand has adjusted the hot carcass weight (HCW) maximum to 1,100 pounds.
Low-stress cattle handling methods have been discussed and promoted for many years, but could implementing low-stress handling techniques influence animal performance and improve your bottom line?
There are huge differences in the value of carcasses as determined by USDA quality grades that result in enormous opportunities for cattlemen. It’s a direct result of industry focus on consumer demand for quality beef.
Today’s consumers are not satisfied paying higher prices for commodity beef, research shows. Instead, they have opted to trade up to premium beef products.
Late fall holiday demand heats up the cattle market, and that’s when high-quality carcasses get extra bragging rights. Demand alone doesn’t spur prices higher, there must be a degree of supply constraint.
Reviewing cattle placement in feedlots this year suggests that fewer fed cattle supplies expected in the fourth quarter along with much higher costs of gain will hold carcass weights below a year ago.
Fundamentals for fed cattle are steadily at odds so far this summer with very “green” fed cattle in the northern tier of the feeding region. Feeders are pushing show lists to take advantage of the summer high.
Carcass weights in the latest USDA report for the week of May 9th show a large seven pound drop for steers and 10 pounds lighter on the heifers. This suggests currentness has picked up in the fed-cattle sector.
Feeding a calf is an investment. Consider these breed, weight, health and carcass qualities when selecting the animal to get started on the right foot and economically fill the freezer!
Cattle feeders have been more willing to sell finished cattle in recent weeks since corn prices have elevated the ration cost and feed conversion efficiency decreases at the end of the feeding period.
A bi-annual survey of the four largest packers showed a dramatic increase in rewards for the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB®) brand. Grid, formula and contract premiums paid on CAB carcasses in 2021 totaled $182 million.
In 2019 Certified Angus Beef reported an aggregate packer CAB premium total of $92 million. By 2021 that total was nearly double, resulting in $182 million in CAB premiums.
Seedstock and commercial cattle producers enrolled a record 756 head of Hereford and Hereford-influenced steers in the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) 2022 feedout programs.
Fed cattle markets have seen challenges in January. The Omicron variant is pressuring packing plant efficiency through increased worker absence, resulting in much smaller slaughter totals so far this month.
During the past six months, beef consumers have reinforced their preference for product at the top end of the market. Both branded and Prime products have been supported by unprecedented demand.
Incorporating Brahman genetics into cattle herds amid changing environmental temperatures in the southwest has one Texas A&M AgriLife team researching the physiological differences to enhance beef quality.
December has started off on a high note in the fed cattle sector and all of us on the cattle side of the supply chain should be made well aware of what’s ahead in 2022.
Both beef demand and Certified Angus Beef® brand acceptance rates are at all-time highs, creating a formula for record-setting improvements. Fiscal year 2021 was the brand's second highest sales year on record.
