Latest News From cow-calf

Composting livestock manure will increase the volume reduction compared to stockpiling, as well as reduce internal and external parasites, pathogens and weed seeds.

Dry lotting cows can be a feasible way to allow pasture recovery, while feeding grain, forage, and crop stover to pairs. The system allows closer observation of the herd and low weaning stress.

What should you expect to pay for custom baling or silage chopping? A new report from the University of Nebraska may offer guidelines. A webinar covering the livestock-specific report will be held at noon on Thursday.

Heat stress is caused by a combination of environmental factors including temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, air movement and precipitation.

Cattle feeders focused on helping cattle where they could through last week's extreme heat and humidity. Packers looked to work the market lower, but relatively few cattle changed hands as cattle feeders held firm.

Knowledge of water requirements of cattle is necessary when designing water supply systems where the water supply may be limited or the delivery system restricts access in times of heavy use.

The discovery of the longhorned tick, already responsible the loss of millions of dollars in revenue to livestock producers worldwide, indicates a potential looming problem for cattle health in mid-Missouri.

The sharp increase in feeder cattle prices this year represents a growing market incentive for the beef cattle industry to transition from liquidation to expansion, but it does not appear the industry is responding yet.

Beef cows and total mid-year inventory down 3%. Cattle on Feed July 1 totaled 11.2 million head, down 2% from July 2022.

Missouri researcher Jared Decker used the commercial genomic prediction tool Zoetis GeneMax Advantage to investigate the ability of the test to predict the performance and profitability of a group of Angus calves.

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Sean McGrath, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada, a BIF Continuing Service Award July 4 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta.

Central Kentucky famer Donald Veatch has a passion for sharing his conservation ethic and knowledge with those who want to learn how to care for their own land.

Creep grazing has potential to be a cost-effective way to produce additional calf gains using forage rather than the traditional grain-based creep diets.

July's cattle inventory report will show continued declines to the beef cow herd. While beef cow slaughter is down thus far, the current pace suggests a herd culling rate over 12 percent for the year. 

Further discussion about cattle markets leads our columnist to conclude: producers are “prone to have high confidence in unfounded intuitions” and we often derive conclusions based on incomplete information.

The 69th annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course in Bryan-College Station will offer some cutting-edge information and ranch technology, along with basic beef cattle production information.

Summertime in July means there are often two pasture requirements: shade and reliable water. There is plenty of debate whether shade is required or not in arid parts of the country as well as beyond the pasture setting.

Although limitations exist, the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test to assess the efficacy of parasite control programs is the only practical method of determining the presence of resistance in cattle nematodes.

Douglas Lake Cattle Company, Douglas Lake, British Columbia, was recognized as the Beef Improvement Federation Commercial Producer of the Year on July 4 at the group's annual symposium in Calgary, Alberta.

Prices are higher as tighter numbers and beef supplies push markets toward record levels. The biggest question now is the extent herd rebuilding begins with increased heifer retention and reductions in cow slaughter.

As the balers roll through the fields and hay meadows, now is the time for proper maintenance and regularly inspected equipment.

Compared to other animals, cattle can’t dissipate their heat load very effectively. Cattle do not sweat effectively and rely on respiration to cool themselves.

Understanding the signs of heat stress, effective strategies to combat it, and maintaining optimal conditions to keep cattle cool are critical to beating the heat.

Veterinarians as Kansas State University's Beef Cattle Institute discuss tips for using and storing animal health products for optimum performance.

Higher cattle prices have calmed much of the producer angst about the market not working. Now seems like a good time to analyze how we think about factors that drive prices.

Many similarities exist between today's cattle market and that of a decade ago. But this year’s market is not, as Yogi Berra once said, “déjà vu all over again.”

Here's why Shelby Rosasco, Beef Extension Specialist at the University of Wyoming, feels it is important for cattle producers to focus on heifer development and which strategy is right for their operation.

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

The current high cattle prices were not a matter of “if” but “when,” following severe drought across cattle country. However, in volatile markets, should cow-calf producers be optimistic about profits in 2023?

It’s no secret that understanding the genetic value of your cattle is critical to garnering an ROI. But how can you capitalize on genetics and ensure you get an ROI from the process?

Established product requirements in the beef industry may differ somewhat from one segment of the industry to the next, but there are some common expectations fundamental to each.

The arrival of El Niño likely means that additional drought impacts will be minimal and herd expansion may begin. The July Cattle inventory report may be the first sign showing an increase of beef replacement heifers.

Fly season is upon us! With three major fly types, it's important to approach fly control with a variety of strategies for optimal control.

Why do some of the best calves catch a cough, known as summer pneumonia? K-State experts discuss the disease and what ranchers can do to best mitigate an outbreak in their herd.

When going out to tag calves, most cow-calf producers would prefer to find a new bull calf. However, it's important to remember the extra options and opportunties heifer calves provide.

Producers should make the decision of whether or not to creep based on economics. Here's a simple, quick “Cowboy Math” example based on current economics.

Even with the best management practices in place, some stressful events such as shipping are unavoidable. These recommendations can help mitigate the risk of respiratory disease and other health issues.

Markets may be higher, but there’s inherently more risk with each calf crop over time. That reality means ranchers must implement sound business strategies to ensure successful decision-making going forward.

Tightening supplies of beef and cattle are dominating market fundamentals and will continue to do so in the near-term.

Kurt and PJ Myllymaki of Stanford are the 2023 recipients of the Montana Leopold Conservation Award®.

Times of profitability provide excellent opportunities to reflect on what decisions we made to get here, more specifically what management practices resulted in the improving balance sheet.

A previous column drew producer responses about the OFF Act. Nevil Speer reviews some of the broader themes regarding your Beef Checkoff.

Governor Mauro Mendes of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, recently met with the Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen at the 2023 Water for Food Global Conference to discuss opportunities for partnership between the two states.

Calving season can be an exhausting time on the ranch, especially when cows experience difficulty giving birth.

Increasingly tight cattle supplies suggest that margins at all levels above the cow-calf sector will be squeezed in the coming months.  The severity of the squeeze and the timing will vary across beef industry segments.

The Food and Drug Administration is changing guidance for using implants in beef cattle after June 2023.

More than 400 participants gathered at the tenth Water for Food Global Conference to discuss innovative ways to improve water and food security by increasing farmers’ resiliency to a changing landscape.

Missouri forage producers should begin removing seed heads from tall fescue grass pastures soon to reduce toxic endophytes that thwart herd health and profits.

"It is time for members of Congress to listen to those they truly represent," says R-CALF president Brett Kinzey, "the people whose passion and time is centered on their fields and pastures, not inside the Beltway."

For the second time in a decade, drought has pushed cattle numbers in the U.S. lower than planned and lower than needed to meet the demands of the market.