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Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends
Power of Meat Reports Strong Meat Consumption, Evolving Consumer Trends

The Meat Institute and FMI-The Food Industry Association released the 19th annual Power of Meat report.

Cattle Imports from Mexico
Cattle Imports from Mexico

Mexico has become one of the major beef import sources for the U.S. as beef trade evolved from simply supplementing deficit beef production in Mexico to bilateral, product specific trade between the two countries.

Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs
Markets: Cash Cattle Markets Nearing Historic Highs

All classes of cattle sold at higher prices for the week and most are at or near record highs. Supplies of all classes remain extremely tight.

International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource
International Genetic Solutions Debuts New Informational Resource

International Genetic Solutions (IGS) recently unveiled a new information resource and video platform for important beef industry topics pertinent to producers’ bottom lines.

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Ranchers Urge BLM to Incorporate Latest Science in New Sage Grouse Plans

NCBA and PLC are requesting that BLM significantly extend the comment period deadlines while ranchers and other local stakeholders evaluate these lengthy proposals.

‘Green Book’ Proposals Could Mean Substantial Tax Increases
‘Green Book’ Proposals Could Mean Substantial Tax Increases

Paul Neiffer, The Farm CPA, details some of the Biden administration's 2025 budget plans and how they could affect farmers if approved. Of the provisions, only one would potentially help farmers, he says.

Genomic Testing Made Easy for Cow-calf Producers
Genomic Testing Made Easy for Cow-calf Producers

ranchers in 2024 have more tools to increase their confidence about management decisions than generations before them. One of these tools is genomic testing, like Igenity® Beef.

Montana Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Develop Giant Hybrid Sheep for Captive Hunting
Montana Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Develop Giant Hybrid Sheep for Captive Hunting

In a near decade-long effort to create giant sheep hybrids in the U.S. with the goal of selling the trophy species to captive hunting ranches, the defendant violated federal wildlife trafficking regulations.

Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Improve; Beef Packer Losses Remain Triple Digits
Profit Tracker: Cattle, Hog Margins Improve; Beef Packer Losses Remain Triple Digits

Cattle feeding margins improved as prices advanced. Beef packer margins improved but losses remain in triple digits as market-ready supplies remain tight. Pork producer margins gain on higher prices.

Replacing Thousands of Miles of Burned Fences in the Texas Panhandle
Replacing Thousands of Miles of Burned Fences in the Texas Panhandle

Ranchers in the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma region face the overwhelming task of rebuilding or repairing thousands of miles of fence.

Stocking Rates, Weed Management and Fire Break Recovery Following Wildfire
Stocking Rates, Weed Management and Fire Break Recovery Following Wildfire

Nebraska extension educators answer questions about stocking rates, pasture management following wildfire.

Hundreds Gather to Dedicate Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena at Illinois
Hundreds Gather to Dedicate Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena at Illinois

Over 300 people gathered March 8 to dedicate the “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” in the historic Stock Pavilion at the University of Illinois honoring the 49-year career of beef production professor and judging coach.

A ‘Smart’ Examination to Improve Livestock Management Efficiency
A ‘Smart’ Examination to Improve Livestock Management Efficiency

Animal nutritionist studies precision livestock management technology to develop cost-effective and noninvasive methods of monitoring feeding behaviors that can make operations more efficient.

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Measuring the Value (or Expense) of a Bull Purchase

This example evaluates five potential bull purchases and how a rancher can determine which one will provide the most potential return on investment.

Space Weather: Start Planning Today for Tomorrow’s GPS Outage
Space Weather: Start Planning Today for Tomorrow’s GPS Outage
By Matthew J. Grassi

Minor space weather events have temporarily knocked out corrections signals over Canada and The Dakotas in the past. Would your farm be ready for a more severe outage?

Anova Biosciences Unveils Revolutionary Promogen™ Diagnostic Test
Anova Biosciences Unveils Revolutionary Promogen™ Diagnostic Test

New diagnostic test enables the identification of cows with superior genetics that lead to enhanced feed efficiency, disease resistance and overall productivity.

Helping Hands from the AgriLife Extension Network
Helping Hands from the AgriLife Extension Network

Texas A&M AgriLife extension agents have been on the ground since the wildfires helping communities and ranchers recover from the devastation.

From Flames to Finances: Steps to Wildfire Recovery
From Flames to Finances: Steps to Wildfire Recovery

Multiple resources are available to aid rebuilding for ranchers who suffered losses to wildfires in the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandle area. Texas A&M AgriLife identifies the multiple resources available.

Ranchers Face Prison Time, Millions in Fines for Tampering with Rain Gauges
Ranchers Face Prison Time, Millions in Fines for Tampering with Rain Gauges

Two southeast Colorado ranchers agreed to pay more than $6.5 million in fines and will serve time in prison for tampering with NOAA rain gauges in a scheme to collect federal crop insurance.

Tyson Foods to Close Perry Pork Plant in Iowa
Tyson Foods to Close Perry Pork Plant in Iowa

Tyson Foods will permanently close a pork plant in Perry, Iowa, the meatpacker said on Monday, eliminating jobs for about 1,200 workers.

USDA Issues Meat Labeling Final Rule
USDA Issues Meat Labeling Final Rule

Ag Secretary Vilsack hails voluntary “Product of U.S.A.” label as a vital step towards consumer protection and builds on efforts to bolster trust and fairness in the marketplace.

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Slaughter Cow Market Soars Fueled by Lean Trimmings Rally

Lean beef trimmings, a key component of ground beef production, have rallied significantly, with the price of 90% lean trimmings quoted over $317 per cwt. the first week of March, an all-time record dating back to 1978.

Climate Center’s New Tool Provides Wind Data for Six-State Region
Climate Center’s New Tool Provides Wind Data for Six-State Region

The center will update the wind-data tool over time, with the long-term goal of covering seasons, multiple years and multiple months to enable comparisons.

Data Capture Adds Value
Data Capture Adds Value

Blockchain technology captures marketing leverage data on sale day.

Mackey: Packers Struggle to Preserve Margins
Mackey: Packers Struggle to Preserve Margins

Beef packers slow harvest lines and scramble for inventory as they attempt to keep a lid on cash prices.

BIF Seedstock & Commercial Applications Due March 15
BIF Seedstock & Commercial Applications Due March 15

Deadline for Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) award applications are this Friday, March 15.

Livestock Industry Mourns Loss of Dr. Angela Baysinger
Livestock Industry Mourns Loss of Dr. Angela Baysinger

Dr. Angela Baysinger, DVM, passed away on March 8. Baysinger was well known throughout the pork industry for her contributions to veterinary medicine and empowering those around her every day.

Markets: Cash Cattle Marching Higher
Markets: Cash Cattle Marching Higher

Negotiated cattle prices moved higher again as supplies continue tightening. Packers are caught in significant margin squeeze with marketing leverage continuing to favor cattle feeders.

USDA: $66 Million Investing in America Funds to National Forests and Grasslands
USDA: $66 Million Investing in America Funds to National Forests and Grasslands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday nearly $66 million to improve water quality, roads, trails, bridges and fish habitat on national forests and grasslands nationwide.

Exports: Pork Off to Rapid Start; Beef Trends Mixed
Exports: Pork Off to Rapid Start; Beef Trends Mixed

Pork exports begin the year on a torrid pace while beef export values jump 9%. Lamb exports put up highest value in more than four years.

How to Measure Pasture-Feed Intake for Cattle
How to Measure Pasture-Feed Intake for Cattle

Cows have a job, and that job description will vary from ranch to ranch. Have you taken time to write down what cows need to do to earn their keep?

11 Key Takeaways From Biden's State Of The Union Address
11 Key Takeaways From Biden's State Of The Union Address

President Biden delivered a defiant argument for a second term in his SOTU speech Thursday. From the economy to his thoughts on infrastructure, the border and climate, there were several key takeaways for agriculture.

Boosting Calf Health Following Calving
Boosting Calf Health Following Calving

Ensuring cows are in an adequate nutritional status (body condition score of 5 or 6) and not overfed can help reduce concerns of dystocia and plays a role in determining the quality and quantity of colostrum.

NCBA Welcomes Landmark Habitat Conservation Bill
NCBA Welcomes Landmark Habitat Conservation Bill

NCBA urged members of Congress to support the recently introduced America's Wildlife Conservation Act, a bill that would provide regulatory certainty for landowners who participate in species conservation agreements.

TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund Opens Applications for Cattle Raisers Impacted by Wildfires
TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund Opens Applications for Cattle Raisers Impacted by Wildfires

Cattle raisers impacted by wildfires in the Texas Panhandle and Western Oklahoma can apply for financial aid through the TSCRA Disaster Relief Fund.

Evaluating Cow Efficiency and Fit During Calving Season
Evaluating Cow Efficiency and Fit During Calving Season

A cowherd of optimum mature size and milk level relative to a given production environment creates the potential to increase revenue in the form of increased reproductive efficiency.

Pork Producers Adopt Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution at National Pork Industry Forum
Pork Producers Adopt Enhanced Swine Traceability Resolution at National Pork Industry Forum

U.S. pork producers approved a resolution to enhance the country’s live swine traceability system during the 2024 National Pork Industry Forum on March 7. Here's what it means for the industry.

Texas Wildfires Impacting Panhandle Ranchers But Not Overall Cattle And Beef Prices
Texas Wildfires Impacting Panhandle Ranchers But Not Overall Cattle And Beef Prices

Wildfires in the Texas Panhandle caused significant cattle losses for individual ranchers, but should not impact beef cattle markets or consumers, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

BSEs can Add Dollars to Producer Pockets, Thanks to Improved Calf Weaning Weights
BSEs can Add Dollars to Producer Pockets, Thanks to Improved Calf Weaning Weights

Turning out a subfertile bull means some cows in the herd won’t get bred or bred in a timely manner. Both problems are costly, says Chance Armstrong, DVM, Auburn University. Check out the two scenarios he outlines here.

Chasing the Elusive Second Calf
Chasing the Elusive Second Calf

Growing, lactating cows have greater nutrient requirements and smaller rumens than mature cows making it difficult for them to meet their nutrient needs with the same diet as the cow.

NCBA Hails Limited SEC Rule as Win for Cattle Producers
NCBA Hails Limited SEC Rule as Win for Cattle Producers

The SEC released a limited greenhouse gas disclosure rule that omits the requirement for large publicly traded companies to release greenhouse gas emissions data from private companies in their supply chain.

Maintaining Cattle Immediately After a Wildfire
Maintaining Cattle Immediately After a Wildfire

Once hay is available, priority should be given to providing enough long-stemmed hay to keep the rumen healthy and provide a balanced diet to sustain the animals until adequate spring forage is available.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Near Breakeven, Packer Margins Remain Triple Digits
Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Near Breakeven, Packer Margins Remain Triple Digits

Cattle feeding margins inched lower last week with rising costs. Packer margins improved but remain in triple digits as market-ready supplies remain tight. Pork producers turn a profit for the first time in 14 months.

American Royal To Host New Spring Youth Livestock Show
American Royal To Host New Spring Youth Livestock Show

The new American Royal Spring Youth Livestock Show will take place March 27-30 at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Mo.

Images From the Smokehouse Creek Fire
Images From the Smokehouse Creek Fire

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photographer Sam Craft was in the Texas Panhandle documenting the aftermath of the largest wildfire in Texas history, and the aid and support for fire victims.

Trade Groups Criticize USDA’s Final P&SA Rule
Trade Groups Criticize USDA’s Final P&SA Rule

Meat and poultry industry trade groups were quick to criticize USDA's announcement of changes to the Packers and Stockyards Act claiming the changes add unnecessary regulations and costs.

Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award to Marty Williams
Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award to Marty Williams

The Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award recipients are Marty and Crystal Williams from Noble County.

BSEs help Veterinarians Provide a $7 ROI for every $1 Cow-Calf Producers Invest, on Average
BSEs help Veterinarians Provide a $7 ROI for every $1 Cow-Calf Producers Invest, on Average

Bulls passing all four parts of a BSE are set up for reproductive excellence. The best achieve a 60% to 65% conception rate every 21 days on healthy, cycling cows, says Dr. Chance Armstrong. Subfertile bulls are costly.

USDA  Issues Final Rule to Clarify Standards Under P&SA
USDA Issues Final Rule to Clarify Standards Under P&SA

New final rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act promotes inclusive competition and prevents discrimination, retaliation and deception in contract farming.

U.S. Corn and Soy Key to Success of Red Meat Exports, Spronk Says
U.S. Corn and Soy Key to Success of Red Meat Exports, Spronk Says

The story of American corn and soybean production is a key tool in marketing U.S. red meat overseas. U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair Randy Spronk explained why at the Commodity Classic last week.