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Cattle Producers Praise Farm Bill Extension
Cattle Producers Praise Farm Bill Extension

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) praised Congress for passing a government funding package that includes a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.

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Genomic Testing for Selecting Replacement Heifers

With a long window and investment to determine a heifer’s fate in the herd, producers should take advantage of genomic testing to get accurate information on maternal, performance, and carcass traits.

Bryan Whaley Named Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO
Bryan Whaley Named Iowa Cattlemen’s Association CEO

Bryan Whaley will begin his new duties at the Iowa Cattlemen's Association on December 4.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Tumble 60%
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Tumble 60%

Cash cattle traders were jolted by a steep price decline last week that erased much of the profit on cattle sent to market. Pork margins remain red.

Youth Win Big in National 4-H Livestock Contests in Louisville
Youth Win Big in National 4-H Livestock Contests in Louisville

A large crowd gathered for the 4-H Livestock Contests results at the North American International Livestock Exposition on Nov. 15 in Louisville, Ky. Here are the winners in livestock judging, skillathon and quiz bowl.

Livestock Judging: Think About This Before You Walk Into the Reasons Room
Livestock Judging: Think About This Before You Walk Into the Reasons Room

Livestock judging changed the direction of Dale Hummel and Ryan Rash's lives, opening up opportunities they never saw coming. They share 5 tips on how to score better in the reasons room.

Smith Named K-State Animal Sciences & Industry Distinguished Alumnus
Smith Named K-State Animal Sciences & Industry Distinguished Alumnus

Dr. Bob Smith was recognized as the 2023 Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry Distinguished Alumnus on Monday, November 13.   

Your Cattle Forage Analysis Results Are In: Now What?
Your Cattle Forage Analysis Results Are In: Now What?

These four measurements can help you determine what your herd needs are for additional nutrition.

Registration is Open for BIF's Genetic Prediction Workshop
Registration is Open for BIF's Genetic Prediction Workshop

The Beef Improvement Federation will host a Genetic Prediction Workshop next month in Kansas City.

Beyond Windbreaks: Proactive Winter Management Tips
Beyond Windbreaks: Proactive Winter Management Tips

Buddy Rowlett of Richmond, Kansas covers the basics of managing added snow pressure with fence design, working with frozen ground and offers a creative solution for electric fences during winter storms.

Hitting the Consumer Target
Hitting the Consumer Target

Speaking during the recent World Wagyu Conference, Midan Marketing cofounder Michael Uetz encouraged Wagyu breeders to better understand their consumer target.

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Cattlemen Object to Plans to Introduce Grizzly Bears in Pacific Northwest

This latest proposed rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service follows years of opposition from rural Washington communities, cattle ranchers, and sheep producers.

How Iowa State University is Developing the Future of Production Animal Medicine
How Iowa State University is Developing the Future of Production Animal Medicine

A recent American Veterinary Medical Association study found less than 4% of veterinarians nationwide predominantly practice production animal medicine. Here's what Iowa State University is doing to help change that.

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JBS Facing Headwinds in the U.S., NY Listing Plans Pushed Back

JBS SA, the Brazil-based meat behemoth, is braced for tough times as low cattle availability squeezes beef margins in the U.S., its main market, and management works to return pork business margins to more stable levels.

NCBA Again Strongly Opposes Paraguayan Beef Imports
NCBA Again Strongly Opposes Paraguayan Beef Imports

NCBA has repeatedly raised concerns with USDA over Paraguay’s history of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the outdated information used to justify Paraguay’s access to the U.S. market.

September Beef Exports Trend Lower
September Beef Exports Trend Lower

Beef exports continue to face significant headwinds in 2023, and September’s export volume was down 15% and the lowest of the year so far.

As Washington Works to Prevent a Government Shutdown, House And Senate Ag Committees Reach Deal On Farm Bill Extension
As Washington Works to Prevent a Government Shutdown, House And Senate Ag Committees Reach Deal On Farm Bill Extension

An extension of the current farm bill is now a reality. House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders were able to extend the current legislation as a possible government shutdown looms.

Peel: Cattle Markets Now and Later
Peel: Cattle Markets Now and Later

Reported national feeder cattle volumes (auction, direct and video/internet) are up 5.6% year-over-year since Labor Day, with the majority in September which contributed to the large September feedlot placements.

Cash Sharply Lower Following Futures Correction
Cash Sharply Lower Following Futures Correction

Cash cattle prices decline 3% for the week as December Live Cattle futures hit a five-month low and nearby feeder futures post seven-month low.

High Fed Cattle Prices but Narrow Margins: Strategies To Consider
High Fed Cattle Prices but Narrow Margins: Strategies To Consider

Although U.S. cattle inventories declined, following widespread drought, cattle feeding margins are not as wide as in the previous period of low cattle inventories. Here's some management strategies to consider.

Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely
Will Border Security Issues Force Congress To Take Action On Immigration Reform? Ag Economists Say It's Unlikely

The debate over immigration continues to be an issue in Washington. However, the Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor shows economists are still skeptical it's enough for Congress to act on immigration reform.

Antibiotics 101: Tips for Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Cattle
Antibiotics 101: Tips for Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Cattle

While there are many factors that weigh into creating a treatment regimen, understanding the different classes of antibiotics and how they work is important to ensure your cattle are getting the best treatment response.

New Legislation Looks To Connect Farmland And Ranchland To Broadband
New Legislation Looks To Connect Farmland And Ranchland To Broadband

The Last Acre Act would help expand high-speed internet access across eligible farmland, ranchland and farm sites. At least 15% of farms and ranches have no access to the internet today. 

Biden EO Establishes Chief Competition Officer at AMS
Biden EO Establishes Chief Competition Officer at AMS

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announces progress to further competition in agriculture and level the playing field for farmers and ranchers under President Biden's executive order on competition.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Narrowing, Pork Improves
Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Narrowing, Pork Improves

Cattle feeding margins decline even as fed steers trade steady to higher for the week. Packer margins erode on weaker wholesale beef prices. Pork producer margins improve but remain underwater.

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Benefits of Proper Hay Storage Practices

All forages packaged in large round bales benefit from protection and proper storage practices.

Feed Smarter, Not Harder: Strategies to Minimize Feed Waste and Increase Profitability
Feed Smarter, Not Harder: Strategies to Minimize Feed Waste and Increase Profitability

Here's some tips and strategies to help cattle producers stretch their dollars when it comes to winter feeding, shared by Aaron Berger, extension educator for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

CAB Insider: Middle Meats and Supply Driving Fourth Quarter Spreads
CAB Insider: Middle Meats and Supply Driving Fourth Quarter Spreads

Cash fed cattle prices have increased 4.8% during the month of November in the past five years, yet carcass cutout values have begun the month in a bit of defensive pattern.

J. David Nichols, Nichols Farms, Anita, Iowa 1938 - 2023
J. David Nichols, Nichols Farms, Anita, Iowa 1938 - 2023

Industry mourns legendary seedstock breeder and tireless advocate for genetic advancement and profitability for commercial cattlemen.

Combat Illicit Xylazine: Proposed Legislation Aims To Protect Sedative Use
Combat Illicit Xylazine: Proposed Legislation Aims To Protect Sedative Use

AABP urges practitioners and producers to contact legislators to express support for the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. The legislation would help protect the legitimate use of the product in livestock production.

Exotic Tick That Can Kill Cattle Spreads Across Ohio
Exotic Tick That Can Kill Cattle Spreads Across Ohio

Scientists have reported on Ohio’s first known established population of Asian longhorned ticks, and are now conducting research focused on monitoring and managing the pests.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids May Help Mitigate Early Embryonic Loss
Omega-6 Fatty Acids May Help Mitigate Early Embryonic Loss

A Texas A&M AgriLife project will feed omega-6 and omega 3 fatty acids to beef cattle to determine what role they may play in managing early embryonic loss.

Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards
Branstad and Westman To Be Recognized with 2023 USMEF Awards

In recognition of many years of service to the U.S. agricultural industry, the U.S. Meat Export Federation recently announced its 2023 award recipients.

Genetic Selection: No Better Than the Information Behind It
Genetic Selection: No Better Than the Information Behind It

For seedstock producers, reporting performance data is critical in EPD accuracy.

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Low Stress Weaning Strategies

Low stress weaning techniques can pay dividends to producers adding value through a preconditioning program.

Understanding Cattle Stress: Oklahoma State University Researchers Focus On Genetic Predisposition
Understanding Cattle Stress: Oklahoma State University Researchers Focus On Genetic Predisposition

Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and sensor technologies, Oklahoma State University researchers have embarked on a groundbreaking project aimed at studying stress in cattle.

New Leadership Elected by the American Angus Association
New Leadership Elected by the American Angus Association

Association leadership selected for 2024 at the Annual Convention of Delegates in Orlando, Florida.

Noble Research Institute Conducts First Essentials of Regenerative Grazing Course
Noble Research Institute Conducts First Essentials of Regenerative Grazing Course

Newly launched course educates producers in ecosystem management for more sustainable and profitable ranching.

Mackey: Steady Leaves Many Cattle on Showlists
Mackey: Steady Leaves Many Cattle on Showlists

Last week saw several feedyards pass on steady bids from packers. Cattle feeders are counting on declining numbers of Choice carcasses to bring packers back with higher bids.

American Angus Association Concludes a Strong Fiscal Year
American Angus Association Concludes a Strong Fiscal Year

The American Angus Association concludes 2023 as the ninth-consecutive year of more than 300,000 registrations and an additional 138,377 transfers.

Demand Remains Key to High Cattle Prices
Demand Remains Key to High Cattle Prices

Beef demand has been remarkably robust through many shocks in recent years and continues to surprise and impress despite the nervousness of the industry to the challenges facing consumers.

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Where Do The Sharps Go?

Animals receive shots for various reasons throughout their life, just like people. Regardless of why the animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way.

Markets: Cattle Steady in Light Trade, Futures Post Weekly Gains
Markets: Cattle Steady in Light Trade, Futures Post Weekly Gains

Cash trade was light as many cattle feeders passed on steady bids. Feeder cattle and calves traded mixed. Live and feeder futures contracts posted weekly gains.

Understanding Protein in Feed
Understanding Protein in Feed

As cattle producers, we see abbreviations, such as CP, RDP, RUP and MP, in relation to feedstuffs. It is important to understand the different terms related to protein in feed.

Reducing Development Costs for Replacement Heifers
Reducing Development Costs for Replacement Heifers

Reducing dependence on feeds and susceptibility to poor weather or market conditions, there is growing interest in developing replacement heifers at a lower cost without compromising reproductive performance.

Higher Inputs and Interest Rates Impacting Cow Costs
Higher Inputs and Interest Rates Impacting Cow Costs

What did it cost to produce a calf and maintain a cow in your operation over the past year?

University of Illinois Dedicates Stock Pavilion Arena in Honor of Industry Leader, Professor Doug Parrett
University of Illinois Dedicates Stock Pavilion Arena in Honor of Industry Leader, Professor Doug Parrett

Honoring the 49-year career of the beef production professor and livestock judging icon, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will dedicate the “Dr. Doug Parrett Memorial Arena” in the historic Stock Pavilion.

Look Out Iowa! Cropland Auction Sets Fresh Record in North Dakota
Look Out Iowa! Cropland Auction Sets Fresh Record in North Dakota

North Dakota auction company announces new record-high land sale for cropland in the northeast corner of the state at $17,500 per acre, while in Iowa farmland sales are starting to cool off.

Profit Tracker: Feeder Steer Prices 8% Lower Over Past Month
Profit Tracker: Feeder Steer Prices 8% Lower Over Past Month

Projected breakevens for cattle placed on feed have declined $10 per cwt. over the past month. Pork producer margins are declining even with feed costs 23% lower than last year.

Another Antitrust Lawsuit Filed Against Big 4 Packers
Another Antitrust Lawsuit Filed Against Big 4 Packers

A large contract foodservice company claims the nation's largest beef packers conspired to fix prices and drive up profit margins from 2015 through 2021.