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Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins In Black, Packer Margins Remain Red
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins In Black, Packer Margins Remain Red

Cattle feeding margins improved significantly the past month, crossing into positive territory last week. Beef packers continue to struggle with tight supplies. Pork producers reach breakeven.

APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations
APHIS Bolsters Animal Health Surveillance for Unexplained Mortality Investigations

A new collaborative effort is helping fund rapid investigations of unexplained morbidity or mortality events in animals – unexpected deaths or illnesses that could signal emerging animal disease threats.

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Poultry Line Speed Lawsuit Dismissed Against USDA

A U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, dismissed a lawsuit filed four years ago against the USDA regarding its decision to increase line speeds at poultry plants.

USDA Announces Progress on Newly Authorized Climate Programs
USDA Announces Progress on Newly Authorized Climate Programs

A new report explains how the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program will facilitate farmer, rancher, and private forest landowner participation in voluntary carbon markets.

Georgia Dairy Farmer Teaches NBA Superstars, Including Charles Barkley, How to Milk a Cow by Hand
Georgia Dairy Farmer Teaches NBA Superstars, Including Charles Barkley, How to Milk a Cow by Hand

NBA superstars Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith learned how to hand milk a cow on live television thanks to a Madison, Georgia dairy farm, Big Sandy Creek Farm.

Tree Rustlers Steal Timber, Damage Graves At Historic Slave Cemetery
Tree Rustlers Steal Timber, Damage Graves At Historic Slave Cemetery

Sold: Integrity for the price of 12 cedars and a single oak in farm country.

The Value of Calving Distribution
The Value of Calving Distribution

Calving distribution is a go-to production measure for its ease and the information it provides. Finding cost effective ways to front load our calving season can have significant financial benefits.

Sexten: Lessons From the Dairy Industry
Sexten: Lessons From the Dairy Industry

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.

Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago
Meet 87-Year-Old Joan Kerns, A True Trailblazer Who Helped Carve Out A Niche For Her Family Nearly 60 Years Ago

Edgewood Locker got its start in rural northeast Iowa in 1966. The business now spans over three generations, and it's largely thanks to Joan Kerns who helped start the family business that's now seen phenomenal growth.

Gain a New View of Your Pastures’ Forage Potential
Gain a New View of Your Pastures’ Forage Potential

Noble Research Institute regenerative ranching advisors say a grazing exclosure is perhaps the simplest method to help see the potential of your land’s production.

The Growing Role of the U.S. Feedlot Industry
The Growing Role of the U.S. Feedlot Industry

The feedlot inventory as a percentage of the total inventory has increased over time, and the declining number of feeder cattle means there are not sufficient feeder cattle to maintain feedlot inventories this year.

FTC Challenges Kroger’s Acquisition of Albertsons
FTC Challenges Kroger’s Acquisition of Albertsons

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said on Monday it was suing to block Kroger's near $25 billion purchase of rival grocer Albertsons as it would eliminate "fierce competition."

Mackey: South Leads the Way Higher, North Trades at Par
Mackey: South Leads the Way Higher, North Trades at Par

Futures markets lend support to cash as packers looked to add inventory ahead of Cattle on Feed report.

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Where the Green Grass Grows
Where the Green Grass Grows

When pastures get top billing, gains follow year after year.

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American Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act Introduced
American Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act Introduced

The American Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to boost the money available to fund wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and sportsmen education programs.

Markets: Cattle Rally Again, COF Placements Surprise
Markets: Cattle Rally Again, COF Placements Surprise

Cash cattle posted solid gains this week as futures prices closed the week with four-month highs. Friday’s Cattle on Feed report met expectations with the exception of placements, which were higher than anticipated.

How Corporations Partner with Ranchers to Improve Sustainability
How Corporations Partner with Ranchers to Improve Sustainability

A panel discussion at the NCBA convention focused on new profit opportunities for livestock producers created by corporate sustainability programs.

Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2024 Stakeholders Summit Set for May
Animal Agriculture Alliance's 2024 Stakeholders Summit Set for May

The Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2024 Stakeholders Summit is set for May 8-9 in Kansas City, MO.

RaboResearch Publishes North American Agribusiness Review
RaboResearch Publishes North American Agribusiness Review

Rabobank forecasts market trends and economic conditions driving agriculture in Q1 2024.

Four Steps Veterinarians Can Take To Help Producers Transition To Beef-On-Dairy
Four Steps Veterinarians Can Take To Help Producers Transition To Beef-On-Dairy

Beef-on-dairy numbers in the U.S. will reach up to 5 million head – roughly 15% of the cattle harvested annually – as early as 2026. The sexed-and-beef model of production will play a prominent role in the process.

The Basics of Frost Seeding Clover
The Basics of Frost Seeding Clover

There are several techniques for introducing or reintroducing clover into pastures including no-till seeding, minimum tillage, and frost seeding.

Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs
Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.

Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production
Danish Farmers Concerned Carbon Tax Will Lead to Lower Livestock Production

Denmark's farmers on Wednesday voiced concerns that plans to levy a carbon emission tax on farming as part of efforts to meet Denmark's ambitious climate goals would force them to reduce production and close farms.

Hereford Influence Sells Strong in South Dakota
Hereford Influence Sells Strong in South Dakota

Even with strong demand and historically high prices for calves and feeder cattle this winter, the Hereford and Hereford-influenced sale at Mitchell Livestock Marketing in South Dakota Feb. 15 was a head-turner.

Local Communities Support Future Ag Leaders Through Zoetis Industry Support Program
Local Communities Support Future Ag Leaders Through Zoetis Industry Support Program

The annual program is committed to helping FFA chapters nationwide which use the funds in a variety of ways from helping to defray travel and event costs to funding community projects and scholarships.

HerdDogg: Technology Designed to Give Ranchers Their Time Back
HerdDogg: Technology Designed to Give Ranchers Their Time Back

Andrew Uden discusses the labor challenges that many cattle producers face and how technology can be a tool that frees up time for cattle producers.

The Basics of Wheat Pasture Frothy Bloat
The Basics of Wheat Pasture Frothy Bloat

Cattle grazing small grains pastures this time of year are susceptible to bloat which is influenced by environment, weather, forage growth stage and forage quality.

Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Improve, Packer Margins Near Triple Digits
Profit Tracker: Feeding Margins Improve, Packer Margins Near Triple Digits

Cattle feeding margins have improved significantly the past month, yet losses remain the norm. Beef packers continue to struggle with tight supplies and range-bound wholesale beef prices. Pork inches toward breakeven.

Six Elite Undergraduates Awarded Henry C. Gardiner Scholarships
Six Elite Undergraduates Awarded Henry C. Gardiner Scholarships

Henry C. Gardiner scholarships have been awarded to elite undergraduates since 2012. This year, 33 applicants competed for six scholarships.

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Meat Institute Joins Canadian, Mexican Groups to Improve Trade, Reduce Regulatory Barriers

The three groups reveal a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes their ongoing work to improve trade, reduce regulatory barriers and enhance information exchange within North America.

Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever
Why Showcasing U.S. Red Meat in Japan Matters Now More Than Ever

U.S. red meat made a statement at the Supermarket Trade Show in Japan. USMEF showcased U.S. pork and beef products for key buyers from Japan’s retail sector during one of the country's biggest food events of the year.

Peel: Record Calf Prices and More
Peel: Record Calf Prices and More

The first week in February saw 500-pound steers reach a new all-time record price in Oklahoma, supassing the mark set in November 2014.

Civil War Sacrifice: Forgotten Farm Boy Was First Soldier Buried At Arlington
Civil War Sacrifice: Forgotten Farm Boy Was First Soldier Buried At Arlington

William Christman, 19, saved his family’s farm and paid with his life.

New Weekend Dates for Noble Grazing Essentials in Waller, Texas
New Weekend Dates for Noble Grazing Essentials in Waller, Texas

Noble is offering a one-time-only discount in honor of the launch of its 2024 educational series, Noble Grazing Essentials course.

The Simple Economics of Extended Wheat Grazing and Why it’s a Bad Idea
The Simple Economics of Extended Wheat Grazing and Why it’s a Bad Idea

With the current above average temperatures, first hollow stem in wheat pastures will likely be here earlier than is usual. So, it’s a good time to look at the benefits and costs of grazing wheat past first hollow stem.

Despite Mild Winter, Spring May Bring Forage Challenges
Despite Mild Winter, Spring May Bring Forage Challenges

Unusual winter weather conditions have created benefits for some ranchers, but that could change and ranchers should consider whether winter feed supplies are enough to stretch into spring in case of delayed turnout.

What Producers Need to Know About Coccidiosis?
What Producers Need to Know About Coccidiosis?

Control of the coccidiosis is based on preventing calves from being exposed to large doses of oocysts and maximizing immune function through good nutrition and minimal stress.

Understanding and Preventing Calf Scours
Understanding and Preventing Calf Scours

Neonatal calf diarrhea, or scours, is a common concern among cow-calf producers. Understanding why scours occurs is the first step in preventing the problem.

Tips for Managing Calving in Muddy Conditions
Tips for Managing Calving in Muddy Conditions

Because of health concerns, it is important to reduce the effects of mud in calving areas. The following are a few management strategies to decrease the risk of health events due to mud during calving season.

From Adversity to Helping Farmers and Ranchers
From Adversity to Helping Farmers and Ranchers

Crop Disaster Recovery specialists help livestock producers and farmers apply for and receive federal and state disaster payments they deserve.

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Unintended Consequences: Managing Anaplasmosis in Cattle

Cattlemen need to be aware of the causes, symptom and prevention steps for anaplasmosis, a bloodborne pathogen that has shown to be more widespread than previously thought.

Dan Kniffen: Beef Quality Audit Continues to Pay Dividends for the Entire Industry
Dan Kniffen: Beef Quality Audit Continues to Pay Dividends for the Entire Industry

The beef industry has significantly improved efficiency across the entire supply chain, and that’s helped control our production costs, which benefits all consumers.

Using Technology to Streamline Work on Diversified Cattle Operations
Using Technology to Streamline Work on Diversified Cattle Operations

Which segments of your operation aren’t serving you anymore? Luke Kovarik shares the realities of operating a diversified operation in this week’s podcast episode.

Q&A With a Veterinarian: Bovine Lameness
Q&A With a Veterinarian: Bovine Lameness

Bovine lameness is one of the costliest animal health issues to the beef industry and it’s also a major animal welfare concern that we can mitigate.

John Deere Expands W200 Windrower Series Lineup
John Deere Expands W200 Windrower Series Lineup

Joh Deere's new high-horsepower windrower model helps improve productivity and efficiency.

How Much Water do Cows Really Need During Cold Weather?
How Much Water do Cows Really Need During Cold Weather?

Dehydration is an added stress for cows in cold weather. Help cows deal with winter stress and maintain their body condition by ensuring they have adequate water.

Breedr App Launches in the U.S.
Breedr App Launches in the U.S.

Combining individual animal data with AI insights generated from millions of cattle, the company provides tailored feedback to help each partner in the chain optimize their own production.

Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies
Employers Pivot Focus to Retention Strategies

In recent years, agricultural employers consistently emphasized talent acquisition, but there has been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing retention as the primary focus in 2024.

CAB Insider: Quality Grades Diverge
CAB Insider: Quality Grades Diverge

Extreme January weather conditions impacting a large portion of cattle feeding regions have been widely impactful to cattle feeders and the beef supply chain.

Profit Tracker: Packer Margins Erode as Feeders Tread Water
Profit Tracker: Packer Margins Erode as Feeders Tread Water

Improving prices for live cattle helped boost cattle feeding margins to near breakeven, but higher bids pushed beef packer margins deeper into the red. Pork producers also found improved margins but remain in the red.