Despite nearly 24 inches of snow, below-zero temperatures and raging winds that some people are affectionately calling “Death Storm #2,” Illinois livestock producers are finding ways to overcome the horrific conditions.
Severe winter weather across cattle feeding country reduced weekly harvest and damaged feeding performance. Cattle feeders will seek higher prices this week.
U.S. hay production in 2023 was 6.3% higher than the drought year of 2022, but remains 7.8% lower than the 10-year average. Hay stocks were higher in eight of the ten states, with decreases only in Kansas and Kentucky.
Winter weather dominated livestock markets the second full week of the year with slowing harvest and transportation. Cattle and hog prices were steady and margins improved modestly, yet losses remain significant.
Brutal winter weather disrupted cattle markets and significantly curtailed cattle harvest in western Kansas. Cash cattle trades were steady to lower while wholesale beef prices posted a significant rally.
Winter storms across the country have resulted in significant pork and beef supply disruptions in terms of livestock moving to processing plants as well as beef and pork moving to population centers.
There remains a lot of noise around the issue of LRPs in the cattle markets. That was best described by one of my readers last week: “[most of the critics] don’t even understand the facts, let alone the myths.”
As the fastest growing breed in America, the American Wagyu Association is actively working to keep the momentum going with additional staff and new programs.
Economics and the impact on weights – both longer-term and decisions based on short term factors will play an important part in determining beef production in 2024.
From 40 degrees above zero earlier this week in parts of the Great Plains to now forecasts for temps to fall 40 degrees below zero, ag meteorologist Drew Lerner says the frigid conditions will be dangerous for livestock.
November exports of U.S. pork reached the highest value since mid-2021 while U.S. beef exports slowed in November, recording the third lowest value of 2023.
Obtaining a basic understanding of nutrition and making data driven decisions can give every cattleman an advantage in creating a nutrition program best suited to their operation.
Methodical grind. There’s no question talent makes a difference, but what makes the biggest difference is commitment -- the daily decision to choose to work hard and show up.
The first week of the New Year provided little cheer for either cattle feeders or beef packers as both saw increasing per head losses. Ditto for pork producers.
After years of letting negativity and discouragement hold him back from full-time farming, the first-generation Kentucky farmer decided to take a leap of faith.
Following up on a recent column, Nevil Speer reports on the advice from a seasoned grain analyst: Three things that you should do for success in 2024, plus, four things NOT to do. Remember, it's "you versus you."
CattleFax invites producers to participate in its annual Cow-Calf Survey, which provides participants and the rest of the industry with valuable data regarding industry benchmarks and trends.
Mexico recently issued a decree extending zero-duty treatment of certain food imports – including pork, beef and poultry – from all eligible suppliers through the end of 2024. What does this mean for the U.S.?
What farm visitors see is how a no-till system coupled with extensive use of cover crops and sound crop rotations can greatly reduce soil losses, even on slopes up to 10 percent.
Removal of the 84 turbines erected beginning 10 years ago without a mining permit from the Osage Nation ends a long legal battle and will cost the developers $300 million.
Johne’s disease is usually spread to young calves through contact with infected manure or milk but infected cattle don’t show signs of the disease until several years later.
Oklahoma National Stockyards' owners and nearby businesses fear their livelihood could be infringed if Oklahoma County commissioners seek to use imminent domain to acquire land for the county's new jail site.
As milk prices continue to sink lower, more and more dairy producers are turning their attention to creating a healthy beef cross calf to generate additional income for their farms.
Cattle markets are encouraging more aggressive production. Individually, cattle producers may be able to respond immediately or may be forced to remain on the defensive due to physical or financial reasons.
A year ago feeders were concerned about weathered cattle and tough pen conditions and how at times it would be the motivation for sellers to take the market. It’s eerie how not much has changed in that sense.
USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service announces more than $203 million to nearly 70 agricultural organizations to help expand export markets via the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program.
Producers interested in expanding their herd or considering alternative production practices due to limited perennial pastures and rangeland are the target audience for the Dakota Alternative Beef Cow Systems Symposium.
After Texas renovated a highway, Richie DeVillier’s ranch experienced catastrophic flooding that destroyed his crops and killed his cattle. A seven-year legal battle ensued, which now heads to the Supreme Court.
A trial date has been set for Arizona rancher George Kelly who is charged with murder following the shooting death of a Mexican migrant in January of last year.
Although it appears producers took advantage of strong prices to market both steer and heifer calves last fall, it is possible decisions about whether heifers on wheat will be feeders or replacements have not been made.
The beef market is set to rapidly adjust to changes in consumer buying habits. This removes demand pressure from ribs and tenderloins, realigning the contribution of those cuts to a smaller percentage of carcass value.
Where do you go for your cattle and beef industry news? Here are a few of Shaye's go-to resources during my busy and slow seasons to keep me up to date.
From the intense heat in the South to drought blanketing much of the U.S., weather stole headlines again in 2023. What caused such extreme conditions? One meteorologist explains the culprits of the heat and drought.
Oklahoma State University's College of Veterinary Medicine will to create a Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine to address challenges in rural communities including impacts to veterinary medicine and animal agriculture.
Cow-calf costs and returns data from the Kansas Farm Management Association Enterprise Analysis for individual producers finds annual returns over variable costs averaged $71.02 per cow over a 46-year period.