Latest News From Industry

Hereford Feedout Program Success Continues

Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics enrolled a record number of steers in the 2022 Hereford Feedout Program to find out how their genetics perform in the feedlot and on the rail.

New Antitrust Suit Targets Big 4 Packers

Grocery retailer Giant Eagle alleges the nation’s large beef packing companies have exploited their market power to limit the supply of beef and raise prices in a new lawsuit filed in Chicago on Wednesday.

Dr. R.L. “Bob” Hough Presented BIF Pioneer Award

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Dr. R.L. “Bob” Hough, Lone Tree, Colorado, the BIF Pioneer Award June 3 during the group’s annual research symposium in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Nutrition Can Help Cattle With Heat Stress

Probiotics fit well into an effective feeding strategy that can be implemented in conjunction with infrastructure considerations to combat the high cost of heat stress.

Easier Said ... But It Must Be Done

If we, who believe animal-derived proteins are good for people, do not share animal agriculture’s story, those who wish to diminish or eliminate animal agriculture from the food system will lead the conversation.

It's Time to Rethink Early Breeding of Heifers...Again

Are your producers getting heifers bred earlier than is beneficial? DVM Gavin Staley thinks that's the case too often. He offers three practices to focus on for hitting the “sweet spot” in heifer-breeding maturity.

The Competition Between Science and Emotion

The Cattlemen’s Profit Roundup symposium at the American Gelbvieh Association convention, Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson described the emotional and scientific struggle that has become the platform for sustainability.

Genetics Valued Over Hide Color

Genetic merit should matter more, while hide color should matter less, according to a recent survey conducted by the Red Angus Association of America.

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Video Q&A Sessions on Equine Joint Health now Available

The free series was done by PetVivo and features equine veterinarian Tracy Turner.

The Heifer Discussion

The increased cost associated with raising heifers has made producers retool their thinking. Earlier management decisions are happening on dairies, with a more dialed-in, strategic breeding philosophy being adapted.

Flooding Increases Risk of Anthrax

Erosion that occurs with flooding increases the chance that animals will ingest the spores of anthrax, a disease in cattle, humans and other species caused by a bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis.

Good News: Millennials Still Love to Eat Meat

Memorial Day weekend is known as the unofficial kickoff to grilling season. Even with the push to more plant-based proteins, meat is still in high demand. Millennials are one of the largest groups of meat eaters.

NIFA Invests $5M in Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain

USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced an investment of more than $5 million to mitigate antimicrobial resistance across the food chain.

Beat the Summer Heat

As outdoor temperatures increase, so does the possibility of heat stress or even heat stroke. But there are ways to avoid getting “overheated” this summer, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts.

R-CALF Loses Appeal On RFID Challenge

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th District rejected claims that two working groups formed to discuss radio frequency identification violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Farm Journal and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture Team Up to Help Animal Ag Share Its Story

Consumers are interested in how animal agriculture affects health and wellness, environmental stewardship, animal welfare and worker safety. Now is the time for a more robust and meaningful conversation.

Veterinary Community Mourns the Loss of Dr. Joan Arnoldi

Dr. Joan Arnoldi, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's first female female Deputy Administrator and Chief Veterinary Officer of the United States, passed away on May 10.

Air Force Pollution Forces New Mexico Dairy to Euthanize 3,665 Cows

Art Schaap, owner of Highland Dairy in Clovis, New Mexico, has been living a nightmare for the past four years. His nightmare is finally coming to an end, but not without the heartache of euthanizing 3,665 cows.

Public-Private Partnerships Build Global Markets for U.S. Farm Goods, Adding $9.6 Billion In Export Value

Programs to help U.S. farmers build markets overseas boosted agricultural exports by an average of $9.6 billion annually from 1977 to 2019, representing 13.7 percent of total agricultural export value, says a new study.

Should Dairies Take out Heat Stress Insurance?

A new insurance concept is being launched to allow dairy producers around the world to financially insure against the production losses caused by heat stress.

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Dealing with Drought Webinar to Assist Cow-Calf Producers with Decision Making

Drought is not a new issue to cow-calf producers, but many factors make this year unique. Kansas State will host a webinar to help producers weigh options on May 19.

Diesel Prices Just Hit a New Record High, Here's Why a Diesel Shortage May Be Next

Diesel prices hit historic highs this week. Due to increased demand and a drop in production, a diesel shortage may be looming as the largest diesel distribution hub in the U.S. is sitting on supplies at a 30-year low.

Merck Donates $500,000 to West Texas A&M University

The funding supports a feedlot renovation and expansion project to advance student education, according to the company.

"It's Not Hollywood At All": How Veeder Ranch Battled Historic Blizzards, Found Hope in the Middle of the Storm

Back-to-back blizzards in April meant the Veeders battled Mother Nature at the height of calving season. While they did everything they could to save newborn calves, they also saw relief in the form of vital moisture.

Barnard: Learnings From a Rotisserie Fueled Flywheel

In production agriculture, the output is largely a commodity. But whether the output is commodity or differentiated, the system of how the output is produced matters as much as the output itself.

3 Keys for Successful Beef Cattle Artificial Insemination 

Body condition score and estrus intensity can improve breeding season success, says Clint Sexson, large herd specialist for All West Beef/Select Sires.

The Gift My Late Mother Gave Me

The power of a mother is enormous. A mom is more than a chauffeur, a cook or someone who does the laundry. A mom shapes self-esteem and responsibility in her children and makes endless sacrifices to empower her children.

Merck Animal Health Donates $250,000 to Iowa State University for New Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Merck Animal Health announced a $250,000 donation to Iowa State University to support the new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

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Consider the Cost: Deciding When to Re-treat Calves for BRD

Every re-treatment puts additional stress on calves and reduces profit margins due to the additional medicine and labor costs. On the other hand, waiting too long to re-treat can increase the number of sick calves.

Calf Care & Quality Assurance Instructors Sought

The new Calf Care & Quality Assurance program is ready to engage some arms and legs to carry out its mission. The second CCQA Instructor training is planned for June 2022.

Most Prefer Beef Burgers Over Substitutes

A new poll of global consumers suggests they’re not giving up beef burgers for environmental reasons, but the study itself maligns livestock production with faulty claims.

Elanco Animal Health Doubles Down on Improved Environmental Sustainability and Nutrient Utilization in Beef Production

Elanco Animal Health and Ducks Unlimited announce results from the year-one effort of a multi-year initiative to restore working grasslands in western Kansas.

Nalivka: Packers, Politicians and Misunderstood Meat Industry Economics

Rather than running to the politicians to solve a problem, perhaps the better strategy might be to gather a plan to create a better understanding of the economics of the industry.

First Human Case of Avian Flu in the U.S. Confirmed in Colorado

The case occurred in a person who had direct exposure to poultry and was involved in the culling process of poultry with presumptive H5N1 bird flu, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Launches New Industry Sustainability Goals

These goals and targets aim to identify and supplement sustainability practices and support the collection of benchmarking data for current industry sustainability efforts.

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COOL 2.0 Won’t Improve Producer Prospects

A review of the data shows widening packer margins during the past several years have occurred for multiple reasons.  The timing of that occurrence post-COOL is coincidental.

Tyson CEO Provides Statement Ahead of House Agriculture Committee Hearing

Prior to testimony at the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Wednesday, Tyson Foods Inc. President and CEO Donnie King released a statement to give his perspective about cattle and beef market practices.

Ranchers Battle Back-to-Back Blizzards, Now Near-Record Flooding Blankets the East, Yet North Dakota Still Isn't Drought-Free

North Dakota's weather took a sharp turn with a blizzard Easter week. With multiple blizzard making it though for ranchers, and then heavy rain that fell this past weekend, portions of North Dakota are seeing flooding.

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New Partnership Addresses Veterinary Debt And Shortage

A new partnership between the Farm Journal Foundation and Zoetis Foundation is working to address student debt and, in the process, increase the number of rural veterinarians. 

The Story of Old Ben: The Biggest Beef Ever

Beef producers are always looking for an efficient steer to feed. Perhaps none was better than a calf raised near Kokomo, Ind. 

Ranchers Now Faced With Difficult Decisions As Drought and Wildfires Wage War on the Plains

High winds and eerily dry conditions across Kansas and the Southern Plains have created what’s been a battleground for continuous wildfires this year, as the fires are robbing some ranchers of vital grass.

Speer: COOL Zombie Walking Again

Seven years after repeal of mandatory country-of-origin labeling, a proposal has been introduced for the Secretary of Agriculture to "determine a means of reinstating" COOL, despite evidence of "no measurable benefits."

JBS USA Gives $700,000 to Nebraska Feedlot Innovation Center

JBS USA has made a gift of $700,000 to the University of Nebraska Foundation to support the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and its plans for a new Feedlot Innovation Center near Mead.

American Breeds Provide Selection Indexes for Beef Producers

Dr. Kari White, Neogen genetic evaluation specialist, explains the importance of understanding the benefits and consequences of selection indexes.

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North Dakota Rancher Braces For Crippling Blizzard That Could Be Catastrophic During Calving Season

Central North Dakota seems to be the bullseye for the blizzard, with forecasts showing that area could see more than two feet of snow, along with winds that could cause white-out conditions.

Lead the Way in these Uncertain Times

Step up, communicate and solve problems for your business, your clients and your staff.

Beef Fails Antibiotic-Free Test in New Study

A substantial portion of beef advertised as “raised without antibiotics” may, in fact, contain antibiotics, according to research by George Washington University published in Science Magazine.

Dairy Semen Sales hit 17-Year-Low: What Will the Trend be Going Forward?

With the cost of inflation impacting every corner of a dairy, the producer’s breeding strategy has been forced to become finetuned. More and more producers are keeping just enough replacements to fill the pipeline,.

Impact of Increased Use of Non-GM Feed on Animal Feed Industry

Continued demand for non-GMO feed for livestock will increase greenhouse gas emissions on farms, and raise consumer prices for meat, milk and eggs, according to a study by Iowa State University.

Over-The-Counter Access to Antibiotics is Going Away

Access to livestock drugs through over-the-counter (OTC) channels was curbed considerably starting in 2017. Soon, OTC antibiotics may no longer be available through traditional channels at all.