Latest News From Cattle

R-CALF Loses Appeal On RFID Challenge
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.

Bulls
50% of Bulls Fail BSEs due to Poor Sperm Morphology

Check out the photographs of nine common problems Dr. Ahmed Tibary, Washington State University, says he most often sees in the sperm of bulls that fail breeding soundness exams.

Benefits of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination
Benefits of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination

Estrus synchronization can be an important management tool to get cows settled as early in the breeding season as possible and get cows bred to bulls with highest possible genetic value.

Barnard: Learnings From a Rotisserie Fueled Flywheel
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.

Cattle Vaccination-Why is it so Hard to Understand?
Cattle Vaccination-Why is it so Hard to Understand?

Vaccination plans are only one pillar in an effective herd health program and should be viewed as a mechanism to minimize risk of disease.

Most Prefer Beef Burgers Over Substitutes
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.

Supplying Water Needs for Beef Cattle
Supplying Water Needs for Beef Cattle

Addressing the water needs of cattle is a complex process depending on water quality, weather patterns, time of day, feed moisture content, and animal factors such as bodyweight and stage of production.

Nalivka: Packers, Politicians and Misunderstood Meat Industry Economics
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.

Managing Pastures with High Fertilizer Prices and Drought
Managing Pastures with High Fertilizer Prices and Drought

An emergency preparedness plan can assist a cattlemen’s ability to respond to varying threats.  Developing a disaster plan is a good idea for both people and all the animals they care for on a farm or ranch.

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

Merck Animal Health Introduces Herd Health Tool and Feedlot Diseases App
Merck Animal Health Introduces Herd Health Tool and Feedlot Diseases App

Merck Animal Health has introduced two new tools to bring important cattle health information to cattle producers’ fingertips.

Could Industrialized Hemp Have ‘High’ Potential in Low-Stress Cattle Production?
Could Industrialized Hemp Have ‘High’ Potential in Low-Stress Cattle Production?

Feeding cattle industrial hemp may reduce stress levels and increase the time cattle lie down, Kansas State University researchers found in a recent study.

Speer: COOL Zombie Walking Again
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."

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Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination in Beef Cows

For an estrus synchronization program to be effectively implemented it needs to be well planned.  Several best management practices should be kept in mind if you are considering heat synchronization. 

Managing Shrink of Calves Coming Off Wheat Pasture
Managing Shrink of Calves Coming Off Wheat Pasture

Cattlemen are constantly searching for more information on shrinkage of cattle through the marketing channels. Generally, the amount of shrink varies with the type of feed cattle are on before penning and transport.

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

Beef Fails Antibiotic-Free Test in New Study
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.

Phosphorus Supplements May Not be Needed for Heifers
Phosphorus Supplements May Not be Needed for Heifers

Cattle grazing pastures with high soil-test phosphorus may be getting enough of the nutrient from the grass to eliminate the need for a phosphorus feed additive.

Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle
Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle

Feed is a major cost input for all segments of beef production. Feed efficiency is always a primary determinant of profitability, but when feed costs are high, it becomes even more important.

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

Chicken_Poultry
Second Mistrial In Poultry Price-Fixing Case

Jury deadlocks over price-fixing, bid-rigging allegations by poultry executives. Prosecutors suggest a third trial but the U.S. District judge wants a explanation from the head of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division first.

Senators Revise Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act
Senators Revise Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act

Four U.S. Senators announced they have introduced a revised Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act and will push for a hearing on the bill by the Senate Agriculture Committee in the coming weeks.

Carcass Trait Accuracy Improves with Beef on Dairy Data
Carcass Trait Accuracy Improves with Beef on Dairy Data

Dr. Bob Weaber shares how the beef on dairy phenomena is a disrupter in the usual dairy and beef business and discussed research findings from a beef on dairy carcass trait collaborative project.

Greg Henderson
Colorado Animal Activist Kessler Charged With Animal Cruelty

A controversial animal rights activist and former member of the Colorado State Board of Veterinary medicine has been charged with animal cruelty. The blatant hypocrisy is stunning.

Consider Causes of Hair Loss and Itching in Cattle
Consider Causes of Hair Loss and Itching in Cattle

A number of causes and contributing factors can result in hair loss and itching, and last year's drought has played a role as harvested forages may be low in vitamin A.

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Factors That Contribute to Pregnancy Losses in Beef Cattle

Three categories of pregnancy losses in beef cattle include early embryonic death, abortion and stillbirth. Many potential causes for stillbirths and abortions make it important to investigate each calf loss.

When is the right time to castrate bulls?
When is the right time to castrate bulls?

Castration is a key component to any preconditioning program that can greatly influence market price premiums or discounts, especially in older bull calves.

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Be Prepared to Assist During Calving: Part 2

Six best practices for safely pulling a calf, provided by Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian.

Livestock Water Challenges Expected to Continue in 2022
Livestock Water Challenges Expected to Continue in 2022

Access to adequate, good quality water will continue to be a challenge for ranchers in North Dakota who depend on surface water sources, such as dugouts and stock dams to provide water to livestock.

Drought’s Impact On Cow Inventories in the Central Plains
Drought’s Impact On Cow Inventories in the Central Plains

Maps show the severity of drought in eight Central Plains states and where they began 2022 in beef cow numbers. These eight states represent 52% of America's beef cows, and accounted for 67% of last year's herd culling.

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Tips To Lessen Disease Risks

Veterinarians say there are steps producers can take to lessen disease risks before bringing new animals into your operation.

USDA Inspector Charged With Accepting Bribes At Texas Border
USDA Inspector Charged With Accepting Bribes At Texas Border

A U.S. Department of Agriculture employee was paid to allow tick infested and diseased cattle to enter the country, according to an indictment filed in a Laredo federal court last week.

Cornett: 'What Does the End of Beef Mean for Our Sense of Self?'
Cornett: 'What Does the End of Beef Mean for Our Sense of Self?'

While we were busy exploring whether the government should make laws mandating how cattle are marketed, The New York Times has been writing beef's eulogy. Indeed, "beef is the Kiev of foods, besieged on all fronts."

Drought Raises Concern For Cattle Fever Ticks in South Texas
Drought Raises Concern For Cattle Fever Ticks in South Texas

The ongoing drought in south Texas has lowered the water level at the Rio Grande River making it easier for wildlife carrying cattle fever ticks to enter the U.S.

New: Arovyn Approved for BRD, Pinkeye and Foot Rot
New: Arovyn Approved for BRD, Pinkeye and Foot Rot

This is a broad-spectrum, prescription antibiotic that treats the major organisms associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD), foot rot and pinkeye.

Vytelle Expands Network Of In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories
Vytelle Expands Network Of In Vitro Fertilization Laboratories

Vytelle is progressing on a five-year plan to provide accessible hormone-free bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF) to producers. Three new laboratories will soon be operational and accessible to cattle producers.

Begin Planning Drought Management Strategies
Begin Planning Drought Management Strategies

With the low amount of moisture that ranchers have received over the winter, the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute said now is the time to think about management strategies for a drought.

Be Prepared to Assist During Calving: Part 1
Be Prepared to Assist During Calving: Part 1

You should provide assistance immediately if you notice an abnormal presentation of the calf (AKA back feet, only one leg, etc.) or when there is no progress after 30 minutes for a cow or 60 minutes for a heifer.

NCBA Pleased to See Next Steps in Processing Capacity Funding
NCBA Pleased to See Next Steps in Processing Capacity Funding

USDA announced the availability of up to $215 million in grants and resources as part of a continued effort to strengthen the meat and poultry processing sector and create a more resilient food supply chain.

Medical Breakthrough Could Help Produce More Beef
Medical Breakthrough Could Help Produce More Beef

Bos indicus cattle lag in their reproductive efficiency, something researchers at Texas A&M are trying to help fix with a recent medical breakthrough.

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Putin Just Cost You $35 Per Head

Cattle markets were hit hard Thursday on news of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Higher grain prices drove feeder cattle prices as much as $5 lower on CME feeder cattle futures and more than $2 lower for CME Live cattle.

Progressive Leadership Earns Five Rivers Cattle Feeding the 2022 BQA Feedyard Award
Progressive Leadership Earns Five Rivers Cattle Feeding the 2022 BQA Feedyard Award

The world’s largest cattle feeder, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding recognizes the importance of being a leader and an advocate for the beef industry – Kuner Feedlot wins 2022 BQA Feedyard Award.

Feeding High-Magnesium Minerals to Cows Calving on Winter Pastures
Feeding High-Magnesium Minerals to Cows Calving on Winter Pastures

There is considerable variation in the mineral composition of small grain forages, depending on management, growth conditions, and soil mineral content.

Global Farmer Survey Highlights Profitability, Innovation, and Technology Adoption
Global Farmer Survey Highlights Profitability, Innovation, and Technology Adoption

Report reveals a shift to technology to support existing farming practices as globally producers look to innovate in the face of changing market pressures.

Janette Barnard
Barnard: Minimum Viable Management Isn't Enough

Suboptimal cattle production isn't just an innocuous segment that has no effect on the rest. Poorly managed cattle are a drag on the whole system and the impacts are worsening as we look to address big challenges.

Greg Henderson
Colorado Gov. Polis Transparently Undercuts Agriculture

Colorado ranchers say they are “under attack” by their governor after hiring a director of the Bureau of Animal Protection who has ties to Mercy for Animals and leads a project that promotes plant-based food choices.

Sexten: Same Goal, New Tools
Sexten: Same Goal, New Tools

When we break sustainability down to the operational goal of optimizing resources, we realize increased productivity per cow and optimum stocking rate per acre are the actual problems we need to address. 

Asian Longhorned Tick Arrives in 17 States, Calves are Especially Vulnerable
Asian Longhorned Tick Arrives in 17 States, Calves are Especially Vulnerable

The tick transmits Theileria orientalis to many animal species, including cattle, pigs, horses, sheep and goats. Death occurs in up to 5% of affected animals, according to Washington State University scientists.