Feedyard News

Mystery Respiratory Virus in Texas Panhandle Feedlots Is Fake News

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:10:35 GMT

Tuesday morning, false information about a mystery respiratory virus in Texas Panhandle feedlots was circulating online. According to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA), these claims are false.

Dr. Bud Dinges, TAHC executive director and Texas state veterinarian, says, “Texas animal health officials have confirmed with Amarillo region staff and partners at USDA Animal Plant and Health Inspection, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and Texas Cattle Feeders Association that no reports of cattle with an ‘unknown’ respiratory virus in the Texas Panhandle have been received and no regulatory action is being taken at this time.”

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall addressed the rumors issuing a strongly worded release:

“Spreading unverified information like this is not only irresponsible, it is harmful to cattle producers, the beef supply chain and consumer confidence in a safe and wholesome product. Our industry depends on transparency, science-based animal health protocols, and strong collaboration with state and federal animal health authorities. We encourage everyone — producers, media and the public — to rely on credible sources and verified information. NCBA and state affiliate partners will continue working closely with animal health officials to monitor any legitimate concerns and ensure the continued health of the U.S. cattle herd.”

Are Record Carcass Weights Pushing the Supply Chain to Its Limit?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:04:00 GMT

Has the beef industry hit the tipping point when the unintended consequences of animal size outweigh the benefits? Industry leaders say rising carcass weights have boosted beef supply and efficiency, but they have also increased bruising, mobility issues, heat stress and economic risk.

Kevin Good, CattleFax vice president of market analysis, says carcass weights the last two years have gone up by 52 lb., with carcasses now averaging 975-990 lb.

“That’s an offset of 2 million head harvested,” he explains.

While the added weight has helped fill the supply gap due to the reduced cow herd and fewer cattle on feed, Jessica Lancaster, NCBA senior director of product quality and safety research, says these huge incremental shifts in carcass weight can certainly cause challenges.

Lancaster was a guest on “AgriTalk” Thursday, discussing carcass size research as well as foreign object research results.

Shown is the “Bigger Cattle, Bigger Decisions: Managing Health and Welfare as Cattle Size Increases” panel including: Lily Edwards-Calloway, Colorado State University associate professor of animal science; Scott Pohlman, Cargill director of beef supply chain sustainability; and AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State University Extension veterinarian.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Today’s Bigger Animals Are Testing Transport and Plant Limits

The Cattlemen’s College session “Bigger Cattle, Bigger Decisions: Managing Health and Welfare as Cattle Size Increases” featured industry experts Scott Pohlman, Cargill director of beef supply chain sustainability; Lily Edwards-Calloway, Colorado State University associate professor of animal science; and AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State University Extension veterinarian.

From longer days on feed to tougher transport and processing, the panelists discussed how a more efficient, heavier animal can strain welfare, infrastructure and profitability. They all agree proactive management and research are critical to dealing with the rising carcass weights.

Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:

1. Structural Shift: Fewer Cows, Bigger Cattle

Pohlman says the U.S. cow herd is at its lowest level since the Roosevelt administration.

Feedlots have compensated by adding days on feed and pushing carcass weights sharply higher — approaching 975-990 lb. — resulting in similar total beef supply with fewer animals but much larger individuals.

2. Efficiency Gains Are Real, and So Are the Risks

According to Tarpoff, the larger, heavier cattle and longer feeding periods have improved overall efficiency: more beef with fewer animals, less total feed and water per pound of beef. This has helped “backfill” lost production from the smaller cow herd.

However, longer time in the system means:

Higher probability of adverse outcomes.
Rising death loss and greater economic risk per head, because each animal is more valuable.

3. Welfare: Tipping Point Concerns Around Size

Welfare is framed around biological functioning: growth, health and reproduction, the ability to express normal behavior and the freedom from discomfort, fear and distress.

Edwards-Calloway says there is a particular concern for animals at the extremes of the size bell curve, whose welfare can be “pretty compromised.”

The industry must proactively address welfare challenges associated with larger cattle to maintain consumer trust. Edwards-Calloway says if consumers think the industry knew about a welfare problem and didn’t act, that’s seen as worse than making an honest mistake and fixing it.

4. Transport and Packing Plants: Systems Not Built for Today’s Cattle

Edwards-Calloway explains transporting from feedlot to packing plant is still one of the most stressful phases, even with best practices.

Research has often controlled for size rather than explicitly asking how large size affects outcomes. She says evidence suggests larger‑frame cattle have more traumatic events and bruising on certain trailer types.

Not all fed cattle are fit for transport; there’s a call for mobility scoring at loading, not just at the plant, she adds.

Pohlman says the frequency of bruising in the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit was the highest on record, with major/critical bruises increasing. He stresses the economic impact is significant at about $110 million from loin bruises alone.

He also says mobility scores at arrival have worsened.

Processing facilities built decades ago are struggling to accommodate today’s larger cattle. Plants are having to modify pen densities, single-file alleyways, restrainer sizes, intervention cabinets and even re-engineer rail systems to handle the increased weight and size of modern cattle carcasses.

5. Heat Stress, Dark Cutting and Seasonal Losses

Heat stress represents a more than $650 million annual loss to the industry, with heavy, near-slaughter cattle at highest risk. Larger animals have increased difficulty with thermoregulation, making heat-stress management increasingly critical as cattle weights continue to rise.

Tarpoff says summer heat correlates with higher dark‑cutting rates, causing additional carcass‑value loss.

6. Call to Action: Upgrade Infrastructure and Management for a ‘Different Animal’

Today’s cattle are heavier, bigger‑framed and take up more space per head than 10 to 20 years ago. Now is the time to reinvest in infrastructure: pens, water systems, shade and heat‑stress mitigation, transport equipment and plant modifications.

Tarpoff says the industry needs to be nimble enough to make individual outcome decisions because every animal is a bigger financial and reputational stake.

He encourages the industry to consider welfare investments — comfort, health, mobility and heat mitigation — as economic investments with real returns in performance and risk reduction.

Tarpoff stresses that now is the time to adapt systems to the realities of larger cattle so the industry can keep delivering high‑quality, efficient beef without eroding welfare or consumer trust.

Rust in the Ration: How to Combat Southern Rust’s Impact on Corn Silage

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:04:47 GMT

With the warm and wet conditions this season, southern rust is on the rise in Midwest corn crops. It may be time to start considering the impact that could have on corn silage and preparing to adjust rations accordingly. While southern rust is not a direct threat to herd health, it has been shown to lower the nutritional value of silage and can compromise feed quality.

Southern rust, a fast-developing fungal disease caused by Puccinia polysora, does not itself produce toxins, but it weakens the plant and provides the opportunity for other diseases to move in. These opportunists include various Furasium species, which produce mycotoxins (fumonisin and deoxynivalenol) that can be harmful in feed.

Southern Rust and Corn Silage Quality

Southern rust is known to impact corn silage quality. A study from the University of Florida showed increasing rust infestation resulted in increased dry matter and fiber fractions, but that dry matter digestibility decreased by 13%. Further, high rust silages had lower neutral detergent fiber digestibilities than medium and no rust silages. Southern rust also affected the concentrations of lactate and volatile fatty acids, causing both to decrease with increasing infestation. These results indicate decreased nutritive value.

The observed increased dry matter also reduced silo packing effectiveness. If moisture levels are too low at harvest, it is difficult to achieve adequate packing, which leads to poor fermentation and an increased risk of mold growth.

Because southern rust coverage reduces the photosynthetic area of the leaf, grain fill is often hindered, leading to a lower energy and protein content in the silage.

Southern Rust Silage Management

There are a handful of strategies producers can apply to counteract the effects of southern rust:

Adjust harvest time based on moisture content. Southern rust can cause corn to dry down faster than normal. Monitor moisture levels closely to ensure the proper fermentation of silage.
Consider a silage inoculant. Inoculants improve fermentation, and the rapid pH drop can inhibit mold and yeast growth.
Ensure good packing and storage. Pack silage well to limit oxygen exposure and prevent mold growth. Cover bunkers immediately and weigh down coverings thoroughly.

Feeding Southern Rust Silage

To counter the nutritional challenges of feeding southern rust-infected corn silage, dietary supplementation may be necessary.

Prior to inclusion, test all potentially infected silage for mycotoxins. This will allow you to determine the safety of the feed and avoid potential health issues. If mycotoxins are high, the incorporation of a mycotoxin binding agent into the ration will help reduce toxin absorption in the animal’s digestive tract. Additionally, supplementation with antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, could help animals by countering oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins and supporting immune function.

If grain fill was affected and starch levels are low, you may need to incorporate an additional energy course to compensate. Further, poor grain fill could reduce the already low protein content of corn silage, and protein supplementation may be required.

When incorporating infected silage, ensure it is thoroughly mixed into the TMR to dilute potential ‘hot spots’. Inclusion levels of contaminated silage in the feed may need to be limited or removed entirely for sensitive animals, including lactating or breeding animals. Livestock should be monitored closely for symptoms of mycotoxin toxicity, such as reduced intake, weight loss, digestive issues or reproductive challenges. Be prepared to respond if issues arise.

When feeding corn silage infected with southern rust, caution is essential to protect livestock health and performance. The thoughtful use of compromised silage can help minimize risk while maintaining efficiency and animal well-being.

Your next read: Southern Rust Set To Take Big Bite Out Of Midwest Corn Crop?

Importance of Clean Water in Cattle Production

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:23:33 GMT

There’s nothing more refreshing than an ice-cold drink of water after spending time in the Kansas heat in August. According to Kansas State University beef cattle experts, cattle feel the same — and clean water is the most critical nutrient for the animals’ health and performance.

“Water is the most important nutrient that animals are going to get, and they have to have enough of it,” says K-State Veterinarian Dr. Scott Fritz.

While many producers might assume all water is created equal, experts warn that not all sources are suitable for livestock. They note that total dissolved solids, nitrate and sulfate levels and pH (acidity) can significantly impact animal health and productivity.

“Cattle nearly double their water intake (when temperatures rise) from 40 degrees to 90 degrees (Fahrenheit),” Fritz says. “This increase underscores the importance of understanding water capacity and quality, especially during intense summer heat.”

Wells and ponds present different challenges.

“We’ve seen wells that were normal for 10 years, then all of a sudden the water contains as much sodium as sea water,” Fritz says.

Key factors ranchers should monitor include total dissolved solids — which should stay under 3,000 parts per million — as well as sulfate and nitrate concentrations. The veterinarians noted that water hardness typically has minimal impact on livestock.

Fritz and others agree it’s good practice to test water sources periodically, particularly after drilling a new well or during significant seasonal changes. The goal is ensuring livestock have access to clean, abundant water that supports their health and productivity.

To learn more about heifer management, marketing cattle and water quality, check out the latest episode of the K-State BCI Cattle Chat podcast.

Texas A&M Researchers Study Diet’s Impact On Salmonella Prevalence In Cattle

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:29:16 GMT

Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and can spread to people from a variety of foods, including beef. Understanding how and why cattle become infected with Salmonella is an important part of fighting this major public health concern.

Researchers at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) are addressing this problem from a new angle by studying how diet and feeding schedule impact Salmonella infections in cattle.

Their recent study , published in the American Society for Microbiology’s Microbiology Spectrum journal, found that high-starch diets can potentially lower Salmonella prevalence in cattle, especially within the lymph nodes — organs that are often embedded in fat trims included in ground beef products.

“Lymph nodes may be present in fat trimmings that are used to balance lean-to-fat ratios in ground beef products,” says Yesica Botero, a fourth-year biomedical sciences doctorate student. “This is a food safety concern because Salmonella can hide inside lymph nodes, where surface cleaning or treatments do not reach. As a result, it can still be present in ground beef.”

Feedyard cattle are typically fed a high-energy, grain-based diet designed to promote rapid growth and efficient weight gain.

Understanding the role that a high-starch diet potentially plays in reducing Salmonella prevalence could have major impacts on the beef cattle industry, providing ranchers with new options for controlling the spread of bacteria within their herds.

Taking A New Approach

The Texas A&M project was designed to study feedlot cattle that Dr. Kendall Samuelson, from West Texas A&M University, was examining in a separate project to see whether high-starch diets and feeding schedules impact liver abscess formation.

“We aimed to understand the factors that contribute to the presence and distribution of salmonella in feedlot cattle,” said Dr. Gizem Levent , a VMBS assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences . “There aren’t many studies focusing on understanding how diet and management changes impact Salmonella.”

Botero and Levent took samples of feces, hides, lymph nodes and soil from Samuelson’s cattle pens over a period of more than seven months. They found that while there was little difference in Salmonella populations between cattle with scheduled versus erratic feedings, the level of starch in the diet made a notable impact.

“We saw a reduction in Salmonella, especially in the lymph nodes, when cattle were fed a high-starch diet,” Botero says. “High-starch diets typically cause a lower pH in the rumen, which may be what reduces Salmonella prevalence in the gastrointestinal tract and, subsequently, in lymph nodes.

“Findings from Dr. Samuelson’s original study suggested that high-starch diets may also correlate with a higher incidence of liver abscesses,” she says. “This is something we would like to explore further in upcoming studies by testing different starch concentrations in the diet to find one that does not harm cattle health — such as by increasing the risk of liver abscesses — but still helps lower Salmonella levels.”

Continuing The Investigation

In addition to studying how different levels of starch impact liver abscesses and Salmonella, Levent and Botero are planning to dive even deeper into the data to study the specific serotypes, or genetic profiles of Salmonella, observed in their samples.

“We want to do a follow-up study with more in-depth analysis of the dynamics of the Salmonella population,” Botero says. “By looking at the genetic profiles, we can better understand which serotypes are present, how they might respond to antibiotics, and whether they carry genes that make them more likely to survive or spread in the environment.”

Fortunately, what they have seen so far from the feedlot samples does not indicate a high presence of Salmonella or serotypes resistant to antibiotics.

“The overall Salmonella population found was not resistant to antibiotics of public health concern, which is good news for public health,” Levent said. “But we will definitely keep screening for resistance so that we can better understand what makes resistant populations exist in the environment.”

Connecting the Dots: Feedlot Success Starts With Calf Health

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:19:58 GMT

Today we have robust capabilities to ingest and provide intelligence from animal health data.Through machine learning and artificial intelligence, we will be able to use data to predict in calf health which will allow targeted interventions to manage cattle better from birth to slaughter.

“Diagnostics need to be used more in beef cattle medicine. We need to quit guessing,” says Dr. Dan Thomson. “So many times we just guess why we have a swollen joint or why the calves broke with BRD. A 200-head pen of cattle today, it’s a half a million bucks. Investing slightly in better understanding the cause of disease will allow us to improve vaccine protocols and treatment outcomes for our cattle.”

Thomson, a PhD nutritionist, DVM and managing partner of Production and Animal Consultation (PAC), was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast episode 10.

“Many times we miss more by not looking than we do by not knowing,” he says. “Good stockmanship is about taking the time to find sick cattle, pulling them to the chute for a good clinical exam which includes lung auscultation, body temperature and recording clinical signs.Good early diagnosis of disease improves our treatment success rates tremendously.Treating the right animal, with the right dose, at the right time.”

According to Thomson, “redundancy is our friend,” highlighting the importance of consistent, repeated good animal health practices. He also stresses how veterinarians are critical partners in animal health, offering more than just treatment; they provide ongoing guidance, preventative strategies and a holistic approach to animal care.

Five key takeaways from the podcast are:

1. Animal welfare is critical: Proper animal health involves more than just treatment; it’s about preventing disease through vaccination, nutrition, shelter and low-stress cattle handling.

“We must build trust in cattle with caregivers. Cattle that don’t trust people hide their clinical signs until much later in the disease process, which decreases treatment success. Acclimating cattle builds trust and allows us to visualize cattle illness or disease sooner,” Thomson explains.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding cattle from birth, particularly highlighting the critical nature of colostrum intake.

“By six hours of age, we could tell if that calf was going to be failure of passive transfer,” he says, underscoring the importance of early health interventions.

2. Diagnostic testing is essential: Veterinarians should focus on understanding the root causes of health issues through comprehensive testing, rather than just guessing or treating symptoms.

3. Antibiotic stewardship matters: The goal is to use antibiotics judiciously — getting the right antibiotic to the right animal at the right time, while understanding the broader context of animal health.

“Antibiotics are incredible, essential tools for human and animal health. We need more antibiotics,” he says. “Antibiotic stewardship is getting the right antibiotic in the right animal at the right time. The core to antibiotic stewardship is a veterinary client patient relationship.”

4. Technology and human interaction must work together: New technologies like active tags and artificial intelligence can help improve animal health, but they cannot replace the importance of hands-on care and veterinarian-producer relationships.

“Just because you have a baby monitor doesn’t mean you don’t need a mother,” he says.

Thomson sees technology as a tool to enhance, not replace, human care. Active tags and wearables can help identify sick animals earlier, but they require skilled interpretation.

5. Holistic approach to animal health: Success comes from understanding the entire life cycle of cattle — from cow-calf operations through feedlots — and addressing health challenges at each stage through communication, proper management and continuous learning.

Thomson says it all starts with breeding the cow herd with a tight calving window. He says this results in more calves the same age at branding and weaning that are the proper stage to receive vaccines.

Colostrum is key to calf health throughout its life. He stresses the importance of newborn calves getting colostrum in the first six to 12 hours. Past that time there is little passive immunity absorption.

“I’m talking about improved health of that calf throughout its life, that’s where it all starts,” he adds. “The industry continues to do a better job of vaccinating and preconditioning and preparing cattle for the feedlot.”

To decrease stress and morbidity at the feedlot, Thomson suggests preconditioning. This includes getting calves bunk broke and used to the water tank before sending them to the feedlot.

“There’s two reasons why animals get sick,” he says. “One, an overwhelming dose of a pathogen, that they’re naive to or, two, suppressed immune system.”

In summary, Thomson sees tremendous potential in integrating data, improving diagnostic capabilities and developing more targeted health interventions. However, he cautions progress requires patience, collaboration and a willingness to challenge existing practices.

He is optimistic about the future of the beef industry, particularly its ability to produce a versatile food product.

“Beef feeds every socioeconomic strata,” he explains, from ground beef to the white tablecloth restaurant where consumers celebrate the biggest and greatest days of their lives.

Be sure to check out the podcast to learn more about what it really takes to build a connected, resilient health system from cow-calf to packer.

Kansas Beef Producers Beware: A Case of Theileria Found

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:51:08 GMT

Theileria orientalis ikeda, a protozoan parasite that infects red and white blood cells and can lead to anemia and, in some cases, death, has been found in Kansas.

The primary insect vector is the Asian longhorned tick (ALT) . According to the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSVDL) ALT has not been found in Kansas but has been found in Missouri, Arkansas and in Oklahoma most recently in the county adjacent to Labette County, Kan.

The disease can be spread through multiuse needles and insect vectors.

KSVDL reports the infected calves in the case were purchased on the East coast and imported into Kansas for feeding.

If you are witnessing any of these clinical signs in cattle of all ages — anorexia, lethargy, dyspnea, icterus or death — please consider this new pathogen.

KSVDL also stresses producers need to be wary of importing cattle without testing for this disease. KSVDL has a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (MDL7130) that identifies both Anaplasma and Theileria. As with all PCR’s, whole blood (purple top tube) is the appropriate antemortem sample. Fresh spleen is the appropriate postmortem sample.

KSDVL has a map of where the disease has been confirmed by KSDVL testing.
For more details on the disease, you can view a webinar produced by KSDVL.

Rotating Ionophores to Increase Gain

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:11:06 GMT

Ionophores like monensin, lasalocid and laidlomycin, have been readily used within the U.S. and a recent research study by Haley Larson, assistant professor of animal health at K-State Olathe, found rotating through different molecules could provide added gain benefits.

“They have a multitude of functions,” says Larson of ionophores, which are molecules that inhibit growth of certain bacteria. “They help control or prevent coccidiosis, and they also have some improvements on feed to gain.”

Benefits of Ionophores

While technically an antibiotic, ionophores do not fall under the veterinary feed directive as they are not used in human medicine. Thus can be used for the promotion of gain and feed efficiency of livestock.

Within the U.S., ionophores are labeled for continuous feeding, which the FDA defines as at least 14 days.

Larson says in order to have a study that could be easy for producers to replicate, they chose a 28-day feeding period per ionophore. This time frame also gave rumen time to adapt.

“We need to make sure that they have that full adaptation to one ionophore before you introduce the next one to shift that population in a different direction,” Larson says.

Ionophores work by inhibiting or killing certain types of bacteria in the rumen, which changes the rumen microbial population.

“We get a shift in the fermentation profile and the end products of fermentation that are produced that then, in turn, makes the animal more efficient,” explains Phillip Lancaster, K-State professor of cattle nutrition.

The idea behind rotating them would be to shift the microbial population and determine if there was a synergistic effect of using two different products or molecules on that efficiency of rumen fermentation, Lancaster adds.

Study background

The study was conducted in a commercial yard in southwest Kansas on heifers who were limit-fed for a targeted 3-lb. ADG on a growing ration. Monensin and laidlomycin were rotated through twice each on a 112-day growing period.

“We found that those heifers that were on the rotation had an 8.6% improvement in gain over their monensin-only counterparts,” Larson says.

She is continuing to analyze the data, also looking at methane production from rotating molecules as well.

To hear more of the conversation, listen to the BCI Cattle Chat .

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Beef Producers Be Aware: Dangerous Asian Longhorned Tick Continues Migrating West

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:24:33 GMT

The Asian Longhorned Tick (ALHT) poses a serious threat to cattle health. ALHTs carry Theileria, which is a protozoan parasite that infects red and white blood cells. It can lead to anemia and, in some cases, death.

ALHTs are native to eastern Asia, eastern China, Japan, the Russian Far East and Korea but were introduced to Australia, New Zealand and western Pacific Islands. In other countries, it can also be called a bush tick, cattle tick or scrub tick.

In the U.S., ALHT was first detected in New Jersey in 2017. Since then, it has spread to more than 20 states with recent confirmations in Illinois , Michigan and Iowa .

According to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) ALHTs are known to carry pathogens, which can cause disease and may also cause distress to the host from their feeding in large numbers. For example, a dairy cow may have a 25% decrease in milk production after becoming a host.

A female can reproduce without a mate and lay up to 2,000 eggs at a time. This can cause great stress on a heavily infested animal and result in reduced growth and production. A severe infestation can kill the animal from excessive blood loss.

Asian longhorned tick life stages and relative actual size.

(Photos of unfed ticks by Centers for Disease Control. Photos of engorged ticks by Jim Occi, Rutgers, Center for Vector Biology.)

What does it look like?

Unfed ALHTs range from a light reddish-tan to a dark red with brown, dark markings. While the adult female grows to the size of a pea when full of blood, other stages of the tick are very small — about the size of a sesame seed.

Adult females are a grey-green with yellowish markings. Male ticks are rare.

APHIS reports it only takes a single tick to create a population in a new location.

The above photos are of a AHLT engorged (on the left) and an adult AHLT not engorged.

(New Jersey Department of Agriculture)

ALHTs need warm-blooded hosts to feed and survive. They have been found on various species of domestic animals — such as sheep, goats, dogs, cats, horses, cattle and chickens — and wildlife. The tick has also been found on people.

What are the health risks?

APHIS says ALHTs are not known to carry Lyme disease, but they can cause tickborne diseases affecting humans and animals such as:

Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Heartland virus
Powassan virus

APHIS says those diseases have not been confirmed outside of a laboratory setting in the U.S. In addition, U.S. ALHT populations can transmit U.S. Theileria orientalis Ikeda strain (Cattle theileriosis) in the laboratory.

In an Iowa State University release , Grant Dewell, Extension beef veterinarian and associate professor, says cattle affected by Theileriosis will show signs of lethargy, anemia and difficulty breathing. They may develop ventral edema, exercise intolerance, jaundice and abortions.

“Although signs of Theileriosis are similar to anaplasmosis, younger animals and calves often display more severe signs compared to mature cows and bulls,” he says. “Due to anemia from both tick infestation and Theileria, the risk of death can be elevated. If cattle producers suspect either Theileria or ALHT, have a veterinarian collect appropriate samples and submit them to a veterinary diagnostic lab.”

According to an Oklahoma State University press release , under laboratory conditions ALHT is a competent vector of numerous pathogens that can cause disease in humans, including Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever), Heartland Virus and Powassan Virus.

In “ Clinical Infectious Diseases, ” Bobbi Pritt, MD, MSC, with the division of clinical microbiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., reported a human bite that occurred in New York in 2019. She says though the report of a human bite isn’t surprising, it proves the invasive longhorned tick continues to bite hosts in its newest location.

“This is extremely worrisome for several reasons,” she writes. “One reason is Asian longhorned ticks can carry several important human pathogens, including the potentially fatal severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus and Rickettsia japonica, which cases Japanese spotted fever. While these pathogens have yet to be found in the United States, there is a risk of their future introduction.”

Also, Pritt says several other human pathogens have been detected in the ticks, but it’s not clear if the ALHT species are able to transmit them to humans. They include Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Borrelia species. Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.

She warns the organisms are present in states where ALHTs have been found and that it’s possible the tick — known to be an aggressive biter— might be able to transmit Heartland virus given its close relationship to SFTS virus.

How to Tackle Ticks

According to APHIS, various strategies effectively mitigate tick populations on hosts and in the environment.

Regular tick treatments should be effective against ALHTs. Consult your veterinarian or agriculture extension agent about which products to use.
Check your livestock for ticks regularly.
Safely remove ticks from people and pets as quickly as possible. If you think you’ve found an ALHT, seal it in a zip-top bag and give it to your veterinarian for identification.
Habitat modifications can help prevent ticks on feedlots and pastures. This may include mowing grass, removing trees, reducing shade by thinning trees, understory removal and placing mulch barriers.
Apply acaricide using label instructions to tick habitats, such as woodland edges and grassy patches, during times when ticks are most actively seeking hosts. Although it varies by year, ALHTs are generally active from March to November. Consult your state and local regulations for approved acaricides.

“Cattle producers should aggressively control external parasites this summer,” Dewell summarizes. “Insecticide ear tags alone are not enough to control ticks. Consider incorporating a back rubber or regularly applying a pour-on during the summer. Pyrethroid-based products are also available that include a tick control label. If an increase in tick infestations is observed, an avermectin pour-on may be the best intervention.”

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Rollins Rolls Out 5-Point Plan to Contain New World Screwworm

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:02:02 GMT

Today Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a five-pronged plan to combat New World screwworm (NWS) – a pest that would devastate ranchers if it made its way across the border.

Rollins made her announcement at the Moore Air Base facility near Edinburg, Texas. Moore was instrumental as a sterile fly production lab to rid the U.S. of NWS in the 1960s and 1970s. Hundreds of millions of flies were reared, sterilized with radiation and dropped from aircraft to eliminate the parasitic pest that preyed upon wildlife and livestock. According to a USDA spokesperson it will cost an estimated $8.5 million to get the base up and running as a distribution facility.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins this morning launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a plan to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest.

(U.S. Department of Agriculture)

According to the Texas Wildlife Association , there are currently more than 1,800 cases of livestock infestation in southern Mexico. The flies are moving north and are currently 600 miles from the south Texas border.

“We have defeated the screwworm before, and we will do it again,” Rollins says.

Here in McAllen, TX to announce a BOLD 5-pronged plan to combat the deadly parasite called New World Screwworm – which would devastate ranchers if it made its way across the border.

We are protecting producers, strengthening biosecurity, and ALWAYS standing up for American… pic.twitter.com/VHOlqZyZ9a
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) June 18, 2025

Her five-pronged plan to combat NWS includes:

Stop the pest from spreading in Mexico.
Rollins plans to continue partnering with her Mexican counterparts and using sterile insect technology to stop the spread. This includes investing $21 million to produce up to 100 million additional sterile flies weekly.

“We are first enhancing the international sterile fly production and investing $21 million in renovation of an existing fly facility in southern Mexico, which will provide up to 100 million additional sterile flies every week to stop the spread,” Rollins says.

Currently, the only sterile fly facility is located in Panama. It’s jointly run by the Panamanian government and the U.S. government. USDA had previously announced its plan to invest in the retrofiting of a fruit fly facility in Chiapas, Mexico, to produce additional sterile flies.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association , “The Chiapas facility produces about 117 million flies per week, but to form an effective barrier along the U.S. southern border, we need upward of 300 million sterile flies per week.”
Protect the U.S. at all costs.
Rollins temporarily closed the southern border to live animal imports and intercepting illegally introduced livestock. USDA is working closely with Mexico to improve surveillance.

“I do believe we have met and moved into a new era of productive partnership —perhaps better than ever before — with our Mexican counterparts,” Rollins says.
Maximize our readiness.
This will be achieved by partnering with state animal health officials to update emergency management plans and stockpile therapeutics for ranchers.
Take the fight to the screwworm.
The domestic fight includes establishing a sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base. Rollins says they are exploring options for building a domestic production facility at Moore that could produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week.

“We can’t get a brand new facility up and running probably before two or three years. So, that’s why we’ve got to really focus on the today,” Rollins explains.

She also announced USDA will be hosting listening sessions in affected areas starting next week.
Innovate Our Way to Eradication.
Leverage the sound science including USDA’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) to continue to quickly develop novel treatments, preventatives and response strategies. Rollins says this includes working with land grant universities in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. She listed these key strategies during the press conference:
- Develop better fly traps and lures
- Provide local training
- Improve surveillance methods
- Create new response strategies

Nearly 80 lawmakers led by House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) sent a bipartisan letter on Tuesday to Rollins urging immediate action and promising congressional support for the significant funding required.

The letter included this message, “When looking solely at the historical impact of NWS in Texas, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) estimates a contemporary outbreak would cost producers $732 million per year and the Texas economy a loss of $1.8 billion. Extrapolating those results to the states within the historic range of NWS pre-eradication, a contemporary outbreak of NWS could cost producers $4.3 billion per year and cause a total economic loss of more than $10.6 billion. This does not account for the possible expansion of NWS beyond the historic range.”

U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) was at the announcement and recently shared in a letter to Rollins these key advantages of the Moore Air Base location:

Border proximity: The proximity to the border with Mexico is crucial for effective monitoring and control of potential incursions of invasive fly species. A facility in this region would allow for rapid response and containment, minimizing the spread of infestations into the U.S.
Existing agricultural infrastructure: The region boasts a robust agricultural sector with established infrastructure and expertise in livestock management. This existing framework would facilitate efficient integration of the sterile fly facility and streamline its operations. Additionally, Moore Air Base has operations runways equipped to distribute sterile flies.
Strategic location: Moore Air Base offers a central location for distribution of sterile flies to other areas in the southern U.S., if such a need arises. Additionally, this base was the site of a facility used in the 1960s to successfully combat NWS.
Economic impact: The establishment of such a facility would provide valuable economic opportunities for the region by generating jobs and stimulating local economies.

U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) summarized at the announcement, “This is important to the whole country. We are going to be aggressive about this, and we are going to make sure that we don’t get screwed by the screwworm.”

Your Next Read: Urgency in Action: We Must Eradicate New World Screwworm

Ionophores Explained: How They Enhance Livestock Gain

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:47:41 GMT

When I was growing up, my dad often told me to “work smarter, not harder.” There was always a lot to get done on the farm and I had the tendency to power through the work rather than think about an easier way.

Consequently, in my current job I like to discuss products or strategies to help a producer be more efficient. In livestock nutrition, a product that can help a producer be more efficient and “work smarter” is an ionophore.

What is an ionophore? Ionophores are feed additives that were developed to improve efficiency and prevent coccidiosis. The two most common ionophores utilized are monensin (Rumensin® and Monovet®) and lasalocid (Bovatec®). In addition to the improvement of efficiency (more gain/less feed), ionophores have a derived benefit of preventing and controlling digestive disorders such as acidosis and bloat.

How do ionophores work?

Ionophores improve feed efficiency simply by increasing the amount of energy available to the animal through selection of more efficient microorganisms in the gut. Ionophores are labeled for both grazing and feedlot cattle.

Oklahoma State Animal Science has historically led the charge in research around the use of ionophores for grazing cattle and there are benefits in a variety of grazing situations. For instance, cattle gain is improved 0.15 to 0.2 lb. by including an ionophore in a free-choice mineral.

An additional feeding strategy supported by a great deal of research recommends offering ionophores in small package supplements to grazing cattle to complement forage nutrients and ensure proper consumption. Performance varies depending on the forage base however the supplement plus ionophore lends an additional 0.2 to 0.4 lb. of daily gain. Note that cattle must have proper overall nutrition, adequate forage and have a healthy status to achieve optimum gains.

It should be emphasized that pure forms of ionophores are very potent and require extreme precision when added to blended feeds and supplements. When feeding ionophores in a pure form or within a supplement, label instructions should be strictly followed.

Monensin is toxic specifically to equine species and some monogastric animals. Ionophores can be toxic to any animal when overconsumed.

Increased gain across the board, less bloat and improved health for growing cattle of all stages — now that is what I call “working smarter.”

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Nalivka: The Cost of Running Cows and Your Breakeven Price

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:30:43 GMT

Decisions up and down the beef supply chain evolve around calculating costs and breakeven prices. That calculation in the feedlot involves the cost of feeder cattle plus the cost of gain divided by the finished weight to generate the breakeven price. The cost of feeder cattle, on average, accounts for about 67% of the total cost. When herds are liquidated and followed by subsequent tight cattle numbers and high feeder prices, that percentage increases. Since mid-2023, it has averaged 74% while the feedlot breakeven for the same period has averaged $180/cwt. This compares to the tight cattle numbers from mid-2014 to 2015 when the cost of feeder cattle averaged 76% of total cost with a coinciding breakeven of $150/cwt. It is no secret that the cost of feeder cattle has the greatest impact on the feedlot breakeven.

If you retain ownership of your calves, the current market for the weight of your cattle is your opportunity cost of retaining ownership and feeding those cattle versus selling them. The decision you make to own those cattle in the feedlot or to sell them is your consideration of the risk and how your capacity to manage that risk at that point —financially and otherwise.

Coming back to the ranch, this discussion of feedlot breakeven price is also an important consideration for decision-making. While it is straight-forward to calculate feedlot breakeven, it is just as important, though perhaps not as straight-forward, to know your breakeven price at the ranch for those calves. Furthermore, it may not seem imperative to know your breakeven and manage costs in a record-high market that is giving most ranchers plenty of financial breathing room. However, this is an ideal time to build a solid analysis and understanding of your business costs. Your breakeven cost may surprise you!

I know it is easy to become tired of hearing that you need to know your ranch costs in detail. However, as with any business, it is important if you are to manage market risk, and it does not have to be a difficult project. It begins with tracking your primary costs of production, i.e., fuel, labor, feed. Divide those costs by the pounds of beef produced on your ranch and you have a great start.

Your next read: Keep BVD Out of Cattle Herd

A Review of Feedlot Structure and 2024 Marketings

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:11:18 GMT

The latest USDA-NASS Cattle on Feed report pegged the Feb. 1 feedlot inventory at 11.716 million head in feedlots with 1,000+ capacity, down 0.7% year over year. January marketings were 101.4% of one year ago and placements were 101.7% of last year. The report was well anticipated with values close to pre-report estimates.

The February report also contained a summary of 2024 feedlot production and the structure of the feedlot industry coming into 2025. The total U.S. feedlot inventory on Jan. 1, 2025 was 14.297 million head, including 2.474 million head in feedlots with capacity less than 1,000 head (Table 1). Since cattle inventories peaked in the mid-1970s, feedlot inventories have represented a growing percentage of cattle inventories (Figure 1). Feedlot inventories represented 16.5% of total cattle inventories on Jan. 1, 2025, down fractionally from the peak of 16.6 percent last year.

(USDA/Peel)

Table 1 shows the size distribution of feedlots and their contribution to total feedlot production. A total of 2105 feedlots with capacity of 1,000+ head (included in monthly Cattle on Feed reports) accounted for 82.7% of the Jan. 1 feedlot inventory and 87.2% of total feedlot production in 2024. A total of 24,000 feedlots with less than 1,000 head capacity accounted for 17.3% of feedlot inventory on Jan. 1 and 12.8% of total feedlot marketings in 2024. Feedlots with capacity over 50,000 head made up 3.8% of feedlots over 1,000 head capacity but accounted for 34.8% of inventory and 35.1% marketings last year. Over 50% of feedlot inventories on Jan. 1 and annual marketings in 2024 were in feedlots over 32,000 head of capacity, 6.9 percent of feedlots with 1000+ head.

Table 1. Feedlot Size Distribution, Inventory and Marketings.

Feedlot Capacity	Feedlots	% of Feedlots >1000 Hd.	Inventory Jan. 1, 2025	% of Total Inventory	Marketings 2024	% of Total Marketings
Head	Number		1,000 Head		1,000 Head
<1,000	24,000		2,473.7	17.3	3,180.0	12.8

1,000 – 1,999	740	35.5	363.0	2.5	610.0	2.5
2,000 – 3,999	530	25.2	630.0	4.4	1,220.0	4.9
4,000 – 7,999	370	27.6	930.0	6.5	1,790.0	7.2
8,000 – 15,999	190	9.0	1,040.0	7.3	1,990.0	8.0
16,000 – 23,999	85	4.0	940.0	6.6	1,840.0	7.4
24,000 – 31,999	45	2.1	760.0	5.3	1,550.0	6.2
32,000 – 49,999	65	3.1	2,190.0	15.3	3,920.0	15.8
>50,000	80	3.8	4,970.0	34.8	8,720.0	35.1

Subtotal >1,000	2,105		11,823.0	82.7	21,640.0	87.2

Total	26,105		14,296.7		24,820.0

The estimated total feedlot capacity (1,000+ head) on Jan. 1, 2025 was 17.2 million head, up fractionally from the previous year. Total feedlot capacity has not changed significantly in recent years and has averaged 17.13 million head since 2011. Figure 2 shows the Jan. 1 feedlot inventory as a percentage of feedlot capacity.

(USDA/Peel)

The cattle on feed percentage of feedlot capacity on Jan. 1, 2025 was 68.7%, down from 69.8% in 2024 and from the recent peak of 70.4% in 2022. For the past fifteen years, feedlot inventories have averaged 66.7% of the feedlot capacity (red dotted line). The percentage dropped significantly from 2014-2017 during herd expansion. Ever tighter feeder cattle supplies and the prospect of heifer retention for herd rebuilding mean that the percentage is likely to decrease in the future.

Buckle Up: Here's Why Cattle Prices Are Setting Up for Another Wild Ride in 2025

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:13:42 GMT

The cattle markets hit historic highs again to start 2025, and as USDA’s latest Cattle Inventory report showed U.S. beef cattle inventory fell to the lowest level in 64 years , tight supplies and strong demand could push cattle prices to even higher highs in 2025.

USDA’s annual Cattle Inventory Report released Friday shows the U.S. total cattle inventory shrunk another 1% over the past year, with the number of beef cows also down 1%.

Those numbers, along with questions around just how much higher these markets can go, were major topics surrounding the 2025 CattleCon in San Antonio, Texas, (the annual cattle industry convention) this past week.

Signs of a Slowdown?
Economists and market analysts knew the cattle herd was still shrinking, even before the report was released last week. But economists say there are some signs starting to signal that is slowing down.

“We certainly got smaller in 2024. That was actually kind of obvious about a year ago when you looked at heifer numbers,” said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock specialist. “If you look at the heifer numbers in this report, we don’t have a lot. And so we’re going to be challenged going forward to stop this liquidation. I think we might stabilize numbers this year, but I think growth is pretty much a long shot at this point.”

“I think we’re getting close to the bottom, as Darrell referenced,” said Don Close, senior animal protein analyst for Terrain, during the U.S. Farm Report live taping at NCBA’s annual convention. “I think the challenge is retaining enough heifers out of the supply that we have to provide the fuel for the build back.”

Calf Crop Was a Big Surprise
Casey Mabry, with Blue Reef Agri-Marketing, said there actually was a surprise in the latest cattle inventory report, and that wasn’t with heifer numbers.

“The biggest surprise to me was really looking at the total calf crop report, because we’re looking at the total cow inventory numbers. I think that probably caught some people off guard, having the calf crop a little bit bigger than what most people’s expectations were,” said Mabry.

Incentives Drive Outcome
With cash cattle hitting records to start 2025 a question on almost everyone’s mind is, can it continue? Mabry said it really depends on if demand can remain steady, since the supply side will remain tight.

“Incentives drive outcome and obviously with grain prices as cheap as they’ve been, and cattle prices as high as they’ve been, we’ve held on to some cattle. So it’s kept the front end of the market really, really tight and it’s kept packers chasing after cattle. So that ran the market $10 or $15 higher, in my opinion, than what we should have on the front end,” said Mabry. “So, it’s going to be really interesting to watch as we go through the back end of this thing. We’ve probably got to work through some stuff right here on the front end. But if the analysts continue to say we’re going to be tighter and demand stays pretty good, we’ll probably see prices exceed where we were before.”

“We’re Still Bullish”
Peel reminds producers there’s a great deal of risk in these markets. He said the markets don’t like uncertainty. With trade concerns and tariff threats, combined with a strong U.S. dollar, the combination is throwing uncertainty into the market.

“We’re very bullish and still bullish in general going forward for average prices,” said Peel. “But we also know that we’re subject to a lot of shocks right now. We’ve seen a couple already. We’re certainly vulnerable. There’s a lot of air below us since this market is so high. So producers really need to still do that risk management. Producers need to think about those marketing windows. If you got caught in a shock in one of those, it could really be devastating to you.”

Close has similar advice. He said with the development of insurance products, plus futures and options contracting, there are several ways for producers to manage risk today.

“At the price level we’re at, and just any measured retracement in the market, it could take you out of the game. At these price levels, it is absolutely imperative to have some kind of price risk management program in place,” said Close.

“I think you just need to run with what I call a keen sense of paranoia,” said Mabry. “I mean, be bullish, be excited about the market, but don’t get overly euphoric. We’ve got to remember back a short three or four years ago, we were all in the doldrums and very scared. And there’s a lot of people that were telling their kids to get into a different business. And now all of a sudden, we’re all jumping on the bandwagon of cattle and getting excited about this. So, we want to make sure that you guys are running your businesses like businesses and not gambling on cattle.”

Your Next Read:

Are More Record Cattle Prices Ahead in 2025?

Beef-on-Dairy: A Critical Solution to the Shrinking U.S. Cattle Herd

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:04:57 GMT

The U.S. beef cattle herd is the smallest it has been in 64 years, and there’s little indication that rebuilding will happen anytime soon. Persistent drought and strong cattle prices have discouraged beef producers from retaining heifers, further tightening supply. As a result, the beef industry has increasingly turned to dairy farmers to produce beef-on-dairy crossbreds to help meet growing demand.

USDA NASS says as of January 1 2025, there were 86.7 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms.

(Lindsey Pound )

Beef-on-Dairy’s Growing Role in the Industry

During the 2024 MILK Business Conference, Dale Woerner of Texas Tech University highlighted the impact beef-on-dairy has had on the industry.

“Ultimately, these crossbred animals have improved the conventional straight Holstein steer so much, and they’ve offered more volume and a really high-quality product into the beef industry,” he said. “With low native cattle numbers, the industry has to have these cattle. Not only do they have to have them, but they have to have them grade prime or choice.”

Woerner believes that beef-on-dairy crossbreds have added immense value to the beef supply chain and should be seen as a long-term solution. “Beef-on-dairy crossbreds have added enough value to the beef supply chain that we should never change what we’re doing. We should continue creating these crossbred cattle for the future.”

A Reliable and Consistent Supply of Cattle

With native beef cow numbers dwindling in recent years, beef-on-dairy crossbreds have stepped in to fill a critical gap, offering both consistency and quality during a time of supply uncertainty. Despite inevitable market fluctuations, Woerner is confident these crossbred cattle are here to stay.

“While we can’t promise that we’ll always see $800-$900 for a beef-on-dairy calf as we do today, I don’t think we’ll ever return to the low value of purebred Holstein steers from the past,” Woerner added.

Feedlots have become especially reliant on these crossbreds. “Feedlots need these animals – they’re a top commodity,” Woerner noted. “Over the years, many feedlots have gained experience in feeding beef-on-dairy cattle, optimizing their efficiency and performance. From a feedlot perspective, these cattle are in higher demand than ever before.”

The Value of Traceability

Looking ahead, Woerner thinks it’ll take at least three to five years to rebuild the beef herd, depending on weather and market conditions. But even with that, beef-on-dairy crossbred calves are still going to be a valuable part of the industry. One big advantage he sees with these animals is the traceability they offer, which adds extra value and transparency throughout the supply chain.

“Even when native cattle numbers rebound, the traceability system in place with beef-on-dairy crossbreds will continue to offer a level of accountability that sets these animals apart in the marketplace,” he added. “I wouldn’t be surprised if feedlots and packers start offering a premium for that kind of information.”

Challenges Ahead

While the native beef herd has reached record lows and prices have skyrocketed in recent months, beef-on-dairy crossbred cattle have stepped in to help fill the gap. Woerner noted that these crossbreds have provided much-needed consistency and quality during a time of uncertainty. And although the beef herd is expected to gradually rebuild over the next few years, it’s clear that the beef industry will continue to rely on these crossbred animals to meet demand and keep the pipeline full.

Even though the beef herd is expected to rebuild in the coming years, analysts warn that it won’t happen overnight. Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist at StoneX, pointed out that the industry hasn’t even started rebuilding the breeding herd yet. “The next takeaway is that we have not started rebuilding the breeding herd. As such, perhaps we have a little higher numbers over the next half year or so, but then things get tighter, and more significantly tighter once we actually do start holding back heifers,” Suderman explained.

A Long-Term Solution

With native cattle numbers still under pressure, beef-on-dairy crossbreds are providing the industry with a critical supply of cattle. Their value—through efficiency, consistency, and traceability—ensures they’ll remain an essential piece of the beef supply chain, even as the market continues to evolve.

Your Next Read: Navigating Uncertain Waters: The Impact of New Tariffs on U.S. Dairy Farmers

U.S. Imports of Mexican Cattle Disrupted

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:28:20 GMT

The Nov. 22, 2024, announcement that New World screwworm was detected in southern Mexico resulted in the temporary suspension of live cattle imports from Mexico. This raises many questions about the implications this might have on U.S. cattle markets. Some history and context are helpful to understand the potential impacts.

An average of 1.17 million head of Mexican cattle were imported into the U.S. in the 20 years from 2004-2023, ranging from a minimum of about 703,000 head in 2008 to a maximum of 1.47 million head in 2012 (Figure 1). Mexican cattle imports represent 3.3% of the total U.S. calf crop on average. Figure 1 also includes 2024 preliminary weekly imports through the first 47 weeks of the year. Imports of Mexican cattle have averaged 84.5% steers and 15.5 percent spayed heifers over the past 20 years (Figure 1). However, in the five years from 2019-2023, the percentage of heifers increased to an average of 21.3%.

Figure 1. Cattle imports from Mexico

(Peel/USDA)

Figure 2 shows the average seasonal pattern of Mexican cattle imports for the last five years. Mexican cattle imports have maintained a relatively stable seasonal pattern for many years with peak months in the spring and in November/December with lows in summer. In recent years the seasonal pattern has equalized slightly with fractionally lower peak months and higher summer lows. However, the pattern remains as seen in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Seasonality of Mexican Cattle Imports

(Peel/USDA)

USDA has indicated that the border is expected to be closed at least three weeks from the late November announcement. Protocols are being developed for a partial opening of the border (New Mexico and Arizona ports) which will include a pre-export inspection of all cattle; treatment for insects; and a seven-day quarantine, followed by the usual border inspection and crossing process. It seems likely that few, if any, additional Mexican cattle will be imported in 2024. The 2024 import value in Figure 1 is based on the preliminary weekly data through Nov. 23 with a total of 1.24 million head. This may well be very close to the import total for the year.

Figure 3. U.S. Imports of Mexican Cattle

(Peel/USDA)

Figure 3 shows the year-to-date monthly official import totals through September. Imports of Mexican cattle were up 21.3% year over year for the first nine months of the year. The pace suggested that total annual imports could be about 1.5 million head. Most of the increase was due to additional spayed heifer imports, up 87.2% year over year and accounting for 35% of total cattle imports.

Figure 2 shows that November and December typically account for roughly 22% of annual imports. Assuming no imports for the last week of November and all of December and given the pace of imports thus far in the year, it is likely that annual imports will be reduced by 200,000 - 250,000 head from the probable total before the screwworm announcement.

The lack of Mexican cattle imports for the remainder of the year will have some immediate impact reducing an already tight feeder supply. However, some of the feedlot impact is not immediate because a portion of the imported Mexican cattle are lightweight and typically go through stocker/backgrounding programs before feedlot placement. In the January–September period this year about 24% of the imported cattle were less than 200 kilograms (441 pounds). It’s important to remember that most of the cattle not imported for the remainder of the year will enter the U.S. eventually…just with a delay. As long as the current situation does not drag out excessively or result in some permanent changes in import regulations, the primary feeder cattle market impact will be a change in timing with a short-term tightening of supply and the delayed cattle arriving in the coming weeks/months.

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McDonald’s USA, Syngenta and Lopez Foods Collaborate to Help Grow U.S. Beef Sustainability

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 13:29:00 GMT

McDonald’s USA, Lopez Foods, a multi-protein producer and long-term supplier to McDonald’s, and Syngenta North America, a leader in agricultural technology, announced that they are collaborating to increase feed efficiency, a move that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions released per pound of meat produced, as part of efforts to improve the overall sustainability of beef production.

The partnership leverages Syngenta’s Enogen^® corn, an exclusive in-seed innovation, shown to increase feed efficiency in cattle and thereby help reduce emissions intensity compared to other corn.

“At Syngenta, we’re convinced improving the sustainability of the global food system can be accelerated through innovation and collaboration,” says Justin Wolfe, President of Syngenta Seeds. “We’re proud of the great attributes of our Enogen^® corn, and how our work can help enable McDonald’s and their beef supply chain to deliver impact.”

“McDonald’s is starting with a priority ingredient for our company – beef,” says Kendra Levine, Director of U.S. Sustainability for McDonald’s. “We believe the innovative collaboration with Syngenta is an opportunity to help us make progress toward our science-based climate targets.”

The science behind Enogen^® corn is an alpha amylase enzyme that quickly converts starch to usable sugars, thus delivering more engergy to cattle while being easily digestible. University research has shown that feeding Enogen^® as silage or grain can improve feed efficiency by about 5%, according to Syngenta.

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) shows potential for environmental savings resulting from this increased efficiency, including lower emissions of greenhouse gases and lower use of land, energy, and water per unit of production.Specific findings show that, per 1,000 head of beef cattle, this collaboration could potentially achieve annual savings of:

196 tons (178 metric tons) CO2e in GHG reduction
69 acre reduction (28 hectare) in land use for growing feed
6 million fewer gallons (22 million liters) of water used
231 thousand kilowatt-hours energy savings

McDonald’s plans to scale this program to help deliver over 164,000 metric tons CO2e per year.

Iowa Cattle Operation Turns Focus To The Future, Invests In Fall Feedyard Expansion

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 12:36:06 GMT

With farm income projected to be lower for 2024 and 2025 due to lower commodity prices, one bright spot this fall is the cattle market.

Kennedy Cattle Company in Atlantic, Iowa is expanding from its current size at just under 1,000 head to more than 3,700. It’s indicative of the optimism they have for the cattle business.

The beep, beep, beep of loaders in reverse has been a familiar sound at Kennedy Cattle Company for the last few months. Construction crews are working to add pens and grow the 990-head feedlot started in 2012.

Zak Kennedy manages the Kennedy Cattle Company with his family in Atlantic, Iowa.

(Provided by BarkleyOKRP)

“As you can see in the background we’re in the process of putting an expansion on and we’re going to triple that size here,” explains Zak Kennedy. “We hope to be done in the next couple of months.”

He says with cattle numbers at historical lows and cattle prices at historical highs that means high risk for expansion, but also possible high reward.

“We just decided it was time to bring some more outside cattle home and try to feed more of our homegrown feeds,” Kennedy says. “We’re working to be more in control of what’s going on.”

For Kennedy and his family, including his brother Mitch, this expansion provides a better opportunity than trying to buy land in Iowa and their growth plan reflects his outlook on the cattle business.

“I’m bullish in the cattle business, especially in the upper Midwest,” Kennedy says. “We raise a lot of feed here and we’ve got some packing capacity. I also think there are some folks that, for whatever reason, probably won’t be feeding cattle here going forward. I think we can fill that void.”

Kennedy Cattle Co. is expanding their feedlot to take advantage of current market conditions

(Provided by BarkleyOKRP)

Kennedy says to grow they had to overcome the regulatory challenges of becoming a concentrated animal feeding operation or CAFO.

“We worked with a really good engineering company that knows the regulations inside and out as well as with our manure management company,” adds Kennedy.

The operation calves 150 head of commercial Angus-based cows that they use to stock their feedyards and they custom feed.

“We’re open to everything,” Kennedy says. “We do a lot of retained ownership with some cow-calf outfits where we feed their calves for them. We do feed a lot of yearlings. I always say we’ll feed about anything.”

Kennedy says they paid financial and mental tuition as the bull cycle in 2014-15 ended abruptly. So, this time they’re risk-proofing their operation.

“From a company standpoint we’re doing a lot better job on our hedging, marketing and in managing the financial aspects of what we do,” Kennedy admits.

One of the biggest differences from 2014-15 are the costs. Kennedy says operating and borrowing costs have skyrocketed and so they’re offsetting that with feed they grow on 1,500 rented acres and being sure to watch the bottom line.

Kennedy Cattle Company is growing more of its own feed to help improve margins.

(Provided by BarkleyOKRP)

“It’s like anything,” Kennedy says. “You’ve got to manage it and knowing your costs is obviously the biggest part of that process.”

They’re also protecting their investment through Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) protocols and comprehensive disease prevention.

“I think it’s so important for what these cattle cost that those protocols don’t cost much,” Kennedy says. “We’re going to spend the money to try to be on the front side of health and not have a wreck on the back side.”

He says the goal is with nearly two-thirds of their cattle marketed on either a grid or dressed basis that the work will pay back in quality premiums and strong closeouts.

“I think we’re going to be sitting in a pretty good place here for a while,” Kennedy adds. “Calves cost a lot and I get that, but there is still margin. We’re going to try to run with it.”

Hopefully, the work today will help them build for the next generation.

Speer: Consumers ARE The Business

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:12:00 GMT

Half Time: We’re now halfway through the year, and given the market’s strength thus far, 2024 is shaping up to be especially significant for the business. So, let’s review where we’ve been and explore the broader implications surrounding the business.

Market: Undoubtedly, most of the coffee shop talk centers around the market itself. It’s been another year of new record prices with the fed market bumping up against $196 as June closed out business. That represents a gain of $100+/cwt in just four years since the Covid low (week ending July 3, 2020). And through the first half of this year, the average weekly beat versus 2023 is over $14/cwt (or $200/head for a 1,450 lb steer).

Fed Steer Price

(NS)

Yeah But…: I hear the permabears murmuring in the background: “Yeah, but what about the $170 high in 2014? The newest record only beats that price by ~$25 – and that was ten years ago. So, 2024 isn’t really that great if we consider the effects of inflation.” Fair enough – let’s dig into that perspective with a little more detail and run an apples-to-apples comparison between now and then.

Volume: Seemingly, the conventional thinking out there has many believing the market is being supported by lower beef production. After all cow numbers are down to 28.2M. That’s driving the market, right?

To the contrary, the industry is remarkably resourceful. Fed beef has surged to the upside. The second graph details January-through-June fed beef production since 2011. (None of that’s surprising; for more on the longer-term trend around cow numbers and productivity see More Better Beef .)

Fed Beef Production

(NS)

Putting It All Together: Let’s pull the threads together. The third chart accounts for BOTH inflation and production thereby providing the apples-to-apples comparison (the data is detailed at the end of the column).

There are two regression lines:

· The one on the left plots ’11-thru-’19 data (the correlation = .96!);

· The right-hand line plots ’22-thru-’24.

A couple of key points to be made here:

1. Feedyards are scoring higher prices on bigger volume (the curve has moved up-and-to-the-right ).

2. That means IF ’11-thru-’19 price / production levels were at current levels (~11B lb), the inflation-adjusted fed price would be ~$109/cwt. This year’s market is $147/cwt. That represents a difference of $550+/head (apples-to-apples real dollars)!

Inflation adjusted fed price

(NS)

What Changed?: Now ask yourself if anything has changed; is any of this due to the permabears’ government-intervention playbook? They keep telling us we need central planning to ensure producer prosperity: cash trade mandate, tariffs, COOL, packer reform, etc… But all of those represent an essence of the knowledge problem and thereby introduce the risk of unintended consequences.

Instead of some intervention derived from politicians’ concept of a “good idea” (after being goaded by the rent seekers), the better question is always, “ What if we did nothing? ”

Consumers ARE The Business: The past several years is testimony to the hands-off-is-better approach. None of those supposed fixes have been implemented. And yet the market charges on.

That’s because consumers ARE the business . And success is the direct result of maintaining a disciplined consumer focus (and allowing free enterprise to operate without governmental interference).

There are more dollars coming into the beef industry than ever. All that investment in better quality and consistency AND research and promotion really does matter – enabling producers to be the beneficiaries – now more than ever.

June - July Fed Beef Production

(NS)

Nevil Speer is an independent consultant based in Bowling Green, KY. The views and opinions expressed herein do not reflect, nor are associated with in any manner, any client or business relationship. He can be reached at nevil.speer@turkeytrack.biz .

Cargill Invests $1 Million in Research on Methane Reduction in Cattle

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:58:19 GMT

In an effort to help fund research studying sustainable animal agriculture practices and reducing the environmental impact of the beef industry, Cargill has issued a $1 million grant to Colorado State University and the university’s AgNext research program.

“Working closely with industry partners like Cargill, researchers and producers, AgNext is helping develop innovative, scalable solutions that move the livestock industry toward a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, director of AgNext and Co-Pl. “An important part of that is developing robust baseline greenhouse gas emissions from cattle.”

In a release from the company, Cargill states the $1 million grant will address a critical agricultural challenge: enteric methane emissions from feedlot cattle, which are naturally produced during the digestive process.

While current USDA guidelines rely on assumptions about the effects of different feeding strategies on methane emissions, such as grain processing combined with other feed additives, AgNext will conduct several experiments to collect empirical data to support those assumptions.

Studies will take place at Colorado State University’s Climate Smart Research Facility during the next two years.

The research will help determine the impact of different ingredients and additives in cattle diets on enteric methane emissions in beef steers fed typical finishing rations. It will also explore the additive effect of these ingredients and additives to determine if additional methane reduction is possible.

“Cargill is committed to working with researchers, farmers and ranchers to advance creative sustainability ideas and accelerate best-in-class conservation practices within the industry,” said Eliza Clark, Cargill Protein & Salt Sustainability Leader. “The knowledge generated from this innovative research will pave the way for testing new technologies in cattle feeding and continue to improve the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the beef supply chain.”

Blackshirt Feeders: Closing the Loop

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:41:58 GMT

Despite the smallest U.S. cowherd in 73 years and corresponding tight feeder cattle supplies, the largest cattle feedyard north of the Rio Grande is under construction in Nebraska. When complete, Blackshirt Feeders near Haigler in the far southwest corner of the state, will have a capacity of 150,000 head, all standing on a concrete pad covering a full square mile, replete with an accompanying biodigester.

None of that previous paragraph defies logic, provided you know the track record of the principals involved and understand the growing beef-on-dairy (BxD) phenomenon that has captured the attention of stakeholders throughout the chain — feedyards, dairies, backgrounders, seedstock providers, feed companies and packers. In short, the BxD segment has provided a new profit opportunity for cattle feeders and seedstock suppliers, a lifeline for some dairies, and promises to revolutionize the way the beef industry accepts, captures and uses animal ID and the data it provides.

CLOSED LOOP

The BxD production model offers a unique opportunity for innovators to utilize every available tool and management practice to foster improvement. Specifically, this new model links the semen provider to the dairy to the feedyard in what is called a closed-loop system.

“We’ve long dreamed about this type of system,” says Lee Leachman, CEO of Leachman Cattle, now part of the URUS group of companies. “We supply the semen, and Alta or Genex distributes it to a dairy, then the dairy signs a contract with GK Jim Farms to sell those calves either as day-olds or after a growing period, then they are shipped to the feedlot for finishing.”

Th e contracts stipulate that every calf is tracked from birth with sire, health and performance data. That information is used to determine future matings to improve performance and reduce undesirable characteristics.

“This is a game changer,” Leachman emphasizes. “This enables progress like what we’ve seen in poultry and swine. If you don’t have the loop with the data you can’t make the progress.”

The closed-loop system is already operational at several U.S. feedlots, including five operated by GK Jim Farms in Colorado and Texas.

(Farm Journal)

Veterinarian Kee Jim, principal at GK Jim Farms, says as his company began expanding their beef-on-dairy model they sought to acquire feedlots, but none were available at the scale they desired.

“Three years ago we began investigating what we believe would be the best site to build a new feedlot,” Jim says. “We looked at availability of grain, the climate, proximity to available feeder cattle and proximity to packers.”

That led to the selection of the construction site near Haigler, Neb., in the southwest corner of the state that joins both Kansas and Colorado.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Designed to be much more than just a large-scale feedlot, Blackshirt Feeders has several unique features that will make it the “most environmentally friendly feedlot on the planet.” That is how it’s described by veterinarian Eric Behlke who is both a founding partner of Blackshirt Feeders and project leader for its construction.

First among the new yard’s unique characteristics is the compressed rolled concrete that will cover every feeding pen. The concrete offers several advantages but is essential to capturing the manure for the biodigester that will be built adjacent to the site.

“The concrete allows for the collection of the manure without contaminating it with dirt, which is essential for a digester,” Behlke says. “But the concrete is impermeable, which provides superior protection for both the groundwater and the surface water. All of the ponds will be lined with high-density HDPE liner, a synthetic liner which is also impermeable, to prevent leaching of nutrients.”

Behlke says Blackshirt Feeders is committed to leveraging the latest technologies and feedlot construction to make the new yard as environmentally sound as possible.

“These efforts will help change the narrative about beef production and make it a much greener process,” Behlke says.

All of which sounds good, but like most agribusinesses today, finding labor is likely an issue, especially in a remote area. The company is already working to ease that problem, Jim says.

“We have plans to construct housing in Wray, Colo., about 20 miles away,” Jim says. “The first 24 units are under construction now.”

DATA AND SCALE

It can be easy for observers to focus on the massive size of Blackshirt Feeders, but it’s much more than an effort by a large player to further capitalize on efficiencies of scale, though that is important.

“What makes our system unique is that our large and ongoing investments in data collection and analysis are what have allowed us to scale our business,” says Holt Tripp, DVM, MBA, director of cattle operations for GK Jim Group of Companies.

Tripp says the company has used rigorous, large-scale, field trials to better understand the biology of the animals they are feeding.

“In turn, we have been able to make consistent incremental progress that allows us to make calculated bets on how, when and where to deploy risk capital in our system,” he says. “We are not using data to describe a system that has already come to scale — we are using data to get to scale. In our minds, anything else would be putting the cart before the horse.”

It’s ironic that an offshoot of the dairy industry might be the catalyst that could drive the beef industry toward expanded use of animal ID and data capture.

“I think eventually these (beef-on-dairy) calves may be better than the average beef-on-beef animals,” Leachman says. “AI’ing millions of dairy cows is a big advantage. We get so much selection pressure. If we don’t have a data feedback loop on beef-on-beef calves, then it will be harder to keep up. If we don’t have data feedback, we won’t be able to make progress as rapidly on the most important traits. Having ID and feedback on economically relevant traits is critical.”

The closed-loop system will eventually find its way to the native beef-on-beef segment.

“Cattle feeders will likely increasingly want to adopt that sort of model,” says Nevil Speer, industry consultant based in Bowling Green, Ky. “Knowing more about the feeder cattle they purchase and subsequently also providing feedback (and payment incentives) based on cattle performance (both in the feedyard and on the rail).”

Data, of course, is the key driver. “There’s more opportunities all the time for beef producers who are willing to embrace participating in a specified supply chain,” Speer explains. “It means giving up some independence, and it requires more accountability, but ultimately willingness to do so will likely also establish new opportunity to maximize the value of genetic and management inputs made at the ranch.”

UNL Feedlot Innovation Center Nears Completion

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:11:32 GMT

The chute slides shut with a thud, not a clang, safely catching the steer so it can be vaccinated. The steer behind him waits quietly, looking ahead at the alleyway that will take him back to his pen. The only sounds are cattle shifting against the alleyway and the quiet voices of the workers vaccinating the cattle.

The steer is released and the next takes his place, the process repeated hundreds of times a day in feedlots.

There’s no shouting, no slamming chutes, no cattle trying to turn around in the alleyway or bolt from the chute.

“Something as seemingly small as an improper capture in a squeeze chute can have a significant impact over the life of the animal,” said Ruth Woiwode, assistant professor of animal behavior and well-being at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. In one group of cattle, animals that were improperly captured in a chute one time were 25 pounds behind the other animals in the study after 200 days—a cost of nearly $50 a head at today’s prices.

Low-stress animal handling, which has been shown to improve both animal health and productivity, will be one of the research focuses at the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center, set to open this summer at University of Nebraska — Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Education and Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska.

New UNL feedlot research facility

The KFIC will be one of the only commercial-scale feedlot research centers in the world and will include a processing barn that features two separate, but side-by-side alleyway and chute systems, with an elevated classroom so observers can watch the animals being processed without interfering with the systems.

One of those alleyway and chute systems was donated by Arrowquip, a North American cattle handling equipment manufacturer that sees the value in promoting safe, low-stress cattle handling, and supporting research that helps them continue to improve their products and the industry. The donation included a 3E BudFlow Cattle Tub, The General Hydraulic Chute and Easy Flow Adjustable Cattle Alley.

“Arrowquip’s core values include a dedication to innovation, quality and safety of cattle handlers and livestock,” said Mark Firth, Arrowquip CEO. “This donation aligns with our commitment to advancing the cattle industry and promoting safe, low-stress cattle handling through equipment that is designed to work with cattle behavior. By partnering with educational institutions like the University of Nebraska — Lincoln, we are positioning Arrowquip as an industry leader that is invested in the development and success of future ranchers and industry professionals.”

Woiwode said Arrowquip’s donation, along with a cattle handling system donated by Daniels Manufacturing Company in Ainsworth, Nebraska, and many other donations that funded the project, show the industry supports continual improvement in animal handling processes.

“We are extremely grateful for Arrowquip putting their trust in us,” Woiwode said. “It creates an opportunity for us to do some wonderful things that are at the heart of what we’re doing at the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center.”

The future of cattle handling

The Arrowquip system is a Budflow design, which is based on a “Bud box,” named after Bud Williams, one of the pioneers in low-stress cattle handling. The system uses the tendency of cattle to want to return to the last place they were, to reduce the stress of sending them through an unfamiliar facility.

“We know the least about this system,” Woiwode said. “I look forward to seeing it in action with the number of animals we’ll be able to observe and study.”

One of the most impressive parts of the chute in particular, Woiwode said, is how quiet it is. “These things really matter in a processing barn. When an animal enters a barn for the first time you want it to have a good experience. The more aversive their first experience is, the more difficult they can be to handle in subsequent events. Arrowquip takes feedback from vets and cattle producers, and we look forward to being part of the refinement process they have a track record of.”

Arrowquip is also looking forward to collecting that information and making those changes.

“This partnership provides a great opportunity for us to gain valuable insights into how our products are being used while providing the university with access to cutting-edge innovation in cattle equipment,” said Steve Langrell, part of Arrowquip’s Innovations team. “We are interested in understanding how Arrowquip’s equipment can increase efficiency and productivity in a real-world feedlot setting while reducing stress for both the livestock and operators. This partnership will help foster a learning environment that can help us with future innovations and enhancements to cattle equipment to continuously move the industry forward.”

Woiwode said this facility and the equipment in it will provide unprecedented opportunities for cattle handling research, especially in the feedlot sector, which has implications for most cattle in the United States.

“I’m most excited about having two systems side-by-side and essentially compiling a longitudinal database to make recommendations to the industry so they can make design changes based on perhaps the number of employees or types of animals they’re processing,” Woiwode said. “There’s so much we anticipate learning and much we don’t know. For as long as we’ve handled cattle in this environment, there’s a surprisingly small body of research that looks at behavior and handling related specifically to facilities.”

One of the objectives at the KFIC is to develop training resources for cattle industry employees, creating guidelines and best practices for low-stress cattle handling and worker safety, and this equipment and research is key to providing that to the industry, Woiwode said.

The KFIC is a $7.4 million facility that includes open-air and covered pens, a 240-head feeding facility, plus the cattle-handling facility with an enclosed classroom. The KFIC is funded in large part by donations from the cattle industry, including John and Beth Klosterman; JBS USA; Greater Omaha Packing; Farm Credit Services of America; Dennis and Glenda Boesiger; and the Klopfenstein Fund, which includes gifts from a number of UNL alumni, colleagues and industry partners who knew and worked with Terry Klopfenstein.

Texas-Sized Problems Hit the Lone Star State, but Ag Commissioner says ‘Things are Getting Better’

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 21:26:34 GMT

Already this year, farmers and ranchers based in the Texas Panhandle have dealt with some Texas-sized problems that have impacted their livelihoods.

In March, the Smokehouse Creek Fire burned more than a million acres and killed thousands of cattle, primarily in the Panhandle and in Oklahoma.

Cal-Maine Foods, the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the U.S., announced on Tuesday that chickens at its facility in the southwest part of the Texas Panhandle, in Parmer County, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). As a result, Cal-Maine had to cull nearly 2 million chickens − 1.6 million hens and 337,000 pullets.

Dairy producers in the Texas Panhandle have also grappled with outbreaks of HPAI in their cow herds in recent weeks. To date, the USDA has confirmed the H5N1 strain of HPAI in dairy cattle on seven Texas farms.

In addition, one dairy worker has contracted an HPAI infection and displayed mild symptoms, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services reported Monday.

“It’s a mild, mild case and the only symptom he had was pinkeye,” Sid Miller, state commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, told AgriTalk Host Chip Flory on Thursday. Miller said it’s unknown how the individual was infected.

You can listen to their conversation here:

What’s Going To Happen Next?
Flory asked Miller whether he believes state agriculture department investigators are in front of the latest issues with HPAI in dairy cattle.

“I think so,” Miller replied. “We’ve got about 10 months before the ducks and geese come back, so I think we’ll have it figured out by then.”

Miller speculated that waterfowl caused the dairy and poultry HPAI infections.

“Cowboy logic would tell you that cattle were drinking from the same ponds where waterfowl were present,” he said. “Or, maybe waterfowl had been in the feed boxes eating grain or something (along those lines). So, we’ve got to take better biosecurity measures to make sure that we eliminate all those possibilities.”

Despite the challenges Texas agriculture has faced the past few months, Miller is cautiously optimistic.

“Things are turning around and getting better. They really are,” he said.

One concern the livestock industry has now is whether HPAI will impact beef cattle at some point.

“You’ve seen what’s happened in the cattle markets,” Flory said. “They’re looking at it like this is a major problem for beef.”

Miller replied that he doesn’t anticipate there will be an HPAI problem in Texas beef cattle, which consist primarily of feedlot cattle in the Panhandle.

“The cattle that get it are the older lactating cows, and we don’t have those in the feedlot,” Miller said. “I think we’re OK, but we’re certainly going to research that.”

Food Safety Precautions
Miller said one of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s primary responsibilities is to make sure food produced in the state is safe for consumers. None of the affected milk, meat or eggs ever reached the marketplace.

“If you want to take some precautions, you might lay off the raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products, because that’s about the only way (HPAI) could get there,” Miller said. “But it’s not in the food chain. It’s not going to create a shortage of milk and dairy products. There’s no shortage of eggs. So, consumers, just rest assured. Don’t be alarmed. This is really not going to affect you.”

In a statement last week, the Centers for Disease Control said it considers the human health risk to the U.S. public from the virus to be low, though people who work with livestock are at higher risk of infection. The agency also advised against eating unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk or cheese, from animals with suspected or confirmed cases of HPAI.

More news on HPAI is available here:

Rare Human Case of Bird Flu Confirmed. Officials Believe it Began on Texas Dairy

HPAI Now Detected on Ohio Dairy: Strange Bird Flu Concerns See Growth

New Regulation: Dairy Cattle Entry into Nebraska Now Requires Permit Amid HPAI Bird Flu Concerns

Twelve Cases of HPAI in Dairy Cattle Confirmed in Five States

Q&A With a Veterinarian: Bovine Lameness

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 22:01:25 GMT

Lameness is one of the costliest animal health issues impacting the cattle industry, and it’s a topic of great interest to Lacey Fahrmeier, DVM, Valley Vet Supply Technical Service Veterinarian. During her time at Kansas State University, she conducted research in bovine lameness, and she treats a number of cases at her veterinary clinic in Southern Montana.

Better understand this animal health risk – and read to the end for her No. 1 key takeaway for producers – in this Q&A with Dr. Fahrmeier.

(Farm Journal)

Q: Why is bovine lameness such a condition of interest to you, Dr. Fahrmeier? “Not only is it one of the costliest animal health issues to our industry, it’s also a major animal welfare concern that we can mitigate. During my time at Kansas State University, I was fortunate to be part of a team that conducted bovine lameness research. And being raised in the purebred side of the beef business I saw first-hand how important structural correctness, foot angle and hoof health were to a breeding program’s success and longevity. It’s obvious that from a business perspective, lameness is a big issue. Additionally, it’s a growing welfare concern. We all strive for our cattle to be healthy and maximize their genetic potential. Unfortunately, the chronic pain caused by lameness can lead to rapid deterioration and becomes a serious welfare issue. Minimizing the amount and length of time those animals are in discomfort is crucial.”

Q: What negative implications, in addition to overall welfare, can result from lameness? “Bovine lameness is the second-most costly animal health issue in the beef industry, next to bovine respiratory disease. It costs the industry in decreased weight gain and its negative impact on longevity in the cow herd. When cattle are lame, their cortisol levels rise due to the severe pain. This increase in stress hormones can negatively impact a bull’s semen quality and also lead to reduced cow fertility and higher rates of early embryonic death loss. A huge hit to our industry’s bottom line, of course, is lost performance in the form of decreased weight gain, when those lame cattle aren’t getting to the bunk as frequently or out grazing.”

Q: What causes lameness in cattle? “Nutrition can be a big contributing factor to lameness and is one that we can actually control. When cattle are fed a high-carbohydrate, “hot” ration, and do not receive enough forage in the diet, we can see rumen acidosis develop (meaning their rumen pH is too low from the excessive carbohydrates they’re ingesting). This can lead to poor hoof horn development and conditions like White Line disease and Laminitis (more commonly known as ‘founder’) that lead to chronic pain and inflammation.

Genetics definitely contribute to lameness risk. When purchasing new genetics or deciding which animals to retain in your herd, place a high priority on good hoof quality (no cracks or overgrowth), proper foot angle, and structural correctness to prevent lameness issues down the road. Many hoof problems have been proven to be heritable.

The environment can also be a factor. Running cattle in rough country with lots of sharp rocks and difficult terrain can cause abrasions in the skin and hooves. In challenging environments, you may need to check cattle more often to make sure that bacteria haven’t taken advantage of that opportunity to invade where the skin barrier has been damaged. Having freestanding water and excess mud in pastures can predispose cattle to more foot rot issues as well. Concrete flooring, whether in dairies or in working systems, wears down their toes, which causes the soles to become thinner. This can also lead to toe abscesses and infection in the P3 bone located at the end of their toe.”

Q: With regard to treatment, what should producers consider? “With the advent of dart guns, pasture doctoring looks a bit different than it once did. I still believe there is value in closely assessing the foot (where 90% of lameness is located). Some lameness cases are as simple as a rock between their toes or a sole/toe ulcer that needs to be opened up. Pulling up that foot to see what’s really going on can guide you in the best direction to go for treatment and help you determine if it’s something you need to consult your veterinarian on or take to them for more aggressive treatment.”

Q: What is the No. 1 takeaway for producers as it relates to lameness? “The sooner that you recognize and intervene in these lameness cases the better your outcomes will be. I can’t emphasize strongly enough that if you treat a suspected case of ‘foot rot’ with antibiotics and they don’t show significant improvement in a couple days, they need to be seen by a veterinarian, or at least caught and re-evaluated. Don’t just give another round of antibiotics and waste valuable time while the issue worsens.”

Visit ValleyVet.com to continue learning and to help ensure livestock health.

About Valley Vet Supply

Valley Vet Supply was founded in 1985 by veterinarians to provide customers with trusted animal health solutions. Building on over half a century of experience in veterinary medicine, Valley Vet Supply serves equine, pet and livestock owners with thousands of products and medications. With an in-house pharmacy that is licensed in all 50 states, and verified through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), Valley Vet Supply is the dedicated source for customers’ horse, livestock and pet needs. For more information, please visit ValleyVet.com .

Feedlot Cattle Health Summits Scheduled for Scott City, KS, and Kearney, NE

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:52:39 GMT

Production Animal Consultation (PAC) will host two beef industry summits, allowing people from the beef industry to gather and exchange ideas. “Each year brings new challenges and opportunities to cattle feeders. We are excited to bring this program with excellent speakers to address cattle health while enjoying fellowship amongst leaders in our industry.” Dr. Jared Bourek, PAC veterinarian and summit co-chair.

The PAC Beef Summits will be held April 3, 2024, at the Scott County Community Building in Scott City, Kansas, and April 4, 2024, at the Holiday Inn in Kearney, Nebraska. The event features an exciting line-up of speakers and topics:

Greg Penner, PhD, a ruminant nutrition physiologist from the University of Saskatchewan, will discuss maintaining rumen health on feedlot diets.
AJ Tarpoff, DVM, MS (Scott City Summit), Kansas State University Beef Extension Veterinarian, or Jesse Fulton, MS (Kearney Summit), Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Director, will give an update on the results of the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit.
Walt Woodard, world champion team roper, will inspire mental toughness and teach attendees to develop and possess a positive mental attitude.
PAC veterinarians and team will give a business and research update and discuss new data-driven tools for clients and feedlots.

“PAC’s acronym could stand for People and Cattle. These are our two most precious resources in our business. We decided to provide two summits this year to better accommodate our cattle feeders in the Nebraska and Kansas regions. We are excited to host this line up of speakers and learn new opportunities to manage cattle health,” said Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz, consulting veterinarian and PAC owner.

Production Animal Consultation veterinarians care for cattle from birth to harvest. In addition to providing veterinary health services, PAC conducts cattle research and data analysis, hosts educational opportunities on animal stewardship and facility design, and provides bilingual consultation for livestock producers both domestic and international. PAC veterinarians strive to provide industry leaders with opportunities to improve their operations through collaboration and science.

To register and learn more about the 2024 PAC Beef Summits, visit https://www.pacdvms.com/beef-summit

Tips for Dealing with Wet, Muddy Feedlot Conditions

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 20:18:10 GMT

In unexpected warm, wet winter conditions cattle face challenges accessing feed, water, or a place to lie down. Muddy conditions affect requirements for maintenance, according to this UNL study . Even if feed intake is not affected by muddy conditions (cattle can reach the bunk and water trough and consume a full ration daily), mud depths of less than 9 inches increase maintenance requirements up to 80%. This means that cattle consuming a finishing diet containing 1 Mcal NEm/lb will require nearly double the amount of feed to meet their maintenance requirements or 19 lb for a 1,400-lb steer. In many cases, intake is affected by muddy conditions and 19 lb may not be achievable, leading cattle to lose weight.

That’s why it’s important to reduce the effects of mud and standing water in pens as soon as possible. Inherently, pen conditions are dictated by siting, orientation, fence type, and percentage of solid surfacing around bunks, water tanks, access points and loafing areas. Therefore, strategies to reduce the effect of mud and standing water on cattle performance are listed below for worst to best pen conditions:

Suggestions for worst pen sites

(flat, heavily stocked or with standing water and/or with less than 1/3 of the pen are as solid surfacing):

Remove lightweight cattle to pastures or corn stalk fields stocking at a rate of 1 acre per head on hilly ground or 2 or more acres per head on flat ground.

On pens made available by this strategy, scrape solid surfacing to the bare material (concrete or bituminous) and bed heavily before permitting access to heavier or newly received cattle housed yet in adjacent pens (continue to feed only the home pen).

If this is not possible, simply lay whole round bales of bedding or even hay on areas with less mud. Cattle will work the material off, using it for bedding and feed. Continue this strategy until weather conditions improve.

Suggestions for average pen sites

(with some slopes for loafing areas, stocked lighter and/or more than 1/3 of the pen are as solid surfacing)

All aprons and surfaced areas, scrape down to the surface. This is a minimum to let cattle find a spot to lie down.

Aprons need to be scraped two to four times weekly. On wide aprons (over 20'), lay bedding down heavily after scraping in areas beyond the first 20’ behind the bunk.

If forming a bed pack, only bed when pack begins to seep. Dry or sticky packs are still functional as bedding.

Scrape any scattered (not heavily wet) bedding onto bed pile. Bed on top of it.

To make additional “emergency” hard surfaces (applicable to both pen conditions described above):

Potential areas to enhance surfacing: behind bunk or water tank aprons or on top of mounds if accessible (don’t attempt to build a hard surface on hillsides unless machinery can safely drive over it).

Alternatively, consider ground-cover mats like this or this used to move heavy construction equipment over a ground surface. Make sure this “path” is in place before attempting to improve a site within the pen.

Scrape down below surface line about 1', attempting to remove excess accumulated manure and mud.

Lay down recycled concrete to the depth of 6". Bed heavily on top of this. A 25' by 25' area filled to a 6" depth will need 16 ton of recycled concrete (one short truck load; about $500 for concrete).

Alternatively, one might consider using railroad ties to create the base. About $30 each at retail price.

Dimensions are 8' x 7" x 9", so a 48' x 3' surface made from ties would require 24 ties or $720.

A square design is recommended for recycled concrete (to prevent excess scattering), while a long rectangle shape is recommended when forming a base with ties to keep them tucked together in a narrow path.

Bed any emergency surfaced areas generously. The prorated rate of bedding to achieve a working bed pack is 4 lb per head daily or more. Any bedded areas must be rebedded regularly, particularly on areas with no surfacing. Lapses in bedding will create worse conditions even on surfaced areas.
Areas where recycled concrete is laid should be managed separately when cleaning manure from pens. They can be left installed permanently and managed as an extension of the apron (recycled concrete tends to “set” together with traffic and moisture) or power washed and surfaced with concrete when weather improves.

Ties can be lifted when weather improves (and before extending the area using concrete) and be used for other purposes.

Note: these are emergency recommendations to improve pen conditions rapidly and are not tested by scientific procedures. In the example dimensions provided above, and assuming 24 ft² are needed to fit one animal, no more than 25 head will be able to access this area at one time at a cost of between $500 to $1,000.

Yet, considering the value gain resulting from fed cattle prices increase since the beginning of the year results in a $75 increase in value per head. Investments at or below this level to preserve the performance and life of a $2,700 animal are well advised.

More resources about managing feedlot cattle in muddy conditions.

Register Today: Managing mud in feedlots - Online Discussion Monday, Feb. 5 at Noon (CST)

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 23:35:37 GMT

Nebraska beef producers don’t often have to deal with managing mud in January and February, but this year’s precipitation and unseasonbly warm temperatures have created challenges even for those who often deal with muddy lots.

UNL Feedlot Extension has organized an online discussion for noon (CST) Monday, Feb. 5 to talk with cattle producers about the challenges they’re facing in dealing with the muddy conditions.

Register for the discussion at https://go.unl.edu/mudregistration and we’ll email a link ahead of the discussion.

Or see below for access information.

Here are a few suggestions that may help producers deal with cattle in muddy conditions in the short-term, said Rick Stowell, Extension specialist, UNL biological systems engineering.

Adding bedding at prolific amounts
Physically disrupting mud dams / barriers to drainage
Adding aggregate (stone/gravel)
Relocating cattle

“None of these are very palatable but may be necessary in some situations,” Stowell said.