Latest News From WEATHER

From 40 degrees above zero earlier this week in parts of the Great Plains to now forecasts for temps to fall 40 degrees below zero, ag meteorologist Drew Lerner says the frigid conditions will be dangerous for livestock.

Major winter storms are on the way early next week. With the possibility of blizzard conditions to flooding in the southeast, the impact on agriculture could be two-fold: good news for drought but stress to livestock.

These 4 management tips can help you keep cows productive through cold conditions.

Some individual cows or groups of cows experience significant decline in body weight and condition over the winter known as “winter cow syndrome.” The best strategy of prevention is twofold.

Dry conditions persist across parts of the U.S., with nearly half of the nation’s corn crop and 37% of the nation’s hay crop areas experiencing drought. Cattle producers could be forced to make more tough decisions.

The August Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor asked economists when they think cattle herd expansion will start to take place. The majority think cattle contraction will continue for at least another year. 

The heat is no joke, especially for cattle producers across the country as they look for ways to keep cattle cool and comfortable. Here's what some producers are doing.

John Phipps says there are signs that water is the new oil as water rights turn into water fights across the western U.S. He thinks it's a battle that could only heat up in the coming years.

Areas in the upper Midwest, Mid-South and Mid-Atlantic are being impacted. The American Veterinary Medical Association says to monitor animals as well as people and take precautions to keep everyone safe.

Richie Devillier is fighting back after the government twice flooded his 900-acre farm and home, killed his cattle, ran his family through emotional hell—and insisted he foot the entire bill.

The area was hit especially hard by historic rains on Friday. It is home to several feedyards, with owners and operators trying to assess the number of cows lost due to flood waters rising so quickly.

The signs of El Niño grew even strong this month, and as the weather event looks to make its grand return, significant weather changes could be on deck for U.S. farmers this year. 

Persistent drought in major beef cattle production regions continues to have a significant impact on the cattle industry despite improvements in drought conditions in other parts of the country.

USDA’s pasture and range conditions shows 33% is rated good/excellent and 37% is poor/very poor. While the picture is improved from last year, a deeper dive shows one state is worse than 2013.

With persistent drought conditions across many states, indications show the current cattle cycle may not be nearing an end anytime soon. Here’s a look a historical trends and what we might expect in the coming months.

The updated Seasonal Drought Outlook for the U.S. is painting a grim picture for many drought-plagued areas of the Plains, but forecasters also expect drought to improve in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.

While some parts of the U.S. remain in drought conditions and the soil moisture profile is in a deficit due to months of below normal precipitation, grass growth will likely be impacted this spring.

Drought continues to hammer farmers and ranchers in Western, Central and Southern Plains states, with far-reaching implications for farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom lines, and also food availability and affordability.

Challenging conditions continue to plague cattle ranchers as they run short of feed and are forced to make tough decisions for their operation.

Drought has been a topic of conversation among ranchers for several months. Join us Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 3 p.m. CST as we discuss drought and it's impacts on producers.

As the Western U.S. faces a megadrought, why can't the U.S. move water around the country like it's done with energy? John Phipps explores the physical and political hurdles potential water infrastructure would face.

Hot, dry conditions have taken a toll on pasture growth this year. What should cattle producers consider to conserve grass in these dry areas?

Unfortunately, the heat, humidity and dry conditions of early summer look to extend into the next few months. 

Feedyards battled through the intense conditions to keep their cattle safe this week. The heat and humidity proved devastating, and estimates point to western Kansas feedlots seeing losses of 100 to 500 head per day.

After seeing the devastation of a major heat stress event, consider these strategies to help mitigate heat stress issues in the herd.

This week, dangerous heat is sweeping across Texas to Wisconsin to Ohio to Georgia.

Less than 50% of the continental U.S. is in moderate drought for the first time since November, but with another drought record still running strong, forecasts show drought could grow over the summer months.

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

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

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

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

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

USDA says the launch of the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) will address increases in supplemental feed costs in 2021. Phase 1 of the payments is expected to total $577 million.

Drought covering the continental U.S. grew by 2 points this week, now covering nearly 60% of the country. As the drought grips the Wheat Belt and key areas for cattle production, it's creating concern for 2022.

Bar S Ranch was devastated by wildfire in December. The family lost 200 head of cattle, houses and barns. Grateful to be alive to share their story of survival, the family is thankful for donations and support since.

Last year was hot. It was so hot, 2021 now holds the record for the hottest ocean temperatures ever.

When nearly 300,000 Oklahoma acres burned in April of 2018, Terry Burleson found himself caught in the wind-driven flames. His escape is nothing short of a miracle.

Western wildfires continue to rage in the west, as California's biggest wildfire is leading to widespread evacuations of livestock. And now there are efforts underway to care for animals left behind.

Join Drovers editor Greg Henderson and experts from all segments of the beef value chain to better understand the current and future dynamics of this crisis at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 5, for this free discussion.

The drought out west isn't just impacting grain and livestock producers. It's also impacting California's dairy industry.

The record cold temperatures and extreme weather had a major impact on ranchers across the country, but through it all, the men and women showed what the true definition of a rancher is.

Harvest came to a halt in some areas seeing snow, while other farmers continued to roll on with corn. U.S. Farm Report meteorolgist says the winter weather will be short-lived across much of the country.

AgDay meteorologist Mike Hoffman says there’s “not a lot going on” through the south land. However, there will be some mountain snows and potential snow North into Canada.

Drought conditions are continuing to grow.

It could be a dry winter in the South and a wetter than normal winter in the North, according to NOAA's latest winter forecast. Nebraska state climatologist says she's concerned about soil moisture heading into spring.

A cold front is still dragging and bringing some showers to the Eastern Coast.

Meteorologist Cindi Clawson has the latest on this Arctic blast and when relief is on the way.