The Cattle Business Weekly

The Cattle Business Weekly Sun, 03 May 2026 18:06:23 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1718102 en-us © 2026 The Cattle Business Weekly yes 613220f7-d889-5d51-8860-9272fe08204f The Cattle Business Weekly newspaper episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) The Cattle Business Weekly newspaper https://storage.buzzsprout.com/76m4vx7mc9imxax4gcn3ec4fvcuv?.jpg The Cattle Business Weekly With Thousands of Cattle Bred... With Thousands of Cattle Bred... Thousands of miles. Thousands of cattle. Thousands of handshakes and smiles. As Anita Pepin of rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, looks back on her career as an ABS rep and AI technician, she can’t quite put a guess on the number of miles she’s traveled, cows she’s bred, or customers’ hands she’s shaken. “It’s A LOT,” she says. Pepin is slowing down from her full-time practice, having sold the business, Black Hills AI Service, to Jessica Kammerer earlier this year. She still has a few small, select clients she will breed for, but says Kammerer is the one to get...

]]> Thousands of miles. Thousands of cattle. Thousands of handshakes and smiles. As Anita Pepin of rural Belle Fourche, South Dakota, looks back on her career as an ABS rep and AI technician, she can’t quite put a guess on the number of miles she’s traveled, cows she’s bred, or customers’ hands she’s shaken. “It’s A LOT,” she says. Pepin is slowing down from her full-time practice, having sold the business, Black Hills AI Service, to Jessica Kammerer earlier this year. She still has a few small, select clients she will breed for, but says Kammerer is the one to get...

]]> Buzzsprout-19097116 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 588 full false Schuler Red Angus Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Schuler Red Angus Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Schuler Red Angus of Bridgeport is the recipient of the 2026 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. The Butch and Susan Schuler family raise beef cattle and manage 20,000 acres at Schuler Red Angus in Morrill and Banner counties. The Schulers will be formally presented with the ,000 award later this year. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Nebraska, the award...

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]]> Schuler Red Angus of Bridgeport is the recipient of the 2026 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. The Butch and Susan Schuler family raise beef cattle and manage 20,000 acres at Schuler Red Angus in Morrill and Banner counties. The Schulers will be formally presented with the ,000 award later this year. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Nebraska, the award...

]]> Buzzsprout-19096875 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 405 full false Darling Creek Ranch to Receive South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Darling Creek Ranch to Receive South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Dan and Sharon Anderson’s Darling Creek Ranch has been selected as the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award® recipient. The ,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In South Dakota, the award is presented with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. The Dan and Sharon Anderson family owns and operates Darling Creek Ranch, located near Meadow...

]]> Dan and Sharon Anderson’s Darling Creek Ranch has been selected as the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award® recipient. The ,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In South Dakota, the award is presented with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. The Dan and Sharon Anderson family owns and operates Darling Creek Ranch, located near Meadow...

]]> Buzzsprout-19096874 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 309 full false Common Ground Coalition Gathers Common Ground Coalition Gathers The Common Ground Coalition kicked off the first of four regional summits in Reno mid-April, gathering Western livestock perspectives to bolster the industry’s future. This event launches a nationwide effort to strengthen rural communities and secure the U.S. food supply. Fueled by shared conviction, enthusiasm and commitment to the industry, attendees arrived ready to engage in the hard work of identifying positive solutions for the industry. J.M. Peck, a cattle rancher from Melrose, Montana was part of the gathering. “It was interesting to learn how people in other states are facing these issues,” Peck added. “All of us...

]]> The Common Ground Coalition kicked off the first of four regional summits in Reno mid-April, gathering Western livestock perspectives to bolster the industry’s future. This event launches a nationwide effort to strengthen rural communities and secure the U.S. food supply. Fueled by shared conviction, enthusiasm and commitment to the industry, attendees arrived ready to engage in the hard work of identifying positive solutions for the industry. J.M. Peck, a cattle rancher from Melrose, Montana was part of the gathering. “It was interesting to learn how people in other states are facing these issues,” Peck added. “All of us...

]]> Buzzsprout-19096809 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 274 full false Eagle Rock Ranch to Receive Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Eagle Rock Ranch to Receive Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Eagle Rock Ranch of Park County has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. Dave and Jeannie Gottenborg are cattle ranchers and owners of Eagle Rock Ranch near Jefferson. They will be presented with the award in June at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention. They receive ,000 for being selected. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in...

]]> Eagle Rock Ranch of Park County has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. Dave and Jeannie Gottenborg are cattle ranchers and owners of Eagle Rock Ranch near Jefferson. They will be presented with the award in June at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention. They receive ,000 for being selected. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in...

]]> Buzzsprout-19060754 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0400 273 full false Should You Delay Turnout in 2026? Should You Delay Turnout in 2026? Kaylee Wheeler SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist As the grazing season is inching closer, dry soil conditions across the region have become very apparent. Lack of dormant precipitation (Figure 2) and dry spring soil (Figure 4) are strong indicators that forage growth will be delayed for the 2026 grazing season. This means it will take more time to be ‘ready to graze.’ It is important that we avoid turning livestock out in the same pasture at the same time year after year, but especially in years like this. Before grazing a pasture, it is important to ensure that there has...

]]> Kaylee Wheeler SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist As the grazing season is inching closer, dry soil conditions across the region have become very apparent. Lack of dormant precipitation (Figure 2) and dry spring soil (Figure 4) are strong indicators that forage growth will be delayed for the 2026 grazing season. This means it will take more time to be ‘ready to graze.’ It is important that we avoid turning livestock out in the same pasture at the same time year after year, but especially in years like this. Before grazing a pasture, it is important to ensure that there has...

]]> Buzzsprout-19020265 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 132 full false Bull Management for Breeding Success Bull Management for Breeding Success Follow these key strategies to ensure optimal performance “Significant investments are being made in bulls, and the prospects for income from current and upcoming calf crops appear favorable,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri (MU) Extension livestock field specialist. Nevertheless, Davis advises cattle producers to implement effective management practices for bulls as they transition out of the breeding pasture and prepare for future breeding seasons to safeguard their investment. Davis outlines key management strategies to ensure optimal performance and success in subsequent breeding cycles. Condition “Bulls’ energy status, best measured by body condition score (BCS), is important for breeding success,”...

]]> Follow these key strategies to ensure optimal performance “Significant investments are being made in bulls, and the prospects for income from current and upcoming calf crops appear favorable,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri (MU) Extension livestock field specialist. Nevertheless, Davis advises cattle producers to implement effective management practices for bulls as they transition out of the breeding pasture and prepare for future breeding seasons to safeguard their investment. Davis outlines key management strategies to ensure optimal performance and success in subsequent breeding cycles. Condition “Bulls’ energy status, best measured by body condition score (BCS), is important for breeding success,”...

]]> Buzzsprout-19020264 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 235 full false Plains, Midwest Drought Picture Mixed Plains, Midwest Drought Picture Mixed As early spring moisture remains uneven Much of the region received moisture over the Easter holiday weekend. That is good, because the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor released on April 2 paints a familiar early-spring story across the Northern Plains and Midwest: improvement in pockets, stubborn dryness in others, and a growing dependence on timely April moisture. Released weekly through a partnership led by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the map shows drought intensity ranging from abnormally dry (D0) to exceptional drought (D4), with conditions shifting as snowpack, soil moisture, and precipitation trends evolve. Northern Plains: Holding pattern with...

]]> As early spring moisture remains uneven Much of the region received moisture over the Easter holiday weekend. That is good, because the latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor released on April 2 paints a familiar early-spring story across the Northern Plains and Midwest: improvement in pockets, stubborn dryness in others, and a growing dependence on timely April moisture. Released weekly through a partnership led by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the map shows drought intensity ranging from abnormally dry (D0) to exceptional drought (D4), with conditions shifting as snowpack, soil moisture, and precipitation trends evolve. Northern Plains: Holding pattern with...

]]> Buzzsprout-18983702 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 227 full false Mexican Border Basics Mexican Border Basics Prior to the border closing in November 2024, U.S. imports of Mexican cattle had averaged 1.18 million head annually in the previous decade (Figure 1) and 1.12 million head per year in the previous 35 years. Mexican cattle imports equaled 3.4 percent of the total U.S. calf crop from 2015-2024 and 3.1 percent since 1990. The brief border opening in 2025 allowed about 230,000 head to cross, 0.7 percent of the 2025 calf crop. The typical pattern is bimodal with peaks in March and again in November/December. Calves carried over from the previous year are typically exported in...

]]> Prior to the border closing in November 2024, U.S. imports of Mexican cattle had averaged 1.18 million head annually in the previous decade (Figure 1) and 1.12 million head per year in the previous 35 years. Mexican cattle imports equaled 3.4 percent of the total U.S. calf crop from 2015-2024 and 3.1 percent since 1990. The brief border opening in 2025 allowed about 230,000 head to cross, 0.7 percent of the 2025 calf crop. The typical pattern is bimodal with peaks in March and again in November/December. Calves carried over from the previous year are typically exported in...

]]> Buzzsprout-18983619 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 199 full false Langland Cattle Co. Committed to Whole Use Harvesting Langland Cattle Co. Committed to Whole Use Harvesting Driven by love for their family, a creative wife and an analytical husband have turned a simple solution into a business that changed their lives. Meet Tyson and Kendra Langland of Brookings, South Dakota who are third-generation cattle producers. In 2016, when Tyson took over the family beef business, he had a goal to become a 100% grass fed beef cattle operation. With the cattle being a short drive away just outside of Bruce, South Dakota, the Langland family spends quite a bit of time on the farm. When taking over, Tyson did some research and...

]]> Driven by love for their family, a creative wife and an analytical husband have turned a simple solution into a business that changed their lives. Meet Tyson and Kendra Langland of Brookings, South Dakota who are third-generation cattle producers. In 2016, when Tyson took over the family beef business, he had a goal to become a 100% grass fed beef cattle operation. With the cattle being a short drive away just outside of Bruce, South Dakota, the Langland family spends quite a bit of time on the farm. When taking over, Tyson did some research and...

]]> Buzzsprout-18945645 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 334 full false The Great American Agriculture Celebration The Great American Agriculture Celebration By Codi Vallery-Mills Gathered on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday, March 27 where hundreds of farmers and ranchers, Agribusiness leaders and members of FFA and 4-H for the Great American Agriculture Celebration. At the ag appreciation event, President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed the crowd, which is said to have been the single largest gathering of American farmers the White House has ever seen. Trump gave remarks highlighting key areas in which his Administration has helped American agriculture. Among them, he noted tax cuts, changes to the estate tax, the rollback...

]]> By Codi Vallery-Mills Gathered on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday, March 27 where hundreds of farmers and ranchers, Agribusiness leaders and members of FFA and 4-H for the Great American Agriculture Celebration. At the ag appreciation event, President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed the crowd, which is said to have been the single largest gathering of American farmers the White House has ever seen. Trump gave remarks highlighting key areas in which his Administration has helped American agriculture. Among them, he noted tax cuts, changes to the estate tax, the rollback...

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]]> Buzzsprout-18944588 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 223 full false War Volatility Bleeds into Cattle Markets War Volatility Bleeds into Cattle Markets The U.S. conflict with Iran has introduced volatility across commodity and financial markets since the war started on February 28. Producers who haven’t been following these developments closely should be aware of four ways that these developments now affect cattle markets. First, elevated movements in broader markets are pulling cattle futures lower. When the CBOE Volatility Index — the VIX, often called the ‘fear gauge’ of markets — spiked above 29 on March 6, feeder cattle futures dropped nearly and live cattle futures the same day. Most days the VIX has no impact on cattle futures, but when...

]]> The U.S. conflict with Iran has introduced volatility across commodity and financial markets since the war started on February 28. Producers who haven’t been following these developments closely should be aware of four ways that these developments now affect cattle markets. First, elevated movements in broader markets are pulling cattle futures lower. When the CBOE Volatility Index — the VIX, often called the ‘fear gauge’ of markets — spiked above 29 on March 6, feeder cattle futures dropped nearly and live cattle futures the same day. Most days the VIX has no impact on cattle futures, but when...

]]> Buzzsprout-18907123 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400 162 full false Rollins Visits Fires, Ranchers in Nebraska Rollins Visits Fires, Ranchers in Nebraska U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday toured the destruction left behind by the Morrill Fire near Ogallala, Nebraska. She was joined by several state leaders, including Gov. Jim Pillen, Sens. Deb Fischer, Pete Ricketts and 3rd District Rep. Adrian Smith. The visit comes as fire crews have nearly reached containment on the Morrill Fire, the largest wildfire in Nebraska’s history. Nearly 200 fire personnel were still stationed on that fire as of Monday afternoon. The fire has blackened at least 632,029 acres across five Nebraska counties: Morrill, Garden, Grant, Arthur and Keith. The wildfire ignited on...

]]> U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Monday toured the destruction left behind by the Morrill Fire near Ogallala, Nebraska. She was joined by several state leaders, including Gov. Jim Pillen, Sens. Deb Fischer, Pete Ricketts and 3rd District Rep. Adrian Smith. The visit comes as fire crews have nearly reached containment on the Morrill Fire, the largest wildfire in Nebraska’s history. Nearly 200 fire personnel were still stationed on that fire as of Monday afternoon. The fire has blackened at least 632,029 acres across five Nebraska counties: Morrill, Garden, Grant, Arthur and Keith. The wildfire ignited on...

]]> Buzzsprout-18907121 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400 303 full false Navigating the "Everything All At Once" Season (Without Losing the Mission) Navigating the "Everything All At Once" Season (Without Losing the Mission) There are weeks where the calendar looks less like a schedule and more like a battlefield. That’s been me lately—an “Everything All At Once” season. Army Guard command doesn’t pause because home life is busy. The coaching and speaking business still needs built—calls returned, content created, talks booked, relationships kept warm. And the ranch? Calving season doesn’t care how you slept. We’re wrapping a long run of checking pairs, fixing what got tore up in the mud… and now we’re already pivoting toward breeding season—bull prep, feeding, pasture plans, the next set of details that have to be right. Add...

]]> There are weeks where the calendar looks less like a schedule and more like a battlefield. That’s been me lately—an “Everything All At Once” season. Army Guard command doesn’t pause because home life is busy. The coaching and speaking business still needs built—calls returned, content created, talks booked, relationships kept warm. And the ranch? Calving season doesn’t care how you slept. We’re wrapping a long run of checking pairs, fixing what got tore up in the mud… and now we’re already pivoting toward breeding season—bull prep, feeding, pasture plans, the next set of details that have to be right. Add...

]]> Buzzsprout-18907120 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400 238 full false Walls of Fire - Nebraska ranchers suffer major losses with devastating fires Walls of Fire - Nebraska ranchers suffer major losses with devastating fires By Codi Vallery-Mills Walls of fire with 40 mph winds pushed flames into this week after starting last week in Nebraska. Ranchers and volunteer firefighters have been working around the clock to stop forward progress of the fires consuming the Husker state. Much of the state is currently experiencing severe drought conditions and is considered a “tinderbox.” High winds gusting to 70 mph helped create conditions that ignited four large fires – the Morrill, Cottonwood, Anderson Bridge, and Road 203. As of Tuesday, March 17 the fires are still active and uncontained. The fires have consumed pastures and burnt down...

]]> By Codi Vallery-Mills Walls of fire with 40 mph winds pushed flames into this week after starting last week in Nebraska. Ranchers and volunteer firefighters have been working around the clock to stop forward progress of the fires consuming the Husker state. Much of the state is currently experiencing severe drought conditions and is considered a “tinderbox.” High winds gusting to 70 mph helped create conditions that ignited four large fires – the Morrill, Cottonwood, Anderson Bridge, and Road 203. As of Tuesday, March 17 the fires are still active and uncontained. The fires have consumed pastures and burnt down...

]]> Buzzsprout-18868166 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400 640 full false Build Smarter Deworming Plans with Diagnostics Build Smarter Deworming Plans with Diagnostics Incorporating diagnostics into deworming plans gives cattle producers a clearer handle on parasite pressure and product performance. It helps confirm when treatment is needed, when it isn’t, and when a protocol might need adjusting. For operations like Leaning Oak Ranch in Okemah, Oklahoma, that clarity has become a key advantage. And it starts with putting real numbers behind decision-making. Turning data into decisions Diagnostics provide a straightforward view of the parasite burden in your herd. A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is the most reliable method for measuring deworming efficacy. “We had a group that didn’t look right, and...

]]> Incorporating diagnostics into deworming plans gives cattle producers a clearer handle on parasite pressure and product performance. It helps confirm when treatment is needed, when it isn’t, and when a protocol might need adjusting. For operations like Leaning Oak Ranch in Okemah, Oklahoma, that clarity has become a key advantage. And it starts with putting real numbers behind decision-making. Turning data into decisions Diagnostics provide a straightforward view of the parasite burden in your herd. A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) is the most reliable method for measuring deworming efficacy. “We had a group that didn’t look right, and...

]]> Buzzsprout-18868083 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 234 full false Consumers Want Beef Consumers Want Beef Beef producers can take heart: Americans still love beef and are willing to pay for it. But, the modern consumer is far from a single, predictable buyer. “Today’s marketplace includes more distinct generations than ever before,” said Mandy Carr Johnson, Ph.D., senior executive director of scientific affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Generation Alpha is just entering its teen years. Gen Z runs up to about age 30. Millennials typically span 30 to about 45 years, and Gen X is from about 45 to 60 years. And, baby boomers and the silent generation are still buying groceries, she...

]]> Beef producers can take heart: Americans still love beef and are willing to pay for it. But, the modern consumer is far from a single, predictable buyer. “Today’s marketplace includes more distinct generations than ever before,” said Mandy Carr Johnson, Ph.D., senior executive director of scientific affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). Generation Alpha is just entering its teen years. Gen Z runs up to about age 30. Millennials typically span 30 to about 45 years, and Gen X is from about 45 to 60 years. And, baby boomers and the silent generation are still buying groceries, she...

]]> Buzzsprout-18829726 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 286 full false Tips for Managing Beef-on-Dairy Calf Transitions Tips for Managing Beef-on-Dairy Calf Transitions Beef-on-dairy calves often change locations multiple times before they’re 6 months old, facing new environments, nutrition and herd mates at every stop — all of which can stack up the stress and risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). According to Curt Vlietstra, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim, the frequent transitions beef-on-dairy calves experience in early life make it more important than ever to minimize stress where you can, and be ready to respond quickly when BRD issues arise. Plan ahead for predictable stress When beef-on-dairy calves are coming off a recent move, whether that’s at the calf ranch, at...

]]> Beef-on-dairy calves often change locations multiple times before they’re 6 months old, facing new environments, nutrition and herd mates at every stop — all of which can stack up the stress and risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). According to Curt Vlietstra, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim, the frequent transitions beef-on-dairy calves experience in early life make it more important than ever to minimize stress where you can, and be ready to respond quickly when BRD issues arise. Plan ahead for predictable stress When beef-on-dairy calves are coming off a recent move, whether that’s at the calf ranch, at...

]]> Buzzsprout-18829708 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 352 full false What Heifers Will Fit My Forage Resources? What Heifers Will Fit My Forage Resources? Every transition matters The old phrase, “horses for courses” now has a complementary phrase of “cows for resources.” Approximately 75% of the feed that goes towards producing a pound of beef comes from forage. Recent research at Oklahoma State University by Dr. David Lalman has shown that there are significant differences in how efficiently heifers convert forage to pounds of beef in a growing diet consisting of good quality hay. In a recent article titled “Finding Forage Efficient Heifers” in the December 15 issue of the Cow-Calf Corner Newsletter, Dr. Lalman shares groundbreaking research examining forage efficiency. Research...

]]> Every transition matters The old phrase, “horses for courses” now has a complementary phrase of “cows for resources.” Approximately 75% of the feed that goes towards producing a pound of beef comes from forage. Recent research at Oklahoma State University by Dr. David Lalman has shown that there are significant differences in how efficiently heifers convert forage to pounds of beef in a growing diet consisting of good quality hay. In a recent article titled “Finding Forage Efficient Heifers” in the December 15 issue of the Cow-Calf Corner Newsletter, Dr. Lalman shares groundbreaking research examining forage efficiency. Research...

]]> Buzzsprout-18829658 Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 232 full false Diversifying the Ranch: Adding Buffalo to S.D. Cattle Operation Diversifying the Ranch: Adding Buffalo to S.D. Cattle Operation On most days, Drew Anderson moves between two herds that require very different mindsets. In one pasture, black Angus cows ease toward the pickup, calm and predictable. In another, a herd of buffalo stands broad and alert, their steady gaze a reminder that not all livestock respond the same way. “We weren’t looking to run buffalo, but when the opportunity came up, it felt like something we couldn’t pass up,” Anderson says. “It’s been a learning experience, but it’s also exciting to add a new piece to the operation.” Anderson and his wife, Kayla, operate a black Angus cow/calf herd...

]]> On most days, Drew Anderson moves between two herds that require very different mindsets. In one pasture, black Angus cows ease toward the pickup, calm and predictable. In another, a herd of buffalo stands broad and alert, their steady gaze a reminder that not all livestock respond the same way. “We weren’t looking to run buffalo, but when the opportunity came up, it felt like something we couldn’t pass up,” Anderson says. “It’s been a learning experience, but it’s also exciting to add a new piece to the operation.” Anderson and his wife, Kayla, operate a black Angus cow/calf herd...

]]> Buzzsprout-18824157 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400 270 full false Paul Hill to be Inducted into Saddle - Sirloin Paul Hill to be Inducted into Saddle - Sirloin Paul H. Hill is the 2026 inductee into the prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery. A special induction ceremony dinner and portrait presentation is scheduled for Sunday evening, November 15, 2026, during the North American International Livestock Exposition and the National Angus Convention, at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, Louisville, Kentucky. Hill’s record-breaking success with leading Angus seedstock operations throughout the past half century is well documented. He was managing partner of Champion Hill, Bidwell, Ohio, from 1990-2017, and previously led Northcote Farm, Cobble Pond Farm, Hayes Star Ranch, South Fork Angus Ranch and Briarhill Angus Farm. In his youth...

]]> Paul H. Hill is the 2026 inductee into the prestigious Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery. A special induction ceremony dinner and portrait presentation is scheduled for Sunday evening, November 15, 2026, during the North American International Livestock Exposition and the National Angus Convention, at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds, Louisville, Kentucky. Hill’s record-breaking success with leading Angus seedstock operations throughout the past half century is well documented. He was managing partner of Champion Hill, Bidwell, Ohio, from 1990-2017, and previously led Northcote Farm, Cobble Pond Farm, Hayes Star Ranch, South Fork Angus Ranch and Briarhill Angus Farm. In his youth...

]]> Buzzsprout-18788860 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500 275 full false $150 Million Expansion at Cactus Beef Production Facility $150 Million Expansion at Cactus Beef Production Facility JBS USA broke ground Feb. 27 on a 0 million expansion project at its beef production facility in Cactus, Texas. The project includes construction of a new, state-of-the-art fabrication floor and an expanded ground beef room, strengthening the long-term competitiveness of one of the company’s largest and most important beef plants. This major investment is designed to increase operational efficiency, enhance production capacity, and create new opportunities for cattle producers, customers, team members, and the surrounding rural communities. Construction is underway, with expectation of being completed by early 2027. “This groundbreaking marks an exciting moment for JBS USA, our team...

]]> JBS USA broke ground Feb. 27 on a 0 million expansion project at its beef production facility in Cactus, Texas. The project includes construction of a new, state-of-the-art fabrication floor and an expanded ground beef room, strengthening the long-term competitiveness of one of the company’s largest and most important beef plants. This major investment is designed to increase operational efficiency, enhance production capacity, and create new opportunities for cattle producers, customers, team members, and the surrounding rural communities. Construction is underway, with expectation of being completed by early 2027. “This groundbreaking marks an exciting moment for JBS USA, our team...

]]> Buzzsprout-18788775 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0500 166 full false Production Testing at the Core of Johnson Angus Production Testing at the Core of Johnson Angus “Performance is what we were looking at then, and it’s still what drives our decisions today,” says Bailey Johnson, fourth-generation producer at Johnson Angus near Mobridge, South Dakota. For more than six decades, production testing has been central to the Johnson Angus program. Long before performance data became common, the Johnson family committed to evaluating cattle based on measurable results, longevity and real-world functionality. That commitment continues to shape breeding decisions today as the operation prepares for its 54th Annual Production Sale on Feb. 28 at Mobridge Livestock Auction, beginning at 1 p.m. Central. The sale offering includes approximately 80...

]]> “Performance is what we were looking at then, and it’s still what drives our decisions today,” says Bailey Johnson, fourth-generation producer at Johnson Angus near Mobridge, South Dakota. For more than six decades, production testing has been central to the Johnson Angus program. Long before performance data became common, the Johnson family committed to evaluating cattle based on measurable results, longevity and real-world functionality. That commitment continues to shape breeding decisions today as the operation prepares for its 54th Annual Production Sale on Feb. 28 at Mobridge Livestock Auction, beginning at 1 p.m. Central. The sale offering includes approximately 80...

]]> Buzzsprout-18757273 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 304 full false Quad Calves Sell Quad Calves Sell In February of last year, Stavick Simmental near Veblen, S.D. welcomed the birth of quadruplet calves—a rare event that Mike Stavick describes as extremely lucky. Remarkably, these calves thrived and made history again this year when they were sold through the ranch’s sale ring. The odds of a cow giving birth to four healthy bull calves are extraordinarily low, estimated by some to be just 1 in 179.2 million. Having those calves mature into breeding animals makes the occurrence even more unusual. “I don’t know that there has ever been a set of quad bulls sold at a sale...

]]> In February of last year, Stavick Simmental near Veblen, S.D. welcomed the birth of quadruplet calves—a rare event that Mike Stavick describes as extremely lucky. Remarkably, these calves thrived and made history again this year when they were sold through the ranch’s sale ring. The odds of a cow giving birth to four healthy bull calves are extraordinarily low, estimated by some to be just 1 in 179.2 million. Having those calves mature into breeding animals makes the occurrence even more unusual. “I don’t know that there has ever been a set of quad bulls sold at a sale...

]]> Buzzsprout-18746717 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 481 full false Cattle Chat: Defining Cow Efficiency Cattle Chat: Defining Cow Efficiency When it comes to cow efficiency, beef producers often focus on outputs like weaning weights and pregnancy rates. K-State beef cattle experts recently discussed which performance metrics really matter on a recent Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast episode. Researchers defined cow efficiency as the relationship between feed intake and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, a metric that directly affects profitability. However, beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster suggested accurately measuring that relationship remains a challenge — especially when forage intake is involved. “We as researchers need to work on these math equations to make...

]]> When it comes to cow efficiency, beef producers often focus on outputs like weaning weights and pregnancy rates. K-State beef cattle experts recently discussed which performance metrics really matter on a recent Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast episode. Researchers defined cow efficiency as the relationship between feed intake and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, a metric that directly affects profitability. However, beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster suggested accurately measuring that relationship remains a challenge — especially when forage intake is involved. “We as researchers need to work on these math equations to make...

]]> Buzzsprout-18746716 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 111 full false Buseman Angus Bulls Have Sale Success with Private Treaties Buseman Angus Bulls Have Sale Success with Private Treaties For some cattle breeders, hosting an annual sale is a milestone. But that approach isn’t the best for every producer. Buseman Angus, Canistota, S.D., conducts all of their bull sales via private treaty, and the approach has worked for their operation for decades. Word Gets Around The Buseman family has been raising commercial Angus cattle since Joe Buseman’s dad, Ray, purchased an Angus bull in 1951. The herd was primarily commercial cattle until the late 1970s, when they started buying registered Angus heifers. “In 1984, a couple of neighbors wanted to know if we’d keep five or six bulls,” Joe...

]]> For some cattle breeders, hosting an annual sale is a milestone. But that approach isn’t the best for every producer. Buseman Angus, Canistota, S.D., conducts all of their bull sales via private treaty, and the approach has worked for their operation for decades. Word Gets Around The Buseman family has been raising commercial Angus cattle since Joe Buseman’s dad, Ray, purchased an Angus bull in 1951. The herd was primarily commercial cattle until the late 1970s, when they started buying registered Angus heifers. “In 1984, a couple of neighbors wanted to know if we’d keep five or six bulls,” Joe...

]]> Buzzsprout-18746140 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 389 full false A Snapshot of the Cattle Feeding Industry A Snapshot of the Cattle Feeding Industry The latest USDA Cattle on Feed report showed feedlot inventories at 11.505 million head on February 1, down 1.8 percent year over year and the fifteenth consecutive month of declining feed inventories. January placements were down 4.7 percent year over year while January marketings were down 13.0 percent compared to last year. January marketings were likely hampered by the winter storm at the end of the month, pushing some January marketing into February. The report was well anticipated and did not contain any surprises for the market. The February Cattle on Feed report also contains a summary of...

]]> The latest USDA Cattle on Feed report showed feedlot inventories at 11.505 million head on February 1, down 1.8 percent year over year and the fifteenth consecutive month of declining feed inventories. January placements were down 4.7 percent year over year while January marketings were down 13.0 percent compared to last year. January marketings were likely hampered by the winter storm at the end of the month, pushing some January marketing into February. The report was well anticipated and did not contain any surprises for the market. The February Cattle on Feed report also contains a summary of...

]]> Buzzsprout-18743593 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:00:00 -0500 200 full false Industry Leaders Highlight Strategies to Maximize Value Industry Leaders Highlight Strategies to Maximize Value At the 2026 National Westere Stock Show, Industry leaders and cattle producers gathered to discuss how breeding, management, and market decisions can create value buyers recognize and reward. Sponsored by the Colorado Angus Association, the session focused on connecting production fundamentals to market success. Presentations by Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations for the American Angus Association; Clay Burson, , Ph.D., associate beef technical specialist at Zinpro; and Ryan Rathmann, Ph.D., of Texas Tech University set the stage for a panel moderated by Kevin Ochsner, host of Cattlemen to Cattlemen on RFD-TV, and panelists Jason Hoffman, Hoffman Ranch; Rick Machado,...

]]> At the 2026 National Westere Stock Show, Industry leaders and cattle producers gathered to discuss how breeding, management, and market decisions can create value buyers recognize and reward. Sponsored by the Colorado Angus Association, the session focused on connecting production fundamentals to market success. Presentations by Troy Marshall, director of commercial industry relations for the American Angus Association; Clay Burson, , Ph.D., associate beef technical specialist at Zinpro; and Ryan Rathmann, Ph.D., of Texas Tech University set the stage for a panel moderated by Kevin Ochsner, host of Cattlemen to Cattlemen on RFD-TV, and panelists Jason Hoffman, Hoffman Ranch; Rick Machado,...

]]> Buzzsprout-18742089 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500 219 full false Saved By a Dog Saved By a Dog We have all heard about people being saved by farm dogs. A dog that shook a rattlesnake to death before it struck the baby. A dog that ran 5 miles to the neighbors to alert them that his owner was having a heart attack. A dog that battled a mad cow that had the farmer on the ground. Our farm dog? He saved me from a shower. Yes, you read that right, but let me explain. Our daughter, Kimber, came to me one day and said she felt a zap while taking a shower. I dismissed it. It was...

]]> We have all heard about people being saved by farm dogs. A dog that shook a rattlesnake to death before it struck the baby. A dog that ran 5 miles to the neighbors to alert them that his owner was having a heart attack. A dog that battled a mad cow that had the farmer on the ground. Our farm dog? He saved me from a shower. Yes, you read that right, but let me explain. Our daughter, Kimber, came to me one day and said she felt a zap while taking a shower. I dismissed it. It was...

]]> Buzzsprout-18732317 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 178 full false Simmental and Shorthorn Crowned Simmental and Shorthorn Crowned The Watertown Winter Farm Show wrapped up its 81st show on Feb. 14. The day prior it held its main cattle event – the selection of Supreme Row – from its three days of cattle shows. Vying for Supreme Row honors were the Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Maine- Anjou, Shorthorn and Simmental breeds. Cathy Schmitz, Schmitz Farm, Oakes, N.D. evaluated the champion annuals before making the selection. She went on to choose a Simmental and Shorthorn to receive top honors. The Supreme Champion Bull was the Simmental, Lot 8 from Kellen Land & Cattle, Madison, Minn. The bull is a...

]]> The Watertown Winter Farm Show wrapped up its 81st show on Feb. 14. The day prior it held its main cattle event – the selection of Supreme Row – from its three days of cattle shows. Vying for Supreme Row honors were the Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Maine- Anjou, Shorthorn and Simmental breeds. Cathy Schmitz, Schmitz Farm, Oakes, N.D. evaluated the champion annuals before making the selection. She went on to choose a Simmental and Shorthorn to receive top honors. The Supreme Champion Bull was the Simmental, Lot 8 from Kellen Land & Cattle, Madison, Minn. The bull is a...

]]> Buzzsprout-18706214 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 93 full false New Growth Metric Could Improve Beef-on-Dairy Genetic Evaluations New Growth Metric Could Improve Beef-on-Dairy Genetic Evaluations Researchers aim to boost accuracy of National Cattle Evaluation with earlier-in-life weights. Incorporating earlier-in-life growth metrics into the National Cattle Evaluation could strengthen genetic predictions for beef-on-dairy cattle, according to Ryan Boldt, Ph.D., lead geneticist for International Genetic Solutions (IGS). Boldt said that a research project he’s part of builds on earlier work that integrated beef-on-dairy records into evaluations for carcass traits. By capturing more phenotypes from crossbred calves, researchers hope to refine selection tools, improve indexing and provide producers with better insight into growth performance at multiple stages of an animal’s life. More Carcass Data Paves the Way Previous...

]]> Researchers aim to boost accuracy of National Cattle Evaluation with earlier-in-life weights. Incorporating earlier-in-life growth metrics into the National Cattle Evaluation could strengthen genetic predictions for beef-on-dairy cattle, according to Ryan Boldt, Ph.D., lead geneticist for International Genetic Solutions (IGS). Boldt said that a research project he’s part of builds on earlier work that integrated beef-on-dairy records into evaluations for carcass traits. By capturing more phenotypes from crossbred calves, researchers hope to refine selection tools, improve indexing and provide producers with better insight into growth performance at multiple stages of an animal’s life. More Carcass Data Paves the Way Previous...

]]> Buzzsprout-18706179 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 344 full false Ag News Out of Washington Ag News Out of Washington Protecting American Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of War have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) addressing the sharing of information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture, collaboration to develop novel technological solutions to American agriculture’s biggest challenges, and the exchange of personnel to ensure both departments are well equipped to protect American agriculture. House Releases 2026 Farm Bill House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has released details of a new farm bill, the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, which the committee will begin marking up the final week of February. “A new farm...

]]> Protecting American Agriculture The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of War have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) addressing the sharing of information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture, collaboration to develop novel technological solutions to American agriculture’s biggest challenges, and the exchange of personnel to ensure both departments are well equipped to protect American agriculture. House Releases 2026 Farm Bill House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has released details of a new farm bill, the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, which the committee will begin marking up the final week of February. “A new farm...

]]> Buzzsprout-18706178 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 105 full false Opheim Limousin Striving for Next Level Opheim Limousin Striving for Next Level Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to get a clearer view. That was the case for Opheim Limousin of Mound City, S.D. For decades, Tom Opheim had been raising commercial Limousin cattle. He and his wife, Dixie, had put in the work, refined the details, and developed a closed herd they were proud of. But it wasn’t until their son Cade and his wife Maria came home that discussions of taking the herd to the “next level” commenced. Cade and Maria, who both judged livestock in college, felt the cattle needed to “get off the place,” meaning the cattle could...

]]> Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to get a clearer view. That was the case for Opheim Limousin of Mound City, S.D. For decades, Tom Opheim had been raising commercial Limousin cattle. He and his wife, Dixie, had put in the work, refined the details, and developed a closed herd they were proud of. But it wasn’t until their son Cade and his wife Maria came home that discussions of taking the herd to the “next level” commenced. Cade and Maria, who both judged livestock in college, felt the cattle needed to “get off the place,” meaning the cattle could...

]]> Buzzsprout-18706059 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 339 full false FBI Looking for Joshua Link, Tied to AgriDime Case FBI Looking for Joshua Link, Tied to AgriDime Case Five individuals were federally indicted this past week for their roles in an alleged 0 million nationwide fraud scheme involving purported cattle purchase contracts, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. Those indicted by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, were: Jed Wood of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering involving wiring more than ,000 to a lender for “Home Payoff” Joshua Link of Strafford, Missouri, charged with ten counts of wire fraud,...

]]> Five individuals were federally indicted this past week for their roles in an alleged 0 million nationwide fraud scheme involving purported cattle purchase contracts, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. Those indicted by a Fort Worth federal grand jury on February 11, 2026, were: Jed Wood of Fort Worth, Texas, charged with three counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of money laundering involving wiring more than ,000 to a lender for “Home Payoff” Joshua Link of Strafford, Missouri, charged with ten counts of wire fraud,...

]]> Buzzsprout-18690150 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:00:00 -0500 258 full false Congrats to BHSS Supreme Champions Congrats to BHSS Supreme Champions A big congratulations goes to the Hubbard Feeds Supreme Champions at the 2026 Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo. The Angus female was selected in the female division. She was consigned by Chestnut Angus, Pipestone, Minn., and purchased by Gimbel Angus, Ree Heights, S.D. The Charolais bull consigned by the Thomas Ranch, Harrold, S.D., and purchased by Bradley Cattle, Marsfield, Mo., was the Supreme Champion bull. The People's Choice Awards went to the Red Angus female, consigned by Altena Show Cattle, George, Iowa, and Weber Land and Cattle, Lake Benton, Minn., and was purchased by Lone Tree Angus, Bison, S.D....

]]> A big congratulations goes to the Hubbard Feeds Supreme Champions at the 2026 Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo. The Angus female was selected in the female division. She was consigned by Chestnut Angus, Pipestone, Minn., and purchased by Gimbel Angus, Ree Heights, S.D. The Charolais bull consigned by the Thomas Ranch, Harrold, S.D., and purchased by Bradley Cattle, Marsfield, Mo., was the Supreme Champion bull. The People's Choice Awards went to the Red Angus female, consigned by Altena Show Cattle, George, Iowa, and Weber Land and Cattle, Lake Benton, Minn., and was purchased by Lone Tree Angus, Bison, S.D....

]]> Buzzsprout-18686988 Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 85 full false Angus, Charolais Make Supreme Angus, Charolais Make Supreme Right after the saddle bronc riding during Rodeo Rapid City, the Black Hills Stock Show Supreme Row cattle paraded into the Summit Arena on the evening of Feb. 7 for final selection. Ushered in by Bob Mills and Jerry Talsma, each breed’s champion bull and heifer were on display for a large rodeo crowd to see. Judging the Hubbard Supreme Row selection were cattlemen Jake Hennessy of North Dakota; Eldon Krebs of Nebraska and David Uhrig of South Dakota. The men were tasked with sorting through nine different breeds – Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh, Limousin,...

]]> Right after the saddle bronc riding during Rodeo Rapid City, the Black Hills Stock Show Supreme Row cattle paraded into the Summit Arena on the evening of Feb. 7 for final selection. Ushered in by Bob Mills and Jerry Talsma, each breed’s champion bull and heifer were on display for a large rodeo crowd to see. Judging the Hubbard Supreme Row selection were cattlemen Jake Hennessy of North Dakota; Eldon Krebs of Nebraska and David Uhrig of South Dakota. The men were tasked with sorting through nine different breeds – Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh, Limousin,...

]]> Buzzsprout-18663218 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 94 full false Wine Glass Ranch of Nebraska Receives ESAP Award Wine Glass Ranch of Nebraska Receives ESAP Award The Wine Glass Ranch in Imperial, Neb., is the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) National winner as announced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to the Pribbeno family, during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. “This ranch has been in my family for 140 years, and we are the stewards of the ground,” said Logan Pribbeno with Wine Glass Ranch. “We are grazing the best and leaving the rest for the benefit of our soil health.” Jeff and Connie Pribbeno and their...

]]> The Wine Glass Ranch in Imperial, Neb., is the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) National winner as announced by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to the Pribbeno family, during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. “This ranch has been in my family for 140 years, and we are the stewards of the ground,” said Logan Pribbeno with Wine Glass Ranch. “We are grazing the best and leaving the rest for the benefit of our soil health.” Jeff and Connie Pribbeno and their...

]]> Buzzsprout-18663217 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 167 full false New Maternal Profit Index ($MPI) and Industry Profit Index ($IPI) New Maternal Profit Index ($MPI) and Industry Profit Index ($IPI) The NALF board approved 2 new indexes and EPDS to be listed in January of 2026. In 2024, three new EPDs were implemented, Dry Matter Intake, ADG, Feed Efficiency sub-index ($Gain) and a new terminal index, $TPI utilizing iGENDEC software in 2024. Upon completion of these EPDs, the NALF board moved forward with the development of 2 additional index’s, $MPI, (Maternal Profit Index) and $IPI, (Industry Profit Index) which is synonymous with an all-purpose index in 2025. These new indexes were built via iGENDEC with the help of Dr. Robert Weaber and Dr. Matt Spangler. iGENDEC was also the platform...

]]> The NALF board approved 2 new indexes and EPDS to be listed in January of 2026. In 2024, three new EPDs were implemented, Dry Matter Intake, ADG, Feed Efficiency sub-index ($Gain) and a new terminal index, $TPI utilizing iGENDEC software in 2024. Upon completion of these EPDs, the NALF board moved forward with the development of 2 additional index’s, $MPI, (Maternal Profit Index) and $IPI, (Industry Profit Index) which is synonymous with an all-purpose index in 2025. These new indexes were built via iGENDEC with the help of Dr. Robert Weaber and Dr. Matt Spangler. iGENDEC was also the platform...

]]> Buzzsprout-18663081 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 284 full false CattleFax Outlook Signals Cattle Cycle Turning CattleFax Outlook Signals Cattle Cycle Turning The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, shared expert market and weather analysis last week. “The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand, and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to near cyclical highs. Tight inventories and exceptional demand remain the dominant forces shaping the market; however, producer demographics, high input costs, and policy uncertainty point to a slow and measured expansion phase,” said Mike Murphy, CattleFax chief operating officer. Weather...

]]> The popular CattleFax Outlook Seminar, held as part of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee, shared expert market and weather analysis last week. “The U.S. cattle and beef industry enters 2026 with strong but volatile market conditions, as historically tight cattle supplies, record-setting beef demand, and elevated policy and weather uncertainty continue to support prices, even as markets appear to near cyclical highs. Tight inventories and exceptional demand remain the dominant forces shaping the market; however, producer demographics, high input costs, and policy uncertainty point to a slow and measured expansion phase,” said Mike Murphy, CattleFax chief operating officer. Weather...

]]> Buzzsprout-18663030 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 419 full false Opportunities for Distillers Feed Byproducts in your Beef Operation Opportunities for Distillers Feed Byproducts in your Beef Operation The use of distillers grains in beef systems has been a long-term focus at UNL because of the opportunities for a beef producer to get an inexpensive source of both energy and protein that can fit well in many cow, backgrounding, and finishing systems. Usage is greater for the feedlot sector, but there is actually great value in younger, lightweight, backgrounding cattle. Of course, use of distillers in combination with low energy forages like residues for cows is also a consideration, or in situations when protein supplementation is needed. UNL recently summarized the feeding value of distillers grains for...

]]> The use of distillers grains in beef systems has been a long-term focus at UNL because of the opportunities for a beef producer to get an inexpensive source of both energy and protein that can fit well in many cow, backgrounding, and finishing systems. Usage is greater for the feedlot sector, but there is actually great value in younger, lightweight, backgrounding cattle. Of course, use of distillers in combination with low energy forages like residues for cows is also a consideration, or in situations when protein supplementation is needed. UNL recently summarized the feeding value of distillers grains for...

]]> Buzzsprout-18624916 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 301 full false What Heifers Will Fit My Forage Resources? What Heifers Will Fit My Forage Resources? The old phrase, “horses for courses” now has a complementary phrase of “cows for resources.” Approximately 75% of the feed that goes towards producing a pound of beef comes from forage. Recent research at Oklahoma State University by Dr. David Lalman has shown that there are significant differences in how efficiently heifers convert forage to pounds of beef in a growing diet consisting of good quality hay. In a recent article titled “Finding Forage Efficient Heifers” in the December 15 issue of the Cow-Calf Corner Newsletter, Dr. Lalman shares groundbreaking research examining forage efficiency. Research has been conducted for almost...

]]> The old phrase, “horses for courses” now has a complementary phrase of “cows for resources.” Approximately 75% of the feed that goes towards producing a pound of beef comes from forage. Recent research at Oklahoma State University by Dr. David Lalman has shown that there are significant differences in how efficiently heifers convert forage to pounds of beef in a growing diet consisting of good quality hay. In a recent article titled “Finding Forage Efficient Heifers” in the December 15 issue of the Cow-Calf Corner Newsletter, Dr. Lalman shares groundbreaking research examining forage efficiency. Research has been conducted for almost...

]]> Buzzsprout-18624914 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 230 full false USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts USDA Shifts Sterile Fly Dispersal Efforts The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile insects are critical components of an effective strategy to fight NWS. Other tools including import protocols...

]]> The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is announcing a shift in its 100 million per week sterile fly dispersal efforts to stop the northern spread of New World screwworm (NWS). USDA will reallocate aircraft and sterile insects to reinforce coverage along the U.S.-Mexico border. The new dispersal area, or polygon, will include operations about 50 miles into Texas, along the U.S. border with the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Mass production and targeted dispersal of sterile insects are critical components of an effective strategy to fight NWS. Other tools including import protocols...

]]> Buzzsprout-18624066 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 331 full false Herd Shrinks Again, With Drought as a Factor Herd Shrinks Again, With Drought as a Factor The U.S. beef herd again contracted over the past year, according to the USDA Cattle Inventory report released last week, extending the cattle cycle into its thirteenth year. High prices continue to incentivize producers to sell calves rather than retain them for herd rebuilding. All cattle and calves totaled 86.2 million head in January 2026, down 320,000 head or 0.4% from 86.5 million in 2025, in line with analysts’ estimates. This is, for another year, the smallest cattle herd since 1951. South Dakota reported 3.55 million head, up 50,000 head or 1% from last year. Nebraska reported 6.15 million, up...

]]> The U.S. beef herd again contracted over the past year, according to the USDA Cattle Inventory report released last week, extending the cattle cycle into its thirteenth year. High prices continue to incentivize producers to sell calves rather than retain them for herd rebuilding. All cattle and calves totaled 86.2 million head in January 2026, down 320,000 head or 0.4% from 86.5 million in 2025, in line with analysts’ estimates. This is, for another year, the smallest cattle herd since 1951. South Dakota reported 3.55 million head, up 50,000 head or 1% from last year. Nebraska reported 6.15 million, up...

]]> Buzzsprout-18619624 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500 334 full false