Cow-Calf

Rick Funston Develops Recipe For Low-Input Heifers

Mon, 28 May 2012 16:01:00 +0000

By Gayle Smith

The price of admission into the beef industry today is pretty prohibitive, says Rick Funston. But the University of Nebraska beef cattle reproductive physiologist believes one answer may reside in the heifer enterprise, which he says is “heavily underutilized and under-valued.”

Three Challenges To Cow-Calf Profitability

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:23:00 +0000

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My View From The Country

Cow Longevity Important, But Affected By Many Things

Thu, 24 May 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Cows leave the herd for a lot of reasons, all of which affect longevity. So, while cow age and the number of years she stays in the herd are economically important, longevity is a multi-faceted trait. It is, researchers say, a combination of many other production traits that come together to make a cow productive, allowing her to stay in the herd.

Suspect Sought In Shooting Deaths Of 14 Cattle Near Hankinson, ND

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:42:00 +0000

The Republic

Law enforcement officials are hoping the public can shed light on who shot and killed 14 cattle near Hankinson, ND.

Weigh In On Industry Challenges

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:35:00 +0000

As a young beef producer, I have my fair share of concerns about the cattle business. Obtaining the credit to purchase cattle, land, feed and equipment is a constant struggle. Maintaining a steady cash flow to pay the bills is of equal concern. In addition to increased input costs, new pressures from animal rights activists and politicians worry me. How will new regulations and policies change the way I do business? Meanwhile, unfounded consumer concerns about the safety and wholesomeness of beef leave me fearful about how they might impact demand?

BEEF Daily

Ranchers and Livestock: A Complex Relationship

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:37:00 +0000

Joe Epperly

As I travel and talk to the general public, I find that a grand majority of them, from omnivore to vegan, are concerned about the welfare of livestock. They care deeply about the way livestock are treated and they are appalled by the videos of abuse that are put out by various animal rights groups. They like to tell me about their dog, cat, or maybe even their horse, and how they couldn’t bear the thought of those animals being eaten.They wonder how ranchers feel about these animals and their welfare. Do we really care?

Start Your Fall Marketing Now

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:26:00 +0000

This is the time when cattlemen should be contacting the last 10 purchasers of their product to see how they performed for them. Customer feedback is often far less expensive than consultants, and the results often far more compelling. Hopefully, you’ll hear glowing reports, but it’s the criticisms that will allow you to improve.

My View From The Country

Cow Prices Remain At Record Levels

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:32:00 +0000

Livestock Marketing Information Center’s In The Cattle Markets

Since late February, cull cow have averaged about $10 higher than last year. Those high 2011 prices occurred despite a 15% higher slaughter rate than the five-year average, and were buoyed by strong demand for manufacturing grade cow beef and lower beef imports. Conversely, the higher cow prices in 2012 are the result of lower cow slaughter and continued strong demand for 90% lean boneless beef.

The Value Of Growing Up In Agriculture

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:28:00 +0000

I’ll never forget how I first got my start in the cattle business. I was four years old and Grandpa told me if I helped him take care of a bottle calf, he would give me my very own heifer for payment. I took his business proposition seriously, and I accompanied my dad to the barn each day to offer the bull calf his bottle of milk. That fall, Dad and I looked over the replacement heifers, and I made my selection.

BEEF Daily

Download Disaster-Related Publications To Mobile Devices

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:50:00 +0000

Texas AgriLife Extension

In conjunction with the state’s Hurricane Preparedness Week and other preparedness efforts, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service has made many of its disaster and emergency-related materials available in e-book format for mobile device users.