Cow-Calf
As fed cattle weights hit historic highs, a surplus of fat trim is creating an unprecedented need for lean blending beef, pushing cull cow values to new records.
With a wall of fire racing at up to 70 mph, three ranch families describe the desperate fight to save their herds and homes, the courage of children on the front lines and the network that rose from the ashes.
Kansas State Veterinarian Dr. Justin Smith outlines a coordinated plan built on surveillance, targeted treatment and movement controls to protect cattle operations while preserving business stability.
Here are resources for those looking to donate to ranchers recovering from recent wildfires in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
From a Nebraska cattle farm to Nashville stages, Scott Wolverton’s journey is shaped by agriculture, family and a father’s cattle call — a reminder that home is always there.
USDA’s annual report reveals the smallest total herd since 1951, with beef cow numbers falling to 27.6 million despite a slight uptick in replacement heifers.
Meteorologist Eric Snodgrass says the storm hit 28 states with ice, snow and record breaking cold temperatures and the polar vortex could linger for a while.
Terrain’s Dave Weaber says placements of cattle into feedlots will continue to shrink, long-feared beef slaughter capacity reductions have arrived, and the beef cow herd hasn’t begun to expand.
While the reintroduction of wolves has led to significant challenges for local ranchers, some say they are willing to deal with the animals if they will return to their natural habitat.
In addition to increasing carcass counts, wolves decrease reproduction rates, weaning weights, calf health and human well-being — costs often uncompensated or uncounted.
The Wine Glass Ranch is more than a family operation. It’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable beef production.
The announcement to close the Lexington, Neb., plant and transition to one shift in Amarillo shocked the beef industry. While local impacts will be significant, analysts urge producers to remain calm as the market fundamentals steady following the reaction.
Tight supplies and strong demand have pushed beef prices and producer profitability to historic highs. After peaking in 2025, CattleFax analyst Kevin Good forecasts prices will see a modest correction while fundamentals remain strong.
Strong demand supports beef prices amid economic volatility, but herd investment and growth slows as producers grapple with increasing uncertainty due to political noise.
Leading ag meteorologists share the weather drivers they are watching.
Cattle market fundamentals remain unchanged while psychology shifts the market due to the President’s comments and industry interference.
Oklahoma State’s Derrell Peel says the beef industry needs time — not politics or policy — to solve beef supply and demand realities.
Meat Institute report analyzes the state of beef cattle markets and points out current pricing myths.
Although warning signs are emerging, economists say record-high beef prices could hold for up to two more years. Tight supplies and strong demand continue to drive the market, but economists and producers are apprehensive with talks of reopening the border.
A cattle-raising family is going all-in on drone application technology, and a side hustle spinoff business is in the works after finding success spraying their own pasture land.
Missouri’s cattle industry is experiencing historic highs. Discover how the Show-Me Select Replacement Heifer Program is helping producers improve genetics, embrace technology and boost profitability.
NCBA’s Colin Woodall says the “significant plan to help rebuild the American cattle supply” does not currently include a direct payment but rather the possibility of addressing regulatory burdens.
Results from Farm Journal’s 2025 State of the Beef Industry Survey finds 72% of producers are optimistic about the future, 73% report profitability the past five years and 57% will add a member to their operation in the next five years.
The 2025 State of the Beef Industry Report summarizes optimism prevails yet challenges persist in today’s beef industry.
Auction barn license fees would increase nearly 1,700% as state ag department cites program deficits.
Infection may not directly impact herd health, but it can have implications for nutritional management.
Missouri Extension State forage specialist Carson Roberts suggests four alternatives that could be more economical than growing hay for your animals.