cows

Livestock experts continue to stress the importance of gut health, especially for cows looking to calf. But that can be challenging during the summer.

The cool wet spring allowed grasses and pastures across the Northwest to rebound very nicely.  But as temperatures warm up and conditions dry out, its important cattle producers are proactive addressing anything that can deplete their fields.  Justin ...

On Friday, NASS mailed the July cattle survey to about 18,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories.  This is the first July cattle survey mailed to producers since the reinstatement of key reports was announced earlier this year.   “This info...

The June USDA Beef Production and Steer Price forecast had a familiar ring to it; extremely tight beef supplies, and prices that continue to set new records.  World Agricultural Outlook Board chair Mark Jekanowski said production changes are expected.   “For ...

Warm weather in the Northwest means fairs, competitions and animal sales.  And that means the potential of spreading illnesses from one animal to multiple animals very quickly.  Dr. Scott Leibsle, Idaho state Veterinarian said one of the first things to keep in mind is to only transport healthy animals, that are up-to-date on their vaccinations and wellness checks.  He added it is al...

Ron Lemenager has seen a lot in the realm of nutrition for beef cattle.  As a long time, Purdue University beef specialist, his awareness of nutrition needs for beef herds is needed through the advice he provides extension customers.    “One of the big changes that we've seen over the last 10-20 years is the increased use of byproducts,” Lemenager said.  “So things like distille...

It’s a tale of two countries when it comes to pasture and rangeland conditions across the U.S.  The latest numbers from the USDA show the eastern half of the country benefited from a wet May and early June.   “43% of the nation's rangeland and pastures rated good to excellent, up one percentage point from last week," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "31% rated very poor to ... Read

One of the few bright spots in production agriculture right now is livestock, with beef herd contraction and high demand combining to keep farm gate receipts steady for cattle ranchers.   But how long will it last?   Lance Zimmerman, senior beef analyst with Rabobank, said he see a change in production moving forward.   “...

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Kelly Susewind has decided against the lethal removal of a wolf from the Sherman pack territory in northeast corner of the state, despite repeated depredations of cattle in Ferry County.  The Director said his decision is consistent with the guidance of the state's Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and the lethal removal provisions of the Dep

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the release of congressionally-mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in either 2023 or 2024.  FSA is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief.  Emergen...