"Knowledge" Has Not Eased Cattle Health, Grading Concerns
New technologies and increased knowledge have done little to curb the number of sick cattle. In fact, long-term industry data show an opposite trend, one of increasing health problems and death rates. ...Read the Story...

Understanding Vaccines
Like an athlete training to compete, calves need to be in prime shape prior to vaccinations to maximize disease protection.. . ...Read the Story...

Drought Relief a Step Forward
Rancher-members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) say funding by USDA to aid farmers and ranchers is a good start toward providing much-needed disaster and drought relief. ......Read the Story...

Domestic Retail Beef Demand is Declining
Strong demand for beef in the U.S. market helped U.S. cattle producers weather the loss of key export markets in 2004. Demand growth in 2004 was a continuation of a trend that got underway in the late 1990’s. After spiraling downward for the better part of two decades, domestic beef demand started to improve in late 1998 and early 1999. And, with the exception of a very mild downturn in 2002, year-to-year improvements in domestic beef demand were the norm from 1999 through 2004. But that situation began to change in 2005.: . . ...Read the Story...

Beef Outlook Positive in Spite of Rising Production
If you were to focus on the six percent increase in beef production in 2006, you might think the cattle market is poised for a major correction. However, according to Randy Blach, executive vice president of Cattle-Fax, the market has held its own this year, said a press release from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association......Read the Story...

New Hiring Strategies that Work
Over the last few years it has become increasingly difficult to hire quality employees with the attitude and skills we need to stay competitive. Lower numbers of available candidates, fewer young people with an agricultural skill base, and less interest in working in tough outdoor conditions are only a few of the factors creating this challenge... ...Read the Story...

Grain Processing -- Planning for Changes
Cattle feeders are continuously upgrading their feed processing systems. In some cases a new feed mill is being planned. The reasons are for: (1) efficient material handling, (2) speed of feeding or (3) improved grain utilization. Planning grain processing changes is important because one action affects another part of the system. A total integrated application system is needed.... ...Read the Story...

Don't Overlook Safety During Busy Times
With the fall run of cattle well underway, agricultural operations might unknowingly cut corners in safety in order to get the job done. Although this is probably not intentional, when employees are busy, they sometimes overlook the obvious when it comes to safety. . .....Read the Story...

Feeding and Management Strategies to Extend Hay Supplies
Unusual weather conditions this spring and a remarkably dry summer have contributed to a shortage of hay across much of the U.S. This has left many beef producers scrambling to create a strategy to extend their hay supplies. Methods to conserve hay can be categorized as changes in feeding and herd management or changing the type and/or amount of feedstuffs offered. Changes in management can help eliminate waste, improve utilization, and remove unproductive animals from the herd. Limit-feeding hay and providing supplements are another viable option.. ...Read the Story...

Fourth Quarter Cattle Data Key to Herd Expansion Picture
At the start of 2006, cow-calf producers were poised to expand their herds in response to profitable prices the last several years, but a recent increase in cow slaughter has clouded the picture, a Kansas State University agricultural economist said. ....Read the Story...

Dealing with Disgruntled Employees
Sometimes, even good employees begin to complain about everyday issues. These are not the “Chronic Complainers” who always have a gripe about something, like the feed truck driver who begged for a new feed truck, then when the feedlot bought one he complained about the “hassle” of having to program his favorite radio stations. . ....Read the Story...

Vet Clinic Embraces New Trend
Thought about looking into a different means of recordkeeping for your livestock? Electronic identification may be the way to go. Once the wave of the future, electronic identification, or EID, also known as RFID (radio frequency identification), is now becoming a trend of the present. . ...Read the Story...

Checkoff Foodservice Partnership Looks Golden
A checkoff-funded foodservice promotional partnership is now underway at Golden Corral Buffet and Grill, a 480-plus – unit U.S. restaurant chain that last year sold more than 50 million pounds of beef — its biggest beef year ever. Based on the first 30 days of this promotion, the chain expects to increase its purchase of top sirloin by 3. 8 million pounds through the end of 2006, according to Dick Chase, Golden Corral’s vice president of purchasing and distribution. . ....Read the Story...