Economist reviews shocks to beef industry with implications for cattle, beef prices ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the beef supply chain and consumer beef demand but the industry is working through a backlog of market-ready animals. | Download this photo. K-State’s Tonsor spoke at virtual K-State Risk & Profit Conference MANHATTAN, Kan. – The beef cattle industry has already experienced three big “shocks” this year and the effects are ongoing, but have been blunted to some extent, according to a Kansas State University agricultural economist. The first…

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Don’t Stop Managing Now: Preconditioning Pays

Garth Ruff, Extension Educator OSU Extension Henry County (originally published in the Ohio Farmer) As we approach fall, now is the time to maximize the value of your spring calf crop. Cattle buyers have placed a premium on preconditioned cattle, and as preconditioning becomes more of the norm across the U.S., unweaned, uncastrated, and unvaccinated cattle are receiving greater discounts. Here in the Eastern Cornbelt where cow herds tend to be smaller, the number…

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K-State ag economist charts risk, benefit of hedging sale of live cattle

Hedging can help cattle producers protect against adverse price changes in markets by locking in futures prices. (File photo) K-State ag economist charts risk, benefit of hedging sale of live cattle Ten-year study analyzes outcomes of hedging via futures markets MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University agricultural economist has completed an exhaustive study on hedging cattle prices, which he says could help producers manage their economic risks – perhaps especially so in…

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Pinkeye in Cattle

Brent Plugge, Nebraska Extension EducatorBrian Vander Ley, DVM Epidemiologist, Great Plains Veterinary Education Center Efforts to prevent pinkeye are directed at reducing transmission and minimizing irritation. Photo credit Dave Boxler. Driving or riding through a pen or pasture of cattle is a favorite chore for many producers.  Making sure our cattle have plenty of clean water, access to feed or forage and monitoring herd health are important aspects of daily care.  When examining…

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Cattle on Feed Adjustments Continue

David P. Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service The cattle feeding part of the industry has been in the midst of dramatic adjustments over the last couple of months, just like the rest of the industry. USDA released its June Cattle on Feed report on Friday, June 19th and it showed some more adjustments, but this time back in the direction of normal. After 2 months of 20 percent…

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