As work progresses on the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility near Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University research has simulated the economic effect of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease. FMD has been called the most infectious disease known to man, even though it does not affect humans.  Cloven-hoofed animals like cattle and hogs … Read More

Many agronomists and Extension livestock specialists have said they view raising cattle and calves as a by-product of the real crop, which is grass.  They urge producers to do the same – take care of the grass, and the grass will take care of you. This season’s first freeze has been late, but when it … Read More

In general, feeder cattle prices are following the cash live cattle market higher but remain on an overall downtrend.  Regional differences are evident, but data show a buyer preference for heavier calves continues as well. Prices for slaughter steers in the Southern Plains have risen sharply over the last three weeks after bottoming at an … Read More

Managed money and commercial traders were nearly on the sidelines in live cattle futures market during the week ended Tuesday, even though the nearby Dec contract was gaining rapidly. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s weekly Commitments of Traders report showed that managed money, or large speculators, made only small gains to their net long positions, … Read More

Total US frozen red meat and chicken supplies rose to record highs in September, a fact that could have bearish implications for cattle, hog and chicken markets down the road. The USDA Thursday reported total frozen red meat supplies Sep. 30 were up 2% from August at 1.2 billion pounds and up 24% from last … Read More

Cattle and beef producers and traders were expected to re-shape their market strategies over the next two days as the USDA releases its monthly Cold Storage and Cattle-on-Feed reports. The Cold Storage report is scheduled for release at 3:00 pm, ET today, and the Cattle-on-Feed report is set for release at 3:00 pm, Friday. The … Read More

US ranges and pasture conditions are declining at a faster-than-normal pace as winter wheat growth falls behind, leading some to worry about fall and winter cattle care. The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will drop pasture and range condition reporting in two weeks, not to pick it up again until May.  Cattle producers will become … Read More