Fortunately, drought and soil moisture conditions are improving for much of the South Central region. However, due to dry conditions during much of the growing season and a cool spring in some areas, hay supplies are low.

After a decades-long debate on allowing hormones in beef, the European Union (EU) has announced in early September it was ready to begin formal talks on giving U.S. beef a bigger “steak” in the quota of non-EU-produced beef allowed into European markets.

We know the old sayings “opposites attract” and “let your spouse be your best friend.” These sayings are great. But when you look at cowboy attraction … well, the norm doesn't always apply.

Everyone’s road to ranch succession is a little different. Some may get a flat tire along the way; some may cruise down a dirt road only hitting a few minor bumps; and others, well, they totally neglect to fill up the tank.

Come weaning time, there’s a seemingly never-ending house of horrors awaiting young calves. But rather than ghosts and goblins, weaned calves face frightening new surroundings. This can include unfamiliar feed, new water sources, exposure to different cattle and harmful pathogens, and increased stress. Without proper care, sending a recently weaned calf into the next segment of the cattle industry is like sending a toddler into a haunted house alone.

Feeding cost of gain is one of the most important factors explaining changes in cattle finishing. The recent volatility in corn prices leads to questions regarding the impact of lower or higher corn prices on feeding cost of gain. In addition to corn prices, feeding cost of gain is impacted by changes in forage prices and animal performance. This article examines trends in feeding cost of gain and the sensitivity of feeding cost of gain to changes in corn price, alfalfa price and feed conversion.

Total beef exports were up 16.8 percent year over year in July contributing to a year-to-date increase of 15 percent for the first seven months of the year. Japan, the largest beef export market, had a monthly increase of 12.9 percent and is up 7.5 percent for the year to date.

Although concerns over trade and unexpected weather conditions continue to be top-of-mind for those in the agricultural industry, there is always value in farmland. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, average agricultural land values nationwide are trending up. Average farm real estate value has increased 1.9 percent to $3,140 per acre from 2017 values. Cropland and pasture values have also increased over 2017, 1 percent to $4,130 per acre and 3 percent to $1,390, respectively. Gains in land values signal that investors are focused on farmland as a long-term investment and that they may consider trade tensions to be short term.

Most Progressive Cattleman readers believe that ag exports will suffer due to the policy to increase tariffs.

Missouri became the first state ever to pass regulations regarding “fake meat” labeling in May when then Gov. Eric Greitens signed it into law on June 1, his last day in office.