"It’s been a long time since beef producers had this good of a chance of off-setting their production costs,” said Monte Rouquette, Texas A&M AgriLife Research forage scientist But those new to the business can still find it a money pit if they don’t have the proper training, he added.

Barbara Jackson of Tucson, Arizona, has been elected the 62nd president of the American National CattleWomen, Inc. (ANCW) during the organization's 2013 annual meeting in Tampa, Florida. ANCW is a voice for women who support and promote the beef industry. Jackson grew up in the beef industry and is following in the footsteps of her mother, Pat Stevenson, who was ANCW president in 1970. Her roots as a CattleWoman run deep.

U.S. beef and pork exports set new value records in 2012, topping highs set in 2011, according to end-of-year statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. The achievement was more significant in light of challenging export conditions that included non-science-based trade barriers in several key markets and an anemic economy in certain regions.

It usually happens when you’re by yourself. You’re trying to load a bunch of cows in the one-ton. It should hold 12 head but with four to go, they plug up. You’re slappin’ them with the BQA-approved paddle, you chunk a piece of wood at the one in the gate. You’ve actually turned around and leaned up against the last cow in the loading chute and you’re pushing like you were trying to jumpstart your car.

The latest in pasture management, weed control and an in-depth look at Akaushi cattle will be featured at the first annual Upper Gulf Coast Ranch Expo May 10 in Simonton, Texas.

Historically, a lot of cows were kept around because they were relatively easy and cheap to feed, and they made it possible to get some value from otherwise unused grazing ground.

Are you doing your part for the industry by getting BQA certified? Well, if you haven't, have we got a deal for you!

Adam Calaway with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation talks with Duane Lenz from CattleFax in the Cattle Chat Corner at the 2013 National Cattlemen's Beef Association Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Florida.