Progressive Cattle

Beef Cattle Browsing – November 2013

December 5, 2013

Ethanol for fuel may be reduced The Energy Independence and Security Act (2007) required certain levels of renewable sources be incorporated into fuels, with levels increasing each year. The level of ethanol mandated for 2014 is 14.4 billion gallons. Based on several factors, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed reducing that by about 9 percent. Less corn for ethanol production would mean more corn available for livestock feeding.

Using, not buying, livestock gross margin for cattle

December 5, 2013

Matthew A. Diersen

While visiting with agriculture bankers in recent weeks, several asked about feeding margins and what their customers could do to manage margins. Protecting the margin is a common concern of cattle feeders too. One way to monitor the margin is to use the format from Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) insurance.

New Hire Tucker Janssen, ImmuCell

December 2, 2013

J. Tucker Janssen Regional Sales and Marketing Manager Canton, Texas ImmuCell

The 2013 dirty dozen in – and out of – agriculture

November 29, 2013

Emily Metz Meredith

As we approach the end of 2013, it is especially prudent to write a list detailing the dirty dozen in agriculture – those that misuse information and use fear to differentiate themselves or advance their causes. These are the groups, corporations or individuals who cause the entire animal agriculture community some serious heartburn because of their tactics, slogans or downright dirty deeds.

Animal abuse flourishes ... in Hollywood

November 27, 2013

The animal rights movement in the U.S., funded heavily by entertainment moguls, actors and performers, does a good job of demonizing agricultural practices that are deemed abusive by outside parties. But what about when the abusive patterns are fostered by Hollywood?

Red Angus Association of America honors Grid Masters

November 27, 2013

Red Angus producers from Texas to Oregon reported 758 head of Red Angus cattle that reached tremendous yield and quality combinations earning them the title of Grid Master in 2013. The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) recognized these Grid Master award winners at its 60th National Convention in Lewistown, Montana, this fall. In order to become Grid Masters, Red Angus or Red Angus-influenced cattle enrolled in the RAAA’s Feeder Calf Certification Program (FCCP) must achieve a specified level of carcass excellence.

Observe bulls closely as fall breeding season starts

November 26, 2013

The week of Thanksgiving is traditionally a time of thanks and turning in the bulls. Cow calf operations with fall-calving herds that target a late August, early September beginning to the calving season will put the bulls with the fall-calving cows now.

Cattle markets take a holiday breather

November 26, 2013

Feeder cattle markets, after an impressive counter-seasonal run this fall, appear to be taking a bit of a break before Thanksgiving. Feeder markets are holding mostly steady with slight gains still noted for lightweight stockers. Some winter grazing demand continues in Oklahoma but highly variable weather which includes cold temperatures and wet conditions has made receiving cattle and maintaining cattle health a challenge the past week or so.

Fewer cattle on feed will reduce beef production

November 26, 2013

USDA-NASS released the monthly Cattle on Feed report Nov. 22. The number of cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the U.S. for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 head or more totaled 10.607 million head on Nov. 1. The inventory was almost 6 percent below Nov. 1, 2012, and marks the 15th consecutive month with lower cattle on feed numbers than the previous year. And it was the lowest number of Nov. 1 cattle on feed since the data series began in 1996.

Activists charged for delaying a report on animal abuse

November 25, 2013

A new animal activist case in Colorado shows how abuse laws may be turning the tables against activists targeting operations that harm animals.

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