Suppertime at the Underwoods is loud and a little messy. That's because Keith and Julie's children are only 2 and 3-years-old. To cater to their toddler's taste buds; ground beef is often the meal's main ingredient.

USDA released their monthly Cattle on Feed report Friday afternoon, March 23. The report showed that 11.677 million head of cattle were in feedlots with 1,000 head capacity or larger on March 1 of this year. This was 2.6 percent above last year's on feed number for the same point in time. Pre-report expectations looked for cattle on feed to be up 2.3 percent, so the reported value was mostly in-line with this estimate. Placements into feedlots during February totaled 1.714 million head, up 2.8 percent from last year. Pre-report estimates pegged placements to be higher by 2.7 percent, so again the reported number was about spot on.

The 101 bulls that were examined during the bull breeding soundness (BSE) clinics resulted in 89 satisfactory potential breeders and 12 bulls had significant problems.

Confirming what commercial partners and animal nutritionists have known for decades, Novus is continuing to harness the full value of the HMTBa molecule in several species. The growth in demand for the HMTBa molecule is nearly half of the global methionine market. A boost in demand for HMTBa, in both liquid and dry forms, is a result of targeted market expansion beyond poultry into swine diet formulations, ruminant rations in dairy and beef applications, as well as the ever-growing needs of the aquaculture segment.

David Trowbridge of Gregory Feedlots, and Tom Brink of J & F Oklahoma Holdings, talk about their ideal cattle on the feedlot.

A Texas AgriLife Extension Service program specifically designed to help cattle producers plan for rebuilding their beef herd will be presented May 3 at St. Mary of the Assumption church, 100 St. Mary’s Road, String Prairie, TX.

As part of its ongoing philanthropic support of strategic animal health initiatives, Pfizer Animal Health contributed a total of $20,000 to the American Humane Association (AHA) and the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation. Michael McFarland, group director of U.S. Veterinary Operations for Companion Animals for Pfizer Animal Health, said, “The donation will benefit AHA’s Red Star Program, in emergency preparedness and disaster relief training and efforts.”

FMC Corporation announced its “Stand and Be Heard Anthem Singing Contest,” an opportunity for students in agriculture to showcase their patriotic singing skills for a chance to win scholarship prizes. Any member of a national agricultural student organization is invited to submit an audition video singing the national anthem. Participants may submit their entries online until June 15.

Livestock Grain and Market News fed cattle report for March 23.

John Stika, president of Certified Angus Beef, spoke at Kansas State University's Cattlemen’s Day in early March. He highlighted the importance of responding to market demand.