How are these inedible, black spots getting into the beef supply? That’s everyone’s first question after learning about birdshot as the leading contributor to foreign objects in packing plants and further processing facilities.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” While he was referring to strategy in the boxing ring, the same holds true for starting lightweight (sometimes called peewee) calves.

U.S.-based beef cattle operations face unique challenges ranging from labor and time shortages to water source and feeding management issues. More than ever, technology is confronting these obstacles.

Progressive Cattle asked producers how long they keep their bulls. The majority of respondents said they keep their bulls for three to four years.

The June Feed Outlook report shows global coarse grains production forecast is lower for 2024-25. The 2024-25 U.S. corn crop has moved forward and is largely completed.