Farmers and ranchers now can anonymously report potentially unfair and anti-competitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors using an online tool the USDA and Department of Justice (DOJ) launched Feb. 3.

Drought is expanding in the country. While much of the Intermountain West, the Southwest and parts of the Northern Plains have been in drought for much of the past 18 months or more, drought is expanding dramatically now in the Central and Southern plains.

Despite dealing with snow, ice and freezing temperatures, winter defintely has some benefits for the cattle producer. In our latest poll asking producers what the best thing about winter is, here is what you told Progressive Cattle.

Unexpectedly large December placements once again pushed feedlot inventories higher year over year on Jan. 1. Feedlot placements in December were 106.5% of last year, higher than the average trade expectation and above the trade estimate range.

President Biden met with farmers, ranchers and independent processors from across the country Jan. 3 to outline the Biden-Harris administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain.

In November, slaughter was higher year-over-year. While the increase in total cattle slaughter can be attributed to the additional slaughter day in November 2021 relative to a year prior, the average pace of fed cattle slaughter was higher on a per-weekday basis, with Saturday slaughter averaging lower.

Wintertime is typically a time when cattle and forage production slows down, providing ranchers a much-needed respite from the daily grind and leaving room in the schedule for different tasks.  Progressive Cattle asked producers which tasks top their winter priority lists.

Attendees at this year’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) convention and trade show in Houston, Texas, can expect plenty of educational opportunities if they attend the 29th annual Cattlemen’s College sessions.