The constant talk of the cattle markets and market volatility has put a lot of anxiety into decision making. I have found myself trying to be a steady voice in consultations with producers, reminding them that a little better is still better.

As of June 5, New World screwworm had yet to make an appearance in the U.S., though animal health officials and livestock producers in border states and throughout the South remain on high alert.

Beef production from cattle and calves dropped 1% in 2022 to 45.7 billion pounds, while total production from cattle, calves, hogs and pigs jumped up to 86.3 billion pounds.