https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us The Idaho State Brand Inspector’s Office and local sheriff’s offices are investigating a series of livestock shootings in Gooding and Jerome counties that left multiple cattle dead and ranchers facing significant losses. The Idaho State Brand Inspector’s Office and local sheriff’s offices are investigating a series of livestock shootings in Gooding and Jerome counties that left multiple cattle dead and ranchers facing significant losses.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63568 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63568-string-of-livestock-shooting-cases-hit-southern-idaho He calls himself a Rigby town kid, but Dennis Lake was truly his grandfather’s right-hand man on the ranch just north of town. At 88, Lake is still a critical part of the operation. He calls himself a Rigby town kid, but Dennis Lake was truly his grandfather’s right-hand man on the ranch just north of town. At 88, Lake is still a critical part of the operation. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63247 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63247-first-generation-rancher-builds-legacy-operation 63247-nelson-8231.jpg logan.maag@zionsbank.com Ranchers currently have exciting opportunities, but it’s important to position yourself appropriately. Operational costs as well as the price of critical inputs for cattle – such as feed and labor – have increased in recent years. To build a sustainable operation, ranchers should take advantage of the current market to develop financial resilience and thoughtfully manage risks. Ranchers currently have exciting opportunities, but it’s important to position yourself appropriately. Operational costs as well as the price of critical inputs for cattle – such as feed and labor – have increased in recent years. To build a sustainable operation, ranchers should take advantage of the current market to develop financial resilience and thoughtfully manage risks.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63232 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63232-profitable-cattle-operations-a-bankers-perspective-on-navigating-todays-market 63232-maag-1.jpg Resting a pasture for two growing seasons postburn is a common recommendation in the Intermountain West since at least the ’80s. “The question is, ‘Is there a real reason two full years rest are needed after fire?’” says University of Idaho (U of I) area extension range educator K. Scott Jensen. “Can it occur sooner than that without delay or harm to postfire recovery? We wanted to put some science to it.” Resting a pasture for two growing seasons postburn is a common recommendation in the Intermountain West since at least the ’80s. “The question is, ‘Is there a real reason two full years rest are needed after fire?’” says University of Idaho (U of I) area extension range educator K. Scott Jensen. “Can it occur sooner than that without delay or harm to postfire recovery? We wanted to put some science to it.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63241 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63241-new-research-questions-long-held-postwildfire-grazing-practices 63241-mcCarthy-Jensen-2.jpg bwilder@uidaho.edu One tool for managing these fluctuations and improving returns in all years is the use of value-added programs. While these programs have become increasingly popular due to the promise of higher premiums for “program” cattle, participation costs vary greatly, leaving some producers to ask if it’s really worth enrolling. One tool for managing these fluctuations and improving returns in all years is the use of value-added programs. While these programs have become increasingly popular due to the promise of higher premiums for “program” cattle, participation costs vary greatly, leaving some producers to ask if it’s really worth enrolling.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63082 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63082-assessing-the-net-benefit-of-value-added-cattle-programs 63082-wilder.word-cloud.jpg Whatever the combination of market, forage and cow health conditions emerge as the year wears on, says Brackenbury, “That’s the beauty of livestock – you always have to be prepared and have a willingness to adapt. You never know what kind of event will come.” Whatever the combination of market, forage and cow health conditions emerge as the year wears on, says Brackenbury, “That’s the beauty of livestock – you always have to be prepared and have a willingness to adapt. You never know what kind of event will come.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63095 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63095-spring-calving-roundup-challenges-now-questions-for-summer 63095-mcCarthy-Christensen1.jpg The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has received confirmation of an anthrax positive in a beef herd in Cassia County. Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a naturally occurring bacterium. It is known to occur regularly in many U.S. states. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has received confirmation of an anthrax positive in a beef herd in Cassia County. Anthrax is caused by Bacillus anthracis, a naturally occurring bacterium. It is known to occur regularly in many U.S. states.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62960 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62960-idaho-confirms-case-of-anthrax-in-cattle-in-cassia-county bwilder@uidaho.edu Idaho has a new top ag commodity: beef cattle. Livestock sector gains led Idaho farmgate cash receipts to a second consecutive all-time high in 2025. Net farm income is forecast to see a small year-over-year increase, with livestock sector gains outweighing losses in the crop sector. Idaho has a new top ag commodity: beef cattle. Livestock sector gains led Idaho farmgate cash receipts to a second consecutive all-time high in 2025. Net farm income is forecast to see a small year-over-year increase, with livestock sector gains outweighing losses in the crop sector.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62696 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62696-the-financial-condition-of-idaho-agriculture-2025 62696-wilder-collage.jpg cassidy@agproud.com Leaders from some of Idaho’s agricultural sectors share their expectations and priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Leaders from some of Idaho’s agricultural sectors share their expectations and priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62660 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62660-legislative-ag-roundup-priorities-in-2026 legislative-ag-roundup.png For Avery Oswald of Rigby, Idaho, winning the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) 2025 Heifer of the Year (HOY) program was a key milestone in her dream of running her own cattle operation someday. For Avery Oswald of Rigby, Idaho, winning the Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) 2025 Heifer of the Year (HOY) program was a key milestone in her dream of running her own cattle operation someday.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62651 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62651-celebrating-the-future-of-idaho-ranching-ica-2025-heifer-of-the-year 62651-hammon-family.jpg kramsey@neogen.com A hundred head of recently weaned calves wandered the downtown streets of Boise, Idaho, on the first cold morning of October. Steam rolled off their backs, a mass of tipped-over trash cans behind them. A tightly packed alley of wandering souls staring blankly into a haze of flashlights and headlights. A cacophony of chaos filled with the rumble of lowing calves rising into the crisp morning air. A hundred head of recently weaned calves wandered the downtown streets of Boise, Idaho, on the first cold morning of October. Steam rolled off their backs, a mass of tipped-over trash cans behind them. A tightly packed alley of wandering souls staring blankly into a haze of flashlights and headlights. A cacophony of chaos filled with the rumble of lowing calves rising into the crisp morning air.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62577 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62577-through-the-gate-reflections-from-a-veterinarians-year-in-cattle-country 62577-ramsey-1.jpg shannonw@uidaho.edu Choosing the correct bull(s) for your operation is extremely important. The cows in your operation influence one calf per year, but a bull has the potential to influence up to 25 or more calves per year. Choosing the correct bull(s) for your operation is extremely important. The cows in your operation influence one calf per year, but a bull has the potential to influence up to 25 or more calves per year.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62559 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62559-match-your-bull-purchase-with-your-ranch-production-goals 62559-williams-img-2616.jpg In 2020, Gov. Brad Little signed Executive Order 2020-01, known as Zero-Based Regulation. The order requires every Idaho administrative rule to be repealed and either allowed to expire or reissued after a complete and thorough evaluation. In 2020, Gov. Brad Little signed Executive Order 2020-01, known as Zero-Based Regulation. The order requires every Idaho administrative rule to be repealed and either allowed to expire or reissued after a complete and thorough evaluation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62354 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62354-idahos-brucellosis-rule-under-review-this-year 62354-cox-brucellosis.jpg Thomas Cattle Company, a fourth-generation cow-calf operation based in Oreana, Idaho, is making strategic moves to stay cutting-edge in today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. While preserving the foundational elements of their ranch, Seth and Elizabeth Thomas, and Logan and Kristin Thomas, are focused on innovating their business model to ensure long-term success for future generations. Thomas Cattle Company, a fourth-generation cow-calf operation based in Oreana, Idaho, is making strategic moves to stay cutting-edge in today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. While preserving the foundational elements of their ranch, Seth and Elizabeth Thomas, and Logan and Kristin Thomas, are focused on innovating their business model to ensure long-term success for future generations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62352 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62352-thomas-cattle-company-bridging-tradition-and-innovation-in-the-beef-industry 62352-hammon-Thomas-Full-Family.jpg Three beef industry experts share their views on the reality of beef market dynamics and how they are navigating the lowest cattle numbers, the highest cattle prices and beef’s new level of demand. Three beef industry experts share their views on the reality of beef market dynamics and how they are navigating the lowest cattle numbers, the highest cattle prices and beef’s new level of demand.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62345 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62345-beef-industry-pulse-cattleman-meat-cutter-and-boxed-beef-experts-weigh-in 62345-nelson-074551.jpg “I wish other producers who have gotten their cattle stolen would speak out about it more, because I would have put more protection measures such as cameras in place,” says a Gooding County cattle producer whose calves were stolen under cover of darkness earlier this summer. “I wish other producers who have gotten their cattle stolen would speak out about it more, because I would have put more protection measures such as cameras in place,” says a Gooding County cattle producer whose calves were stolen under cover of darkness earlier this summer.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61872 Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61872-stolen-calves-in-gooding-county-show-cattle-rustling-still-happens 61872-cox-fence-cooper.jpg The greater sage grouse has become a poster child for a keystone species in decline across the West: a symbol of the sagebrush steppe being converted, degraded and fragmented. “When I was a kid, I remember seeing a lot more of them,” says rancher Richard Ward of Malta. The greater sage grouse has become a poster child for a keystone species in decline across the West: a symbol of the sagebrush steppe being converted, degraded and fragmented. “When I was a kid, I remember seeing a lot more of them,” says rancher Richard Ward of Malta.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61817 Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61817-no-more-grousing-about-grazing 61817-mccarthy-male-sage-grouse.jpg cassidy@agproud.com Idaho’s ag leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities that arose from the trade policies in President Donald Trump’s previous term as well as how the shifting landscape affects their export market. Idaho’s ag leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities that arose from the trade policies in President Donald Trump’s previous term as well as how the shifting landscape affects their export market.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61274 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61274-idahos-ag-leaders-weigh-in-the-impact-of-tariffs-on-dairy-wheat-cattle-and-potatoes cmiller@idbeef.org Like many Idaho beef ranching operations, Shaw Cattle Co. stands as a testament to the power of tradition, innovation and family values. A fourth-generation seedstock operation located in Caldwell, the ranch specializes in registered purebred Angus and Hereford cattle. Tucker Shaw and his family work together to uphold its legacy while embracing modern practices to shape the future of the beef industry. Like many Idaho beef ranching operations, Shaw Cattle Co. stands as a testament to the power of tradition, innovation and family values. A fourth-generation seedstock operation located in Caldwell, the ranch specializes in registered purebred Angus and Hereford cattle. Tucker Shaw and his family work together to uphold its legacy while embracing modern practices to shape the future of the beef industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61086 Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61086-shaw-cattle-co-building-a-legacy-of-high-quality-beef-through-advanced-genetics-and-sustainability 61086-miller-1.jpg In 2023, the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board announced a new initiative to control wolves on private property and approved spending up to $50,000 per year for producers to undertake wolf removal projects – with board approval. In 2023, the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board announced a new initiative to control wolves on private property and approved spending up to $50,000 per year for producers to undertake wolf removal projects – with board approval.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60838 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60838-combating-wolf-depredation-idahos-funding-initiatives 60838-thomas-1-Paul-Antczak-wolves-harvested.jpg cassidy@agproud.com Devastating damage for livestock owners across southwest Idaho is prompting land and fire managers from multiple agencies to declare this year’s fire season the worst in over two decades. Devastating damage for livestock owners across southwest Idaho is prompting land and fire managers from multiple agencies to declare this year’s fire season the worst in over two decades.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60663 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60663-southwest-idahos-worst-fire-season-in-over-two-decades 60663-woolsey-2.jpg “It’s not a complete silver bullet, but nothing is,” says Jay Smith of the J Lazy S Angus Ranch of Carmen. He and his wife Chyenne are using virtual fencing to manage cattle grazing on their Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (USFS) permits after the 130,000-acre Moose Fire scorched their USFS grazing allotment in 2022. “I think the proof’s in the pudding when I say we want to keep using it,” he says. “The cost and the work were worth it.” “It’s not a complete silver bullet, but nothing is,” says Jay Smith of the J Lazy S Angus Ranch of Carmen. He and his wife Chyenne are using virtual fencing to manage cattle grazing on their Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (USFS) permits after the 130,000-acre Moose Fire scorched their USFS grazing allotment in 2022. “I think the proof’s in the pudding when I say we want to keep using it,” he says. “The cost and the work were worth it.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60436 Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60436-virtual-fences-with-real-results 60436-mccarthy-smith-collaredcow.jpg “When we’re talking vaccines, the worst-case scenario is not vaccinating,” says Idaho County Extension Educator Meranda Small. “That means you’re not giving your animals the opportunity to be set up for success in a variety of scenarios.” “When we’re talking vaccines, the worst-case scenario is not vaccinating,” says Idaho County Extension Educator Meranda Small. “That means you’re not giving your animals the opportunity to be set up for success in a variety of scenarios.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60441 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60441-cattle-vaccinations-worth-a-shot 60441-mccarthy-vaccinations.jpg woody@woodylane.com Everyone knows a livestock producer who’s lost animals to bloat. Because of the risk, some folks flatly refuse to graze their stock on dense stands of clover or alfalfa. Others kind of shrug, saying they’ve rarely lost animals and don’t worry about it much. So … what gives?  
Everyone knows a livestock producer who’s lost animals to bloat. Because of the risk, some folks flatly refuse to graze their stock on dense stands of clover or alfalfa. Others kind of shrug, saying they’ve rarely lost animals and don’t worry about it much. So … what gives?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60306 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60306-all-those-tiny-bubbles-a-look-at-bloat-in-livestock 60306-lane-cow-eating-alfalfa-getty.jpg rossabronson@gmail.com The Public Lands Rule recently enacted by the BLM has the potential to be a positive step in the direction of flexible grazing management on public lands, or a significant challenge to the ranching industry in their ability to access affordable grazing options. It will be in livestock producers’ reaction, and subsequent forward action to this rule, that the outcome is written. The Public Lands Rule recently enacted by the BLM has the potential to be a positive step in the direction of flexible grazing management on public lands, or a significant challenge to the ranching industry in their ability to access affordable grazing options. It will be in livestock producers’ reaction, and subsequent forward action to this rule, that the outcome is written. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60142 Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60142-concerns-and-considerations-around-blms-public-lands-rule 60142-bronson-range.jpg derek.gerratt@agwestfc.com LRP coverage, implemented consistently, helps to ensure the success of cattle operations and offer peace of mind – regardless of external factors. Though the market has seen historic highs throughout the past 18 months and indicators point to favorable prices in the future, cattle prices are not impenetrable. LRP coverage, implemented consistently, helps to ensure the success of cattle operations and offer peace of mind – regardless of external factors. Though the market has seen historic highs throughout the past 18 months and indicators point to favorable prices in the future, cattle prices are not impenetrable.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60060 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60060-knowledge-is-the-best-insurance-an-overview-of-livestock-risk-protection woody@woodylane.com We’ll focus on the selenium accumulator plants that thrive in arid regions – the toxic plants that distressed Marco Polo, the toxic plants notorious in cowboy movies for causing “blind staggers” and “alkali disease.” We’ll focus on the selenium accumulator plants that thrive in arid regions – the toxic plants that distressed Marco Polo, the toxic plants notorious in cowboy movies for causing “blind staggers” and “alkali disease.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59693 Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59693-the-fascinating-world-of-selenium-and-its-toxicity 59693-lane-1.jpg matti@agproud.com “I couldn’t get it out of my head,” says Jarvis. “One day I sat down with Justin and told him, ‘I think we need to act on this. There’s a lot of opportunity here to help create a stronger industry – both in the present and in the future.’ We both decided to go all in on that. From June to December we spent our time building the platform that is Of The West and then launched in January of 2021.” “I couldn’t get it out of my head,” says Jarvis. “One day I sat down with Justin and told him, ‘I think we need to act on this. There’s a lot of opportunity here to help create a stronger industry – both in the present and in the future.’ We both decided to go all in on that. From June to December we spent our time building the platform that is Of The West and then launched in January of 2021.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59618 Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59618-breaking-ground-jessie-jarvis-commitment-to-a-stronger-agriculture-industry 59618-mcbride-jessie-1.jpg Much has changed in the Gem State since the gold rush, although a few vestiges endure. Rooted in practicality and steeped in history, cattle brands remain an important tool for ranchers in the state. Much has changed in the Gem State since the gold rush, although a few vestiges endure. Rooted in practicality and steeped in history, cattle brands remain an important tool for ranchers in the state.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59499 Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59499-forged-by-fire-exploring-owyhee-countys-rich-cattle-ranching-history 59499-morris-owyhee-county-brands-tight-shot-9723.jpg louderdvm@gmail.com While Idaho is known as the Gem State, the minerals that gave Idaho its nickname are not the same minerals that are needed by cattle. While Idaho is known as the Gem State, the minerals that gave Idaho its nickname are not the same minerals that are needed by cattle.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59403 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59403-decoding-trace-mineral-formulations 59403-louder-mineral-block-dixon.jpg