Cattle Processing

[Podcast] The economics of meatpacking and beef imports – with Derrell Peel

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Oklahoma State's Derrell Peel sorts through the politics and economic realities of the meat-packing industry, as well as how reopening the Mexican border to live cattle imports could affect U.S. markets.

A clinic worth attending: Stockmanship that works

jligon@vt.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As an extension agent here in Virginia, I have the privilege of working with some of the best cattle producers around. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that come with raising cattle – from health and genetics to markets and handling.

Tips to consider in preparation for spring work

msmall@uidaho.edu — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As we move into spring, beef cattle producers are carrying out seasonal management tasks to prepare for grazing season. By now, many have either already begun or are getting ready for branding of calves and spring processing of cows. During the long but enjoyable days of gathering, sorting and processing, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

‘It was like magic': Low-stress cattle handling and not-to-miss tips

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Low-stress handling is a stockmanship practice that incorporates the understanding of the herd’s natural behaviors as it relates to movement and more positive management.

Pain relief for castration: Are your castration practices up to date?

scott.westlake@solvet.ca — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Without a doubt, castration is an extremely valuable management practice. Research has long reinforced the benefits of castration to mitigate unwanted behavior, prevent unwanted pregnancy and benefit carcass development.

8 ways to make spring processing easier

liane.carter@arrowquip.com — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:38:41 -0400

It’s time for general health checks, vaccinations, branding, castration, weaning, checking cattle equipment like your cattle chute and a variety of other routine chores.

Pain management in cattle: Why do it and where to start

jherman@beef.org — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 18:01:10 -0400

Consumers have a desire to feel connected with their food. Most are several generations removed from agriculture and are genuinely curious about where their food comes from and how it was raised. The Consumer Beef Tracker, a continuous online survey run by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) on behalf of the beef checkoff, identified that 58% of consumers had a “concern” with how cattle are raised. The tracker, which targets 500 consumers per month and is census balanced for age, gender and region, found that of those consumers who acknowledged a concern, most cited “animal welfare” as the main source of their apprehension.

The problem with pain in cattle

lee.jones@boehringer-ingelheim.com — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 14:00:01 -0400

Cattle experience pain. Even though they can be very good at disguising it, they do. Pain can come from injury, age (arthritis), natural activity (calving), disease or common management practices.

Trends in the timing of castration

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 14:00:01 -0400

Reasons for bull calf castration stretch beyond reducing sexual activity and reproduction. Bulls are naturally aggressive and as such, castration becomes necessary for the welfare of the herd and the protection of those who work with them.

Numb the pain of castration and dehorning

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 15:00:01 -0500

When Lynn Cooper’s veterinarian told her she should start using pain relief during castration and dehorning, Cooper’s first reaction was to roll her eyes.