https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us bryan.sanderson@alltech.com For the cow-calf producer, the last couple of years have been maybe the most financially rewarding in the history of the beef business in the U.S. Many people talk about the strong financial performance and how that could lead to beef herd expansion in the next couple years, and the “10-year cattle cycle” would agree, but for how long? For the cow-calf producer, the last couple of years have been maybe the most financially rewarding in the history of the beef business in the U.S. Many people talk about the strong financial performance and how that could lead to beef herd expansion in the next couple years, and the “10-year cattle cycle” would agree, but for how long?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63502 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63502-challenges-and-opportunities-for-the-next-generation-of-beef-producers 63502-sanderson-illustration.coreylewis.jpg austincvincent@gmail.com Disagreements occur in our everyday lives, and many usually unexpected. The agriculture industry is not immune to disputes, and many times has the most difficult time finding help resolving disputes. Ranchers and farmers routinely enter into business deals, buy and sell land, lease property, secure loans and participate in government programs through the USDA or other federal and state agencies. Disagreements occur in our everyday lives, and many usually unexpected. The agriculture industry is not immune to disputes, and many times has the most difficult time finding help resolving disputes. Ranchers and farmers routinely enter into business deals, buy and sell land, lease property, secure loans and participate in government programs through the USDA or other federal and state agencies.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63557 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63557-moving-past-locked-horns-finding-a-good-mediator 63557-vincent-bulls-fighting.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com Making the move from paper or notebook records to computer-based cattle software can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. There are so many benefits to software that can make a tremendously positive impact for your ranch. Making the move from paper or notebook records to computer-based cattle software can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. There are so many benefits to software that can make a tremendously positive impact for your ranch.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63420 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63420-seven-tips-for-choosing-the-right-record-keeping-system-for-your-ranch 63420-miller-illustration.getty.jpg annalisa@buddfalen.com The difference between a fair easement and a long-term problem often comes down to easement terms that get overlooked. Estate planning, financial planning and other long-term strategies often get the most attention in discussions about keeping a ranch intact for the next generation – and for good reasons; those tools are critical to ensuring an operation can transition smoothly. The difference between a fair easement and a long-term problem often comes down to easement terms that get overlooked. Estate planning, financial planning and other long-term strategies often get the most attention in discussions about keeping a ranch intact for the next generation – and for good reasons; those tools are critical to ensuring an operation can transition smoothly.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63329 Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63329-easements-on-the-ranch-the-fine-print-that-can-follow-you-for-generations 63329-miller-dixon.jpg ira.parsons@sdstate.edu It is no secret that technological improvements are critical to the continued success of agricultural producers. Row crop farmers operating machines with varying levels of sensors have enjoyed watching their progress through the field for decades now, while poultry, swine and dairy producers have access to the capability of numerous robotic systems designed in some cases to automate barn management decisions and lower onsite labor requirements. It is no secret that technological improvements are critical to the continued success of agricultural producers. Row crop farmers operating machines with varying levels of sensors have enjoyed watching their progress through the field for decades now, while poultry, swine and dairy producers have access to the capability of numerous robotic systems designed in some cases to automate barn management decisions and lower onsite labor requirements.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63297 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63297-artificial-intelligence-and-the-future-of-the-beef-industry 63297-parsons-amigos.jpg ruff.72@osu.edu Finding a formula to determine exactly what your cow herd is producing compared to your inputs is essential to maximizing your operation’s profits. Finding a formula to determine exactly what your cow herd is producing compared to your inputs is essential to maximizing your operation’s profits.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63283 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63283-weaning-rate-and-measuring-cow-herd-yield 63283-ruff-2304.jpg rmilligan@trsmith.com Have you come to the end of a long day and still felt guilty about not working harder and longer? Have you felt guilty about not spending more time with your family and friends but kept working? Have you worked long hours but wondered whether you were making any progress? Have you come to the end of a long day and still felt guilty about not working harder and longer? Have you felt guilty about not spending more time with your family and friends but kept working? Have you worked long hours but wondered whether you were making any progress?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63251 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63251-healthy-individuals-successful-farm-businesses 63251-milligan.coreylewis.jpg wmeteer@gmail.com While cost is the primary factor, there are several reasons to choose buying hay or growing it. While cost is the primary factor, there are several reasons to choose buying hay or growing it.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63220 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63220-midwest-north-should-i-buy-hay-or-grow-my-own kmason21@utk.edu It is most effective to have a drought plan in place before lack of rainfall becomes a problem. It is most effective to have a drought plan in place before lack of rainfall becomes a problem.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63218 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63218-southeast-designing-a-drought-plan-before-you-need-it derek.gerratt@agwestfc.com Cattle markets have rewarded producers over the last several years with historically strong prices. For many cow-calf and stocker operations, that has translated into significant equity built into today’s cattle inventories. But as prices rise, so does the amount of risk tied to every hundredweight. Cattle markets have rewarded producers over the last several years with historically strong prices. For many cow-calf and stocker operations, that has translated into significant equity built into today’s cattle inventories. But as prices rise, so does the amount of risk tied to every hundredweight.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63084 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63084-protecting-high-prices-without-giving-up-the-upside-why-livestock-risk-protection-matters-in-todays-cattle-market 63084-gerratt-staff.jpg nlberry@nmsu.edu Property owners – especially those who operate a commercial enterprise – can be confronted with neighbors who view those commercial activities as infringing on the rights and privileges of the latter’s property enjoyment. This is certainly true for agricultural operations that can create byproducts others may find objectionable. Property owners – especially those who operate a commercial enterprise – can be confronted with neighbors who view those commercial activities as infringing on the rights and privileges of the latter’s property enjoyment. This is certainly true for agricultural operations that can create byproducts others may find objectionable.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63175 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63175-all-good-in-the-neighborhood-state-protections-for-ag-operations-and-the-public-welfare 63175-berry-getty.jpg rena@tomorrowiscoming.com If you’ve been in the cattle business long enough, you’ve lived through more than one cycle that made you question your sanity. You’ve seen high interest rates, relentless drought, feed costs spike overnight and markets turn just when you thought you were positioned well. If you’ve been in the cattle business long enough, you’ve lived through more than one cycle that made you question your sanity. You’ve seen high interest rates, relentless drought, feed costs spike overnight and markets turn just when you thought you were positioned well.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62984 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62984-protect-them-by-preparing-them 62984-striegel-rainy-day.jpg What the heck is a carbon credit? Nicki Nimlos, a doctoral student at the University of Wyoming, says that’s a question she’s heard often over the last couple of years. Around 2023, when Nimlos was beginning her Ph.D., carbon market programs were becoming more widely available to ranchers. What the heck is a carbon credit? Nicki Nimlos, a doctoral student at the University of Wyoming, says that’s a question she’s heard often over the last couple of years. Around 2023, when Nimlos was beginning her Ph.D., carbon market programs were becoming more widely available to ranchers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63167 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63167-carbon-credits-and-cattle-is-it-worth-it 63167-whitaker-carbon-credits.jpg jmoore@wherefoodcomesfrom.com Today, we’ll dive into how third-party verification programs enhance credibility, market access and consumer confidence in beef production. Today, we’ll dive into how third-party verification programs enhance credibility, market access and consumer confidence in beef production.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62868 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62868-demystifying-third-party-verification-while-adding-value-and-opportunities 62868-moore-stover-field.jpg sblez@verizon.net Cattle producers in many areas of the country face a critical decision: whether to produce their own hay or to buy hay from external sources. Both approaches have distinct advantages, challenges and economic implications. Cattle producers in many areas of the country face a critical decision: whether to produce their own hay or to buy hay from external sources. Both approaches have distinct advantages, challenges and economic implications.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63017 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63017-should-i-buy-or-produce-my-hay-or-stored-forages 63017-blezinger-trucking.jpg luke@kapcofutures.com Risk in the cattle market doesn’t suddenly appear in the cash market. It can surface quietly – first on the board, in how futures are priced, how options reflect uncertainty and how basis behaves compared to those markets. Risk in the cattle market doesn’t suddenly appear in the cash market. It can surface quietly – first on the board, in how futures are priced, how options reflect uncertainty and how basis behaves compared to those markets.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62936 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62936-what-futures-options-and-basis-are-really-telling-cattle-feeders-about-risk 62936-frantz-getty.jpg jasonwarner@ksu.edu Wildfires undoubtedly are one of the most challenging natural disasters, and when they occur, they create immense hardship for our farming and ranching families and greater rural communities. Wildfires undoubtedly are one of the most challenging natural disasters, and when they occur, they create immense hardship for our farming and ranching families and greater rural communities.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63015 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63015-considerations-for-managing-the-cow-herd-before-and-after-the-fire 63015-tarpoff-2910.jpg tcperry@landolakes.com When the time comes and we move into a period of softer cattle prices, conversations on many operations will naturally shift. When prices are strong, it is easier to absorb inefficiencies. When prices soften, those same inefficiencies can show up quickly on the bottom line. When the time comes and we move into a period of softer cattle prices, conversations on many operations will naturally shift. When prices are strong, it is easier to absorb inefficiencies. When prices soften, those same inefficiencies can show up quickly on the bottom line.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63006 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63006-managing-risk-and-efficiency-as-cattle-prices-soften 63006-perry-purina_cattleproductsshoot_2024-32.jpg garrett@bhlawgroup.com H.R. 1 (commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – OBBBA) included numerous provisions impacting agricultural operations (some positive, some negative). For today, we will focus on three. H.R. 1 (commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act – OBBBA) included numerous provisions impacting agricultural operations (some positive, some negative). For today, we will focus on three.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62950 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62950-shifting-sands-adjusting-transition-plans-after-hr-1-obbba 62950-couts-obbban.jpg garrett.reed@mcafeetaft.com Operating a successful farm or ranch today requires more than strong production skills and long hours in the field. Modern agricultural operations function as complex businesses that face legal, financial, regulatory and risk management challenges that can significantly impact long-term viability. Operating a successful farm or ranch today requires more than strong production skills and long hours in the field. Modern agricultural operations function as complex businesses that face legal, financial, regulatory and risk management challenges that can significantly impact long-term viability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62810 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62810-recruiting-a-winning-team-for-your-operation 62810.REED-illustration.AdobeFirefly.jpg gregg.barfield@ledgerspace.net When my co-founders and I first started our beef supply chain software company five years ago, we heard the same phrase over and over again: “They’ll never use it.” When my co-founders and I first started our beef supply chain software company five years ago, we heard the same phrase over and over again: “They’ll never use it.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62754 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62754-theyll-never-use-it 62754-barfield-map.jpg marian@agproud.com A Wyoming family uses clarity, communication and business discipline to build a ranch the next generation wants to come back to. A Wyoming family uses clarity, communication and business discipline to build a ranch the next generation wants to come back to.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62855 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62855-profit-and-legacy-ensuring-ranch-viability-for-successors 62855-viney-Sims.jpg rafael.q@ag.tamu.edu The U.S., like many countries around the world, is facing a continuous decline in its agricultural workforce. The word transition accurately reflects the concern experienced by many cattle producers, who recognize their production depends heavily on the availability of labor. The U.S., like many countries around the world, is facing a continuous decline in its agricultural workforce. The word transition accurately reflects the concern experienced by many cattle producers, who recognize their production depends heavily on the availability of labor.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62838 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62838-talent-retention-keys-to-building-a-sustainable-workforce 62838-landaverde-1.jpg emmahoman@cattlekrush.com Feeding cattle used to be a pen-and-paper business. Feed sheets, herd health records and inventory notes were written in notebooks, on scraps of paper or in binders tucked in barns and pickup trucks. Now more producers are relying on cloud-based software to streamline operations, but hesitation remains, especially if internet access is limited. Feeding cattle used to be a pen-and-paper business. Feed sheets, herd health records and inventory notes were written in notebooks, on scraps of paper or in binders tucked in barns and pickup trucks. Now more producers are relying on cloud-based software to streamline operations, but hesitation remains, especially if internet access is limited.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62821 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62821-bridging-the-digital-divide-rural-broadband-and-the-future-of-agriculture-technology 62821-homan-DeniseLoyning1.jpg wmeteer@gmail.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62727 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62727-midwest-north-a-little-better-is-still-better rick.machen@tamuk.edu Through mid-October 2025, excitement built across the live sectors of the beef industry, with high-price records sometimes being reset daily for many classes of cattle. Though drought conditions persisted through the Great Plains and much of the West, the fundamentals supported rising prices. Through mid-October 2025, excitement built across the live sectors of the beef industry, with high-price records sometimes being reset daily for many classes of cattle. Though drought conditions persisted through the Great Plains and much of the West, the fundamentals supported rising prices.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62658 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62658-has-cow-calf-profitability-tracked-record-high-cattle-prices 62658-machen-dixon.jpg jordan@jhayeslawoffice.com For those of you who have been in the cattle production business for any amount of time, you have probably been burned once or twice by a handshake lease deal gone wrong. For those of you who have been in the cattle production business for any amount of time, you have probably been burned once or twice by a handshake lease deal gone wrong.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62659 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62659-key-terms-for-leases-affecting-ranchers 62659-HAYES.illustration.coreylewis.jpg Beef producers today are navigating one of the most dynamic environments in recent memory, with many unpredictable variables positioned to influence the next phase of the market cycle. Beef producers today are navigating one of the most dynamic environments in recent memory, with many unpredictable variables positioned to influence the next phase of the market cycle.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62656 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62656-managing-risk-in-the-modern-cattle-cycle-what-resilient-operators-are-doing 62656-davis-getty.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com Calving season is a time for renewed growth and is a product of planning and ensuring the continued growth of the ranch and the cattle industry. You know keeping records is important, but what does that look like at calving time? Calving season is a time for renewed growth and is a product of planning and ensuring the continued growth of the ranch and the cattle industry. You know keeping records is important, but what does that look like at calving time?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62578 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62578-recordkeeping-for-calving-season 62578-miller-1.jpg garrenb@compassagsolutions.com A payout-less risk management strategy, like LRP or CME options, offers peace of mind, financial stability and long-term resilience for ranchers, even when premiums aren’t paid out. A payout-less risk management strategy, like LRP or CME options, offers peace of mind, financial stability and long-term resilience for ranchers, even when premiums aren’t paid out.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62571 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62571-tending-the-invisible-fence-why-a-payout-less-risk-management-strategy-is-a-win 62571-bellis-invisable-fence.jpg