The most recent USDA monthly Cattle on Feed report which came out August 17 showed few surprises. However, some perspective is needed. Even though placement numbers are down compared to expectations, the numbers are still unusually high relative to the past six years.

The first of many bills for the state’s new fire fees have been sent out to rural California residents. The proceeds of the fee go to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal- Fire), but opponents say the fee is an illegal tax and it will soon be challenged in court.

Cash trade trickled along the first half of the week unable to produce a market test. Bids generally trailed asking prices by $4-6 dollars. Asking prices for live cattle in the Southern Plains started the week high at $124, but gradually dipped down to $122-123.

The August USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report came out Friday, Aug. 10. The report showed beef production up compared to prior projections, but still down compared to prior years. It also predicted the U.S. will become a net importer of beef by 2013.

History is repeating itself on the topic of public lands management. Echoing three attempts in the past 12 years, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is facing legal challenges for attempting to update its forest planning rules. Unlike the past, however, ranching groups, rather than environmentalists, are taking it to task over the newest planning rule.

Kansas State University (K-State) veterinary researchers have recently published the findings of their uniquely real-world relevant study on pre-harvest E. coli treatments. In the study, the researchers tested the efficacy of Pfizer Animal Health’s SRP E.

During the late July Cattle Industry Summer Conference, CBB deliberated and voted upon, and unanimously approved a committee restructuring proposal for the joint advisory committees with the Federation of State Beef Councils (Federation).

With the growing demand for easy information, coupled with the deepening lack of knowledge about modern food production, the popularity of processverified programs among consumers is increasing. This growing consumer trend can have some valuable potential for cattlemen in terms of premiums paid for cattle and increased marketing opportunities.

The U.S. and Mexico have long been engaged in a game of chess. The board: trade. The key pieces: chicken, import duties, alleged violations to international trade agreements, and trade economies. And Mexico just called ‘check.

During their Summer Conference meeting, NCBA’s Live Cattle Marketing Committee chair, Paul Colman, created a task force at the recommendation of a presenter. The role of the task force is to determine at what point the price discovery market is too small to be representative of the industry as a whole and what effect that can have on formula pricing.