News
Legal Ledger Brief: Grizzly hunt delayed again
The grizzly bear hunt in Montana has been postponed again on a court order.…
Sep 24, 2018 · By WLJ
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News Archive
Latest News From Western Livestock Journal
A streamlined archive of the most recent reporting and updates from across the site.
Beef
$200B in tariffs on China take effect
The promised $200 billion in new tariffs against China take effect Sept. 24 and…
Sep 24, 2018 · By WLJ
News
Beef Bits Brief: Tyson appoints president, CEO
Tyson announced it has appointed Noel White as president and CEO. White, formerly of…
Sep 24, 2018 · By WLJ
Environment
Legal Ledger Brief: WOTUS enjoined in TX, LA, MS
A Texas judge has blocked the implementation of WOTUS in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi…
Sep 24, 2018 · By WLJ
Markets
Legal Ledger Brief: R-CALF seeks market investigation
R-CALF asks the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to investigate what it calls “anomalous downturns”…
Sep 24, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Legal Ledger Brief: Counter-COOL group calls for action
A new social media group is taking aim at COOL and its supporters, telling…
Sep 24, 2018 · By WLJ
Environment
California conference highlights practices to build more resilient farms
Surrounded by thousands of acres of high-dollar vineyards, California officials and agricultural leaders brought…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Chris Clayton, DTN ag policy editor
Beef
U.S. beef exports continue to grow; imports steady
Total beef exports were up 16.8 percent year over year in July 2018, contributing…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist
Markets
Value-added strategies for marketing cull cows
Value can be added to cull cows by time on feed before going to…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Erika Lundy, Iowa State University Extension
Beef
Preparing calves for entry into the feedlot
Helping calves transition from their mothers to the feedlot requires extra steps at the…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Katy Lippolis
Markets
Beef demand “none short of phenomenal”
The on-going story of spectacular beef demand was the biggest news last week. Selling…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Environment
Your voice is needed on ESA reform
The USFWS is seeking comments on ESA reform. You have until Sept. 24 to…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Opinion
BeefTalk: 2018 cow-calf production benchmarks
Are you a member of the “500 Club?” As in, have you achieved over…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Kris Ringwall, WLJ Contributing Columnist
Opinion
Guest Opinion: Seasonality of feeder futures
An SDSU Extension economist discusses the supposed seasonality of feeder cattle markets, ultimately arguing…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Matthew Diersen, risk & business management specialist, South Dakota State University
Livestock
Producers have options when forage runs short
When forage runs short, livestock producers have a number of options to maintain nutrition…
Sep 17, 2018 · By NDSU Extension
Livestock
Winter feed and forage planning for 2018-2019
Cattle producers should prepare now for winter feeding. Iowa State University Extension Beef Specialist…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Patrick Wall, ISU Extension beef specialist
Opinion
Pete’s Comments: Current events
Pete reviews the current happenings in cattle country, and emphasizes the upcoming 50th anniversary…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Pete Crow, WLJ publisher emeritus
Livestock
Superior Livestock Auction data shows weaning calves yields premiums
Recent analysis of sales records from Superior Livestock Auction’s video sales shows that it…
Sep 17, 2018 · By RAAA
Livestock
Women on the auction block
In a profession that has traditionally been dominated by men, ladies are becoming more…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
News
The law of the land: thoughts on 199A rules
Land is an important asset for farmers. Recently, the new tax law threw a…
Sep 17, 2018 · By Rod Mauszycki, DTN tax columnist
Beef
Cattle producers complete two-year course in South Dakota
A two-year program in South Dakota aims to help young farmers and ranchers learn…
Sep 17, 2018 · By SDSU iGrow Extension
Policy
Value-Added Producer Grant program helps add jobs
Agricultural producers participating in USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant programs help create new jobs. Grant…
Sep 17, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Policy
Value-Added Producer Grants geographically concentrated
The USDA offers grants to help producers add value to their products, however, not…
Sep 17, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Livestock
New wolf pack suspected in cattle depredations
A number of cattle depredations in northeastern Washington between Sept. 5-7 have all been…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
News
More tariffs on China “in the hopper”
During an informal but on-the-record conversation with reporters, President Trump mentioned the possibility of…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Beef Bits Brief: Niman Ranch network to double
Niman Ranch, a leader in sustainable agriculture and humane livestock practices, announced Sept. 8…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
News
Beef Bits Brief: ASA celebrates 50 years
The American Simmental Association recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary with an educational symposium and…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Beef Bits Brief: Cell-cultured meat to be discussed
USDA and FDA leadership announced a joint public meeting will be held on Oct.…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
Health/Nutrition
Beef Bits Brief: FMD research in UK funded
On a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the UK's Pirbright Institute…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
News
Legal Ledger Briefs: MOU on repair rights signed
The California Farm Bureau Federation and the Far West Equipment Dealers Association recently signed…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Legal Ledger Brief: CA passes forest management bill
California SB 901 seeks to change how forests are managed. The bill passed the…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Legal Ledger Brief: R-CALF files response in Checkoff case
R-CALF has filed a response to the USDA's in the ongoing Montana Beef Checkoff…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Legal Ledger Brief: Deadline for ERS home extended
The comment period where bids are being accepted for the new ERS and NIFA…
Sep 17, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Fifteen states want Supreme Court to rule on state livestock standard laws
Fifteen states are hoping the U.S. Supreme Court will take up a pair of…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Chris Clayton, DTN ag policy editor
Environment
Farm bill conference talks get underway
The current farm bill will expire at the end of September, offering little time…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Chris Clayton, DTN ag policy editor
Opinion
Guest opinion: Grizzly bears are not always good neighbors
Grizzly bears make bad neighbors right now, not simply because they don’t respect most…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Cyndi Johnson, vice president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation
Livestock
Winter wheat options as a dual-purpose crop
As producers prepare to plant winter wheat, they should also consider using it as…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist
Opinion
Devin’s Comments: Grizzly consequences
WLJ Fieldman Devin Murnin is disappointed by the blocked grizzly bear hunt in Wyoming…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Devin
Opinion
Guest Opinion: Support disease preparedness in the 2018 Farm Bill
The need for animal disease efforts—particularly around the FMD vaccine bank effort—need to be…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Jerry Bob Daniel, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
Opinion
On Target: Better than average
Half of the herd is always below average. That’s the nature of the beast.…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Justin Sexten, WLJ Contributing Columnist
Markets
Fundamentals occupy market attention
The markets were lethargic last week to say the least, seemingly unconcerned with market…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Opinion
BeefTalk: Economic greats — 93 percent of cow’s weight harvested
Producers help determine the success of their cattle herds through various means, reviewing data…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Kris Ringwall, WLJ Contributing Columnist
News
Consider pros, cons of alternative grain storage methods
Many options are available for storing harvested grain, however proper temperatures and moisture levels…
Sep 10, 2018 · By NDSU Extension
Markets
Farmer sentiment rises, opinions split over aid package
Agricultural producer sentiment increased modestly in August after dipping sharply in July, however attitudes…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Purdue University Extension, CME Group
Environment
Wolves and bears in court
Management of wolves and grizzly bears by state wildlife agencies is being put on…
Sep 10, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Policy
Trade and tariff doubts hurt on-farm prices as supply expands
Producers are getting nervous as protein supplies continue to rise amid ongoing trade and…
Sep 10, 2018 · By University of Missouri Extension
Livestock
Windrow grazing: an alternative to feeding hay in the fall and winter
Allowing cattle to graze windrows can significantly reduce harvesting and feeding costs.
Sep 10, 2018 · By University of Nebraska Extension
News
Young farmers who owned more of their land also borrowed more
USDA Economic Research Service looks at land ownership by age of farmer. Young farmers…
Sep 10, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
News
Appreciation, tax-loss income streams raise returns
According to USDA data, including asset appreciation and tax-loss benefits raises average farm household…
Sep 10, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Beef
South Africa offers opportunities of U.S. beef export growth
While some U.S. products—especially beef livers—have gained considerable traction in the South African market,…
Sep 10, 2018 · By USMEF
Environment
Bipartisan bill seeks to settle Point Reyes Tule elk issue
Reps. Huffman and Bishop have offered a bill that would enshrine traditional ag operations…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Health/Nutrition
Beef Bits Brief: BSE causes increased testing
South Korea has begun enhanced inspections of U.S. beef since the recent finding of…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Beef Bits Brief: Marfrig names new CEO
Marfrig Global Foods announced Sept. 3 that Eduardo Miron will be its new CEO.…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Beef Bits Brief: EU to review U.S. beef quotas
The European Commission has proposed opening formal talks with the U.S. to review an…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Environment
Legal Ledger Brief: Comments sought on ESA changes
Comments are coming due for three different proposed rules to amend the ESA's processes…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Legal Ledger Brief: KORUS amendments completed
While flashier trade agreements like NAFTA get all the attention, the details of the…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Trade aid spurs concerns, questions
Not everyone is pleased about the recently-announced trade mitigation aid programs. Grain groups are…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Beef Bits Brief: Beef spilled on highway
Does the old adage of "Don't cry over spilt milk" apply to beef too?
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
News
Legal Ledger Brief: No agreement text on Mexico deal
Despite making a big deal about the deal with Mexico, both President Trump and…
Sep 10, 2018 · By WLJ
Opinion
Letter to the Editor: The Checkoff Tax
A reader voices his perspective that the Beef Checkoff is a tax and its…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Bill Yancey, Captain USN-RET
Environment
New ‘droughty’ soils model could aid forest health in changing climate
Researchers have come up with an index for “droughty” soils, those that are especially…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Chris Branam, Oregon State University Extension
News
Worker shortage, wage inflation compound agriculture industry struggles
Other industries besides ag need manual labor, and they are paying for it. If…
Sep 3, 2018 · By CoBank
Livestock
Crops and livestock on the same farms, the same fields–why?
Farmers can match the energy and nutrient flows of different enterprises (i.e., types of…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Crop Science Society of America
Markets
More cattle on feed and more beef in cold storage
An AgriLife economist breaks down the recent USDA Cattle on Feed and Cold Storage…
Sep 3, 2018 · By David P. Anderson, Texas AM AgriLife Extension
Markets
Feedlot production and cattle slaughter
The latest USDA cattle on feed report shows the Aug. 1 feedlot inventory was…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist
Livestock
Follow the rules for quality silage
Silage can be a great feed supplement for beef cattle, particularly during drought, but…
Sep 3, 2018 · By DTN
News
U.S.-Mexico trade agreement announced
What’s in a name? President Trump says that NAFTA is done and will be…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Policy
More details on aid programs
After previously announcing $12 billion in aid to farmers hit by international retaliatory tariffs,…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Markets
Markets hold their breath before Labor Day
The markets were a bit sluggish before the Labor Day holiday. What happens after…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Opinion
Black Ink: Restrictive environment? Quality still pays
Certified Angus Beef’s “Dr. Phil” had a message for all producers: No matter the…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Laura Conaway, Certified Angus Beef
News
Water content key in making corn silage
Making corn silage is something of a goldilocks affair; the corn moisture at harvest…
Sep 3, 2018 · By NDSU Extension
Livestock
Determine available forage for grazing
North Dakota State University Extension specialists offer tips to manage pastures and determine available…
Sep 3, 2018 · By NDSU Extension
Opinion
Pete’s Comments: Why the Checkoff is needed
Have you seen the Consumer Reports "Are banned drugs in your meat" piece? Pete…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Pete Crow, WLJ publisher emeritus
Livestock
Wildfires continue throughout West
Wildfires have burned since early summer in many western states and although they have…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Opinion
Kay’s Korner: Transparency takes big leap
Consumers’ desire to know about their food sources continues to grow. A recently announced…
Sep 3, 2018 · By Steve Kay, WLJ columnist
Policy
Beef Bits Brief: E. coli prompts recall
Cargill is recalling approximately 25,288 pounds of ground beef shipped to California and Colorado.…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Beef Bits Brief: ODFW reissues wolf kill permit
The same producer has seen four wolf attacks on his herd by members of…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Beef Bits Brief: Angus Link launched
Angus Link, the new feeder cattle program from the American Angus Association, is officially…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Saddle & Sirloin to honor Rob Brown
R.A. “Rob” Brown, Jr. has been selected as the 2018 inductee into the Saddle…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Legal Ledger Brief: Anti-merger Senate bill proposed
S.3404—The Food and Agribusiness Merger Moratorium and Antitrust Review Act of 2018—seeks to impose…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Environment
Legal Ledger Brief: Bi-state sage-grouse re-listing?
A recent ruling on the bi-state sage-grouse could have widespread impact for all endangered…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Legal Ledger Brief: WTO complaints continue over metal tariffs
There are still many complaints stemming from the steel and aluminum tariffs the U.S.…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Forum to discuss livestock traceability strategy
An upcoming forum on livestock traceability will focus on collaborative efforts and incentives to…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Atypical BSE found in Florida
The UDSA announced Aug. 29 that an atypical case of BSE was found in…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Beef Bits Brief: Eugene Livestock Auction sells
The Eugene Livestock Auction in Junction City, OR, is under new ownership. Longtime-employee-turned-owner Leon…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Legal Ledger Brief: USDA undersecretary confirmed
USDA recently announced the confirmation of James Hubbard as Under Secretary for Natural Resources…
Sep 3, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Genetic Technology Will Shape the Future
Just as past genetic technologies have brought us to where we are today, the…
Aug 31, 2018 · By Dr. Bob Hough, WLJ correspondent
Opinion
BeefTalk: What can sheep teach cows?
University of North Dakota Extension Beef Specialist Kris Ringwall discusses how beef operations can…
Aug 29, 2018 · By Kris Ringwall, WLJ Contributing Columnist
Opinion
Letter to the Editor: Professional Advocacy
A reader expressed approval on Pete's recent comments regarding R-CALF's ongoing attack on the…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Dee Likes, CEO Emeritus, Kansas Livestock Association
Livestock
Fall forage outlook could be variable
Drought conditions continue to take a toll on forage production. The hay situation is…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist
Beef
Cattle producers should set protocols now for assisting a cow or heifer in labor
Cattle producers should plan ahead and have protocols in place prior to calving season…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Dr. Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University emeritus extension animal scientist
Policy
Farm, banking, conservation groups urge quick farm bill passage
Industry groups ranging from farming interests to bankers are urging Congress to produce a…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Jerry Hagstrom, DTN political correspondent
News
Mixed seeding of winter and non-winter hardy annual forages
August to early September is a time when some producers are planting various annual…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Jerry Volesky, Nebraska Extension educator
Opinion
On Target: Weaning diet options
Proper nutrition when weaning calves is critical to end-product quality, influencing marbling development and…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Justin Sexten, WLJ Contributing Columnist
Livestock
IRS releases Section 199A guidance
The IRS recently released a guidance on Section 199A tax deductions. The changes will…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Katie Dehlinger and Chris Clayton, DTN
Livestock
Changes proposed to hours-of-service regs
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently proposed six changes…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Markets
Choice cutout, packer margins continue to grow
The growing Choice cutout and packer margins continue to dominate the cattle and beef…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Markets
Fever or trade talk briefly ignite U.S. hog market
Our markets are so interconnected that events in one country can have impact on…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Health/Nutrition
Improve low-quality forages with ammonia treatment
Do you have poor-quality hay as a result of drought? The “secret weapon” of…
Aug 27, 2018 · By Linda Geist, University of Missouri Extension