Opinion
BeefTalk: Do not be afraid to moderate cow size, but select good bulls
Look to your bulls when thinking about cow size. Did you pick them to…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Kris Ringwall, WLJ Contributing Columnist
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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.
Health/Nutrition
K-State researchers using gene-editing technology to improve wheat
Gene editing through CRISPR can achieve the same results as traditional breeding, but faster…
Mar 5, 2018 · By K-State Research and Extension
Environment
Soil health is the foundation of life
It all starts at the ground level—with the soil, that is. Better-quality soils are…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union
Opinion
Pete’s Comments: The wall
Where’s the wall of cattle that was promised? It certainly didn’t come in the…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Pete Crow, WLJ publisher emeritus
News
DOI offers revised regional map
The U.S. Department of Interior has released a revised draft map showing its proposed…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Policy
Ag committee sends letter on budget views and estimates
The House Committee on Agriculture approved and sent a letter to the House Budget…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Policy
Governors discuss ag issues
Agriculture Policy Food and agriculture policy was the focus of a discussion at the…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Markets
Kay’s Korner: Market downturn seems inevitable
The fundamentals suggest that the market is due for a downturn. Consistently higher placements,…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Steve Kay, WLJ columnist
Policy
Senate ends Cruz’s hold on USDA nominee
Bill Northey was confirmed as USDA undersecretary of agriculture for farm and foreign agricultural…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Todd Neeley, DTN environmental editor
Environment
Judge says glyphosate cancer link warning “false and misleading”
A federal judge has ruled against California’s Prop. 65 which would have required products…
Mar 5, 2018 · By Todd Neeley, DTN environmental editor
Beef
Proper nutritional and health management prepares calf for optimal post-weaning performance
The long-term success of a calf starts well before it hits the ground. The…
Mar 5, 2018 · By University of Nebraska Extension
Policy
USDA opens new office in Vietnam to help facilitate increasing agricultural trade
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently opened a new office in Hanoi,…
Mar 5, 2018 · By USDA
Policy
Farm real estate appreciation has slowed
Farm real estate values had been growing rapidly since the mid-2000s. However, in 2015…
Mar 5, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Policy
Soybean acres to surpass corn for the first time
For the first time ever, acres planted in soybeans are expected to eclipse those…
Mar 5, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Policy
Animal Drug User Fee Act advances from committee
The reauthorization of an animal drug law passed a senate committee known for partisanship…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Kentucky producers raise and sell beef close to home
This spring, 85 Kroger locations throughout Kentucky will roll out a new line of…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
News
Kentucky Senator urges HSUS investigation
Kentucky state Sen. Robin Webb (D-Grayson) introduced state legislation SR 208. The bill’s purpose…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Lawmakers introduce reorganization of Utah Beef Council
Utah state Rep. Scott Sandall (R-District 1) and state Sen. Margaret Dayton (R-District 15),…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Wyoming COOL attempt dies
Another state effort to enact COOL legislation has effectively died in committee as the…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Health/Nutrition
USDA seeking comments on 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines
The USDA and the Health and Human Services are seeking public comments for the…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Markets
Coalition looks at market opportunities for improving soil health
The Noble Research Institute, together with industry leaders, has created a program aimed at…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Environment
Group intends to sue over San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly
The Center for Biological Diversity gave notice on Feb. 22 of its intent to…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Company producing invisible fence for cows
A new startup called Vence (http://vence.io) from San Diego, CA, is aiming to make…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Health/Nutrition
What causes white muscle disease in young livestock?
A selenium deficiency can result in weak, poor-doing calves that suffer from “white muscle…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WLJ
Environment
Crop-saving soil tests now at farmers’ fingertips
Researches at Washington State University have developed a method for fast and inexpensive soil…
Mar 5, 2018 · By WSU Extension
Policy
Key tax-writing lawmakers acknowledge competitive imbalance of Section 199A
The new tax law has created a boondoggle with Section 199A, but the National…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Chris Clayton, DTN ag policy editor
Livestock
Reed canarygrass: environmental foe, cattle food?
Reed canarygrass is an invasive grass species that harms water birds and chokes water…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Crop Science Society of America
News
Looking at changes to depreciation
The new tax reform law has changed how the ag world looks at depreciation.…
Feb 26, 2018 · By DTN
News
Optimism reigns at national farm machinery show
Ag profits might be tightening, but the National Farm Machinery Show drew hundreds of…
Feb 26, 2018 · By DTN
News
Better kernel fill may create wetter corn in storage
Good weather last year might mean bad times ahead. Well-filled corn makes for wetter…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Iowa State University Extension
Livestock
Futures’ “flash crash” to limit cash advances
A sudden crash in the futures on Feb. 21 caused a lot of ripple…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Opinion
BeefTalk: Finding the right cow size is not simple
The ongoing debate over cow-size continues. This time, Kris Ringwall tells a story of…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Kris Ringwall, WLJ Contributing Columnist
Beef
Do you like your steak well done?
A K-State researcher has found that marbling can save even a well done steak.…
Feb 26, 2018 · By K-State Research and Extension
Policy
Researchers develop material that delivers targeted, lethal rations to insect pests
K-State researchers have developed a new material that may both eliminate off-target killings and…
Feb 26, 2018 · By K-State Research and Extension
Environment
Drought requires immediate action
Drought is here and likely to stay, especially in the Southern Plains. Prepare now…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Noble Research Institute
News
How and when to prepare a farm balance sheet
Balance sheets are the best way to track the financial progress of your operation…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Noble Research Institute
Livestock
Income tax filing deadline is March 1 for ag
Agricultural producers must file their 2017 income taxes early if they have not made…
Feb 26, 2018 · By NDSU Extension
News
Keep stored grain cool during spring and summer
Producers storing grain should take care to provide proper temperature within the bin. Maintaining…
Feb 26, 2018 · By NDSU Extension
Markets
2018 cattle and beef markets are off to a good start
Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist, takes a look at…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Oklahoma State University Extension
Opinion
Pete’s Comments: Shiny and new
In an industry of old, retrofitted packing plants, the C & S Beef Packers…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Pete Crow, WLJ publisher emeritus
Livestock
Record $800,000 paid for Angus bull
A new record has been set by SAV Elation 7899, a 14-month old Angus…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Environment
Legislation would push action on wolves
A bill was put before the Washington state legislature. It proposes moving wolves into…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Opinion
Guest Opinion: So, you need some extra labor force on the farm?
There’s some things you should keep in mind when looking for some help on…
Feb 26, 2018 · By SDSU iGrow Extension
Beef
Goals established for Texas A&M animal science beef programs
There’s a new direction planned for the future of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension…
Feb 26, 2018 · By Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Health/Nutrition
New findings could advance cattle production, help study human disease
A new system of isolating embryonic stem cells from cattle—previously very difficult—might allow researchers…
Feb 26, 2018 · By UC Davis
Policy
Working-age adults are 44 percent of SNAP participants
The largest group of Americans receiving SNAP benefits—food stamps—are working-aged adults. Children make up…
Feb 26, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Beef
Grocery store food prices fell 0.2 percent in 2017
In 2017, the price of food fell for the second year in a row.…
Feb 26, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Environment
Higher LFP payments during 2011-2013 drought
The historic 2011-2013 drought resulted in a lot of increased Livestock Forage Disaster Program…
Feb 26, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Health/Nutrition
Bovine TB confirmed in Michigan
A trace investigation from two bovine tuberculosis (TB)-positive cattle found at a processing facility…
Feb 26, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
High tech facial recognition for cattle
Cargill announced in a press release Jan. 31 that it and Cainthus, a Dublin,…
Feb 26, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Ranchers’ cut of retail beef value grows
The “farmer’s share” of the beef dollar is growing, but does that mean anything?…
Feb 26, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Report indicates fewer and bigger farms in 2017
The most recent “Farms and Land in Farms” report shows that we have fewer…
Feb 26, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
World trade outlook is a strong steady
The recent WASDE report and an outlook from the World Trade Organization paint a…
Feb 26, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Idaho bill seeks clarity on stockwater ownership rights
Idaho House Bill 603 seeks to amend the state’s legal code to clarify ownership…
Feb 26, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Half of Senate Republicans urge Trump to reconsider TPP
Twenty-five of the Senate’s 51 Republicans wrote a letter to President Trump, urging him…
Feb 26, 2018 · By WLJ
Opinion
Guest Opinion: Opening the door to show beef’s nutritional benefits
Joan Ruskamp, chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, says research pays…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Cattlemen's Beef Board
Health/Nutrition
Tips to decrease your horse’s risk of impaction colic
As we get closer to spring, horses may be at greater risk of impaction…
Feb 19, 2018 · By College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Opinion
Letter to the Editor: Consult both sides
I’m a long-time subscriber and this is because the WLJ covers sticky issues evenhandedly.…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Dick Coon, OR
Policy
Angus releases foot score EPDs
Every rancher knows the value of good feet on cattle. Now the American Angus…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Dr. Bob Hough, WLJ correspondent
Opinion
Guest Opinion: Why your farm should have a web presence
If your farm or ranch doesn’t exist online, it doesn’t exist to the majority…
Feb 19, 2018 · By DTN
Environment
How to make your public comment count
Forget the form letters. When it comes to submitting comments on agency proposals important…
Feb 19, 2018 · By DTN
Livestock
Researcher developing new ways to measure pain
To make a pain reliever for cattle, researchers must prove it works. Doing so…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Livestock
Why managing pain matters
Why should you take the time to worry about painful procedures on cattle? Because…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Livestock
Cash cattle trade holds its breath for futures
Despite ominous early-week moves, the Feb. 12-16 market week was fairly upbeat. Cutouts and…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Livestock
Pain relief for cattle finally available
Merck Animal Health has released the first product approved by the FDA to relieve…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Opinion
BeefTalk: Bull selection for moderate growth?
Bull-buying season is a great opportunity for beef producers to steer carcass size through…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Kris Ringwall, WLJ Contributing Columnist
Livestock
Consumer preferences show beef steak is a battle of “tradition” versus “new”
It has been said that change is a constant, and that saying has certainly…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Oklahoma State University Extension
Opinion
Pete’s Comments: The feces fiasco
We might be dodging a regulatory bullet. Both Republicans and Democrats agree that the…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Pete Crow, WLJ publisher emeritus
Environment
Air clearing on cattle poop
The bipartisan FARM Act seeks to correct CERCLA. If it passes, you won’t have…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Policy
2018 federal budget approved, proposed 2019 numbers released
President Donald Trump approved another 2018 budget continuing resolution, and released his proposed 2019…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Policy
Reauthorizing FDA animal drug user fees under review
Senators met to discuss renewing the FDA’s ability to collect fees from the makers…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Health/Nutrition
Use safe practices when processing, cooking feral hogs
Feral hogs will get more active soon, which means trapping and hunting. But feral…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Environment
Ag groups seek national stay of 2015 WOTUS rule
When it rains, it pours. The EPA is now being sued by ag groups…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Todd Neeley, DTN environmental editor
Markets
Mobile app to help with grain marketing plans
A mobile application from Nebraska Extension aims to help farmers manage their operations in…
Feb 19, 2018 · By University of Nebraska Extension
News
Cropland harvested fell 3 million acres in 2017
The number of acres harvested in 2017 fell to the lowest level since 2013.…
Feb 19, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Markets
SNAP benefits mostly redeemed in supermarkets
Even though convenience stores make up almost half of the authorized SNAP stores, over…
Feb 19, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Policy
Ag exports support growing non-farm jobs
What are exports good for? USDA data suggests non-farm jobs are growing because of…
Feb 19, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Policy
Older veterans rely on ag, younger veterans on manufacturing
Older veterans living in rural counties relied more on ag for employment than did…
Feb 19, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Policy
Could the newest farmhand be a drone?
Research at Virginia Tech is looking at ways drones can be used on small…
Feb 19, 2018 · By Virginia Tech Extension
Policy
Wisconsin Dairy lawsuit dismissed
The Wisconsin State Journal reported that on Feb. 5, a federal judge dismissed a…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Texas Cattle Feeders Association partners with Snack Pak 4 Kids program
If you’re driving down I-40 through Amarillo, TX, make sure to look for the…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Group asks USDA to define “beef” as coming from cattle
If it’s not from cattle, it’s not beef! The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association urges the…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WLJ
Beef
Beef is a favorite for team USA
As the Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, ramp up, so does the…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Second lawsuit filed in Robert “LaVoy” Finicum death
Passengers who were riding in the truck with Robert “LaVoy” Finicum when he was…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
A checklist for effective comments
When giving the government a piece of your mind, some ways are better than…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WLJ
Environment
Californians should report giant river rats immediately
Giant river rats—nutria—have been sighted in California’s waterways. Anyone who sees these large, invasive…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Biosecurity advice for sheep shearers
Biosecurity is defined as preventative management practices that protect the health and wellbeing of…
Feb 19, 2018 · By WSU Extension
Policy
Farm sector profits forecast to decline in 2018
Farm income is expected to decline over 8 percent this year as a result…
Feb 12, 2018 · By USDA Economic Research Service
Livestock
Judge rules reassessment of Yellowstone bison status
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled on Feb. 1 that the U.S. Fish and…
Feb 12, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Humane Society of the U.S. CEO resigns on harassment claims
Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) CEO Wayne Pacelle resigned at the end of…
Feb 12, 2018 · By WLJ
Livestock
Arizona ranch receives National Environmental Stewardship Award
The Jim O’Haco Cattle Company of Winslow, AZ, was announced the winner of the…
Feb 12, 2018 · By WLJ
Policy
Tax law’s changes are significant for ag producers
The recent tax law changes a lot for farmers and ranchers. The Section 179…
Feb 9, 2018 · By Andy Biebl, DTN tax columnist
Beef
Beef demand drivers are not what you might expect
Since every part of the cattle and beef market depends on consumers’ demand for…
Feb 9, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Markets
Cattle markets follow Dow lower
Cash cattle trade was again left to the last minute. The record plunge of…
Feb 9, 2018 · By Kerry Halladay, WLJ Managing Editor
Livestock
M-44s save lambs from coyotes
Sheep losses cost about $20.5 million last year, and coyotes are a big contributor…
Feb 9, 2018 · By Mark Mendiola, WLJ correspondent
Opinion
Pete’s Comments: Too much information
There was so much going on at the 2018 NCBA Conference. Policy issues and…
Feb 9, 2018 · By Pete Crow, WLJ publisher emeritus
Policy
Perdue addresses House Agriculture Committee
Sonny Perdue told the House Agriculture committee hearing the USDA is focused on creating…
Feb 9, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Beef
Study looks at opportunities and obstacles of beef cattle identification systems the U.S.
A study commissioned by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association looks at the feasibility of…
Feb 9, 2018 · By Rae Price, WLJ editor
Beef
New records set for U.S. beef export value in 2017
Last year saw some of the highest numbers for beef exports. For 2017, beef…
Feb 9, 2018 · By USMEF