Consider LRP for volatile cattle prices



Price volatility in the cattle market has become the norm in recent years, creating greater risk and uncertainty for cattle producers. For some individuals, more volatility means a possibility of receiving higher returns on his cattle. But increased risk can mean lower prices as well.  Traditionally, forward price contracts and futures market contracts are used by producers to help manage […]

Expect ongoing discussion of Nebraska brand inspection



By Troy Smith Controversy over Nebraska livestock brand law is not a new thing. Brand-related issues have been debated often over the years and particularly often by members of the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC). The association’s Brand and Private Property Rights Committee has long been a starting point for producer efforts to tweak the rules and regulations pertaining to brand registration […]

Farm equipment industry enjoying banner year



The tractor market in the U.S. may be outperforming a cautious outlook from manufacturers, with higher farm incomes driving a steep rise in sales. A farm equipment index compiled by Creighton University “ballooned” to a reading of 75.9 this month, from 63.5 in February. Any reading above 50.0 indicates market expansion. According to AgriMoney, the figure, which was higher than […]

Four ways to marry implants and quality goals



In a perfect world, cattle growth promotants would increase marbling, too. Short of that, feeders can strike a balance between grade and gain, implant and marbling levels. Here are four of the top ways: 1)Delay implanting until full feed. “It’s almost become standard operating procedure around here,” says Robbi Pritchard, of South Dakota State University (SDSU). His team divided 650-pound […]

He’s got the beat

Rory Hoffman is finding success in Nashville

By Sara Thissen When you think of rural families playing music together, you think of them gathering on the front porch and playing what may come to their minds. While others listening around them are left rocking back and forth in their wooden chairs or toe tapping to the tune. Music has the ability to ease the mind and soul, […]

Making first trip to Las Vegas would be story with a happy Anding



Making first trip to Las Vegas would be story with a happy Anding D.V. Fennell was 36 when he made it into his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo two years ago, and bareback rider Steven Anding turns 36 in July. “That might be the magic number right there,” Anding said, with a chuckle. Anding admits to having a “gung ho” […]

Master of Beef Advocacy Program exceeds 2,000 grads



The checkoff-funded Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program officially surpassed 2,000 graduates this past week and posted a record number of new student applications for a one week timeframe. More than 100 individual applications were submitted the week of March 7. The program, designed to equip beef and dairy producers across the country to tell their story in presentations to […]

National Beef Ambassador Contest will be hosted by the Buckeye State

Youth to compete for one of five prestigious spots

Youth to compete for one of five  prestigious spots The American National CattleWomen (ANCW) selected Wooster, Ohio for the location of the 2012 National Beef Ambassador contest.   The contest will be held September 30-October 2, 2011 in the Northeastern town midway between Cleveland and Columbus.  Contestants from across the United States will compete at the Arden Shisler Center for […]

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary, March 18



National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary Week ending March 18 Compared to last week, feeding-type steers and heifers headed straight to the feedlot ended the week 2.00-5.00 lower after starting the trading session slightly higher on Monday.  Stocker cattle and calves traded unevenly steady to firm with those most suitable for grass selling as much as 5.00 higher in sporadic […]

National Grain Summary, March 18



National Grain Summary Week ending March 18 Compared to last week, grain and soybean bids were mostly moderate to sharply lower.  The markets early in the week saw pressure from Japan’s escalating nuclear threat resulting from the devastating earthquake.  Japan’s short term demand for U.S. grains remains uncertain.  U.S. Stock markets were all lower on uncertainty of global markets and […]