2017 WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings – Unofficial through Jan. 17, 2017



All-around 1. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas $20,613 2. John Leinaweaver, Orrtanna, Pa. 13,899 3. Tuf Cooper, Weatherford, Texas 12,753 4. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas 11,654 5. Brent Lewis, Pinon, N.M. 8,671 Bareback Riding 1. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La. $24,000 2. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas 22,668 3. R.C. Landingham, Hat Creek, Calif. 12,720 4. Justin Miller, Billings, Mont. 11,369 5. Chad […]

Brighter for beef



The USDA updated their World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) last week, a monthly proceeding that integrates new developments and data into the existing outlook for agriculture commodity markets. Prospects for the cattle and beef markets are a little brighter, reflecting the improvement in beef demand that surfaced during December. Changes in the hog and pork market were centered […]

First meeting of the Iowa State Beef Checkoff



The new Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) Executive Committee met on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 for the first meeting of the Iowa State Beef Checkoff. The IBIC Executive Committee consists of five elected Iowa cattle producers, two producers appointed by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, one appointed livestock market representative, the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture or a designee, the Dean of […]

Fischer, Ernst introduce Senate resolution against “WOTUS”



U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), both members of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, have introduced a resolution that expresses the need to vacate the Obama administration’s “Waters of the United States” or WOTUS rule. The resolution signifies the senators’ intent to continue working to roll back the harmful rule once the new administration […]

Garrett Ranch receives 2017 Leopold Conservation Award®



The Garrett Ranch has been named the 2017 recipient of the Wyoming Leopold Conservation Award®, presented in partnership by Sand County Foundation and the Wyoming Stock Growers Association through their Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. It inspires other landowners through these examples and […]

Global game changers



  With January marking a time of looking to the future, it seems appropriate to share ideas from Juan Enriquez, who is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on the profound changes that genomics and other life sciences will bring about in business, technology, politics and society. Enriquez delivered keynote remarks kicking off the second International Genomics Symposium, […]

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary, week ending Jan. 13th



Compared to last week, calves under 600 lbs sold unevenly steady ranging from steady to 4.00 higher to 4.00 lower with some spots 6.00 to 10.00 higher throughout all regions. Yearlings trading steady to 3.00 lower with some spots up to 6.00 lower.  The first full week of direct trading occurred with most trends reported steady to 4.00 higher.  Many […]

National Grain Summary, week ending Jan. 13th



Compared to last week, grain and soybean were mixed.  Soybeans saw support from concerns over weather conditions in South America.  The January Supply and Demand Report was released on Thursday with USDA reducing soybean ending stocks by 60 mb, now at 420 mb.  Corn ending stocks were also reduced from 2.403 to 2.355 billion bushels.  Export sales and shipments for […]

National Hay Summary, week ending Jan. 13th



Compared to last week alfalfa and grass hay sold unevenly steady, dehy alfalfa pellets and ground and delivered hay steady. Demand remains mostly light for this time of year. There are a lot of large square bales of alfalfa in hay sheds or plastic wrapped outside. These square bales are dairy type hay along with good to fair quality hay […]

National Slaughter Cattle Summary, week ending Jan. 13th



Slaughter cattle trade limited thru midday Friday.  Cattle futures made strong advances Friday and so far feedyards are not interested in steady or less money.  Boxed beef prices declined thru the week but today were higher. Boxed Beef prices as of Friday afternoon averaged 196.01 down 2.06 last Friday.  The Choice/Select spread is 3.51.  Slaughter cattle on a national basis […]