2017 WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings – Unofficial through Oct. 9, 2017



All-around 1. Tuf Cooper, Weatherford, Texas $214,131 2. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas 180,487 3. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas 151,990 4. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif. 140,876 5. Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil 136,430 6. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. 128,764 7. Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore. 112,795 8. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo.105,470 9. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. 104,200 10. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, […]

Cow-Calf Cost Breakdown – Cow Depreciation



By Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator Cow depreciation is frequently the second or third largest expense to the cow-calf enterprise after feed. Depreciation is a non-cash expense that is often overlooked by cow-calf producers.  Depreciation for a cow is calculated as the following: Purchase Price or Replacement Cost – Salvage Value/Productive Years in the Herd To demonstrate how significant this […]

From the Driver’s Seat: Proper animal load limits and animal handling



  By Austin Miles, Cattle and Technology Research Associate, Noble Institute   Growing up, my grandfather would tell me “remember, you’re in charge,” every time I would pull away with a load of calves or on a tractor heading for the fields. My safety was his primary concern, as well as the well-being of his equipment and livestock. However, there […]

Global market insights



  By Kindra Gordon Exporting beef to regions like Europe, China, and Saudi Arabi offers added market value to the U.S. beef industry, but it also requires extra effort. Specifically, many global consumers and their respective countries want assurances on criteria like age and source of the beef [and other foods] they are consuming, and thus, verification and certification programs […]

In the Livestock Markets: Beef in cold storage situation



Somewhat hidden under the discussion about the cattle on feed report last week was the release of the most recent report on beef in cold storage. The Cold Storage report indicated that frozen stocks were at 476.3 million pounds on August 31st. This represented a 10.3 percent increase in stocks as compared to July. On a percentage point basis, this […]

National Feeder & Stocker Cattle Summary – Week ending Oct. 6th



Compared to last week, feeder steers and heifers were mostly steady to 7.00 higher; however, calves were mixed, with sales quoted from 4.00 lower to 5.00 higher.  Long-time weaned, preconditioned calves with a complete vaccination program saw sharply higher undertones, as cattle feeders are concerned that the rain and cooler weather may bring unwelcomed health issues to calves of fleshy, […]

National Grain Summary – Week ending Oct. 6th



Compared to last week, wheat was lower, corn traded mixed and soybeans were mostly higher. Recent weather forecasts have some analysts concerned that rains throughout the Midwest may slow harvest this coming week.  Weekly export sales for wheat showed a total of 18.1 million bushels for the 2017-2018 marketing year, higher than the week prior. These numbers could be viewed […]

National Slaughter Cattle Summary – Week ending Oct. 6th



Slaughter cattle sold mostly steady in all feeding regions on very Limited and light offerings.  Boxed Beef prices as of Friday afternoon averaged 192.23 down 0.33 from last Friday.  The Choice/Select spread is 9.99.  Slaughter cattle on a national basis for negotiated cash trades through Friday afternoon totaled about 11,033 head.  Last week’s total head count was 79,884 head. Source: […]

National Hay Summary – Week ending Oct. 6th



Compared to last week alfalfa, grass hay, ground and delivered hay and dehy pellets sold steady. Demand was moderate on ground and delivered hay and pellets with light demand for baled hay. Sellers and buyers are having hard time moving hay this week due to the rain within there trade areas. Some producers are still hoping to get there fourth […]

News & Notes from the rodeo trail – week ending Oct. 8th



ProRodeoLive.com will broadcast the All American ProRodeo Finals Oct. 12-14, beginning at 7 p.m. (CT) each day … The PRCA has announced a partnership with 5050 Central, a company which specializes in electronic real-time digital raffle systems. The Canadian-based company has already worked with PRCA rodeos in the past, including the Ponoka (Alberta) Stampede, Reno (Nev.) Rodeo & Xtreme Bulls, […]