james mitchell

Dave Begmeier
Beef

Numbers don’t lie: Cowherd expansion has yet to materialize

Two important cattle reports were released, but neither signals a cowherd expansion will happen soon, Dave Bergmeier writes. Read More

Easing of drought conditions will help boost livestock production. (Journal photo by Dave Bergmeier.)
Beef, Livestock

Rebuilding the herd will take time

Cows kept in a confined area year-round have higher labor and feed costs associated with this production system. (Photo courtesy of Kansas State University Research and Extension.)
Arkansas, Beef, Colorado, Cow Calf, economy, Feeder, Government, Kansas, Livestock, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Stocker, Texas, USDA

Cattle on Feed notes myriad of challenges



Cattle on feed reported a 1% drop, according to USDA

Livestock producers have seen favorable prices, but Extension analysts say they need to stay on top of expenses. (Journal photo by Dave Bergmeier.)

Stay focused on production costs

As the year nears the end several packing plants announced plans to close as animal protein supplies remain tight and margins are thin, according to agricultural economists. This photo was taken near Dodge City. (Journal photo by Dave Bergmeier.)

Processing plant closures reflect tight margins

Amy Langvardt minds the cattle at the May Beef Month proclaimation event May 12 near Manhattan, Kansas. Lyons Ranch hosted the event where Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed the proclamation. (Journal photo by Kylene Scott.)

As drought tightened cattle production, 2023 markets soared

The Oklahoma State University Ranch Tour gives participants a first-hand look at some of the top cattle operations across the state. (Photo courtesy of OSU Agriculture.)

As drought tightened cattle production, 2023 markets soared 

  • By Ryan McGeeney │ U of A System Division of Agriculture

Forage, hay insurance may help reduce drought risk, economist says

Drought prompting Arkansas ranchers to sell cattle

  • By By Mary Hightower, U of A System Division of Agriculture

Pandemic uncertainties turn to relief as beef markets open up; challenges remain for 2022