Livestock | Ag Industry News - Farm and Livestock Directory

Surviving Black Vultures and Their Friends in the Government [COMMENTARY]

Surviving USDA and state government predator protection regulations are getting heinous to all types of livestock producers. [Commentary by Darol Dickinson, general manager of Dickinson Cattle Co. Inc.]

Preparing for the Franken-burger [VIEWPOINT]

by Farm And Livestock Staff

One day in the not-too-distant future, you may walk into your local supermarket and next to the ground beef, you will see something different. It will look like ground beef, and it might even say “ground beef” on the label, but somewhere in impossibly small type, it will also say “cultured.” However, this new product will not be the same beef we have all come to know and love.

Cattle business ruminations for 2021 and what to expect in 2022

by Farm And Livestock Staff

Even though there was some uncertainty in the cattle industry in 2021, 2022 is already looking more optimistic. Three cattle industry experts from Purina share perspectives you can use going into 2022 and reflect on the past year in the beef business.

How to Pick a Feedyard: 12 tips for finding the right fit for your cattle, goals.

by Farm And Livestock Staff

Have cattle to feed? Not every ranch, pen, or feedlot is alike or ideally suited to handle the same class of cattle. There is a long checklist of ways cattlemen can help themselves when selecting a feedyard.

Estrus Detection Made Easy With Breeding Indicator Patches [PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT]

by Farm And Livestock Staff

Reproductive decisions, determining heifer cyclicity, and breeding problem cows are just a few reasons to detect estrus with breeding indicator patches.

Fence Considerations for Making the Move to Fall Calving

by Farm And Livestock Staff

If your operation is considering making the move to fall calving, you’re bound to reap the financial benefits, but be faced with several cold-weather nutrition, herd health, and fence management challenges. As you prepare for a switch to fall calving, consider these tips.

South Texas Court Decision is a Victory for Cattle Producers Everywhere [VIEWPOINT]

by Farm And Livestock Staff

When Darrell Franke, an 81-year-old rancher died he left about 100 head of cattle and the land they ran on to Jorge and San Juanita Padilla. The couple had worked for Franke for many years, helping care for his land and livestock in Texas. The only problem? Franke’s children thought they, not the Padillas, should inherit it.

Buying Better Bulls [BLACK INK®]

by Farm And Livestock Staff

At the foundation of your herd is a decision you probably only make a couple of times a year. Make sure it’s always one that moves toward your target. If you want better cattle, buy better bulls.

Judge Not, That Ye Be Not Judged [Runnin’ On Empty]

by Ken Knight

“Judge not – that ye be not judged” are right words to live by and should be the motto of every spectator standing at ring-side second-guessing the livestock judge – worse than a “Monday morning quarterback.”

A 4-H Go-Getter [Runnin’ On Empty]

by Ken Knight

Most everything I ever accomplished, I owe to 4-H. Not only did I pledge my head, hands, heart, and health to better living, I pledged my life. Though I give my Dad a lot of credit for the successful 4-H years of my life, it was the County Extension Agents that really made it happen.

5 Tips For Maintaining Herd Health

by Farm And Livestock Staff

From the smallest cow-calf farm to the largest beef cattle ranch, herd health maintenance allows producers to improve the fertility and overall longevity of the herd. Beyond maintaining proper facilities, working closely with your vet and combatting herd stress, you can better maintain herd health year-round with these additional activities.

A Hard-Fought Year [GUEST COLUMN]

by Farm And Livestock Staff

The past year has seemingly brought endless challenges, both for the cattle industry and the entire nation. The coronavirus, social unrest, and political divisiveness have dominated news headlines for most of the year. For cattle producers, coronavirus-related supply chain disruptions and market volatility have added to the hardships.

Look Back Better [Black Ink®]

by Farm And Livestock Staff

Nobody likes to hear this in the middle of a trial, but it seems often true in life and business: the thing that feels so hard now, won’t always feel hard.” My Black Ink® column for the month touches on the idea of growth, and how it often feels better in hindsight.

The First Horse Trade that Got Me Started in Life [Runnin’ On Empty]

by Ken Knight

I learned from the best how to trade horses, so when the opportunity to make a “horse trade” came along, I was ready. It was time to select and buy my first 4-H calf, and my Dad wasn’t about to let me make a mistake. Dad always knew how to point me in the right direction.

Runnin’ On Empty: “A Horse Trader’s Son”

by Ken Knight

Horses were second nature on our farm. If my Dad couldn’t find what you were looking for, it couldn’t be found. Dad was a “horse trader” and proud of it. He knew more about a horse than almost anyone I ever met and could recognize a diamond in the rough.

Rookies, Quick Studies and Jumping In [Miranda Reiman]

by Farm And Livestock Staff

I’m a fan of learning—in all its many forms. If this year’s COVID-19 school shutdown taught me anything, it’s that sometimes the best teachable moments are those you didn’t quite feel ready for.

Senses and Sense: To perfect your sport, think like a leader.

by Farm And Livestock Staff

Instinct versus discipline—flipping that switch is the key to reliable animal handling, according to veterinarian Kip Lukasiewicz. This article details some tips on how to keep cattle calm and why it matters.

Runnin’ On Empty: The Coronavirus “Makes an empty tank feel full.”

by Ken Knight

I interrupt the writing of my book to share with you my thoughts on the COVID-19 virus. This affliction has affected the lives of every American citizen – some more than others. It has made us put everything in our lives in perspective.