Livestock Articles
Smithfield Hog Production Has New President
Published February 22, 2024
Kraig Westerbeek has been named president of the Smithfield Foods swine production operations. Westerbeek started his tenure with Smithfield in 1993. Most recently, he has been the chief development officer for a joint venture between Smithfield, Roeslein Alternative Energy and…Replacement Heifers Continue to Bring Big Bucks
Published February 22, 2024
Bennett Consulting owner Matt Bennett doesn’t expect a rapid rebuilding of the cattle herd due to the high price of heifers. "They're so expensive and I cannot fault someone who wants to get $1,800 to $2,000 or more for a common…Marginal Drop in Milk Production
Published February 22, 2024
Milk production in the 24 major states totaled 18.3 billion pounds in January. That’s down less than one percent from one year ago. South Dakota milk production rose nearly 11 percent. Over the past year, South Dakota farmers added 21,000…Warm Winter Impact on Migration and HPAI
Published February 20, 2024
The last confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Minnesota was found in October. State Veterinarian Dr. Brian Hoefs told the Minnesota Senate Ag Committee the Board of Animal Health is still ready for any outbreak that may occur…MOU Signed Between U.S., Canada, Mexico Meat Sectors
Published February 20, 2024
The North American Meat Institute, which is the largest trade organization for U.S. meatpackers, has signed a memorandum of understanding with its counterparts in Mexico and Canada to improve trade. The groups agreed to work together to address foreign animal…Keep Your Pencils Sharp
Published February 19, 2024
Mitchell Livestock Marketing Field Representative Lanning Edwards expects cattle numbers to continue to decline. “People that would normally background their calves have sold them already,” said Edwards. For those considering expanding herds or entering the cattle business, Edwards says it’s…Record Feeder Calf Price Forecast
Published February 19, 2024
The contraction of the cattle herd is expected to continue this year. During the Ag Outlook Forum, USDA Livestock Economist Shayle Shagam said that will increase prices for cow-calf producers. "Feeder calves are gonna be very valuable. We anticipate hitting record…Ag Outlook Forum Reviews Prop 12
Published February 19, 2024
California’s Prop 12 has now been fully implemented for a month and a half. This initiative bans the sale of pork in California from farms anywhere that confine pregnant sows in gestation stalls. The rule was designed to protect the…USDA & Cargill Settle Packers and Stockyards Case
Published February 19, 2024
USDA and Cargill Meat Solutions have reached a settlement agreement on a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act that occurred in March of 2022. Cargill self-reported that its beef grading cameras were installed incorrectly, resulting in inaccurate yield grades…