Livestock Articles
Be Alert for Blister Beetles
Published July 2, 2021
Due to the dry weather, blister beetle bugs are becoming a big threat for cattle and other livestock. The adult blister beetles are attracted to blooming alfalfa and weeds and are active through September. This bug produces a poison that…Livestock Producers Need Quantity, Not Quality, Forage
Published July 1, 2021
Farmers and ranchers at the USDA drought meeting in Carrington expressed concerns about the availability of using drought-damaged crops for livestock feed. Chaseley, North Dakota farmer Corey Hart has already filed a crop insurance claim for the spring wheat crop.…Due to Drought, Less Bred Heifers Available This Fall
Published July 1, 2021
The cow herd is shrinking in size as farmers and ranchers deal with the drought. Napoleon Livestock co-owner Paul Bitz says a lot of heifers that were raised as replacements have been sold into the feeder cattle market. "There will…Taking a ‘Leap of Faith’
Published July 1, 2021
New Rockford, North Dakota rancher Jeff Schafer has already taken oats out of seed production and cut and baled them for cattle feed. Schafer said not all producers are willing to take that leap of faith. "The most important thing…Sterling, ND Farmer Chimes in on USDA Visit
Published July 1, 2021
Sterling, North Dakota farmer Lucas Lang, who serves on the NDFB board, attended the drought meeting with USDA officials in Mandan, North Dakota. "There was a lot of discussion about the haying of the cash crops out there that are…Smithfield Settles Price-Fixing Lawsuit
Published July 1, 2021
Smithfield Foods has agreed to pay $83 million to settle a civil lawsuit that alleged the company was involved in a price fixing scheme for its pork business. Smithfield denies the charges, but said the settlement will reduce its cost…Bullish Corn, Bearish Cattle
Published June 30, 2021
Livestock markets suffered a setback with the latest USDA acreage numbers. "Feeder cattle are definitely in trouble now with these corn prices," said Bob Utterback, president, Utterback Marketing. Utterback sees more long-term opportunity for cattle than hogs. "The big question…Minnesota Beef Update
Published June 30, 2021
The Minnesota CattleWomen's Association is hosting a 'WIRED' event. Find out more from President-Elect Michelle Mouser in the Minnesota Beef Update, made possible by the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association and the Minnesota Beef Council.Executive Order Allows SD Farmers to Hay Road Ditches
Published June 29, 2021
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order declaring a statewide emergency for drought conditions. This allows ditches to be mowed for hay in eastern South Dakota immediately. The drought conditions are negatively impacting feed availability for livestock. The…