Livestock Articles
Brutal Winds and Cool Temps Sweep Across the Northern Plains
Published March 30, 2021
Brutal winds the week of March 29 stretched far beyond the Northern Plains. According to World Weather Incorporated Senior Agricultural Meteorologist Drew Lerner, the highest wind gusts on Monday were seen west of the Dakotas. "Ninety mile-per-hour winds were seen…Federal Court Allows Avian Influenza Lawsuit to Proceed
Published March 30, 2021
A lawsuit filed by the Humane Society of the United States. Mercy for Animals and Farm Sanctuary against the USDA will go forward. The animal rights activist groups are challenging the Agriculture Department’s response to avian influenza. The lawsuit focuses…Beef Sourcing and Cattle ID Recent R-CALF “Wins”
Published March 30, 2021
In a letter to President Joe Biden, R-CALF USA expressed concerns over proposed changes to federal procurement regulations for beef. CEO Bill Bullard says the domestic cattle supply chain could be strengthened by changing current standards to require only animals…U.S. Senators Reintroduce Livestock Transportation Bill
Published March 29, 2021
The Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act has been reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan bill would reform Hours of Service and Electronic Logging Device regulations at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Specifically, the bill would establish a working group of transportation…Drought Conditions Creating Nervousness Among Cattle Producers
Published March 29, 2021
Farmers and ranchers are nervous as spring nears as drought conditions have not receded in many areas. Near New Rockford, North Dakota, that dryness is very concerning for Rhein Valley Farm’s Jeff Schafer. Schafer, who runs a 400-head Angus cow-calf…Feeder Cattle Run in the Dakotas Getting Lighter
Published March 26, 2021
North Dakota and South Dakota auction barns are seeing a lighter stream of feeder cattle. There is good demand for light weight feeders to go to pasture. Kist Livestock at Mandan, North Dakota had 2,400 head at their Wednesday sale.…Friendly Numbers for the Swine Industry
Published March 26, 2021
After seven straight years of growth, there’s a small pullback in U.S. hog numbers. According to USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report, the total inventory is down two percent from last year. The breeding herd is down three percent and…Pandemic Results in Changes for American Lamb Purchases
Published March 26, 2021
Traditionally, lamb relied heavily on upscale restaurant sales, but that was impacted by COVID-19. To make matters worse, the pandemic began in the midst of the peak holiday demand. A checkoff-funded report commissioned by the American Lamb Board and put…RFS Uncertainty Lingers in the New Administration
Published March 25, 2021
EPA Administrator Michael Regan says the Renewable Fuel Standard will be a priority for the agency, but South Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director Lisa Richardson says how the EPA responds to the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on small refinery…