Livestock Articles
Federal Order Reform Hearing to Resume
Published January 3, 2024
USDA will reconvene its public hearing to consider changes to the federal milk marketing orders on January 16. This hearing process began in late August near Indianapolis. Significant changes have not been made to the federal orders in more than…The Impact of Prop 12 and Question 3
Published January 1, 2024
Enforcement is now underway for California’s Proposition 12 and Massachusetts’ Question 3. Pork sold in California will have to come from farms that are audited and certified as Prop 12-compliant. The Massachusetts rule is similar, but it also includes pork…MN Beef Update
Published December 30, 2023
This week’s Minnesota Beef Update catches up with MN Beef director of industry relations Jon Dilworth. He reflects on a busy month of December and looks forward to upcoming events in 2024.A Positive Outlook
Published December 30, 2023
The markets caught the attention of the cattle business in 2023. “After many years of pretty thin margins, we finally got the market moving in our favor,” said Jason Leiseth, president, North Dakota Stockmen's Association. “Going forward, there looks to…A Muddy Mess for Weaned Calves
Published December 28, 2023
Mud is tough on recently weaned calves and the cattle approaching their finished weight. Maintenance energy requirements increases for those animals, but they likely want to eat less. “They’re going to expend more energy working through the mud and water,”…Managing Bred Cows Through Winter
Published December 28, 2023
Cattle producers should monitor the body condition of their bred cows sooner rather than later. “Body condition scoring cows has to be chief on your mind,” said Dan Larson, beef consultant, Great Plains Livestock Consulting. “At some point we are…Planning for the Next 20 Years or Next 12 Months
Published December 27, 2023
Class III milk futures are trading in the $15-to-$16 territory. Minnesota Milk Producers Association Executive Director Lucas Sjostrom says the price received on the farm is more variable than ever. "We've been in a weird spot over the past 24…BND Loans Help Replenish ND Cattle Herds
Published December 27, 2023
The Bank of North Dakota’s Livestock Rebuilder’s Loan Program is responsible for 16,000 head of cattle being added in the state over the past two years. The program was developed to strengthen North Dakota’s livestock industry after the 2021 drought…Seedstock Sales Hold Strong
Published December 26, 2023
Feeder cattle futures have backed off since October, but KRose Company owner Karoline Rose has seen prices hold this fall at production sales. If the weather cooperates, a strong replacement and seedstock market is expected through the spring. “We have…