Rancher

Producers and Veterinarians Are Taking Back Agriculture’s Story Online

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:31:45 GMT

“In agriculture, if we don’t tell our story, someone else will, and they’re not telling it right,” says sixth-generation rancher Tucker Brown .

Most Americans have never set foot on a cattle operation, yet millions scroll past videos every day telling them how livestock are raised, what antibiotics do and whether beef belongs on their plate. Increasingly, that information isn’t coming from veterinarians or producers. It’s coming from influencers, activists and algorithm-fueled accounts that often get the facts wrong.

At the same time, consumer curiosity about animal welfare and food safety has never been higher. Nearly 70% of U.S. consumers say animal welfare is very important to their purchasing decisions. However, there exists a gap between what people think happens in cattle health and what is actually occurring on farms.

Meet the Experts: Real-Life Ranchers and Vets on Instagram

Ranchers Brown and Emma Coffman recently sat down at a Stockmanship and Stewardship event to discuss the importance of online advocacy, building trust and making an impact through educational content on social media.

Brown is a rancher at R.A. Brown ranch in Throckmorton, Texas. With nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram , he has been using his platform to educate, entertain and build trust with consumers for over seven years. Although admittedly, Brown’s purpose for posting shifted from his original intent.

“At first, it was just to help me sell more registered bulls,” he says. “But what ended up happening was there were more consumers watching my stuff than bull customers, and so, this trust was being built between consumers and myself and other ranchers.”

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A post shared by Tucker Brown (@tuckerbrownrab)

Coffman, the founder and owner of Double E Ranch Advocacy , is a first-generation agriculturalist. Her passion for public agricultural education began when she discovered just how much information was never communicated to consumers.

“When I started getting an interest in agriculture through 4-H and FFA, I had a lot of questions,” she says. “I realized there was a lot of what I thought was very simple, basic one-on-one information about how our food is grown and the labeling behind it that we weren’t talking about to consumers.”

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A post shared by Double E Ranch (@double_e_ranch_)

Both Brown and Coffman agree the people with mud on their boots and dirt on their hands from the farm should be the ones to answer consumer questions where their food comes from and how it’s grown.

Bovine veterinarian Dr. Erika Nagorske, who has amassed almost 17,000 followers on Instagram , takes a highly educational approach. She’ll often post about unique cases asking vet students for their diagnosis, following up with the answer a couple weeks later.

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A post shared by Dr. Erika Nagorske (@docnagorske)

“The reason why I keep doing it is the educational piece, especially for veterinary students. I love teaching vet students and I really like teaching producers who want the extra information,” Nagorske says. “Nobody wins if the vet doesn’t explain what they’re doing and what they’re thinking. It’s a teaching platform.”

Brown, Coffman and Nagorske view what they do as a way to increase public understanding of where their food comes from and the role of veterinarians in agriculture.

“In the ag space, it’s so hard. I think we always complain that nobody understands us,” Nagorske says. “I grew up in a city, fell in love with the industry, and I want to share it. If we don’t share it, we can’t complain that people don’t know.”

Getting Started: 4 Tips for Effective Ag Social Media

Are you thinking about sharing on social media? Coffman and Brown had the following recommendations:

Remember the why: Your goal should be in the front of your mind
Don’t worry about being polished: Being relatable is more important
Use your personality: People often connect with the human before the information
Keep it simple: Answer one question per post

“It’s really about trying to take complex subjects, bring it down to a baseline level and then build your advocacy off of that,” Coffman says. “And don’t be afraid to repeat yourself.”

In cattle production, there are a number of commonly asked questions. Coffman advises going back to these topics with varying approaches to get the message across. Further, there are a lot of everyday on-farm activities that consumers have never seen before. Above all, conveying the information in a way the audience will understand is most important.

Winning Trust: How to Handle Negative Comments Online

As with all social media, there is the potential for negative interactions. How you handle them can be very impactful.

“I always suggest that when you get a negative comment on what you’re sharing … to respond with facts rather than emotion,” Brown says. “It helps you look better, helps you be more relatable and more trustworthy to the 90% of watchers that will be silent.”

The goal isn’t to “win,” but to build trust, he says.

In the end, the public only sees what we share. Misinformation thrives in silence, not in the presence of experts. When agriculture professionals speak openly, transparently and compassionately on social media, the industry benefits.

“When we tell the truth, ranching wins,” Brown says. “That’s all you have to do. You don’t have to come up with a story. All you have to do is tell the truth.”

For these professionals, transparency means allowing the public to see the core values of their work, a view Nagorske summarizes by focusing on veterinarians’ dedication.

“I want them to take away the deep rooted passion that veterinarians have for animals. Even if it’s livestock. Even if the end goal is to consume them,” Nagorske says.

Where Animals, Data and Decisions Meet

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:38:33 GMT

One of the country’s leading authorities on diseases that can jump from animals to humans will be the 12th speaker in the Henry C. Gardiner Global Food Systems lecture series at Kansas State University.

Dr. Megin Nichols, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, director of the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne and Environmental Diseases in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases , will speak on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. in McCain Auditorium. Farm Journal is the exclusive media partner of the lecture series.

Her talk, titled “Where Animals, Data and Decisions Meet: A One Health Journey,” will explore the often-invisible thread that connects human health, animal populations and the environment. Admission is free and organizers say the lecture will be streamed live online.

One Health is CDC’s collaborative, multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary approach aimed at achieving optimal health outcomes for Americans by recognizing the connection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment.

“If you were to scan the newspaper on any given day,” Nichols says, “you’re likely to see something related to zoonotic diseases — diseases that can jump from animals to humans. These affect our health, our food supply, and even our economy.”

It’s a subject Nichols has studied for decades, and one she says touches every person, whether they know it or not.

She points to recent examples like highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), which disrupted both poultry and dairy industries while raising public health alarms; and the northward spread of New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that threatens livestock.

“These are everyday issues,” Nichols says. “And by understanding how these outbreaks happen, we can prevent future ones. That’s the heart of One Health.”

Understanding zoonotic diseases

The term ‘zoonotic’ may be unfamiliar to some, but the concept is ancient — and personal, says Nichols, who grew up in rural New Mexico.

“My parents used to tell me, ‘Don’t go near that animal burrow; there might be fleas,’” she recalls. “They were teaching me basic zoonotic prevention before I even knew the word.”

Zoonotic diseases are caused by germs that can spread between animals and people through viruses, bacteria, parasites and even fungi. Nichols says about 60% of all known infectious diseases in humans come from animals, and three out of four emerging diseases originate in animals.

“That includes everything from E. coli to plague,” she says. “We still have plague in New Mexico, transmitted by fleas on rodents. These aren’t just things of the past.”

Risks to health and economy

Zoonotic diseases don’t just threaten human health; they can upend economies.

“We saw egg prices spike during avian influenza outbreaks,” Nichols says. “Milk production dropped when H5N1 hit dairy herds. These impacts ripple through supply chains, affecting consumers and producers alike.”

More concerning, she adds, is the potential for some of these pathogens to jump to people and cause outbreaks of their own — a sobering reminder that protecting animal health is often the first step to protecting human health.

Prevention: From barnyard to boardroom

When it comes to prevention, Nichols says there are simple steps every person can take — like washing hands after being around animals, cooking meat thoroughly, and using bug repellent to avoid bites from ticks, fleas and mosquitoes that can carry disease.

“Today, we have a real opportunity to translate science into public health communication, strategy, education and innovations that help us be better prepared to manage these diseases,” Nichols says. “We’re at a really exciting time in our history where we have laboratory techniques like whole genome sequencing to look at the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other organisms that infect us, and learn more about them.”

She adds that new technology can help to reduce the risk of transmission, such as a real-time traceability system that can help monitor disease in livestock. Innovations in facility design can also reduce risk — especially in places like petting zoos.

“You can still let kids interact with animals, but we can design safer spaces where they aren’t putting their hands and mouths on contaminated railings,” she says. “It’s about smart interaction.”

The Role of NBAF and K-State

Nichols says she’s particularly excited to speak in Manhattan, a hub of animal health research that includes the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) — the first U.S. facility with Biosafety Level 4 containment for livestock.

“NBAF is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and plays a critical role in diagnosing emerging diseases, developing vaccines, and protecting food and public health,” she explains.

K-State, while not managing NBAF, is deeply involved through education and research, training students and professionals to be on the front lines of disease detection.

“We rely on that first line of defense — the veterinarian, the family physician — to say, ‘Wait a second, I’ve seen this before,’” Nichols says. “That early detection can save lives.”

Looking to the Future

Though the Oct. 6 lecture will include students, researchers, and community members, Nichols says her message is meant for everyone.

“One Health is about understanding that our health is deeply connected to the animals and the environment around us,” she says. “And the more perspectives we bring — whether from agriculture, medicine, or public communication — the stronger we are when we face new threats.”

She adds: “Mentorship is key. We need to prepare the next generation of scientists, veterinarians, doctors, and communicators to face diseases we haven’t even imagined yet. And that starts by having conversations like the one we’ll have in Manhattan.”

K-State established the Henry C. Gardiner Global Food Systems lecture series to provide science-based education about world food issues. The series allows students, faculty, staff and Kansas citizens to interact with U.S. and international food industry leaders on topics of current interest.

The lecture series is funded by the Gardiner family of Ashland, Kan. Henry C. Gardiner, who passed away just days before the first lecture in 2015, was known as a visionary leader who dedicated his career to improving the beef industry through science and technology.

More information on this year’s lecture, as well as videos of past speakers, is available online .

Rollins Rolls Out 5-Point Plan to Contain New World Screwworm

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:01:29 GMT

Today Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a five-pronged plan to combat New World screwworm (NWS) – a pest that would devastate ranchers if it made its way across the border.

Rollins made her announcement at the Moore Air Base facility near Edinburg, Texas. Moore was instrumental as a sterile fly production lab to rid the U.S. of NWS in the 1960s and 1970s. Hundreds of millions of flies were reared, sterilized with radiation and dropped from aircraft to eliminate the parasitic pest that preyed upon wildlife and livestock. According to a USDA spokesperson it will cost an estimated $8.5 million to get the base up and running as a distribution facility.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins this morning launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a plan to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest.

(U.S. Department of Agriculture)

According to the Texas Wildlife Association , there are currently more than 1,800 cases of livestock infestation in southern Mexico. The flies are moving north and are currently 600 miles from the south Texas border.

“We have defeated the screwworm before, and we will do it again,” Rollins says.

Here in McAllen, TX to announce a BOLD 5-pronged plan to combat the deadly parasite called New World Screwworm – which would devastate ranchers if it made its way across the border.

We are protecting producers, strengthening biosecurity, and ALWAYS standing up for American… pic.twitter.com/VHOlqZyZ9a
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) June 18, 2025

Her five-pronged plan to combat NWS includes:

Stop the pest from spreading in Mexico.
Rollins plans to continue partnering with her Mexican counterparts and using sterile insect technology to stop the spread. This includes investing $21 million to produce up to 100 million additional sterile flies weekly.

“We are first enhancing the international sterile fly production and investing $21 million in renovation of an existing fly facility in southern Mexico, which will provide up to 100 million additional sterile flies every week to stop the spread,” Rollins says.

Currently, the only sterile fly facility is located in Panama. It’s jointly run by the Panamanian government and the U.S. government. USDA had previously announced its plan to invest in the retrofiting of a fruit fly facility in Chiapas, Mexico, to produce additional sterile flies.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association , “The Chiapas facility produces about 117 million flies per week, but to form an effective barrier along the U.S. southern border, we need upward of 300 million sterile flies per week.”
Protect the U.S. at all costs.
Rollins temporarily closed the southern border to live animal imports and intercepting illegally introduced livestock. USDA is working closely with Mexico to improve surveillance.

“I do believe we have met and moved into a new era of productive partnership —perhaps better than ever before — with our Mexican counterparts,” Rollins says.
Maximize our readiness.
This will be achieved by partnering with state animal health officials to update emergency management plans and stockpile therapeutics for ranchers.
Take the fight to the screwworm.
The domestic fight includes establishing a sterile fly dispersal facility at Moore Air Base. Rollins says they are exploring options for building a domestic production facility at Moore that could produce up to 300 million sterile flies per week.

“We can’t get a brand new facility up and running probably before two or three years. So, that’s why we’ve got to really focus on the today,” Rollins explains.

She also announced USDA will be hosting listening sessions in affected areas starting next week.
Innovate Our Way to Eradication.
Leverage the sound science including USDA’s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) to continue to quickly develop novel treatments, preventatives and response strategies. Rollins says this includes working with land grant universities in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. She listed these key strategies during the press conference:
- Develop better fly traps and lures
- Provide local training
- Improve surveillance methods
- Create new response strategies

Nearly 80 lawmakers led by House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) sent a bipartisan letter on Tuesday to Rollins urging immediate action and promising congressional support for the significant funding required.

The letter included this message, “When looking solely at the historical impact of NWS in Texas, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) estimates a contemporary outbreak would cost producers $732 million per year and the Texas economy a loss of $1.8 billion. Extrapolating those results to the states within the historic range of NWS pre-eradication, a contemporary outbreak of NWS could cost producers $4.3 billion per year and cause a total economic loss of more than $10.6 billion. This does not account for the possible expansion of NWS beyond the historic range.”

U.S. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas) was at the announcement and recently shared in a letter to Rollins these key advantages of the Moore Air Base location:

Border proximity: The proximity to the border with Mexico is crucial for effective monitoring and control of potential incursions of invasive fly species. A facility in this region would allow for rapid response and containment, minimizing the spread of infestations into the U.S.
Existing agricultural infrastructure: The region boasts a robust agricultural sector with established infrastructure and expertise in livestock management. This existing framework would facilitate efficient integration of the sterile fly facility and streamline its operations. Additionally, Moore Air Base has operations runways equipped to distribute sterile flies.
Strategic location: Moore Air Base offers a central location for distribution of sterile flies to other areas in the southern U.S., if such a need arises. Additionally, this base was the site of a facility used in the 1960s to successfully combat NWS.
Economic impact: The establishment of such a facility would provide valuable economic opportunities for the region by generating jobs and stimulating local economies.

U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) summarized at the announcement, “This is important to the whole country. We are going to be aggressive about this, and we are going to make sure that we don’t get screwed by the screwworm.”

Your Next Read: Urgency in Action: We Must Eradicate New World Screwworm

Be A Good Neighbor: Check In and Watch for Signs of Stress

Thu, 01 May 2025 20:23:04 GMT

The pressure of farming and ranching today is real. The stress of managing a farm or ranch during challenging or not so challenging times can weigh heavily on an individual’s mental health.

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. from Kansas has shared his concern about the mental health of farmers and ranchers. During the recent Top Producer Conference hosted by Farm Journal, Marshall encouraged the audience to be good neighbors and look out for signs of depression, such as changes in appearance, sleep patterns or social withdrawal.

“We think about the farm-related accidents that we grew up trying to prevent,” he recalls. “This a bigger danger, a bigger risk. I just want to encourage farmers and ranchers to realize some of the signs and symptoms of depression.”

Marshall shared these tips for being a good neighbor and supporting the mental health of fellow farmers and ranchers. Look for these signs or symptoms of depression:
- Trouble sleeping at night and not being able to get back to sleep
- Giving away possessions or buying more life insurance
- Changes in appearance, like not shaving or combing their hair
- Withdrawing from social activities they used to participate in

He encouraged producers to reach out to friends and neighbors who might be struggling.

“Reach out to that neighbor of yours,” he says. “Be a good neighbor and say, ‘Hey, let’s go grab a cup of coffee and maybe a cinnamon roll.’”

Marshall says it is important to leverage your networks and connections in the community and look out for one another. He also encourages producers to recognize the resources available beyond just calling the 988 mental health hotline, such as local community health centers, which can provide support without the stigma of going to a mental health facility.

Marshall’s call to action is to be proactive, recognize the signs and then provide compassionate support to their friends, neighbors and fellow farmers who could be struggling with mental health challenges. Marshall emphasized the importance of the community looking out for one another during these difficult times.

Mental Health Resources

Your Next Read: The Time Is Now: Let’s Prepare Before ‘It’ Hits

Nebraska Rancher Steve Hanson Elected Chair of USMEF

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:53:00 GMT

Steve Hanson, a rancher from Elsie, Neb., was elected chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation at the organization’s Strategic Planning Conference in Tucson, Ariz., on Nov. 8. Hanson says a priority for him will be the partnerships with the various checkoffs that support the work of USMEF around the globe.

“The checkoffs are one of the ways we invest in ourselves, because if we don’t tell our story, somebody else will, and it probably won’t be in the way we want them to,” Hanson says. “The checkoffs have done great things on research for nutrition. We have become great environmentalists because of it. Our stewardship of our cattle - we learned how to handle our cattle better, and this is because the checkoff dollar invests its money back into the farming community and the ranching community so that we can do a better job.”

Hanson says the strength of USMEF comes from the involvement of all of the diverse sectors of the red meat industry, including livestock producers, grain producers, exporters, packers.

“Everybody performs a part in this and it takes all of us, and we all have to be healthy to have a good economy in the meat business,” he adds. “One thing I like to say is, I’ve never gotten a bad check from a packer. They take a lot of bad raps, but I guarantee you, their money is always good, and they take really good care of our cattle once they get them there. For us to get them there in the right kind of shape and do it with the right genetics, it’s been a learning process, but it’s something we all do, and it takes all sectors.”

He added that it takes all segments producing quality food from the grain the livestock eat, to the livestock themselves, then the processing of those animals and finally to the exporters.

“They play a crucial role in getting our product overseas and in a good shape,” Hanson says.

Hanson succeeds Randy Spronk, a hog producer and grain farmer from Minnesota.

Other officers elected to leadership roles at USMEF include:

Jay Theiler, USMEF chair-elect, is executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Co., a diversified business with operations in every step of the beef supply chain including ranching, cattle feeding, cattle nutrition and beef processing. He is a past director of the Idaho Beef Council and has served on the Beef Industry Long Range Plan Task Force.

Dave Bruntz, USMEF’s secretary-treasurer is president of Bruntz Farming & Feeding in southeastern Nebraska, where he raises irrigated corn and soybeans and feeds cattle. Dave served on Nebraska Corn Board for nine years, with three of those years as chairman. He is also a past president of Nebraska Cattlemen and served as the regional vice president of NCBA.

The newest USMEF officer is Secretary-Treasurer Darin Parker, director of Salt Lake City-based exporter/distributor PMI Foods.

Livestock Innovation Center In Kentucky Breaks Ground

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:52:11 GMT

The groundbreaking of the Livestock Innovation Center in Kentucky brings together the state’s livestock producers, and their legislature to build a new facility to serve the needs of the industry, which was announced in a release . The goal of the center is to engage both learning and teaching opportunities for producers, food and retail partners, and others to support and communicate continuous improvement of livestock production, economic vitality, and sustainability.

“This facility will be designed to benefit our producers by using and communicating new technology and research from the farm to help them become more profitable and their operations more sustainable, not just in the immediate future but for future generations,” says Dr. David Williams, chairman of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation and the center’s construction oversight committee.

The center was made possible through a two-year, $22 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly to the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation in April. This appropriation was passed in House Bill 1, which funded several one-time infrastructure products form the state’s budget reserve trust fund.

Located on 15 acres at the University of Kentucky’s C. Oran Little Research Center in Versailles, the Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center is a unique public-private partnership between the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The two organizations have had a wonderful working relationship for many years.

“We are excited for them not only to be our partners, but also our neighbors,” says Nancy Cox, dean of the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “The Kentucky Livestock Innovation Center will complement our new Meat and Food Workforce Development Center that will also soon be built on the farm. Both centers will work to advance livestock production and develop value-added products for the industry. It’s one of most wonderful public-private partnerships I’ve experienced during my time at UK.”

The center will serve as the central coordinating location for advancing livestock and agricultural production within Kentucky and around the eastern United States. To accomplish this, center staff will work with industry and university partners to find innovative answers to industry challenges, increase producer marketing opportunities and net farm income, support the next generation of producers and improve the sustainability of the industry.

The center will also be home to a Culinary Training Center, which will help increase consumer demand for value-added products and provide education and workforce development opportunities for employees in food processing, manufacturing, restaurant and retail industries.

“It’s really unbelievable to be at this point and imagine all the partnerships and possibilities that are in front of us,” says Jeff Pettit, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association president and vice chair of the center’s construction oversight committee. “I really think this center will impact producers all over the eastern U.S. and make us a hub for protein production across the region.”

The idea for the center began five years ago with the completion of a long-range plan conducted by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association.

The project has strong support from the Kentucky Livestock Coalition which includes members from the Kentucky Pork Producers, Kentucky Soybean Board, Kentucky Poultry Federation, Kentucky Dairy Development Council, Kentucky Corn Growers Association, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, Kentucky House Council, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Farm Bureau and others.

More information about the center is available at https://www.livestockinnovationcenter.org .

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Elevate Your Expertise: Join Ag Leaders at Top Producer Summit

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:16:47 GMT

As technology transforms what’s possible, consumer demands change and the global ag markets are ever more dynamic. The Top Producer Summit leads the way in provides business, technology, leadership content important to the next generation of farm leaders.

For those farmers and ranchers who want to use creative and ingenious ways to elevate their operations, TPS brings together industry and producers in order to help them make informed decisions to execute their vision.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Be in Kansas City February 2025

1. Our agenda is jam-packed with the industry’s best speakers. Hear from all-time favorites and learn from speakers new to the event.

2. Top Producer Summit is a one-of-a-kind networking event, with plenty of chances to talk with peers and make new friends!

3. The 2025 event will be held at the brand new Loew’s hotel in downtown Kansas City.

4. Meet the 2025 Top Producer award honorees.

5. A few days away from the farm or ranch will let you discover business opportunities, gain valuable insights and increase your competitive advantage.

Hear from other farmers and ranchers about why they enjoy attending Top Producer Summit each year.

Register here today.

Mistrial Declared in Arizona Rancher’s Murder Trial

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:42:45 GMT

An Arizona judge declared a mistrial in the murder case of rancher George Alan Kelly, 75, who was accused of fatally shooting a migrant on his property near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Fink said the decision was made after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision after two full days of deliberation.

Following the declaration, Kelly’s defense attorney Kathy Lowthorp revealed outside the courthouse to the media that there had only been one guilty juror in the group, which was why the defense team pushed for deliberations to continue.

“There was one hold out for guilty, the rest were not guilty. So seven not guilty, one guilty,” Lowthorp stated. “We believe in our gut that there was no way the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Kelly had faced second-degree murder in the Jan. 30, 2023, shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, 48, who lived just south of the border in Nogales, Mexico. Kelly had earlier rejected an agreement with prosecutors that would have reduced the charge to one count of negligent homicide if he pleaded guilty.

“It is what it is, and it will be what it will be. Let me go home, okay? That alright with y’all?” Kelly told reporters outside the courthouse following the mistrial. “I will keep fighting forever. I won’t stop.”

Judge Fink had told jurors that if they could not reach a verdict on the second-degree murder charge, they could try for a unanimous decision on a lesser charge of reckless manslaughter or negligent homicide.

The Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office can still decide whether to retry Kelly for any charge or drop the case all together.

A status hearing was scheduled for next Monday afternoon, when prosecutors could inform the judge if they plan to refile the case.

Related:

Arizona Rancher Rejects Plea Deal in Death of Migrant

Arizona Border Rancher Accused of Killing Migrant, Now Held With $1 Million Bond

AgriTalk Celebrates 30 Years of Serving Agriculture

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:38:28 GMT

This week marked three decades on air for “AgriTalk,” the nation’s first and only radio talk show focused entirely on agriculture and rural America. Debuting Aug. 1, 1994, as a single-hour program, “AgriTalk” is now hosted by Chip Flory and has evolved into two hours of daily programming drawing a loyal audience across farm country.

To celebrate this anniversary, Flory hosted a special edition of “AgriTalk ” featuring former hosts Ken Root and Mike Adams, long-time producer and industry veteran John Herath, along with “AgriTalk” news reporter Davis Michaelsen.

“Thirty years of anything in farm radio is worth celebrating, but when we are talking about the nation’s go-to farm talk show, we definitely need to celebrate,” Flory said. “I was thrilled and honored to have Ken, Mike and John on the show to talk about the history of the show and to get their takes on the historic events we are living through and talking about each day on ‘AgriTalk.’”

“Three decades on the air is a remarkable milestone,” said Brian Conrady, executive vice president of Farm Journal. “It’s a testament to the excellent hosts who have been behind the mic all these years, and to all those behind the scenes who make sure the daily deadlines are always met. ‘AgriTalk’ has prided itself on being a national voice for those involved in agriculture, a legacy we are proud to carry on for decades to come.”

“AgriTalk” airs live each morning at 10 a.m. Central and each afternoon at 2 p.m. Central on more than 100 affiliates in 19 states. “AgriTalk” AM airs daily on Rural Radio/SiriusXM and both hours are available on-demand at www.agritalk.com and on all major podcast platforms.

Profit Tracker: Feedlot Margins Rebound, Pork Margins Steady

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 02:20:49 GMT

Negotiated cash cattle traded an average of $1.45 per cwt. higher the fourth week in July and profit margins improved by $24 per head to an industry average of $350 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker. Meanwhile, beef packers saw losses increase $6 per head to a loss of $107 per head. That puts the packer/feeder margin spread at $457 per head in favor of the feeder.

Cash cattle averaged $197.03 per cwt. the week ending July 27, while composite wholesale beef prices posted a $1.93 per cwt. loss to close at $315.37 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle marketed last week carried a total feed cost of $335.65 per head, down $8.28 per head from the previous week, and about $243 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $171.99 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $182.99 per cwt., which is about $0.18 per cwt. lower than the previous week and $2.68 per cwt. lower than the same week a year ago. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $260 per cwt., or $5.54 per cwt. less than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 4% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,408 per head, up 10% from last year’s estimate of $2,157 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 487,800, up 3,763 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 83.3% compared to 82.7% last year.

View the full Sterling Beef Profit Tracker for the week ending July 27.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins of $37 per head last week, down $1 from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $86.99 per cwt., down $0.18 per cwt. from the previous week.

Pork packers saw average profits of $26 per head, up $10 from the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were $5. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.436 million head, up 64,000 head from the same week last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 90.2% compared to 88.8% last year.

View the full Sterling Pork Profit Tracker for the week ending July 27.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Profit Tracker: Feedlot Margins 35% Lower Than One Month Ago

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 18:30:02 GMT

Negotiated cash cattle retreated an average of $0.79 per cwt. the third week in July and profit margins were reduced by $41 per head. Still, those margins averaged $327 profit per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker. Meanwhile, beef packers saw losses increase $7 per head to a loss of $101 per head. That puts the packer/feeder margin spread at $428 per head in favor of the feeder.

Cash cattle averaged $195.58 per cwt. the week ending July 20, while composite wholesale beef prices posted a $3.49 per cwt. loss to close at $317.30 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle marketed last week carried a total feed cost of $343.93 per head, down $9.12 per head from the previous week, and about $236 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $172.23 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $183.17 per cwt., which is about $0.16 per cwt. higher than the previous week and $1.35 per cwt. higher than the same week a year ago. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $260 per cwt., or $1.56 per cwt. less than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 7% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,411 per head, up 10% from last year’s estimate of $2,180 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 482,384, down 4,889 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 82.4% compared to 83.2% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins of $38 per head last week, down $7 from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $87.17 per cwt., down $2.40 per cwt. from the previous week.

Pork packers saw average profits of $16 per head, up $14 from the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were $6. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.371 million head, up 43,000 head from the same week last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 88.4% compared to 85.9% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Near $500, Pork Margins Hold Steady

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:58:34 GMT

Negotiated cash cattle sold for an average $2 per cwt. higher last week and up $5 per cwt. over the past month. Higher cash prices boosted cattle feeding margins to $499 per head last week, $100 higher than the previous week. Meanwhile, beef packers saw their margins decline $10 per head to $79 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . That puts the packer/feeder margin spread at $578 per head in favor of the feeder.

Cash cattle averaged $196.40 per cwt. the week ending June 22, while composite wholesale beef prices posted $6.19 per cwt. gains to close at $316.38 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $359.18 per head, down $9.12 per head from the previous week, and about $227 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $160.71 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $186.67 per cwt., which is about $6 per cwt. higher than the previous week. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $261.89 per cwt., or $3 per cwt. more than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 18% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,249 per head, up 4% from last year’s estimate of $2,151 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 505,920, down 5,869 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 86.4% compared to 87.4% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins of $47 per head last week, up $3 from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $89.41 per cwt., up 54 cents per cwt. from the previous week.

Pork packers saw average profits of $7 per head, or $3 per head less than the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were $12 in the red. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.419 million head, up 39,000 head from the previous week and up 51,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 89.6% compared to 87.6% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

USDA Proposes New Rule to Clarify Unfair Practices in Livestock and Meat Industries

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:35:45 GMT

On June 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new action to support the Biden-Harris Administration’s plan for a fairer, more competitive, and more resilient meat and poultry supply chain. USDA’s Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets proposed rule would tackle longstanding challenges around interpretations of unfairness and competitive injury for the livestock, meat, and poultry sectors. This will support farmers and growers, and continues President Biden’s work to lower food costs for consumers.

Secretary Vilsack made the announcement during an event at the Center for American Progress showcasing the Administration’s agenda to create more affordable and competitive agricultural markets. The event highlighted USDA’s wide-ranging progress to enhance the Department’s ability to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act, including previous rulemaking and an enforcement partnership with the Department of Justice. The event also provided a look back at USDA’s successful Investing in America Agenda efforts to enhance independent meat and poultry and other diversified food processing capacity; expand domestic, innovative fertilizer production; create a fairer market for seeds and other agricultural inputs; and support more robust and resilient supply chains. USDA also released a fact sheet highlighting its actions under the Biden-Harris Administration to spur competition in the agriculture sector.

“Entrenched market power and the abuses that flow from it remain an obstacle to achieving lower prices for consumers and fairer practices for producers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Today’s proposed rule stands for clear, transparent standards so that markets function fairly and competitively for consumers and producers alike. With our whole-of-government approach to competition and resiliency, the Biden-Harris Administration is fighting every day to lower costs for American families and give farmers a fairer shake.”

The proposed rule will better protect farmers, ranchers, and other covered market participants by making clearer how prohibitions on unfair practices will be enforced under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Specifically, the rule provides clearer tests and frameworks around unfair practices that harm market participants individually and unfair practices that harm markets overall. If finalized, this rule would better enable USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to carry out its legal obligation to ensure fair and competitive national livestock, meat, and poultry markets and ensure livestock producers and poultry growers can secure the full value for their products and services.

“Farmers, ranchers, consumers, and smaller processors all depend upon the Packers & Stockyards Act to protect them from bad actors in the marketplace,” said USDA’s Senior Advisor for Fair and Competitive Markets Andy Green. “It’s time to provide the regulatory clarity and simplicity needed to put an end to unfair conduct that harms the market or that harms market participants.”

The proposal is based on USDA’s extensive administrative case law and builds off of precedent established under other unfair practices laws. The proposal follows well-understood approaches to unfair practices and unfair methods of competition.

The proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register for public comment. Upon publication, the public can submit comments at Regulations.gov for 60 days. All comments submitted will be considered as USDA develops a final rule. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register.

The publication of this proposed rule is part of a suite of USDA regulatory actions under the Packers and Stockyards Act to enhance transparency, stop discrimination, and support market fairness in the livestock and poultry industries. Previous actions include the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems proposed rule and the Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments and Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity under the Packers and Stockyards Act final rules.

Profit Tracker: Cattle, Pork Margins Hold Steady

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 19:30:00 GMT

Negotiated cash cattle sold just 17 cents per cwt. lower last week and feedyard margins declined about $1 per head for an industry average profit of $326. Meanwhile, beef packers saw their margins improve $30 per head with losses of $55 the industry average, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . That puts the packer/feeder margin spread at $381 per head in favor of the feeder.

Cash cattle averaged $189.65 per cwt. the week ending June 8, while composite wholesale beef prices posted $1.39 per cwt. gains to close at $312.08 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $375.26 per head, down $1.16 per head from the previous week, and about $213 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $166.37 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $183.56 per cwt., which is about $3 per cwt. higher than the previous week. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $256.09 per cwt., or $7 per cwt. more than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 21% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,329 per head, down $1 per head from the previous week and up 8% from last year’s estimate of $2,145 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 501,638, up 60,458 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 85.7% compared to 82.0% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins of $44 per head last week, unchanged from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $90.15 per cwt., also unchanged from the previous week and down $3.83 per cwt. lower than last year.

Pork packers saw average profits of $11 per head, or $4 per head less than the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were $24 in the red. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.422 million head, up 267,000 head from the previous week and up 68,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 89.7% compared to 87.1% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Farm Succession Planning: There's No Magic Wand But These Insights Can Help

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:35:36 GMT

The week of June 10, Farm Journal is celebrating the next generation of American agriculture. Our goal is to encourage you to plan for the future and cultivate multigenerational success through the transfer of skills and knowledge. Think tomorrow, act today to align your asset, resource and financial legacy.

Formulating your farm’s succession plan is likely not a straight line.

“It’s a puzzle. All the pieces have to fit together for the picture to look right,” says Polly Dobbs, an Indiana attorney who focuses on estate, wealth transfer and business succession planning. “I don’t have the magic wand. But I know farm owners have to stay focused on their end goal.”

From her professional experience, as well as being part of a seven-generation farm family, Dobbs shares the following observations and insights.

1. The upcoming generation needs to articulate what they want from the current ownership. “The next generation can’t be afraid to start the conversation,” she says. “It could be as simple as saying, ‘I want skin in the game’ or ‘how can we talk about how I could buy you out?’”

2. It’s valuable to share knowledge and experience. “Instead of having the mentality of ‘why is dad still here,’ ask ‘could I shadow you in marketing decisions,” she says.

3. Sweat equity is still often part of the equation for farm ownership transition. With her clients, Dobbs says about 60% of clients who have a family member successor say the next generation has earned the ability to come into ownership on discounted “family friendly” terms due to sweat equity. However, others feel the successive generation’s contributions were not up to expectations, so full price is charged to buy into ownership.

“There’s no legal answer here,” she says. “It’s about family goals. But it is important to be specific of what is required for someone to be able to take on ownership.”
“I ask every retiring age farmer, what is happening with the equipment. Charging a discounted price to buy machinery to someone who has worked hard alongside is like a deferred compensation plan,” she says.

4. “Those who have on-farm family successors are lucky,” she says.

Dobbs says the biggest trend she sees is farm owners looking outside the family tree for the next owners.

“If you’ve got a successor operator, they need continued access to the land base,” she says. “Sometimes the only focus is on how they are buying the machinery or buying the grain bins, but you can’t overlook their access to the land.”

5. Get everything in writing. “Young farmers should be nice to their landlords and plow their driveways, etc. Then ask to secure an option to continue to farm their ground and have a first right to buy it. Handshakes don’t count; it has to be in writing to matter,” Dobbs says.

Dobbs encourages farmers to consult with your local attorney and professional team who know the laws of your state.

Want more insights to plan for the future and be a leader in your field? Sign up to receive Farm Journal newsletters.

Jeff Bezos Donates $30 Million to Develop Fake Meat

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 18:36:48 GMT

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s charity is establishing a multimillion-dollar research facility at North Carolina State University for manufacturing fake meat products, both plant- and cell-based proteins.

According to a release from NC State, the Bezos Earth Fund awarded the university $30 million over five years to create the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein. The center will become a “biomanufacturing hub for dietary proteins that are environmentally friendly, healthy, accessible and affordable.”

Bezos currently ranks third on Forbes list of wealthiest people with a net worth of more than $196 billion.

NC State also said the center will include numerous partners from academia and industry, as well as chefs and policymakers, to research, create and commercialize new technologies for manufacturing various protein products. It will also provide training for the new workforce needed for advanced food processing. The center will also work with consumers to gauge their protein perceptions and preferences.

“Alternative proteins are unlikely to displace animal proteins,” said Bill Aimutis, co-principal investigator on the grant and co-director of the new center who has experience working with sustainable protein producers and start-up companies. “It is difficult to create an alternative protein product that rivals the flavor and texture of meat and that is also appealing and affordable for consumers. This center is more interested in growing the sustainable protein industry as another option for consumers rather than displacing animal proteins.”

USMEF Conference Opens with Focus on Differentiation, Long-Term Investment

Thu, 23 May 2024 16:20:30 GMT

Emphasizing the quality and consistency of U.S. red meat is the key to expanding the international customer base, according to the impressive lineup of opening day speakers on Wednesday at the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference in Kansas City. USMEF members from throughout the nation also learned about additional resources available to promote U.S. pork, beef and lamb in emerging markets through USDA’s new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP).

USMEF Chair Randy Spronk, a pork and grain producer from Edgerton, Minn., welcomed attendees with a reminder of how critical free trade agreements (FTAs) have been in creating global opportunities for the U.S. red meat industry.

“Would we have found success in South Korea if U.S. beef was still tariffed at 40% and U.S. pork at 25%?” Spronk asked. “Would we have been able to develop Central and South America, or the Dominican Republic, into reliable destinations for U.S. red meat?”

While they are not full-blown FTAs, Spronk also praised the market access gains achieved in the U.S.-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Japan Agreement.

“With the weak yen and other headwinds in Japan, imagine trying to compete effectively there if U.S. beef and pork were still at a tariff disadvantage,” Spronk noted.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom followed with an update on year-to-date export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb. On the pork side, Halstrom explained that while shipments to leading market Mexico are on a record pace, U.S. pork is achieving broad-based growth in several regions. Halstrom noted that first quarter export value ($2.1 billion) equated to more than $64 per hog slaughtered, while March exports averaged nearly $71 per head.

March was also a great month for U.S. beef export value, which equated to nearly $455 per head of fed slaughter. The first quarter average was $408, up 9% from a year ago, which Halstrom said was a very encouraging metric.

“This tells me that the global consumer is willing to pay because they understand the value of U.S. beef,” Halstrom said. “We’re different. We’re higher value, higher perception. U.S. beef is not a commodity product, like a lot of our competitors. This is a key takeaway.”

Guest speaker Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, echoed these sentiments in explaining how U.S. beef competes for the consumer dollar, both in the U.S. and internationally.

“The biggest change in the beef industry has been quality,” Blach said. “And we can never lose sight of that – our niche is grain-fed, high-quality beef that really nobody else can produce around the globe. Those of you who are producers in the room, you have also invested in genetics and you have gotten paid dividends for those decisions.”

Blach also gave an update on the U.S. cattle industry’s herd rebuilding efforts. He noted that the U.S. herd is not yet in expansion mode, but liquidation has definitely slowed, and the herd size has stabilized. He cautioned that even when expansion does materialize, it will not mirror the previous expansion cycle.

“The cost of money is significantly different, and there’s a worry hanging over people’s heads about going back into a La Niña [weather pattern],” Blach said. “The last cattle cycle saw the most rapid expansion in the history of our industry in 2014 and 2015. This time I think we’ll get some expansion, but it’s going to stretch out over a longer period of time.”

As for expanding exports, Blach stressed the need for patience and persistence in developing new markets.

“During my career at CattleFax, I have seen how USMEF is able to go into these markets and build a foundation,” he explained. “Japan didn’t just become our biggest market overnight, did they? It took decades to build that market, to build confidence and to build relationships. This is not instant gratification that you’re talking about. You need to have a vision of the decisions you’re making today, and know that we may not see the fruit of those decisions until five or 10 years down the road.”

Daniel Whitley, administrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, praised USMEF members for their productivity gains while also providing an update on RAPP funding allocations. He highlighted RAPP’s goal of helping U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond traditional and established markets, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Whitley noted that RAPP places a specific emphasis on Africa, which is projected to hold 25% of the world’s population by 2050. That same year, the planet’s total population is expected to reach 10 billion, which presents a massive food production challenge.

“There is no way – no way – that the global agricultural community will be able to solve the problem of feeding 10 billion people by the year 2050 if we don’t embrace science, technology and innovation,” Whitley said. “All of the wonderful seed techniques, all of the wonderful techniques we use to grow livestock and farm animal products, we need all of these techniques. We’re not going to find new land and plant our way out of this problem, so there’s really only one path forward and I do think it’s the embrace of science, technology and innovation.”

USMEF members also received unique insights about global food security issues from Kip Tom, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for Food and Agriculture. Ambassador Tom stressed that our national security is dependent on our food security, and he too emphasized the need to embrace production technologies.

“The innovation that has taken place in agriculture, whether it’s on the livestock side, or the grain side, or food processing – it’s something we need to be very proud of,” Tom said. “We oftentimes say that the U.S. innovates, China replicates and the EU regulates. But we need to make sure we keep those in check, so that we can continue to innovate, grow our economy and grow this industry.”

While Tom believes the U.S. must pay close attention to the global trade advances made by major agricultural competitors, he shares the opinion that an emphasis on quality will differentiate U.S. products and lead to continuing opportunities for American agriculture.

“When I look at Brazil, for example, and what they’re exporting in terms of animal proteins, what they’re doing in terms of exporting grains, the reality is, they’re mostly exporting commodities,” said Tom. “And this is where the real opportunity is for U.S. agriculture – to make sure that we add value and ensure that we set ourselves apart in the global marketplace, to maintain and grow our markets.”

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Closing on $400; Pork Margins Solid

Tue, 21 May 2024 21:40:05 GMT

Cattle feeding margins grew significantly last week as the cash market saw an average $3 rally. Beef and pork packers both saw their margins improve with higher cutout values, but beef packer losses remain near $100 per head.

Negotiated cash cattle sold at $189.43 per cwt. the week ending May 18, boosting feedyard margins gained $83 per head for an industry average profit of $375. Meanwhile, beef packers found a $40 per head improvement that left their average losses at $98 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . That puts the margin spread at $473 per head in favor of the feeder, an increase of $34.

Composite wholesale beef prices posted $4.70 per cwt. gains to close at $302.13 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $378.08 per head, down $6.13 per head from the previous week, and about $188 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $162.68 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $184.61 per cwt., which is about $5 per cwt. higher than the previous week. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $258.62 per cwt., or $9.62 per cwt. higher than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 21% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,277 per head, down $41 per head from the previous week and up 7% from last year’s estimate of $2,123 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 487,370, down 19,560 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 83.2% compared to 86.5% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins at $46 per head last week, down $3 from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $91.48 per cwt., down $2.28 per cwt. from the previous week and $2.80 per cwt. higher than last year.

Pork packers saw average profits of $9 per head, or $10 per head better than the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were $19 in the red. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.404 million head, up 25,000 head from the previous week and down 3,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 89.2% compared to 89.2% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Denver Voters to Decide Two Anti-Agriculture Ballot Measures

Fri, 03 May 2024 14:55:55 GMT

A pair of ballot measures representing the extreme ideologies of animal rights activists have made it onto November’s ballot in Denver.

One ballot measure would prohibit slaughterhouses in the city of Denver beginning in January 2026. That initiative seems targeted at Superior Farms, Inc., an employee-owned lamb abattoir that has been in business for 70 years in the city and employs 170 workers. Superior Farms is the only slaughterhouse inside the city, although several further processing plants for beef and pork are operating inside the city.

In a statement, the National Western Stock Show board of directors says the proposed ban is a direct attack on agriculture, “not only statewide but nationally, and we are deeply concerned that this is a ‘beachhead’ for the industry. The ripple effect could embolden a similar statewide effort.”

A second ballot measure would ban fur in the city of Denver. Led by the by the animal rights group Pro-Animal Future, the measure would prohibit the manufacture and sale of new fur in the city. The potential law would go into effect in 2025 and give exemptions for second-hand fur and Indigenous fur trading. Boulder passed a similar measure in 2021.

The fur ballot initiative would only “target the continued factory-farming and trapping of animals for luxury fashion sales,” Pro-Animal Future spokesperson Phoenix Huber said in a statement.

But the National Western Stock Show says the no-fur initiative would affect a broad range of products, including “coats, handbags, wallets, shoes, gloves, rugs, and cowboy hats. As a result, many of our Stock Show vendors would be unable to attend and sell their goods at our show, or anywhere in Denver.”

The Board of the National Western Stock Show has authorized funds to be invested into stopping both ballot measures this November.

For more information about the ban on slaughterhouses or make a contribution, visit: stopthebanprotectjobs.com.

A campaign to stop the fur ban is called “Keep your hands off my hat Denver.” Contributions can be mailed to 1580 Lincoln Street, Suite 1260, Denver, CO 80203. Please make checks payable to “Hands off my hat Denver”.

Read More:

Why Pork is in the Crosshairs of Animal Rights Extremists

Animal Activists Are Waging War in Your Backyard

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Exceeds $400

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:52:32 GMT

Negotiated cash cattle sold $3 lower last week but lower costs helped boost feedyard margins $30 per head for an industry average profit of $202. Meanwhile, beef packers saw their margins erode another $50 per head to average losses of $224 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . That puts the margin spread at $426 per head in favor of the feeder.

Cash cattle averaged $186.50 per cwt. the week ending Apr. 6, while composite wholesale beef prices posted $7.21 per cwt. losses to close at $291.35 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $378 per head, down about $10 per head from the previous week, and about $219 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $172.07 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $172.04 per cwt., which is down about $8 per cwt. from the previous week. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $2339.97 per cwt., or $10 per cwt. less than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 20% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,409 per head, down $69 per head from the previous week and up 11% from last year’s estimate of $2,138 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 484,764, up 10,796 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 82.8% compared to 80.9% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins at $31 per head last week, up $14 from the previous week. Lean carcass prices averaged $86.85 per cwt., up $4.62 per cwt. from the previous week and $13.04 per cwt. higher than last year.

Pork packers saw profits of about $10 per head, or $5 per head less than the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were near breakeven. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.421 million head, up 17,000 head from the previous week and up 52,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 89.8% compared to 88.2% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Nalivka: Other Important Factors at Play in Cattle, Hog Markets

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:13:14 GMT

As cattle numbers continue to fall in the wake of the 2021-2022 drought and significant herd liquidation followed by sharply higher grain prices, factors that may not have seemed nearly as important become critical and impact both the market and market participants. Those impacts will reach across the supply chain.

Corporate announcements of changes (reductions) in plant operations are one impact. Tyson’s announcement this week to close their pork plant in Perry, IA at the end of June is perhaps the first of similar announcements by other firms as the year progresses. While it concerns the pork industry, I believe this announcement is a sign of “more to come” across the red meat supply chain.

The economic environment of both the beef and pork industries has changed. It is having an impact and will continue to impact on the beef and pork industries, including livestock numbers, utilization of capacity across the industry (beef and pork), labor, water and other environmental factors, and consumer demand.

I recently told a client that while forage availability and prices drive the cattle cycle, other factors will increasingly play a greater role. Further, in analyzing red meat and poultry markets, total meat supplies and competition at the meat case has always been a key part of the discussion. While it is certainly still part of the discussion, the role of total meat supply in price analysis may have changed as consumer preferences change for reasons we have not traditionally considered. I continue to emphasize the importance of demand as a key factor as the year progresses.

Capacity is a critical issue for the red meat and poultry industries and utilization of that capacity has a significant impact on margins. I can only emphasize that point. This is true regardless of the industry and/or the industry sector whether it be as in the case of the beef industry - packers, feedlots, and yes, even cow-calf producers. Replace feedlots with a finishing operation for the pork industry and the list is just as inclusive.

Market impact goes beyond the supply and demand. There are other consumer-driven factors that are becoming increasingly important - an increased government role in the market with increased regulations, changes in global trade and global trade policy decisions, and even the politics of an election year that could impact both the supply and consumer buying over the remainder of 2024 and beyond. The end result is not necessarily negative, but the likelihood of increased volatility is a reality which in turn supports the need for increased awareness and to actively manage risk.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Near Breakeven, Packer Margins Remain Triple Digits

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 13:27:46 GMT

Near steady cash cattle prices combined with slightly higher feed costs to wipe out the narrow profit margins cattle feeders found the week before last. The result was an average loss of $1.75 per head for the week ending Mar. 2 compared to the $14 profit the week before. Beef packers saw their margins improve more than $60 per head, yet average losses were estimated at $106 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker.

Cash cattle averaged $183.42 per cwt. the week ending Mar. 2, while wholesale beef prices posted $4 per cwt. gains to close at $289.86 per cwt. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $376 per head, up about $4 per head from the previous week, and about $215 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $183.54 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $174.46 per cwt., which is about $4 per cwt. higher than a month ago. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $244.26 per cwt., or $9 per cwt. more than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 24% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,570 per head, up 17% from last year’s estimate of $2,130 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 467,819, down 18,845 head from the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 79.9% compared to 83.1% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found positive margins at $4 per head last week, up from the breakeven closeouts the previous week. That marks the first positive margins for pork producers in 14 months. Lean carcass prices averaged $75.59 per cwt., $2.13 per cwt. higher than the previous week and down $5.21 from last year (-6%).

Pork packers saw profits of about $23 per head, or $5 per head less than the previous week. Last year pork packers saw profits of $1 per head. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.549 million head, down 29,000 head from the previous week and up 27,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 93.8% compared to 92.9% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

John Deere Introduces 326 P-Tier Compact Wheel Loader

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:39:03 GMT

John Deere announces the release of its new 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader. The 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader offers 16-plus feet of reach from its telescopic lift arm while still being compact enough to work in barns or other tight spaces.

“Operators will enjoy it for the cab visibility, the boom controls and the exclusive Articulation Plus steering system,” said Luke Gribble, John Deere go-to-market manager. “Put it all together, and the 326 P-Tier is a real multitool for the farm or ranch.”

To help guard against overloading, The Load Torque Indicator System gives visual and audible alarms if stability limits are exceeded during lifting, lowering or extension of the lift arm. In addition, a separate indicator warns of potential overload of the tilt cylinder.

“Features like these help make the 326 P-Tier an operator-friendly wheel loader for farmers and ranchers,” Gribble said. “And it is perfect for less-experienced operators.”

Inside the cab, operators will find a comfortable, easy-to-navigate environment. A 9-inch touchscreen display puts key information within easy view, and it shows key data such as warnings, status and machine-positioning information.

Conveniently placed electro-hydraulic controls offer Auto Return-to-Dig, and Auto Lift and Lower functions, and help to reduce cycle times. Optional boom-mounted lights and standard overhead window allow for a clear view to the end of the telescoping arm.

The new compact wheel loader also features a 23-mph top speed to help move quickly between jobs. And for tight turning in barns and other cramped spaces, its Articulation Plus steering system offers a full 30 degrees of articulation plus 10 additional degrees of rear-wheel steering.

To learn more about the new 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader, visit JohnDeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

America’s Premier Farmers and Ranchers to Gather at 2024 Top Producer Summit in Kansas City

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:53:49 GMT

– Farm Journal ’s 27^th Annual Top Producer Summit , agriculture’s premier educational and networking event, is set for Feb. 5-7, 2024, at the Loews Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. The event will bring many of the nation’s top farmers and ranchers together to share business opportunities and ideas to take their operations to the next level.

The 2024 Top Producer Summit will feature industry-leading speakers on finance, innovative management practices, human resources, technology and succession planning. Attendees will also enjoy a night out networking at Kansas City’s Power & Light District.

The event will recognize several of the nation’s most outstanding farm operations. Finalists for the 2024 Top Producer of the Year Award include:

Christiansen Land and Cattle, Christine Hamilton, Kimball, S. D.
Garrett Land & Cattle, Kelly Garrett, Arion, Iowa
Haynie Farms, P.J. Haynie, Virginia and Arkansas

Top Producer also proudly awards two additional outstanding leaders in agriculture at the annual awards ceremony. The winner of the Top Producer Women in Agriculture Award will be awarded to Pam Johnson of Floyd, Iowa. The Top Producer Next Gen Award will go to Hallie Shoffner of SFR Seed in Newport, Ark.

Join us in Kansas City to honor these producers during the TP Summit event which includes dinner and the awards banquet. If you are not able to join in person, the entire awards banquet will be streamed live on Feb. 6 at AgWeb.com .

“Top Producer Summit is one of Farm Journal’s annual highlights for the farmers that attend and for Farm Journal to host as a company,” said Charlene Finck, president of Farm Journal. “It is the connection point for leading ag businesses with its superior networking and thought-provoking program.”

Agenda items include:

A pre-conference workshop on succession planning led by Rena Striegel of Transition Point Business Advisors
General session presented by mountaineer and business leader Vanessa O’Brien
Panel discussion of what’s next in the farm economy moderated by Tyne Morgan
Fireside Chat with Howard Buffett
General Session with innovator and creativity coach Kyle Scheele

Top Producer Summit is supported by platinum sponsors BASF, Case IH and Rabo Agrifinance. Silver Sponsors include NewLeaf Symbiotics. Bronze sponsors for the event include AGCO/FENDT, Balzer, Certis Biologicals, Corteva Agriscience, FMC, Growers, Pattern Ag, Precision Risk Management, Timac Agro USA and Tracer Minerals.

For the full agenda and to register for Top Producer Summit, go to www.tpsummit.com .

About Farm Journal

Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. Started 147 years ago with the preeminent Farm Journal magazine, the company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences, seminars and tradeshows; nationally broadcasted television and radio programs; a robust mobile-text-marketing business; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal also is the majority shareholder of the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.

Industry Mourns Passing of Jarold Callahan

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 21:08:24 GMT

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jarold Callahan who served as the President of our Express Ranches for 27 years,” said Express Ranches owner Bob Funk, Sr., in a statement posted on social media.

(Farm Journal)

Callahan, 69, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Miami, Okla. In addition to his tenure at Express Ranches, Callahan was one of the founders of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Congress and was serving as its board chairman. He also served as a member of the American Angus Association® Board of Directors from 2004 through 2012, serving as President and Chairman of the Board in 2012.

“Jarold was not only a dedicated leader but also a cherished friend of our family,” Funk said. “His visionary leadership, unwavering commitment, and passion for our ranching business played a pivotal role in its success and growth. Under his guidance, we have achieved significant milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire us in the years to come.”

The Cattlemen’s Congress released a statement calling Callahan one of the most influential figures in the cattle industry.

“His dedication extended to serving as a beacon of inspiration for the upcoming generation, urging them to think creatively and venture beyond conventional boundaries in the livestock industry,” the statement said.

“Callahan also served in many other prestigious roles and has received countless accolades, most recently as the 2023 inductee into the historical Saddle & Sirloin portrait gallery. Previously, after his distinguished livestock judging career, he transitioned into education, becoming an Assistant Professor of Animal Science and the Livestock Judging team coach at Oklahoma State University. Coaching multiple national champion teams and contributing to the construction of the OSU Animal Science Arena, Callahan demonstrated a deep commitment to the beef cattle industry and its future.”

Callahan grew up near Welch, Oklahoma on a diversified family farm and cattle operation where he developed his passion for farming and ranching. He continued on to be a member of the Northeast Oklahoma (NEO) A&M Livestock Judging team and the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Livestock Judging team where he was second high individual overall at both Fort Worth and Houston, as well as third high individual overall at Chicago.

The celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Profit Tracker: Cattle Margins Fall Underwater

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:18:21 GMT

Cattle feeders have seen profit margins tumble more than $300 per head over the past month as cash prices eroded an average of nearly $9 per cwt. Last week found margins decline about $97 per head to an average loss of $2.67 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . That marked the first average negative margin since Oct. of last year. Beef packers found improving margins, yet remain $69 per head underwater. The packer-feeder margin spread narrowed to $66, advantage cattle feeders.

For the week ending Nov. 18, cash cattle prices averaged $177.77 per cwt., which is roughly $2 lower than the previous week. Wholesale beef prices posted an average of $291.54 per cwt., a $3.62 per cwt. decline from the previous week. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $516 per head, down about $10 per head from the previous week, and about $5 more than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a month ago. Feed costs are 17% lower than a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $177.96 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $165.71 per cwt., which is about $11 per cwt. lower than a month ago. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $225.09 per cwt., or $17 per cwt. less than a month ago. The feeder steer price is 22% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,491 per head, up 19% from last year’s estimate of $2,026 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 490,356, up 13,878 head from the previous week and 27,579 fewer than the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 83.7% compared to 90.6% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers saw losses of $28 per head last week, about $9 more than losses the previous week. Pork producers saw breakeven margins the same week a year ago. Lean carcass prices averaged $64.70 per cwt., down $3.96 per cwt. from the previous week and down $23.03 from last year (-26%).

Pork packers saw profits of about $39 per head, or $5 per head more than the previous week, and their best profit margins since January 2022. Last year pork packers saw profits of $7 per head. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.649 million head, up 72,000 head from the previous week and up 52,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 97.8% compared to 94.2% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)

Profit Tracker: Packer Margins Continue Eroding

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:37:08 GMT

Beef packers recorded losses of $66 per head for the week ending Sept. 23, slipping further into the red after losses of $10 per head the previous week. Cattle feeding margins retreated $40 per head to average profits of $304 per head, according to the Sterling Beef Profit Tracker . The packer-feeder margin spread widened to $370 per head in favor of cattle feeders.

For the week ending September 23, cash cattle prices averaged $185.25 per cwt., up about $0.84 from the previous week. That price is 22% higher than last year’s $145.45 per cwt. cash price.

Wholesale beef prices posted an average of $299.31 per cwt., a $4.73 per cwt. decline from the previous week and a $10.51 decline over two weeks. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are calculated by Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore.

Cattle sold last week carried a total feed cost of $564 per head, up about $15 per head from the previous week, and about $38 less than feed costs for cattle sold the same week a year ago.

Cattle marketed last week had a breakeven of $163.52 per cwt., while cattle placed on feed last week have a breakeven of $183.54 per cwt. Cattle placed last week are calculated to have a purchase price for 750-800 lb. feeder steers at $255.35 per cwt., and feed costs of $375.92 per head. The feeder steer price is 31% higher than last year.

The estimated total cost for finishing a steer last week was $2,289 per head, up 14% from last year’s estimate of $1,971 per head.

Fed cattle slaughter totaled an estimated 491,250 down 5,502 head from the previous week and 31,633 fewer than the same week last year. Packing plant capacity utilization was estimated at 83.9% compared to 91.4% last year.

Farrow-to-finish hog producers found a profit of about $1 per head last week, about $4 per head better than the $3 loss the previous week. Pork producers saw profits of $26 per head the same week a year ago. Lean carcass prices averaged $80.47 per cwt., down $0.66 per cwt. from the previous week.

Pork packers closed the week with $29 per head profits, up $2 per head from the previous week. Last year pork packer margins were negative $3 per head. Hog slaughter was estimated at 2.537 million head, up 6,000 head from the week before and down 18,000 head from last year.

Pork packer capacity utilization was estimated at 93.7% compared to 92.6% last year.

(Note: The Sterling Beef Profit Tracker calculates an average beef cutout value for the week in its estimates for feedyard and packer margins. Other prices in the weekly Profit Tracker also are calculated weekly averages. Feedyard margins are calculated on a cash basis only with no adjustment for risk management practices. The Beef and Pork Profit Trackers are intended only as a benchmark for the average cash costs of feeding cattle and hogs. Sterling Marketing is a private, independent beef and pork consulting firm not associated with any packing company or livestock feeding enterprise.)