It’s the Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they get a preview of the big one, the Big Horn Classic from Superior Livestock. Close to 200,000 head will sell next week. Plus the latest cattle industry news, upcoming sales and lots more on this all-new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.
Superior Livestock Auction Big Horn Classic
Close to 200,000 head of cattle are consigned to Superior Livestock’s Big Horn Classic next week in Sheridan, Wyoming. Tune in on Dish Network Channel 997 or watch online at SLA-TV.com.
Cattle Industry News
The Senate Agriculture Committee Will Get Another Shot At Moving The Farm Bill Forward
Committee Chairman John Boozman of Arkansas says senators will return in September for another vote after the Farm Bill package failed to advance.
Boozman says he expects the committee to vote on the same bill, and he believes Democrats could face pressure from farmers, ranchers and rural communities that want the Farm Bill completed.
A major sticking point is SNAP, or food assistance. Democrats want to delay a requirement that states begin sharing the cost of SNAP benefits by two years. Boozman offered a one-year delay, along with other bipartisan provisions.
The bill also ran into a numbers problem.
Senator Mitch McConnell, who is on medical leave, was able to vote by proxy on amendments. But Senate rules don't allow proxy votes to determine whether a bill advances to the Senate floor. McConnell's absence, along with another Republican voting by proxy, helped prevent the bill from moving forward.
During the markup, senators also approved an amendment bringing back mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef, known as MCOOL.
It marks the first time the Senate has taken action on beef MCOOL since the 2008 Farm Bill.
Boozman says getting the Farm Bill passed before the midterm elections will take a “miracle” — but says it can happen with cooperation.
REFERENCE: https://farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2026/08/senate-farm-bill-fails-ag-committee-to-vote-again-in-september/
Tight Beef Supplies Cut U.S. Exports, But Global Demand Remains Strong
U.S. beef exports were down during the first half of 2026, as tight domestic supplies limited the amount of beef available for export.
According to USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, beef exports from January through June totaled about 546,000 metric tons, worth 4-point-74 billion dollars.
That’s a 9 percent drop in volume compared to the first half of 2025. But strong beef prices around the world helped limit the decline in export value to just 4 percent.
The June numbers were actually more encouraging. Export volume was down less than 6 percent, while export value increased nearly 3 percent from June of last year.
China continues to be a major challenge for U.S. beef. American beef has been almost completely shut out of China since March of 2025.
Excluding China, U.S. beef exports are down just 1 percent, while export value is actually up 6 percent.
Exports to some of the biggest markets were lower. Japan was down 8 percent, South Korea dropped 10 percent, Mexico was down 1 percent, and Canada fell 14 percent.
But there were some bright spots.
Hong Kong beef exports jumped 83 percent, while shipments to Taiwan increased 11 percent.
USMEF President Dan Halstrom says global demand for U.S. beef remains very resilient, even with record-high prices.
And with potential changes in China's beef import policies later this year, exporters see opportunities ahead — if trade barriers can be overcome.
REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/tight-beef-supplies-weighing-on-us-exports/
Early Weaning Can Help Ranchers Beat Drought
Drought is hitting many major cow-calf areas, and with summer heat spreading across the country, producers are looking for ways to stretch forage supplies.
One option is early weaning. Calves can be weaned at around 90 to 120 days old, taking pressure off cows and pastures during late summer and fall.
Zoetis veterinarian Dr. Jess Hinrichs says young calves can adapt quickly to dry lots, especially during the warmer months.
Before weaning, calves should ideally be vaccinated two to three weeks ahead of time to give their immune systems time to respond.
When it’s time to wean, producers should provide shade, bedding and plenty of clean, fresh water. Young calves can dehydrate quickly in hot weather.
Nutrition is also critical. Calves weighing less than 400 pounds need a high-quality diet with good forage, along with the right balance of energy and protein to support rumen development and growth.
Dr. Hinrichs and nutritionist Dr. Blaine Corners recommend working closely with your veterinarian and nutritionist to develop an early-weaning plan.
In a drought year, early weaning can help protect your cows, stretch your forage and keep those calves gaining pounds.
Border Reopening Planned As Screwworm Safeguards Expend
The U.S. is preparing to reopen part of the southern border to Mexican cattle later this month. The Douglas, Arizona, port is scheduled to begin accepting cattle from Sonora on August 24, following more than a year of restrictions tied to New World screwworm.
Officials say cattle will face enhanced inspections, treatment, electronic identification and traceability requirements before entering the U.S.
The reopening is expected to help restore cattle supplies to feedlots and border communities, while giving officials a chance to evaluate the safeguards before considering additional ports.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to control and eventually eradicate New World screwworm, including expanded production and release of sterile flies.
JBS Reports Lower Profits Despite Record Sales
JBS reported record second-quarter sales of nearly $24 billion, but profits fell as high cattle and pork prices squeezed margins.
Adjusted operating income dropped 34%, while the company reported a $102 million net loss, compared with a $528 million profit a year ago.
JBS’s North American beef business posted record sales, helped by strong beef prices and consumer demand. But tight cattle supplies pushed live cattle costs even higher, putting pressure on packer margins.
JBS also announced its Pennsylvania beef plant will stop harvesting cattle August 14, but the facility will remain open as a case-ready operation, preserving about 400 jobs.
The company says it plans to invest more than $30 million there over the next decade.
Feeder Cattle Sale Dates & Deadlines
August 17 - 21: Superior Livestock Auction BigHorn Classic Sale
August 24: Superior Livestock Auction Labor Day Catalog Deadline
August 28: Superior Livestock Auction Labor Day Video Deadline
September 2 - 3: Superior Livestock Auction Labor Day Sale
September 7: Western Video Market Haythorn Ranch Consignment Deadline
September 14: Northern Livestock Video Fall Premier Sale
September 15: Western Video Market Haythorn Ranch Sale
Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry
Mike Bollinger – Superior Livestock Auction
https://superiorlivestock.com/
Follow on Facebook: @SuperiorLivestockAuction
Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos
Contact Us with Questions or Concerns
Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via:
Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420
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Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms.
Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC
Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production.
Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC.
https://tiggerandbec.com/
Industry References, Partners and Resources
For additional information on industry trends, products, and services, check out these trusted resources:
American Gelbvieh Association: https://gelbvieh.org/
EquineMarket.Com: https://www.equinemarket.com/
Imogene Ingredients: https://www.imogeneingredients.com/
Jorgensen Land & Cattle: https://jorgensenfarms.com/
LivestockMarket.Com: https://www.livestockmarket.com/
RanchChannel.Com: https://ranchchannel.com/
RFD-TV: https://www.rfdtv.com/
Rural Radio Network: https://www.ruralradio147.com/
Sire Buyer: https://www.sirebuyer.com/
Westway Feed Products: https://westwayfeed.com/
Wrangler: https://www.wrangler.com/
