The announcement by President Trump late last Thursday (October 16) that beef prices were too high and that a big deal may be coming with Argentina certainly threw the futures markets into pandemonium on Friday – limit down right at the opening bell and stayed that way all day. But if you look at the live markets last week, fed cattle actually sold for higher money. Auction markets around the country on Friday (October 17) still sold feeder cattle very well. Was it lower? Yes. But not near as much as I think was anticipated. Cattle futures on Monday morning...

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When land managers modify their management to improve soil health, it is often challenging to measure and evaluate the soil’s response. “There is no optimum standard for soil health in the same way that there is an optimal body temperature for human health,” Cathy Zabinski, professor of plant and soil ecology in MSU’s Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, said. Soil health varies greatly by soil type and climate, so Zabinski and Zane Ashford, a former graduate student, studied a site-specific indicator of soil health. The soil health gap is the difference in soil health characteristics between managed, disturbed land, which includes...

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The Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) recognized the top-performing cattle of 2025 with the prestigious Grid Master Awards during the 72nd Annual National Red Angus Convention in Loveland, Colorado. The award honors producers and feeders who combine superior Red Angus genetics with sound feeding and management practices to achieve industry-leading carcass results. To qualify for the Grid Master Award, cattle must be enrolled in RAAA’s Angus Access or Allied Access and meet strict carcass performance standards. Qualifying cattle must be marketed in lots of at least 30 head and achieve a minimum of 90 percent Choice and Prime, with...

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In a press conference on Thursday, October 16, President Donald Trump addressed the prices of a variety of goods and services in the United States from In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) drug treatments to oil and beef. In comments regarding his goal of getting the price of gasoline down closer to .00/gallon, President Trump said, “if you can get oil down, it’s such a big category, everything follows.” Trump continued, “…We are working on beef, and I think we have a deal on beef […] that would be the one product that we would say is a little bit higher than...

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Mitch Rippe, Nebraska Beef Council Director of Nutrition and Education, has been busy connecting the worlds of agriculture and dietetics through two impactful learning experiences for dietetic interns from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Beef Industry Farm Tour: In an effort to bridge the gap between dietetic programs and the agricultural industry, the Nebraska Beef Council recently hosted a comprehensive farm tour offering future dietitians’ firsthand exposure to the beef production cycle. Stops included Lienetics Ranch, Weber & Sons Co., and McLean Beef’s retail and processing facility, where students learned about sustainability, animal care,...

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It hadn’t been what Daisy had suspected. Banjo had responded with grace. The kind she definitely didn’t deserve after following Rascal’s lead and being a part of him dumping blue branding paint across them. Her papa showed her more in her mistake than she could truly understand, as a pup and all, but her gut felt it was a very important lesson. Daisy thought about what Banjo had said, “If you’re a part of the group, you’re as guilty as the one committing the crime-no matter the type of crime. Guilty is as guilty was,” Banjo had said. But it...

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Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE) and Eastern Montana Regenerative Agriculture (EMRA) are teaming up to offer two, two-day workshops for anyone ready to bring more clarity, efficiency, and ease to their ranch finances. The first workshop, “Are You Making It or Faking It?”, will take place November 17–18 at Miles Community College. The class will be led primarily by ranchers who have successfully implemented these strategies themselves, along with agricultural financial experts. Don’t expect to sit through two days of lectures. This is an interactive, hands-on experience. On day one, participants can plug in their own ranch information using the tools...

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NCBA is accepting nominations for the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards. Established in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) annually recognizes outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers across the country. “Since its inception 35 years ago, this prestigious program has recognized 235 cattle operations for their stewardship efforts,” NCBA President, Buck Wehrbein said. “We look forward to finding the next deserving stewards and sharing their stories.” Any individual, group, or organization is eligible to nominate one individual or business raising or feeding cattle. While individuals and families may not nominate themselves, they should be involved in the...

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A heifer that calves late in her first breeding season is already behind – and likely to stay that way. “It starts a vicious cycle,” Jordan Thomas, Ph.D., University of Missouri, said. “Where she calves late, breeds late the next year, and eventually falls out of the herd.” Whether producers are raising or buying their replacement heifers, focusing on strong herd management, disease prevention, and parasite control is the foundation of a successful breeding herd and long-term profitability. Ideally, heifers should conceive their first calf at 15 months of age and calve by 24 months. Breeding early sets her and...

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The Animal Agriculture Alliance has published a new “Meat Matters” Guide. The guide is a science-based resource highlighting why meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and seafood are essential to a balanced diet and sustainable food system. The report covers the nutritional benefits of these foods and addresses common misconceptions. “As Americans are putting a greater emphasis on hitting protein goals, animal protein is here to deliver with nutrient-dense food choices,” said Emily Ellis, director, communications and content, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “Whether it’s protein quality, vitamin B12, or iron absorption, these foods deliver essential nutrients that are difficult to replicate with plant-based...

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