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🧬 Are You Missing Out on Better Genetics?
Emergency Relief for Ranchers, Deworming Reality Check, Rotational Grazing & Matching Mineral to Your Herd from Ranching.com by CattleMax.
Ranching.com is your weekly dose of trending news, seasonal tips, and community content put together by our team of ranchers.
IN THE NEWS
Shutterstock - Beef Magazine
🧬Are You Missing Out on Better Genetics? - With more data available than ever, selecting the right seedstock can feel overwhelming. This article from Ohio State dives into how DNA testing and GE-EPDs can boost genetic accuracy—if you know how to use them. Learn how to cut through the data and make smarter, more profitable bull-buying decisions.
🪱 Screwworms: Still a Threat - The New World screwworm, once eradicated from the U.S., has reemerged in Mexico—raising concern for Texas livestock producers. Texas A&M AgriLife has released a new fact sheet outlining identification, risks, and prevention strategies for this invasive pest known for infesting wounds in living animals. Learn why awareness and early action are critical.
💰 Emergency Relief for Ranchers - Livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfire in 2023 or 2024 will automatically receive Emergency Livestock Relief Program payments, thanks to $1 billion in USDA funding. No action is needed for eligible producers already enrolled in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Additional aid for other losses, like flooding, is expected later this summer.
💉 Deworming Reality Check - A recent Kentucky field study raises concerns about parasite control in cattle, showing common dewormers like pour-on ivermectin may no longer be effective. With resistance on the rise, producers are encouraged to evaluate their parasite protocols and consult with a vet to ensure treatments are actually doing the job.
📄 New Livestock Insurance Rules for 2026 - Big updates are coming to Livestock Risk Protection insurance for 2026, including coverage for forward-contracted cattle, unborn calves, and cull dairy cows. A drought hardship exemption will also allow more flexibility in early sales. These changes aim to give producers more ways to manage risk effectively.
VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB
RANCHING KNOW-HOW
Austin Schroeder
Turning out too early can hurt forage growth and set your herd back. Extension specialists share tips on pasture readiness, water checks, and avoiding early energy crashes to help you make the most of your grazing season.
Iowa Beef Center - Beef Magazine
When it comes to minerals, one-size-fits-all doesn’t work. The best supplement plan depends on your herd’s stage of production and forage quality. From magnesium for lush pastures to trace minerals for breeding success, seasonal adjustments can help keep your herd healthy and productive.
RANCHING AROUND THE WORLD RECAP
Global Beef Roundup: Focus on Australia [Beef Magazine]
Managing Young Cows Prior to Breeding [Canadian Cattlemen]
Canadian Beef Genetics Worth the Miles for International Buyers [Canadian Cattlemen]
CATTLE COMMUNITY
@sunshineacresbrangus We love seeing this big guy out on cows!! He’s back at Lake Majestik working on his next calf crop!! #sunshineacres #GENEPLUS #brangus #ul... See more
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Regenerative agriculture isn’t a new concept; it’s simply reverting to what the land was originally designed to do.”
— Noble Research Institute
READER POLL
How much do genomic tools like DNA testing and GE-EPDs factor into your bull buying decisions?💭Drop a comment and share what’s worked best for you—your insight might help another rancher make a better decision! |
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS
What's helped you tighten your calving season most? | 34.29%: Estrous synchronization 10%: Bull selection & soundness exam 32.86%: Cow body condition & nutrition 4.29%: Separating young pairs off 18.57%: Sill working on it |
THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS
Cow body condition & nutrition
“Body condition rules. Fundamental rule of energy balance. You can’t take something out if you don’t put something in.”
“In those lean, dry years, I can easily see the impact of thin cows and their ability to rebreed. Thankfully that is not presently the case.”
