🥩 Beef Price Plan Shakes Markets

A Less Stressful Way to Wean, Rebuilding The Nation’s Cowherd, Classic Beef Shepherd's Pie, and Classic Beef Shepherd's Pie Recipe from Ranching.com by CattleMax.

August 26, 2026

Welcome to the 136th edition of Ranching.com – the leading cattle management resource for a community of 96,000+ ranchers and farmers.

IN THE NEWS

🥩 Beef Price Plan Shakes Markets

🥩 Beef Price Plan Shakes Markets - President Trump announced a plan aimed at lowering ground beef prices by increasing beef imports as U.S. cattle supplies remain tight. The announcement sent cattle markets lower and raised concerns about the potential impact on U.S. cattle producers.

📄 SPUR Applications Open - USDA has opened applications for its $500 million SPUR program, designed to support independent and regional beef processors facing higher cattle acquisition costs amid historically tight supplies. The program aims to preserve processing capacity, strengthen competition and maintain more market options for U.S. cattle producers.

🌱 More Grass, More Cattle - The bipartisan RANCH Act would create a voluntary program to convert marginal cropland into grazing land, potentially expanding the acres available for cattle production. Supporters say the proposal could help producers rebuild the U.S. cattle herd while strengthening grasslands and rural communities.

🤖 AI Beyond the Hype - Artificial intelligence is finding practical uses in agriculture, helping producers sort through data, streamline everyday tasks and make more informed management decisions. While AI won't replace hands-on experience, it could become another useful tool for saving time and improving efficiency on the farm.

💰 What Is That Heifer Really Worth? - High replacement heifer prices make it important to know what your operation can afford to pay before heading to the sale. Calculating a breakeven based on expected calf income, annual cow costs, longevity and future value can help determine whether a replacement female truly pencils out.

🪰 NWS Watch

Tracking the Latest Developments and Industry Response

You can't manage what you don't measure.

Accurate weights help you track cattle performance and make informed management decisions. Knowing what your cattle weigh gives you an important metric for managing your herd.

With Tru-Test scale systems from CattleScales.com, you can collect accurate, consistent weights every time cattle cross the chute.

* This is sponsored content from CattleScales.com

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

A Less Stressful Way to Wean

Fence-line weaning allows calves to remain close to their mothers while gradually adjusting to separation, helping reduce stress during the weaning process. This approach can lead to calmer calves, better feed intake and a smoother transition for both cows and calves.

BEHIND THE MIC

Rebuilding The Nation’s Cowherd

Rebuilding The Nation’s Cowherd & JBS Plant Closures  - Ranch It Up Radio Show

Hear more about rebuilding the nation’s cowherd plus details on the JBS beef processing plant closures.

Ranch It Up Radio Show • Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt

NATURAL DISASTERS
CATTLE COMMUNITY

Beef Cattle Research Council

A mineral deficiency occurs when an animal’s intake of essential minerals is insufficient to meet bodily requirements. This results in impaired growth, reduced immunity or lower reproduction.

Know the signs of mineral deficiency and tips for getting the most from your mineral program.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Classic Beef Shepherd's Pie

Talk about satisfying. Ground beef, vegetables, and gravy are baked under pillowy mashed potatoes. If it's not yet already, this will soon be a family favorite recipe.
Get the recipe

READER POLL

What should be the priority when addressing high beef prices?

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LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

What matters most when selecting a herd bull for your herd?

26.25%: EPDs and genetic data

35%: Structural soundness

22.5%: Calving Ease

16.25%: Growth and performance