Welcome to the 142nd edition of Ranching.com – the leading cattle management resource for a community of 96,000+ ranchers and farmers.

📉 Cull Cow Prices Slide - Cull cow prices are dropping faster than normal this fall as seasonal culling, dry conditions, increased dairy cow slaughter and additional lean beef imports add pressure to the market. Producers should weigh forage availability, feed costs and potential weight gain when deciding whether to sell open cows now or hold them for a possible seasonal price rebound.

🕷️ Fighting the Tick Threat - New federal legislation and executive action are putting more attention and resources toward controlling invasive ticks and the cattle diseases they can spread. For beef producers, the effort could mean stronger surveillance, improved prevention tools and greater support for protecting herd health as tick threats continue to expand.

💉 Building a Herd Health Playbook - A strong herd health plan starts with vaccinations timed to each animal’s age, production stage and specific disease risks. Building a relationship with a veterinarian before problems arise can also give producers trusted guidance on prevention, treatments and emergencies when they need it most.

🌱 Lease or Buy? - Leasing pasture can give cattle producers room to expand without taking on the significant debt that often comes with purchasing additional land. While leases offer flexibility and lower upfront costs, written agreements covering stocking rates, fencing, water and termination terms can help protect both producers and landowners.

❄️ Preparing the Herd for Winter - Fall is a key time to evaluate cow body condition, make strategic weaning decisions and plan ahead for winter nutrition and herd health needs. Taking stock of forage, feed supplies and cattle condition now can help producers head into colder months better prepared and avoid costly problems later.

CATTLE COMMUNITY

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

1