Welcome to the 118th edition of Ranching.com – the leading cattle management resource for a community of 96,000+ ranchers and farmers.

🌾 Do Bigger Cows Pay Off? - The cattle industry is balancing a push for heavier carcass weights with the need for cows that are efficient on forage and lower-cost to maintain. Bigger cattle can boost sale weights, but they also require more feed, so matching cow size and genetics to your environment is key to long-term efficiency and profitability.

 ⚠️ Moving Bred Cows Risk - Moving bred cows during a key window in early pregnancy can increase the risk of losing pregnancies due to stress and handling. Paying attention to timing and minimizing movement during sensitive periods helps protect conception rates and keeps your herd on track.

📈 Record Prices in Joplin - Cattle prices at Joplin Regional Stockyards have reached historic highs, driven by strong beef demand and limited cattle supply. The strong market is fueling optimism among producers, even as they keep an eye on how long tight supplies will support these price levels.

🪰 Horn Flies Cost More Than You Think - Horn flies are more than a nuisance, they can cut average daily gain by around 15 percent, which can equal over a dollar per head per day in lost performance. With added stress, higher energy use and reduced efficiency, managing fly pressure is key to protecting both cattle health and your bottom line.

 🤝 JBS Deal Reached - JBS and union workers at the Greeley beef plant have reached a new labor agreement following a three-week strike that disrupted operations. The deal includes wage increases, bonuses and improved worker protections, helping the plant return to normal and bringing more stability back to the processing side of the industry.

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