Ranching.com is your weekly dose of trending news, seasonal tips, and community content put together by our team of ranchers.

NEWS

💪 Fortifying the Future

💪 Fortifying the Future - The House Agriculture Committee's markup of the $1.51 trillion Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 concluded with bipartisan support, as four Democrats joined all 29 panel Republicans in voting for the measure. Despite initial skepticism, the bill garnered praise for its farmer-friendly provisions, including increased funding for key USDA programs. However, tensions persisted, with Republicans blocking Democratic amendments concerning SNAP benefits and conservation funding. With prospects for timely passage uncertain, the possibility of another farm bill extension looms.

🧬Angus Answers: More on “Neurological Unknowns” - The recent article discussing "The unraveling of an Angus genetic mystery" refers to an incident in 2016 where nine calves were diagnosed with bovine familial convulsions and ataxia (BFCA) shortly after birth. Through collaborative research, a novel mutation limited to the bull and his affected calves was identified. Although the article suggests a potential risk within the Angus population, the mutation is a rare occurrence and not a concern for other cattle. Testing is unnecessary, as this mutation is specific to this case and not indicative of broader genetic issues. This case underscores the importance of reporting abnormal calves to aid in early identification and containment of genetic conditions.

🏷 EID Update - Animal disease traceability (ADT) is crucial for emergency response during outbreaks, allowing authorities to track diseased and at-risk animals. The US's primary system, the National Uniform Eartagging System (NUES), now includes radiofrequency (EID) tags alongside traditional metal tags. A recent USDA rule shifts to exclusively using EID tags for official identification starting in November 2024, without mandating tagging for all cattle. Official identification is required only under specific conditions and for certain cattle classes, particularly for program disease testing and interstate movement. This change ensures effective disease control measures, especially for beef and dairy cattle over 18 months old and those used for events or exhibitions during interstate travel.

👅 Self-Fed Supplements - Protein supplementation is vital in grazing cattle operations, but daily hand feeding can be labor-intensive. Self-fed lick tubs offer a convenient alternative, although intake management is crucial. Studies show variable results in comparison to daily feeding, with factors like tub hardness and cattle experience affecting consumption. Monitoring tub intake ensures effective supplementation, considering factors like stocking rate and tub hardness. While convenient, ensuring adequate intake is essential for cost-effective supplementation.

🥩 Greener Pastures - Pasture and hay stocks in the U.S. have significantly improved compared to last year, with hay stocks up by 46.6% and fewer areas rated as poor to very poor in pasture conditions. Major beef cow states also show considerable improvement. However, concerns remain due to the forecasted return of La Niña conditions, which could affect temperatures and precipitation levels in key cattle regions.

🌾 Range Report - A recent analysis by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) found that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rangelands across 10 Western states, covering 155 million acres, are in poor ecological health. Over 56 million acres fail to meet Land Health Standards, with livestock grazing identified as a major cause. Despite this, most BLM state offices are renewing grazing permits without required environmental reviews. PEER and Western Watersheds Project filed a lawsuit against BLM for neglecting Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) requirements.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Weather Outlook: Summer & Fall… Brrr?

This episode of Working Ranch Radio Show features meteorologist Don Day, who discusses an in-depth look at the extended weather forecast for summer and fall across North America, what the developing La Niña weather pattern means for you, and the advancements in modern weather forecasting and explore how we can achieve even greater accuracy in our predictions. Are you an Antidotal Climatologist? Learn what this intriguing term means and how it might apply to you. Plus, Purina’s Ted Perry offers valuable tips on optimizing our management strategies in marketing calves and managing replacements.

Become a Better Client for Your Veterinarian in 5 Steps 

Dr. Lacey Fahrmeier, a veterinarian, stresses the need to support rural vets to combat burnout and attract new talent. She advises fostering strong relationships, setting boundaries, understanding potential cost increases, prioritizing safety, and considering emergencies carefully. Ultimately, she emphasizes mutual appreciation and understanding to sustainably support both animals and communities.

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK

Let us know what you'd like to see more of in future Ranching.com newsletters and win one of three Ranching.com RTIC Water Bottles!

CATTLE COMMUNITY

unlfeedlot

View more on Instagram

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS

Maintain

• “Strike a scientific and humane balance; no fear-based controls but no complacency either.”

GIVE FEEDBACK & WIN!