Welcome to the 132nd edition of Ranching.com – the leading cattle management resource for a community of 96,000+ ranchers and farmers.

🐄 Heifers - Buy, Raise or Wait? - With replacement heifer numbers near historic lows, producers are taking a closer look at whether it's more profitable to buy females, raise their own or wait for market conditions to change. The right decision depends on each operation's costs, available resources and long-term herd goals, making careful planning more important than ever.

🚛 Border Reopening Brings Hope - The USDA has announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to Mexican cattle imports, beginning with the Douglas, Arizona, port after strengthened New World screwworm control efforts. The move is expected to improve cattle movement, support beef supplies and provide additional marketing opportunities while maintaining strict animal health inspections.

🌾 New Pest Threatens Texas Pastures - A newly emerging pasture mealybug is spreading across Texas, damaging forage grasses that cattle depend on for grazing and hay production. With limited control options currently available, early detection and close pasture monitoring are critical to reducing its impact on forage production and livestock operations.

🥩 Stable Prices, Strong Demand - Beef prices are expected to remain relatively stable through the summer, supported by strong consumer demand despite historically tight cattle supplies. While beef remains more expensive than other proteins, continued demand and steady markets point to a positive outlook for the cattle industry.

💉 The Risks of Remote Drug Delivery - Remote drug delivery can be a valuable tool when cattle can't be safely handled, but it should be used only when other treatment options aren't practical. Improper use can increase stress, reduce treatment effectiveness and create animal welfare concerns, making proper training and technique essential.

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