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🥩 Is Your Butcher Calf Paying Off?
Texas fights screwworm threats, The expected beef yield, Smart weaning strategies, and How retailer view beef from Ranching.com by CattleMax.
Ranching.com is your weekly dose of trending news, seasonal tips, and community content put together by our team of ranchers.
IN THE NEWS
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture - Drovers
🥩 Is Your Butcher Calf Paying Off - Ever wonder how much beef you'll actually take home from a butcher calf? This article breaks down dressing percentage, hanging weight, and packaged yield, helping producers and customers alike set realistic expectations for how much meat ends up in the freezer.
➕ Early Pregnancy Checks Pay Off - Culling open heifers early can boost operational efficiency and reduce feed costs. This article explains how early pregnancy checking—within 30 to 60 days after breeding—allows producers to make timely management decisions, improve herd productivity, and avoid carrying unbred animals through the winter.
🪱 Texas Fights Screwworm Threat - In response to the new world screwworm case found in Mexico, Texas officials are deploying fly bait that mimics the scent of an open wound to prevent the pest from crossing the border. The strategy is part of an aggressive effort to protect U.S. livestock from this highly dangerous parasite.
🌱 Grazing for Success - Effective grazing starts with understanding your forage. This article outlines practical steps to match cattle numbers with forage availability, extend grazing days, and avoid overgrazing. Learn how small adjustments in planning and monitoring can lead to big gains in pasture productivity and herd performance.
⚡ Power Up Your Weaning - Looking for a smoother weaning process? This article explores why electric fencing may be the most effective method for fenceline weaning—reducing stress on calves and cows while keeping them close but separate. Learn how this setup helps improve calf performance and simplifies the transition.
VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB
RANCHING KNOW-HOW
Lindsey Pound - Drovers
Weaning calves is a pivotal moment in herd management, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. This article walks through common weaning methods—from abrupt separation to fenceline and two-stage techniques—outlining pros, cons, and stress considerations for each. It emphasizes the importance of aligning your weaning strategy with your operation’s goals, facilities, and marketing plans to support calf health and long-term productivity.
BEHIND THE MIC
CATTLE COMMUNITY
@cattlekate Musick Ranch Branding 2025 | @Emily Lee @Doc Broc @Carson Musick #ranch #ranchinglife #brandingiron #branding #roundup #cattleranch #cattl... See more
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I’d rather wear out than rust out.”
— George Whitefield
READER POLL
When you butcher a calf, which part of the yield process matters most to you? Why does it matter the most to you? |
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS
What’s the biggest factor influencing your decision to cull cows right now? | 17.17%: High cull cow prices 26.26%: Poor conception or pregnancy rates 7.07%: Drought or forage availability 39.39%: Age or health of the cow 10.10%: We’re not culling right now |
THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS
Age or health of the cow
“Age and health of the cow, even if they’re bred we’ve learned that our range may not be the best place for them. We also consider breed up, it’s expensive to run a open cow for a year.”
“Have plenty of grass and feed. Trying to get as many calves to market so keeping marginal cows if they can raise a calf ”
Poor conception or pregnancy rates
“age is also a big factor....a cow that doesn't raise a calf is like an employee who doesn't work...why have them”
High cull cow prices
“Our cow herd is pretty solid right now. However, with these prices, we will cash out and sell the bottom 20% of our herd. We are near the top of the cattle cycle, and I'd rather sell a little earlier than a little late!”
