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

NEWS

💵 Making Every Dollar Count

💵 Spend With a Purpose - With cow-calf production costs topping $1,000 per head, it’s tempting to slash expenses, but not all cuts are created equal. Kansas State’s Jason Warner urges producers to make data-driven decisions, especially in key areas like genetics, nutrition, and herd health, where small investments can yield major returns.

💉 Vaccine Storage Smarts - Improper storage temperatures, either freezing or too warm, can seriously compromise vaccine effectiveness in cattle, with risks ranging from reduced potency to life-threatening reactions. Experts urge producers to monitor fridge temps closely and follow label guidelines to protect herd health and maximize return on vaccination investments.

🗒️ Tax Shakeup Ahead - Farmers could see major changes in their income taxes this year as Congress debates extending or expanding provisions from the 2017 Trump tax cuts. While some benefits, like the 20% farm income deduction and increased estate tax exemption, may stick around or improve, the final outcome is still uncertain.

🥩 Meat Demand Soars - U.S. meat sales hit a record $104.6 billion in 2024, with a 2.3% increase in volume sold, according to the Power of Meat report. Nearly all households (98%) purchase meat, and 90% of home-cooked dinners include it, with beef, chicken, and pork leading the way as top protein choices.

📈 Grading Gaps - The USDA Yield Grade system, unchanged since 1965, no longer accurately reflects today’s heavier, more varied cattle. Experts say outdated metrics are hurting carcass valuation and sustainability efforts, and a Red Meat Yield Working Group is now exploring new technologies, like CT scanning and 3D imaging, to modernize how beef yield is measured.

VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB

Cattle First Documentary

This short film follows the Johnson family of Flying Diamond Ranch, offering a personal look at their approach to land stewardship, animal care, and the realities of modern ranching. Through their story, we explore the challenges and values of a multi-generational cattle operation. Boehringer Ingelheim proudly showcases their commitment to the Cattle First philosophy and supports ranchers working to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for the industry.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Fracture Fixes

Calf leg fractures are a springtime risk, often caused by slips, overcrowding, or being stepped on. Iowa State University experts emphasize prevention through good pen management and prompt vet care—including diagnosis, splinting, and pain control—to support healing and minimize long-term issues.

Feeding For Gains

Extending days on feed can increase carcass weight and potentially boost profits—especially when selling on a carcass-weight basis—but it’s not without risks. Iowa State experts caution that quality premiums may be offset by yield grade discounts, health issues, or weather impacts, making careful evaluation of past performance and market conditions essential.

CATTLE COMMUNITY

@cowgirlkessler

Perspective changes everything. #ranch #foryoupage #westernlifestyle #cowgirl #westernlifestyle #cowgirlsoftiktok⚡️ #ranchlife #cattle #fyp

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