💰 Understanding the Basis of the Cattle Market

Creep Feeding, Bull Fertility, Importance of Shade, Foot Rot, and The Future for Cattle Grazing from Ranching.com by CattleMax.

July 09, 2025

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

IN THE NEWS

Drovers - Farm Journal

💰 Understanding the Basis of the Cattle Market - Many producers focus on cattle futures prices, but basis—the difference between local cash prices and futures—can be just as critical. This article explains why basis has become the biggest risk in today’s cattle market and what factors are driving the increased volatility. Understanding it could make all the difference in protecting your bottom line.

🌽 Creep Feeding: Profit or Expense- Creep feeding can boost weaning weights and market value, but it’s not always a guaranteed profit. This article breaks down when it makes financial sense based on calf prices, feed costs, pasture conditions, and marketing strategies. Find out how to evaluate whether creep feeding is a benefit—or just an added cost—for your operation.

📈 USDA to Reopen Markets - The USDA has announced a phased reopening of U.S. livestock markets in areas affected by H5N1, with updated guidance for biosecurity and testing. While restrictions are easing, producers will still need to follow specific protocols for cattle movement. Learn what this means for your operation going forward.

🐂 Unlocking Bull Fertility - New technology is revealing fertility issues in bulls that traditional semen tests might miss. By looking at sperm functionality beyond just motility and morphology, researchers are helping producers better identify sires that will perform in real-world breeding conditions. This breakthrough could lead to better conception rates and more efficient herd management.

🧬 Genetics That Pay - Genomic tools aren’t just for seedstock herds anymore. This article explains how commercial cattle producers are using DNA insights to improve selection decisions, boost productivity, and make smarter replacements—ultimately adding value from the ground up.

VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB
RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Feedlot Magazine - K-State Research and Extension

Foot rot can hit fast and cause big problems if not caught early. This article breaks down the signs, treatment options, and—most importantly—how to prevent outbreaks in your herd. A must-read for keeping cattle sound and on track this season.

BEHIND THE MIC

FTC Episode 320: What is the Future for Cattle Grazing?
- Farming the Countryside with Andrew McCrea

Many acres of pasture ground have been converted to row crops. Is there a future for grazing cattle? What could you do to make those pastures more profitable so that raising livestock makes sense? We explore technology that helps ranchers better evaluate the decisions they make and how to get more out of the acres that are grazed.

RANCHING AROUND THE WORLD RECAP

Changes to Canadian Beef Check-Off Rules [Western Livestock Journal]

CATTLE COMMUNITY

University of Illinois Beef Cattle Extension

Grazing is beneficial to cattle and producers year-round. Here are some pointers you can use in your pasture system! https://extension.illinois.edu/beef-cattle/pasture-management

@highcardranch

Headed to summer pasture. #ranchwork #cowboylife #nmtrue #beefcattle

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
❝

“Sometimes the most beautiful part of this life is not the wide-open pastures or the cattle trailing home. It’s the quiet promise that no matter how hard the day, the land will always give you another chance tomorrow.”

— Ranch Chic Corral

READER POLL
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

Would you buy imported regenerative beef if it helped lower prices?

13.41%: Yes - if it keeps prices reasonable

10.98%: Only if I knew the source and standards

64.63%: No - I prefer to buy US beef

10.98%: Not sure - I’d want to learn more first

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS
No - I prefer US beef

  • “Americans need support American Farms and Ranches which will insure we as producers follow BQA and similar quality standards. Other countries can sign any form you want them to but there is no standard to hold them accountable.”

  • “As a consumer, I only buy the best beef I can source. To me, without question that is US beef.”

  • “The cheaper parts of US beef may need to become more plentiful in the grocery stores instead of exporting.”

Not sure - I’d want to learn more first

  • “What quality grade? How were the cattle finished?”