Welcome to the 130th edition of Ranching.com – the leading cattle management resource for a community of 96,000+ ranchers and farmers.

🐂 Why Docility Pays - Docility is becoming one of the most valuable traits in modern cattle production, impacting everything from worker safety to reproductive performance and feedlot gains. Calmer cattle are easier to handle, experience less stress and can contribute to improved health, breeding success and overall profitability.

🌾 Can CRP Help Rebuild the Cow Herd? - As cattle numbers remain historically low, producers are pushing for more flexibility to graze Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres while still meeting conservation goals. Supporters say better access to CRP ground could help expand grazing opportunities, support herd rebuilding and keep more cattle on the landscape.

🌎 The Changing Beef Import Picture - Beef imports are playing a larger role in the U.S. market as domestic cattle supplies remain tight and consumer demand stays strong. Much of the imported beef is used to supplement lean trim for ground beef production, helping fill supply gaps while the industry works through historically low cattle inventories.

🫁 The Hidden Cost of Late-Stage BRD - While most respiratory disease occurs shortly after cattle arrive at the feedlot, cases that show up later in the feeding period can be especially costly because they're harder to detect and often have a greater impact on performance. Recognizing subtle signs early and maintaining strong prevention programs can help reduce losses and improve overall feedlot outcomes.

🕷️ The Tick Threat Continues to Grow - The Asian longhorned tick continues to expand into new cattle-producing regions, bringing increased concerns about herd health and the spread of bovine theileriosis. As this invasive pest gains ground, producers are being encouraged to stay vigilant, monitor cattle closely and work proactively to reduce tick pressure before problems escalate.

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