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📢 How You Can Help

Click the link below to learn how you can support the Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton and Elk Fire relief efforts.

NEWS

🔥 Elk Fire’s Aggressive Advance

🔥 Elk Fire’s Aggressive Advance - The Elk Fire continues its advance southeast along the Bighorn Mountains, now affecting 87,805 acres. Firefighters are focusing on strategic burning near Red Grade Road to create containment lines amid unseasonably hot, dry conditions. Containment has dropped to 28%.

⛑️ Hurricane Drone Rescues - In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, American farmers, equipped with drones, became crucial first responders in North Carolina. Russell Hedrick and his team delivered food and water, used thermal imaging to locate survivors, and garnered community support for ongoing relief efforts.

🐺 Wolf Management - In response to ongoing livestock depredations, WDFW Director Kelly Susewind authorized the lethal removal of one adult wolf from the Onion Creek pack. This follows the removal of two wolves in September and aims to assess pack behavior after multiple confirmed attacks.

🌾 Winter Feed Solutions - As winter approaches and hay supplies dwindle, ranchers should assess their feed options. John B. Hall advises inventorying supplies, testing hay nutrients, and considering strategies like destocking or alternative feeds to sustain cattle effectively.

😶‍🌫️ The Pressures of Ranching - A study from the University of Illinois highlights mental health challenges among farmers, revealing that women experience higher levels of severe anxiety and depression, exacerbated by lower social support and geographic isolation. Researchers emphasize the need for enhanced support in rural communities.

🪙 USDA Proposes Competitive Measures - The USDA announced initiatives to enhance competition in agriculture and reduce food prices, including a seed competition strategy, a report on the meat retail industry, and a cattle price discovery initiative, all aimed at supporting farmers and consumers.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

BQA Calf Hauling Guidelines

Transportation is a major stressor for cattle, especially during fall weaning. Employing quiet handling techniques and considering load density—adequate space per calf—can ease their transition. Adjustments may be needed for horned calves, hot weather, and vehicle capacity.

Preventing a Slipping Cowherd

Artificial insemination (AI) in cattle is more efficient than ever, thanks to timed breeding protocols and visual estrus detection aids. Experts like Adrienne Lulay and Dr. Bob Larson emphasize the benefits of combining these techniques to enhance breeding success and streamline the process. For more insights, check out the Cattle Chat podcast.

CATTLE COMMUNITY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS

Volunteer Labor

• “Many organizations, such as Mennonite Disaster Services and others, are a literal Godsend. I have worked with them following flood and tornado events.”

• “You can't depend on government help or private donations, but there are almost always good neighbors who are willing to help out.”

Other

• “Neighbors and friends!”