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

NEWS

⏳ TICKing Time Bomb

⏳ TICKing Time Bomb - Cattle producers and veterinarians in the U.S. are facing a new threat: Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a tickborne infection linked to the Asian longhorned tick. This disease, causing significant losses in Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, affects both young and adult cattle, leading to anemia, jaundice, and death. Unlike anaplasmosis, T. orientalis Ikeda has no approved treatment, so prevention focuses on tick control and biosecurity. Producers should monitor cattle for symptoms and report unusual ticks or signs of disease to their State Veterinarian.

🐂 Repro Regulation - As families transition to summer schedules, spring-calving cows are moved to pastures with their calves and bulls for the breeding season. Experts from Kansas State University's Beef Cattle Institute advise daily checks on the herd for injuries, especially in bulls, due to the risk of foot and breeding injuries. Monitoring for diseases like pinkeye, which can arise from grazing in tall grasses and increased fly populations, is also crucial. To maintain body condition and fertility, producers should manage grazing schedules and consider supplements. Mineral supplementation is also recommended for optimal health during the breeding season.

🐤 Battling Bird Flu - Federal and state agencies are planning research into the potential respiratory spread of bird flu among dairy cattle, aiming to guide containment efforts and reduce human exposure. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, in collaboration with Michigan State University and the USDA, is prioritizing this research to shape public policy. Bird flu has affected over 80 dairy herds across 11 states since March, with evidence suggesting the virus spreads through contact with infected milk or aerosolized droplets. Despite the recent infection of a Michigan dairy worker, the CDC maintains that bird flu poses a low risk to the general public.

🔫 Bovine Biotech - CRISPR technology enables precise genome editing in cattle, offering opportunities to enhance traits related to sustainability, efficiency, and animal welfare. Successful applications include reducing susceptibility to diseases, increasing lean muscle yield, and introducing beneficial alleles. However, widespread adoption depends on regulatory frameworks, which vary globally.

🌾 Better Forage, Bigger Herds? - Pasture conditions in the U.S. are generally good, but some areas continue to face drought. While some states have seen improvements, uncertainty surrounds beef cow herd rebuilding efforts due to factors like potential La Niña conditions. The impact of heifer retention on cattle inventories and prices remains unclear, with delayed retention potentially prolonging reduced inventories and high beef prices.

💡 Abscess Insights - A recent article in Applied Animal Science explores liver abscesses, a persistent issue in the beef industry causing economic losses exceeding $400 million annually. This multifactorial disease affects cattle productivity and profitability, with recent research focusing on alternative prevention methods and understanding factors like genetics, behavior, and diet. Further exploration of associated pathogens is crucial for effective prevention. Increased research activity is expected to provide valuable insights for combatting liver abscesses in beef cattle.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Simple Changes Make the Difference in Cooling off Cattle

Cattle cope with heat stress differently from humans; they pant to regulate their body temperature. Recognizing signs like increased standing and clustering around water or shade is crucial. A.J. Tarpoff from K-State University stresses the importance of monitoring weather conditions and using an animal comfort index. Proper management strategies, including providing water, adjusting feeding times, and offering shade and cooling methods, are essential for maintaining cattle well-being and productivity. Studies show that investing in shade structures improves feed efficiency, growth rates, and overall health.

How Cow-Calf Producers Can Leverage Their Position in the Beef Supply Chain

Commercial cattlemen and women can negotiate prices and collaborate while maintaining independence in management decisions, exemplified by the partnership between Jorgenson Land and Cattle and Breedr. While seedstock suppliers focus on genetic quality, commercial cow-calf operators influence beef production significantly. Collaboration, fueled by data collection, enhances efficiency and profitability across the supply chain, empowering producers to negotiate better terms and optimize cattle value. These collaborations offer opportunities for producers to enhance their market position collectively.

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CATTLE COMMUNITY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS

<49 Head

• “Raising purebred cattle to Brangus breed. Reduced my small herd from 24 to 12.”

• “Two separate herds: 20 Black Angus with black registered bull and 12 Red Angus with red registered bull.”

50-99 Head

• “Our herd size has always been determined by our pasture size. The ranch was severely neglected when the folks bought it, and we have worked diligently for years restoring it to the tall grass prairie it was originally. We are making progress one day at a time.”

• “The last couple years have been taxing on us and our cattle. We have lost many due to weather and other unexpected issues. In a good year, we like to be running around 120 head. We're currently at 77.”

100-499 Head

• “We are raising 75% fewer calves in the past three years due to drought.”

• “We run a farm to table Freezer beef operation. 70 Cows with generally one calf crop in the feeding pens and one with mothers or just been weaned.”

500+ Head

• “My mom and dad started this ranch in 1966 with 10 sale barn cows and 80 acres. They have worked tirelessly to make our ranch what it is now. I’m so thankful and blessed to be a part of this.”

• “We have 1,880 pair.”

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