🟤 Tips for Calving in the Mud

USDA Funding Released, NY to TX and Alpha-Gal Well Done from Ranching.com by CattleMax

February 26, 2025

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NEWS

🟤 Tips for Calving in the Mud

UNL

🟤 Managing Mud - Muddy conditions in calving areas can cause health issues for both cows and calves, such as hypothermia, calf scours, and navel ill. Strategies to reduce risks include clean birthing areas, grouping calves by age, and providing shelter. Regular monitoring and sanitation are essential for disease prevention.

🪱 Preventing the Spread - To prevent New World screwworm (NWS) from crossing into the U.S., strict protocols are in place for live cattle imports from Mexico. This includes inspections, treatments, and sterile male fly releases, ensuring both countries work together for prevention and control.

♻️ Composting Cattle - Cattle producers should plan for inevitable mortality with methods like composting, which can be a cost-effective and efficient way to dispose of carcasses. Proper setup, monitoring, and management are key to successful composting.

🤠 NY to TX - Kimberly Ratcliff, the 2025 Top Producer Women in Ag Award winner, returned home to Oakwood, Texas, to lead Caney Creek Ranch and launch Ratcliff Premium Meats. Her journey from New York City to ranching is driven by a passion for agriculture, community, and supporting local food banks.

🕷️ Alpha-Gal Well Done? - Sara Hene’s study reveals that higher degrees of doneness in beef striploins increase alpha-gal concentration, which could heighten allergic reactions in those with alpha-gal syndrome. This research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment.

💰 USDA Funding Released - USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the release of $20 million for conservation programs such as EQIP, CSP, and ACEP, honoring existing contracts with farmers. This funding release follows White House directives and addresses challenges posed by inflation and environmental policies.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

3 Tips for Young Ranchers

As young ranchers, they believe the future is promising, but the work ahead is significant. To succeed, they emphasize the importance of showing up to industry meetings, learning from experienced ranchers, and maintaining a positive, gritty mindset.

Mitigating Pregnancy Loss in Cow Herds

Spring calving season brings concerns about pregnancy loss, which can occur due to factors like disease, poor nutrition, or heat stress. Producers can reduce loss by improving management practices, such as nutrition, vaccination, and reducing stress.

CATTLE COMMUNITY
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
❝

“We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.”

Maya Angelou

READER POLL

What is your preferred method for managing livestock mortalities on your operation?

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LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

How concerned are you about the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on the beef industry?

23.9%: Very Concerned

29.5%: Mildly Concerned

21.6%: Neutral

8%: Mildly Unconcerned

17%: Unconcerned

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS
Very Concerned

  • “In a global economy, tariffs hurt domestic producers and consumers. Producers faced reduced sales, because there's a very real chance foreign nations will match tariffs, increasing prices on American beef. Plus, tariffs on incoming goods will increase our prices on everything from parts for equipment to the foods we eat and everything in between. In today's world with a global economy, tariffs are an outdated weapon used by those out of touch with modern practices.”

Unconcerned

  • “Substandard beef imports flooding our markets are depressing the prices for the USA cattle producer. We have rules and regulations that the USDA demands we follow where import countries do not have the additional costs to comply. Our operation costs continue to rise for the care and well-being of our livestock yet we all bear the burden of tax-subsidize imports. Foreign countries impose high tariffs on our imports. Why should we have to subsidize these imports, get cheated by the Big 4 meat packers, and the consumer pay high prices for imported lesser quality beef - like ground beef that has to have USA beef fat added to make it palatable. USA beef is in demand around the world including America. Bring back USA beef to the American consumer and stop with the cheap imports. It's a win-win for the American cattle producer, the American farmer, the American consumer and maybe consider supporting MCOOL so we can all be knowledgeable as to where our beef is coming from.”