Editor’s note: The following was written by Eric Jones, Graig Reicks, Philip Rozeboom, Jill Alms and David Vos with South Dakota State University for the university’s website June 22.
Welcome to The Beef Brief, a new monthly column that explores and reports some of the most pressing topics in the beef industry.
- By Kristin Danley Greiner, Iowa Farmer Today
DES MOINES — When the Illinois Pork Producers Association shared a guide touting creative pork recipes with the Chicago Public Schools’ food service director in February 2025, ag leaders were stunned to learn pork isn’t allowed to be served to students enrolled in the nation’s fourth-largest…
- Benjamin Herrold
The hot summer months can be a challenge for cattle herds. Heat can affect performance in several ways, including average daily gains and reproductive issues.
- Daniel Munch and Bernt Nelson American Farm Bureau Federation
Key Takeaways
- Heather Schlitz, Tom Polansek and Cassandra Garrison Reuters
Experts said an outbreak could cause $1.8 billion in damage to Texas' economy and likely would raise beef prices by shrinking cattle supply.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Krista Ehlert, associate professor and South Dakota State University Extension range specialist, for the university’s website May 18.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
JESUP, Iowa — Six generations of Ben Bader’s family have farmed near Jesup in Black Hawk County, and the northeast Iowa farmer is proud of that legacy.
- By Crystal Reed, Illinois Farmer Today
Darell Stitzel is a third-generation hog farmer in Carroll County, Illinois. Both of his grandfathers were farmers for life.
- ZoeMartin
This year’s World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines June 3-4 focuses on what’s new — new leaders and new technology.
- Benjamin Herrold
The hog industry continues to see a run of profitability now stretching over two years, based on Iowa State University estimates.
Editor’s note: Kim Ricardo, South Dakota State University Extension forage field specialist, wrote this article for the university’s website May 6.
- Crystal Reed
A warm and wet spring in many parts of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri has had an impact on pastures.
- Photos by Kristin Danley Greiner, Benjamin Herrold and Tim Kenyon
Staffers spent time out in the field capturing photos of cattle during National Beef Month in May. Below are some of the pictures they snapped.
- By Craig Moss, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
Droughts, border closures, New World Screwworm, Argentina beef imports, wildfires, packing plant slowdowns and a 75-year low in the U.S. cattle inventory. Those aren’t just headlines. They are the realities cattle producers are working through every day.
- Sue Roesler
Clair Keene, NDSU Extension agronomist in cereal crops and field corn, urges producers to take advantage of any nitrogen fertilizer credits they have in their system, especially with higher fertilizer costs this growing season.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Warren Rusche, assistant professor and South Dakota State University Extension feedlot management specialist, for the university’s website April 21.
- Benjamin Herrold
When it comes to spring calving or fall calving, cattle producers have a variety of factors to consider.
- Tim Kenyon
OAKLAND, Iowa — The farm keeps the family strong, and the family strengthens the farm.
- Benjamin Herrold
Spring is a time for optimism for cattle producers, with grass greening up and growing, and spring calves arriving.
- Crystal Reed
For Illinois Beef Association President Shannon Welsh, a sixth-generation beef producer based in McDonough County, Illinois, the beauty of the business is the variety.
- Kristen Sindelar
A Nebraska rancher had the opportunity this winter to receive a quality and mineral analysis of hay that had been enclosed in the walls of his grandparents’ house for nearly 80 years.
TUSCUMBIA, Mo. — Hay quality has a direct impact on livestock performance and feeding costs, yet many producers lose value long before hay reaches the feeder, said University of Missouri Extension Field Agronomist Rudra Baral.
- Katelyn Winberg
As a convoy of semi-trucks loaded with donated hay rolled out of Kingsbury County, South Dakota, April 1, it carried more than feed. It carried a message of support for Nebraska ranchers facing devastating wildfire losses.
AMES, Iowa — Questions about effective management of nitrogen fertilizer continue to plague agriculture, even after decades of practical use.
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