Beef Web

Pregnancy diagnosis is a routine component of reproductive management in many beef operations, but its value extends beyond simply determining whether a cow is pregnant. When used strategically, it allows producers to make timely decisions that directly influence herd productivity and cost of production. For spring-calving herds in Georgia, pregnancy diagnosis is just around the corner.

Whether managing a cow-calf herd, backgrounding operation or feedlot, consistency plays an important role in cattle performance. Feed delivery, health checks, vaccination protocols and animal observations all influence productivity. As operations grow and labour becomes more difficult to find, maintaining those routines every day can become increasingly challenging.

Feed is one of the largest expenses on a beef operation, yet many feeding decisions still rely on assumptions about forage quality rather than measured nutrient values. A laboratory feed analysis provides far more than a crude protein number. Modern feed tests can help producers understand forage digestibility, predict feed intake, identify nutrient deficiencies and build rations that better match the needs of different classes of cattle.

Source: Farm Bureau Written by: Faith Parum, Ph.D., Economist and Daniel Munch, Economist Key Takeaways Global instability is pushing production costs higher. Fertilizer and fuel costs were already elevated heading into 2026, and the conflict with Iran has added further pressure to those markets. AFBF analysis shows losses are expected to deepen in 2027.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a phased reopening of southern ports of entry for cattle imports from Mexico, beginning with the Douglas, Arizona, crossing on August 24. The reopening comes after nearly a year of restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of New World screwworm (NWS) into the United States.

If you would like to receive more information on the commodity markets, please use the link to join our email list  – Sign Up Now For those interested I hold a weekly livestock webinar on Tuesdays and my next webinar will be Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 3:15 pm. It is free for anyone who wants to sign up and the link for sign up is below. If you cannot attend live a recording will be sent to your email upon completion of the webinar.

Home Beef Genetics Podcast: “The Antagonism of Genetic Selection” Beef Genetics Sponsors US Follow Us Get Updates Your Email (required) Country Δ

Source: Four Star Veterinary Service Dr. Erika Nagorske outlines how identifying fly species and acting early can protect cattle performance and herd health As temperatures begin to rise across cattle-producing regions, fly pressure quickly becomes more than a seasonal nuisance – it becomes a measurable drag on animal performance and herd health.

On June 25, 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued a much-awaited decision in Monsanto v. Durnell. The Court, in a 7-2 vote, overturned a jury verdict for the plaintiff, holding a federal law that regulates pesticides preempted plaintiffs’ state law claims.

Source: Four Star Veterinary Service Four Star Veterinary Service’s Harrison Dudley, DVM, explains why nutrition, bull management and data-driven decision-making are central to long-term herd fertility and profitability For beef cattle producers, reproductive management is one of the most important drivers of long-term herd profitability.