Johnston: Bogus Brazilian Beef
On Friday, February 21st, the United States officially reopened its border to fresh Brazilian beef exports. This decision was justified by the U.S. government on the basis that Brazilian beef and cattle are cheaper to...
Letter to the Editor: A Squandered Opportunity
During the week of March 23rd, Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs at NCBA, appeared on CNBC for an interview to discuss the current state of the cattle markets. The anchor started by asking,...
What the CARE Act means for agriculture, cattle producers
Friday, March 27, the U.S. House approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The bill was approved by the Senate on Wednesday by a 96-0 vote. President Trump signed it Friday afternoon....
Veterinarians now recommend leaving a retained placenta alone to avoid harming uterus
Most cows “clean” soon after calving, shedding placental membranes within 2 to 12 hours. If it takes longer than 12 hours, it is called a retained placenta or retained fetal membranes, according to Dr. Russ...
Horses: COVID-19 Precautions
If the growing COVID-19 situation has you stressed, thank your lucky stars that you have horses in your life. The great outdoors – and more specifically, the barn – is a good place to be...
Agriculture Producers Eligible for Paycheck Protection Program
On April 2, the Department of Treasury (Treasury) and Small Business Administration (SBA) released an interim final rule on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and agricultural producers are eligible to participate in the program. “We’re...
Cattle Futures 101: Fundamentals of Industry Marketing Tool Explained
Today’s cattlemen utilize a variety of different tools to be successful in the beef cattle business. From fencing pliers to genomic-enhanced EPDs for performance indicators, simple and complex tools of the trade help cattlemen complete...
Peterson: Perdue to put livestock, dairy, specialty crop aid ahead of commodities
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is focusing on developing aid programs for livestock, dairy and specialty crop producers ahead of any aid to crop producers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic House Agriculture Committee Chairman...
How to deal with ticks on horses, and what health issues to watch for
Spring is tick season, when newly-emerged nymphs and adults seek a host. Dr. Tia Nelson, a veterinarian in Helena, Montana, says some ticks are a problem year round, however. “Some of the worst infestations I’ve...
Assisting the bonding process between cow and calf
After a cow gives birth, she starts sniffing and licking her newborn calf. In this bonding process, she learns to recognize her calf, and commits to caring for it and protecting it. Her actions are...
Struggling cattle industry seeks solutions
Almost 150 members of Congress asked U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, on April 1, to help deliver subsidy assistance to cattle producers via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stabilization (CARES) Act recently signed by...
R-CALF USA to Appeal Ruling That Beef Checkoff is Being Operated Constitutionally; Ruling Affirms Progress Has Been Made in Reforming Checkoff
R-CALF USA, through its attorneys, will appeal a recent U.S. District Court ruling that the USDA’s Beef Checkoff, as currently operated, does not violate the First Amendment by compelling independent American ranchers to fund the...
Treat it fast: Foot rot in cattle
Foot rot is an infection that causes swelling, heat and inflammation between the toes of a cloven -hoofed animal, resulting in severe lameness. Nearly every cattle producer has seen this situation, finding an animal suddenly...
How to treat acute toxic gut infections in calves
Newborn calves can develop infection due to bacteria that proliferate rapidly in the gut and produce toxins. If this condition is not treated quickly and reversed, toxins get into the bloodstream and the calf goes...
Dr. Robert Cope discusses the differences in uterine and vaginal prolapses in cattle
Two problems that sometimes occur during calving season are vaginal and uterine prolapses. Both are situations that must be corrected, but a uterine prolapse is more of an emergency. Uterine prolapse occurs soon after the...
Cowboy Billy Sherman
Born to E.E. and Winifred Kate Sherman at Alice, TX on May 15, 1894, William Elmer Sherman‘s father died soon thereafter, and by the age of 3 he was gone from Texas. His mother found...
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association offers principles for USDA to consider in CARES relief distribution
Congress authorized $9.5 billion for livestock and specialty crop producers and local foods systems through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, but tasked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with designing how...
The true grit of Amberley Snyder
A movie is about to be released might give you the inspiration to push ahead with your dreams. Your heart might skip a beat as you watch a beautiful blond paraplegic strapped to her saddle...
HYPP and the Impressive line of American Quarter Horses: The facts
In 1969, an American Quarter Horse foal was born that changed the history of the halter horse in three breed registries. Born with outstanding conformation, disposition and pedigree, the colt named Impressive, eventually set the...
Genetic mutation found in Simmental, Angus breeds
Simmental breeders noticed something odd about some of their calves. After several American Simmental Association members reported calves born having eyes with pale blue irises around the pupil with a tan periphery and black coats...