Dairy producers are being reminded the deadline to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) is April 29, 2024. This important safety net program provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. USDA’s Farm Service Agency has revised the regulations for DMC to allow eligible dairy operations to make a one-time adjustment to established production history. This …
AADA Opening Applications for a Second Round Under the Alabama Meat Processing Program
The Alabama Agricultural Development Authority (AADA) is opening applications for a second round under the Alabama Meat Processing Program (AMPP). This program is a result of a $15 million award from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) to the AADA. Applications for Phase II are open now and will close …
Gov. Experts Say U. S. Milk Supply Safe Despite Trace Amounts of Inactive Bird Flu
Government experts say our milk supply remains safe despite an unusual outbreak of bird flu. Testing has revealed trace amounts of the bird flu virus that has affected dairy cows in milk on store shelves, however, experts around the nation agree that the milk supply remains safe for human consumption. The FDA and USDA say that’s because of two reasons: …
Possible Signs of Cows Being Held Back for Breeding
Breeding is a critical aspect of managing a cattle operation, whether it’s for dairy or beef production. Selecting the right cows for breeding ensures the continued health, productivity, and profitability of the herd. However, identifying cows that are being held back for breeding requires a keen eye and an understanding of the subtle signs that may indicate they are being …
Cattle Futures Seeing Pressure
Since the March Cattle on Feed Report came out last Friday, live and feeder futures have been seeing some pressure. Mark Oppold has a look at what traders are seeing. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for cattle producers regardless of herd sizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember …
Drought Conditions Influence Fluctuations in Beef Cattle Herd
New data from USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) shows that changes in drought conditions impact the size of the U.S. beef cattle herd. Specifically, when the percentage of land area of drought increases for an extended period as noted in the U.S. Drought Monitor, the U.S. beef cattle herd often declines. In 2023, with more than 65 percent of U.S. …
USCA Calls Product of USA Rule a Victory
The United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) calls USDA’s final voluntary ‘Product of USA‘ rule a victory. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the rule earlier this week at the National Farmers Union annual convention. USCA has worked tirelessly to clarify years of confusion at the consumer level regarding the labeling of U.S. beef products. Starting in 2017, USCA’s Director Emeritus Leo …
Good Demand Found at Recent Cattle Sale
Continued good demand is being found for both feeders and calves across the country. Mark Oppold looks at how cattle sold during a recent sale. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for cattle producers regardless of herd sizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational work of the Florida Beef CouncilNovember 21, 2025Florida Senator Shares Origins …
Predicting Factors for the Upcoming Growing Season
A new report looks at some factors that could affect various crops in the upcoming growing season. Mark Oppold has more on that, but first looks at how some commodities are trading thus far this year. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board provides support for cattle producers regardless of herd sizeNovember 28, 2025Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Expands the promotion and educational …
New Resource for Maximizing Cattle Profitability
A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and CattleFax helps producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions. The resource is called “Right Way, Right Time – A Guide to Cull Cattle Management” (.pdf) and is now available. With effective planning, cull cattle can be a significant source of revenue and should not be overlooked. Cull cattle …