This is Heather Lassen, special projects editor, with the April 24, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains a story about unique approaches to alternative cow housing systems, a report on cattle on feed data, an announcement from USDA naming the new director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and information about an upcoming R-CALF USA Facebook live meeting.
Early Adopters Find Unique Approaches to Alternative Cow Housing Systems
Adapted from an article by Emily Steele, University of Illinois
Rising property prices, bad weather and shrinking pasture acreage challenge Illinois ranchers and limit herd sizes. But what happens when cow-calf producers move cattle into open-air buildings for long periods?
That is what University of Illinois staff and Extension researchers asked early adopters of alternative cow-housing systems. Under-roof options, semi-confinement or extended drylot housing of beef cows are not new strategies. But Travis Meteer, Illinois Extension commercial agriculture educator, says he was getting questions about how they affect management and herd health.
Meteer says, “Many producers adjust cow housing during drought and limited forage availability, as well as for winter feeding and during forage dormancy.”
To read more, go to angusbeefbulletin.com/extra and select the management tab.
Cattle on Feed; Weekly Summary
Adapted from a report by Len Steiner, Steiner Consulting Group
The total inventory of cattle on feed as of April 1 was estimated at 11.612 million head, 38,000 head lower than the previous month (-0.3%) and 533,000 head or 4.4% lower than a year ago. This was higher than expectations, and it will be interesting to see how futures react today.
The spot market jumped right after Easter, as packers struggled to get enough cattle around them. But prices seemed to ease a bit towards the end of last week, while the Choice cutout appears to have leveled off. Futures already are pricing a steep decline into June and August, down $9.45 per hundredweight and $10.425 per hundredweight, respectively.
For the full report, go to dailylivestockreport.com.
USDA Announces New National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director
Adapted from a release by the USDA
On April 24 the USDA announced the appointment of Manjit K. Misra as the new director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture director leads the agency’s work in advancing agricultural research, education and extension to solve societal challenges. Misra will start his new role on Monday, May 8, 2023.
Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “Dr. Misra is an esteemed scientist and educator whose devotion to studying and sharing his knowledge of seeds with the world will benefit society and inspire generations to come. I am confident he will bring strong leadership and expertise to USDA as we continue our work to invest in and grow initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture and food systems.”
For more information, click on the link in this episode’s description.
R-CALF USA Facebook Live Meeting
Adapted from a release by R-CALF USA
R-CALF USA will host a Facebook Live meeting to discuss the 2023 Farm Bill Platform and the progression of the strategies outlined in the 2020 Cattle Industry Long Range Plan at 7 p.m. MDT, on Monday, April 24. R-CALF USA President and Region III Director Brett Kenzy, Vice President and Region VII Director Eric Nelson, and CEO Bill Bullard will be participating, joined by other members of the R-CALF USA board of directors.
For more information, go to r-calfusa.com or click on the links in this episode’s description.
The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor,Angus Journal. For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.