Seventy-five percent of dairy cow health disorders such as displaced abomasum (DA), metritis, and retained placenta (RP) happen in the first 30 days of lactation. The onset of lactation puts tremendous metabolic stress on the dairy cow. The transition period, described as 21 days before calving and 21 days after calving, is one of the […]

Price Corn $7.50/bu Corn $7.75/bu Corn $8.00/bu Corn $8.25/bu Corn $8.50/bu SBM $400/ton $266 $272 $278 $284 $290 SBM $425/ton $278 $283 $289 $295 $301 SBM $450/ton $289 $294 $300 $306 $312 SBM $475/ton $300 $306 $312 $317 $323 SBM $500/ton $311 $317 $323 $329 $335   The preceding table was generated using current pricing […]

April 2022 Cattle Projections April feedlot projections continue to show more black than red throughout the columns. Even with a continual increase in cost of gains (COG) the live board supports the most current asking prices as long as efficiencies are maximized. Seeing dry matter ration costs in the upper $200’s and lower $300’s has […]

While beta agonists (ractopamine) aren’t approved for use in cattle sold to all packing facilities, and they aren’t right for all situations (heat stress, too heavy of cattle to start with), they certainly do add additional weight and reduce feed conversion the last 28-40 days on feed. Given excellent returns such as this, with the […]

Anyone who buys milk replacer has certainly noticed the increase in the price over the last year. Compared to March 2021, the price of milk replacers have increased by $15 to $20 per bag! Some products are approaching $100/bag. These price increases cause us to ask, “should I feed whole milk instead?” and “how can […]

  Price Corn $6.75/bu Corn $7.00/bu Corn $7.25/bu Corn $7.50/bu Corn $7.75/bu SBM $400/ton $247 $253 $259 $265 $271 SBM $425/ton $258 $264 $270 $276 $282 SBM $450/ton $270 $276 $281 $287 $293 SBM $475/ton $281 $287 $293 $299 $305 SBM $500/ton $292 $298 $304 $310 $316   The preceding table was generated using current […]

Most cattle producers understand the importance of delivering the right amount of quality nutrients to cows.  They balance for energy levels (body condition) and protein, and provide supplemental minerals and vitamins, recognizing that these are important for colostrum quality, delivering a healthy calf, milk production and reproductive performance. However, not all are aware of the […]

March 2022 Cattle Feeding Projections There isn’t a doubt that we all are riding the fundamentals of the cattle market and trying to outsmart the processors who continue to control cattle movement and thus drive price week to week. Chain space continues to hinder supply, a much needed commodity if we expect beef to start […]

Our favorite time of year is here, calving season! The crisp cold air, the early mornings and late nights and coming out to find a healthy calf and caring momma cow makes it all worth it! Making sure you have a healthy cow to begin with gives you a step ahead in this crucial game. […]

  The table below was generated using current pricing for amino acids, fat, and mineral supplements.  DDGs are a good source of energy, protein, and phosphorus in swine diets.  Break-even prices for DDGs given different corn and SBM prices are presented.  For instance, if current corn price is $6.75/bu and SBM is $425/ton, one would […]

February 2022 Cattle Projections February cattle projections once again look promising even with a continued increase in cost of gain felt by all cattle feeders. Looking at next February and April 2023 live cattle futures, one can see why the price of cattle continues to rise to place current feeders. Many items can impact the […]

Hog futures prices have been hitting over $100/cwt, meaning every pig on your farm is very valuable.  In addition, grain and feed prices are high, so input costs for each pig are also considerable.  Health is always important and key in running a productive and profitable operation, but never has it been more apparent than […]