IN THE NEWS 

Violence in Mexico forces inspections of US bound cattle across border

Fearing that the violence in Mexico would reach USDA inspection sites, operations at three of 11 ports along the U.S.-Mexico border have temporarily been moved inside the U.S. USDA inspections that normally take place at ports outside Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo and Piedras Negras, Mexico are now being performed at Pharr, Laredo and Eagle Pass, Texas. Inspections at the Texas ports include cattle being imported directly from Mexico. The USDA has implemented safety protocol at the temporary facilities to ensure security equal to the sites in Mexico, yet many U.S. cattle producers are wondering if the precautions are enough to protect the American cattle industry from any potentially devastating disease brought into the country. 

MSU taking traceability high-tech

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a program that enables consumers to track beef products via smart phone. Consumers will be able to scan a barcode on the beef product with their smart phone or an in-store kiosk. The program utilizes Michigan's state mandated radio frequency ID tags to trace the animal's farm of origin and makes that information available on a website. Program creators are hoping that traceability is valuable enough to consumers that they will overlook the additional expense of the program. 

Gray wolves removed from endangered species list

Gray wolves, previously protected as an endangered species, multiplied rapidly without population control and quickly became destructive livestock predators. With populations up, the Gray wolf was recently removed from the endangered species list in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Utah by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ranchers in the area are relieved to now be able to protect their herds by hunting & trapping Gray wolves. 

View all of our News articles on the Working Ranch website. 

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IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE 

Tapeworm Travels

By Merridee Wells

 

For cattle producers across the country the winter of 2010-2011 is a brutal reminder of what Mother Nature can dish out. Her icy fingers reached as far south as Texas this year, blasting cattlemen with record snowfalls and low temperatures. However, as spring draws near bringing warmer temperatures, the threat of flooding may be the next battle with the forces of Mother Nature, and for coastal cattlemen hurricane season is drawing near.

"Because the contaminated pasture land could potentially house tapeworm eggs found in the human wastewater that flooded over the grazing land in sewage, cattle ingest the tapeworm eggs."

While ranchers are generally prepared to deal with the diversity of the environment, there are other forces working against them, stealing their cattle's health, creating poor gains and generally wrecking havoc on the profitability of their operations.  Silent but lethal, we all know that internal parasites can and do cost beef producers millions in losses. Read More

A Bigger Hammer

 Ask and Ye Shall Receive

by Dr. Arn Anderson, DVM

With all this snow in North Texas it's difficult to realize that spring calving season is here.  In our cow-calf herds this can be a labor intensive time, particularly with first-calf heifers.  The secret to a successful season involves planning.

Sam had followed all the rules.  He had bred his heifers early to a low birthweight bull and fed them well.  Sam had the cattle calving within easy reach of a good set of pens with a wind break and a covered working chute.  He had access to water, electricity and lights.  In the shed was a tool box with all the equipment he would need to deliver and, if needed, revive a calf.  Sam had also attended a couple of extension service classes on when to call his vet.  He was confident in his experience and skill.  Read More

VIDEO OF THE MONTH 

Click Here to watch this video on our website under The WORKING RANCH CHANNEL - Program Guide

Montana Ranching - Montana Stockgrowers Association Part 1 

BLOGOSPHERE 

Spring Renewal by Sara Gugelmeyer

I first want to apologize for my absence from the WR blogging world. Between my frustration with the seemingly endless drought and my worthlessness since I am now 8 months pregnant, I've been struggling to keep a positive outlook on ranching.  Read More  

Don't forget to snag a copy of our June July 2011 issue of Working Ranch where you will find an insert of our new WORKING RANCH JUNIOR magazine!

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