By Rick Machen, PhD The US beef industry is experiencing record high prices for calves, feeder and fed cattle. Cow prices are rising rapidly and expected to surpass 2014-15 replacement female prices. La Niña weather patterns are shifting to El Niño. Great Plains soil moisture conditions are improving; the current U.S. Drought Monitor map has improved appreciably (except Kansas and …
By Julia Herman, DVM, MS, DACVPM Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian, NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Every day cattle producers are taking steps to protect their families, animals, and operations from various risks. These risks could include inclement weather, poor nutrition, predators, viruses and microbes, contaminated water, among many others. The cattle production system in the U.S. does an …
By Kindra Gordon, published in the KRIRM Fall 2023 Newsletter It is said that “Big things are built one brick at a time.” For Wyoming-based True Ranches LLC that approach has established a solid foundation for their modern day, innovative beef production efforts. The cornerstone was laid in June 1957 when Dave and Jean True, pioneers in Wyoming’s oil industry, …
Quin was born and raised in the horse country of Pilot Point, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Ecology and Management with a minor in Soil and Forage Sciences. Throughout college he had developed a strong passion for learning and understanding the ecology of grassland environments which ultimately led him to …
Raised in southeastern Idaho, Killpack grew up working with his parents and neighbors at local small farms and ranches and competing in roping events. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology at BYU-Idaho, Killpack worked multiple jobs for local ranches gaining experience in the cow-calf and feedlot sectors as well as farming. After earning his degree in the …
Edwards was raised in Oologah, Oklahoma. His passion for ranching began working with family on his grandparents’ cow-calf operation. While earning his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University, he had the opportunity to work outside the classroom on a cow-calf operation and feedlot/bull test station further expanding his knowledge and …
INTRODUCTION Many of the historical southern Texas Panhandle ranches were established in the late 1800’s. With a long-standing commitment to western heritage, they embody ranching traditions, with a focus on raising high quality cattle and working ranch horses. The host ranch of this case study consists of native rangeland with no cultivated ground. Important landowner considerations include natural resource management …
by Dave DeLaney, KRIRM Practitioner in Ranch Management Whether in response to restocking due to drought, or simply a change in operations to take advantage of the uptrend in the current beef cycle, those of us at the Institute thought this might be a timely subject to address. Of all the strategic decisions the commercial cow-calf operator has to make, few …
With exposure to diverse operations across the country, networking with professionals, and classroom learning, KRIRM students embrace the opportunity to learn more about current challenges facing the industry. As the graduating class of 2023 prepares to return to the workforce, they share some of the biggest challenges they have noticed and potential solutions going forward. The class of 2023 includes …
The Class of 2023 is ready to apply their knowledge and experience to serve the ranching industry. By Emily StriblingWinter 2023 Newsletter In May 2023, the next class of KRIRM graduates will earn their Master of Science in Ranch Management. The class of 2023 includes Bradley Donner, recipient of the Lee and Ramona Bass Endowed Fellowship; Caroline Wild, recipient of …
by Clay Mathis, PhD Droughts are inevitable and each one demands a management response. Protecting drought-stressed natural resources (soil and forages) for the long-term and sustaining the ranch business isn’t easy. Since each drought is different and may occur at different stages of the cattle cycle, the best management actions vary as well. The good news in 2022 is weaned …
Position Title: Asst. Ranch Manager & Housekeeper / Cook Name of Ranch/Business: 4M HR Logistics Location: Del Rio, Texas Position Description: We have a unique opportunity for a couple to work/live on an 11,000 acre ranch near Langtry, TX. Assistant ranch manager will supervise 1 full time employee. Qualifications: Ranch hand experience is a plus Ability to operate heavy equipment, …