Mosquitoes undeterred by drought: 4 tips to protect your horse

Aimee Robinson for Progressive Cattle

While much of the western half of the U.S. endures near-historic drought levels, one might anticipate this year’s mosquito season to be a walk in the park.

“Just because we don’t have rain, doesn’t mean we don’t have mosquitoes,” explains Justin Talley, former livestock entomologist and department head of entomology and plant pathology at Oklahoma State University. “Some of the most significant West Nile virus [WNV] outbreak years have been associated without significant rainfall. Be aware, just because you don’t see water doesn’t mean there are no breeding areas around.”

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Cattle and beef markets 2022: The second half

Another record Cattle on Feed report

Beloved cowboy writer Baxter Black passes

Poll: Mandated cash price gets a thumbs down

Read or listen: What is beef’s contribution to food security?

How can I get more time in my day?

Wesley Tucker for Progressive Cattle

During a recent interview, a reporter asked me about the struggles of time management for the part-time farmer. First, have you ever met a part-time farmer? I haven’t. You’re either a farmer or you’re not. It’s just who you are.

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Do you or your spouse hold a job off the ranch?

Matching a stock trailer to a cattle operation

Bruce Derksen for Progressive Cattle

For cattle producers, a stock trailer to haul a sick animal to the vet, move pairs to pasture or transport variable cargo is a necessary and basic piece of equipment.

When upgrading or purchasing, practical features should be considered, including asking questions about how animal welfare relates to unit selection.

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[Podcast] Flexible grazing leases – with Elliott Dennis

David visits with ag economist Elliott Dennis on the values that can be captured through flexible grazing leases, and Paul Marchant shares details about his visit to a new packing facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

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That’s the life

Jim Walker for Progressive Cattle

Some years ago, I was in Dallas for one of the charity events we support, and a guy asked me what I “do.” I gave my usual, “I’m in agriculture,” which always seems to lead to the inquiry of whether we have a ranch and then to the rather personal follow up question of, “How big is it?” But he caught me off-guard with, “That’s the life. Outside whenever you want, nature all around. No crowds, no traffic, no pollution or crime. I want something like that.”

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