Website Could Help Beef Producers Improve Marketing Decisions

Because strategically marketing cattle could mean a vast difference between profit and loss these days, decision support tools like BeefBasis.com are especially helpful in managing that risk. The site offers comprehensive market data, various calculators and forecaster tools.

 

 

Glynn Tonsor, associate professor of agricultural economics at KSU, says the website is a great resource for determining the right time to sell backgrounded cattle. Specifically, the Value of Gain forecaster may help producers who are considering the value of additional weight gain versus what is cost to put those pounds on. The tool is tied to the feeder cattle futures market and allows producers to look at prices in specific locations.

 

 

 

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.