Recent Posts
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The pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei; Figure 1) was first officially reported in Texas in 2025. The adults are less than 1/4 inch long, white, and oval. They are covered in a waxy coating and will have fine hairs across their body. They primarily impact annual and perennial warm-season grass species. The damage consists of yellowing,…
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Source: USDA-ERS Beef trade is an important factor when analyzing beef and cattle markets. Changes in imports and exports are the net result of shifts in supply and demand in the U.S. and overseas. Trade also reflects potential opportunities and challenges facing the beef cattle industry. Beef imports and exports have diverged over the past…
Posted in: Beef Cattle Market -
The strength of the beef industry has always been built on the dedication of its producers, industry members, and supporters. As production demands evolve the landscape of agricultural production continues to change, equipping the next generation of passionate, knowledgeable, and confident advocates is as important as ever. The Georgia Elite Stockman Program creates a unique…
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With feeder cattle prices at historically high levels, many Georgia producers are asking the same question this summer: should calves be sold at weaning, or retained for another 30 to 90 days? There is no universal answer. The right decision depends on forage availability, expected cattle performance, production costs, labor, market outlook, and the production…
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Pregnancy diagnosis is a routine component of reproductive management in many beef operations, but its value extends beyond simply determining whether a cow is pregnant. When used strategically, it allows producers to make timely decisions that directly influence herd productivity and cost of production. For spring-calving herds in Georgia, pregnancy diagnosis is just around the…
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Embryo transfer (ET) is an increasingly important tool for improving production efficiency and accelerating genetic progress in beef cattle. As with any technology, the success of ET is influenced by several factors. One may argue that pregnancy outcomes following ET should be greater than those obtained with insemination, considering that ET bypasses several critical steps…
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While we are appreciative of the recent rains, this drought is far from over. Here is a summary of the best resources we have available right now for managing forages during a drought. For more information, please visit the UGA Beef Drought Hub or contact your local County Extension Agent. Hot Off The Press! Forage:…
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Cattle markets in Georgia remain at historically high levels. Both underlying market fundamentals – supply and demand – are contributing to the record-high cattle prices. Policy uncertainty affecting the supply side appears to be contributing most significantly to price volatility in the short run. However, the underlying supply factors are unlikely to change in the…
Posted in: Beef Cattle Market -
Fat supplementation has traditionally been used to increase energy density in cattle diets. However, research indicates that certain fat sources can influence reproduction through specific biological pathways, independent of their caloric value. Click below to learn more.
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Managing a cattle operation through a drought like we are in now (see Figure 1) is always difficult. There are so many dials to be monitoring – brood cow body condition, pasture productivity, feed availability, calf health, and much more. Each of these areas may require different management choices in drought vs a “normal” year.