Feeding High Nitrate Hay, Cattle News, & Ranch Jobs

It’s the Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they hear how to feed hay that is high in nitrates. Dilution is the solution. Plus, some of the best seedstock outfits are hiring, they have the career opportunity details, the latest news from cow country and lots more wrapped in this new episode of the Ranch It Up Radio Show. This Saturday at 1:30 Pm eastern time, right here Rural Radio Channel 143 or the Sirius XM App.

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Feed Cattle High Nitrate Hay With Caution

Nitrate toxicity in hay occurs when ruminants like cattle and sheep consume forages containing accumulated nitrates, which rumen microbes convert into toxic nitrites that block oxygen transport in the blood. Hear the latest recommendations from the professionals with Purina Animal Nutrition.

Beef Cattle News USDA Adds New Regional Cash Cattle Market Report

The USDA launched a new regional cash cattle report aimed at improving price transparency for cattle producers.

On Monday, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service started publishing a report covering negotiated cash cattle prices in Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

The report will combine existing market data, meaning meatpackers will not have to submit any additional information.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the change will provide producers with more market information while helping address confidentiality concerns.

The move comes as negotiated cash cattle sales have declined significantly. According to the USDA, cash purchases accounted for more than 50% of cattle transactions in 2005, but fell below 18% in 2025.

Negotiated cash prices are important because they help establish benchmarks used in many formula-based cattle contracts.

The new report will be included in the USDA’s afternoon market reports. Producers can find additional information through the USDA Market News website and mobile app.

REFERENCE: https://meatingplace.com/ranchers-weigh-in-on-usdas-cattle-price-report/

New World Screwworm Cases Surge in New Mexico and Texas, Triggering Livestock Restrictions

After a relatively quiet period in August and September, New World screwworm cases are increasing again, raising concerns for cattle producers in New Mexico and Texas.

Twelve active livestock cases have been reported during the second half of October, with most in New Mexico. Two additional cases were reported in Hudspeth County, Texas, which borders Mexico to the south and New Mexico to the north.

Since the first cases were reported on June third, Texas and New Mexico have recorded 65 livestock cases, one wildlife case, and one trapped fly case. Fourteen of those cases have been reported in October.

In New Mexico, three recent infections involving a calf and a horse in Grant County and a cow in Otero County have prompted officials to designate large areas along the southern border as infested zones. Ranchers must receive authorization from the state Livestock Board before moving cattle out of these restricted areas.

An elk case reported in Otero County last week is now classified as inactive.

New World screwworm is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue and can cause serious injuries or death in livestock.

State Veterinarian Samantha Holeck says officials are working with state and federal partners to investigate cases and increase surveillance. She warns that colder weather may slow the parasite's spread, but will not eliminate the threat.

Meanwhile, the USDA is moving forward with a phased reopening of border ports. The Columbus, New Mexico, port is scheduled to resume accepting cattle imports from