Cattle Chat: Defining Cow Efficiency

Cattle Chat: Defining Cow Efficiency

Author: The Cattle Business Weekly newspaper February 25, 2026 Duration: 1:51
When it comes to cow efficiency, beef producers often focus on outputs like weaning weights and pregnancy rates. K-State beef cattle experts recently discussed which performance metrics really matter on a recent Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast episode. Researchers defined cow efficiency as the relationship between feed intake and pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed, a metric that directly affects profitability. However, beef cattle nutritionist Ph...

Tune in to The Cattle Business Weekly for a direct line to the news that matters most to ranchers and producers. This isn't just a summary; it's the same reporting from the news desk of The Cattle Business Weekly newspaper in South Dakota, delivered in audio form so you can stay informed while you work. Each episode digs into the headlines that move markets, the on-the-ground realities of ranch life, and the policy shifts from Washington, D.C., that ultimately shape your operation's profitability. Think of it as your essential briefing on all the factors-economic, environmental, and political-that touch the bottom line. Made for cattlemen by those who understand the business, this podcast fits right into your rhythm, whether you're in the tractor, driving to a sale, or winding down at the end of the day. You'll get straight talk and timely insights, ensuring you're never behind on the information that drives your decisions. We keep it focused, relevant, and grounded in the real-world challenges and opportunities of the cattle industry.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 45

The Cattle Business Weekly
Podcast Episodes
Bullish Cattle on Feed Report [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25
Last week’s cattle on feed report indicates a tightening supply of cattle with a 3% decline compared to January 2025. Moreover, placements in December were down 5%, and marketing rose 2%. News of a lower supply of cattle…
Used Around the Ranch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:43
The year 2025 is fading in our rearview mirrors, so it is time to write my annual cuss-and-discuss column before I forget what happened this past year. As always, this is a friendly conversation about things we are using…
OpEd: Why Agriculture Freedom Zones Matter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:16
Data centers are exploding across America, gobbling up prime farmland, water, and power. In Texas, farmers and ranchers see the threat clearly—and they're right to sound the alarm. Our best agricultural land feeds and cl…
In the Cattle Markets: Fewer Heifers on Feed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:04
USDA’s Cattle on Feed Report, released on Friday, January 23rd, didn’t contain any real surprises. The most interesting number in the report was the number of heifers on feed and its implications for herd rebuilding. Hei…