CattlePulse

Feeder cattle futures took a sharp turn this month, as markets reacted to a major animal health development — and drought concerns continue to weigh on producers. In this episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the New World Screwworm detection in Texas, what it means for markets and trade, and the latest Cattle on Feed report. Plus, Elijah shares an update on Virginia drought conditions and local...

Feeder cattle prices are at historic highs — but challenges are mounting. In this month's episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest futures markets, unpacks what a softening choice-select spread could mean for beef demand, and shares drought conditions across the Commonwealth. Plus, Elijah talks with Gene Copenhaver, newly elected president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and...

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles talks with American Farm Bureau economist Bernt Nelson about whether fertlizer prices will come down as quickly as they went up and the benefits and risks of Product of the USA labeling. For Market Intel's from American Farm Bureau, click here . We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episod...

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles unpacks the factors behind the recent futures contract dip, looks at how consumer demand is holding up to record high retail prices, and highlights another month of record high feeder calf prices. We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com .

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles unpacks USDA's cattle inventory report, focusing on a significant increase in beef replacement heifers in Virginia. He also details another record month for Virginia feeder steers, despite winter storms cancelling sales. We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at ...

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles looks back at 2025’s price trends and breaks down what they could mean for Virginia herds in 2026. He also dives into the worsening drought conditions and highlights the month of January's low prices. We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at  elijah.griles@vafb.c...

In this month’s episode of  CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles unpacks the implications of the late arriving Cattle on Feed report and the effects of Tyson's packing plant closure announcement. He also explores how Virginia cash markets follow seasonal trends. We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at  elijah.griles@vaf...

In this month’s episode of  CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles sits down with Jake Tabor from Virginia Farm Bureau Federation's Governmental Relations team to unpack the impacts of President Trump's plan to quadruple Argentine beef imports. He also highlights why Virginia's cash markets aren't reacting the way you might expect. We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us...

In this month’s episode of  CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles explores how New World Screwworm Fly related import controls are changing midwestern cattle feeding dynamics. Elijah also does a deep dive into the difference between beef demand and the quantity of beef demanded. We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at  e...

In this month’s episode of  CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles discusses the August Cattle on Feed report and the status of national herd expansion. With retail beef prices hitting all-time highs, Elijah also explores the strength of consumer demand. We want to hear from you! Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Email Elijah at  elijah.griles@vafb.com .

In this month’s episode of  CattlePulse , host Elijah Griles sits down with Dr. Josh Maples from Mississippi State University to unpack the July Cattle Inventory report and explore what it means for producers. With feeder cattle futures hitting all-time highs, Elijah and Dr. Maples discuss actionable strategies cow-calf producers can consider to manage price risk. We want to hear from you! Ha...

In this month’s episode, host Elijah Griles unpacks the factors fueling the feeder cattle futures rally. He also shares positive developments in the battle against the New World Screwworm fly. Plus, Franklin County cattle producer and meat processor Chase Scott shares his motivation to use the new Virginia Verified Beef label. To learn more: Virginia Verified Beef Recommended read: Cattle Market N...

In this month’s episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the record-setting feeder cattle prices driven by tight national inventories and strong seasonal demand. He also discusses the impact of the New World screwworm fly on U.S. cattle imports and what it could mean for Virginia producers. Plus, Halifax County cow-calf producer Adam Davis shares how he’s using genetic data to improve herd performa...

On this episode, Elijah Griles explores the impacts of beef-on-dairy crossbreeding and unpacks whether the heifers on feed number indicates herd expansion. He also talks trade and celebrates another month of record high prices. Check out American Farm Bureau's Market Intel reports here: https://www.fb.org/market-intel Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com .

On this episode, Elijah Griles explains the current tariff situation and details its impacts on Virginia cattle producers. He also discusses the implications of March's Cattle on Feed report and details the latest record-breaking feeder cattle auction prices. Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com .

On this episode, Elijah unpacks the latest trends in consumer beef demand and how the industry is changing to meet it. He explores the impacts of February's Cattle on Feed report. And he talks with Virginia Farm Bureau Safety Coordinator, Matt Nuckols, about how to improve your farm safety this spring. For more safety resources please visit: Virginia Farm Bureau: https://www.vafb.com/safety Americ...

On this episode, Elijah discusses the continued contraction of the cattle inventory with American Farm Bureau Economist, Bernt Nelson. He also unpacks the impacts of inflation on January's record high feeder steer prices. Want to read more about the cattle inventory report? Check out Bernt's Market Intel here: Cattle Inventory Continues Contraction . Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290...

On this episode, Elijah explores the price rally that has feeder cattle surging to ring in the new year. He also reviews the trends of 2024 and unpacks what they could mean for 2025. Update: Starting February 10th, CattlePulse episodes will be released on the second Monday of the month. Do you have questions, comments or suggestions for Elijah? Contact him at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com...

On this episode, Elijah unpacks the implications of the detection of the parasitic New World Screwworm fly in a Mexican cow. He also visits with Shenandoah County cattle feeder Nathaniel Dirting. For those in need of assistance or wanting to donate in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene please visit: Virginia Cattlemen's Association Relief Fund Virginia Farm Relief Fund Virginia Cooperative Extensio...

On this episode, Elijah talks with Dr. Scott Greiner about the legacy of renowned Virginia Tech and Extension Animal Scientist, Dr. Ike Eller. Elijah also breaks down the heifers on feed number and McDonald's new chicken Big Mac. For those in need of assistance or wanting to donate in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene please visit: Virginia Cattlemen's Association Relief Fund Virginia Farm Relief...