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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Ranch It Up Radio Show S6 E313 Dilution Is The Solution Feeding High Nitrate Hay Heather Hilger Purina Animal NutritionJeff Erhardt Tigger Rebecca Wanner BEC.

Season 6, EPISODE 313

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 Mexico on October 26, while the Santa Teresa port is scheduled to resume accepting horse imports on the same date.

The two ports previously handled approximately one-third of U.S. cattle imports before being closed because of screwworm concerns. Federal officials say additional ports could reopen if disease conditions, inspections, and infrastructure support safe trade.

REFERENCE: https://www.oklahomafarmreport.com/2026/10/25/an-october-surprise-new-world-screwworm-cases-jump-to-12-active-cases-mainly-in-new-mexico/

https://sourcenm.com/2026/10/22/much-of-southern-new-mexico-a-designated-screwworm-infested-zone-as-usda-reopens-some-cattle-imports/

Walmart’s Growing Beef Business Raises Concerns About Rancher Independence

R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard is warning that Walmart’s growing influence in the cattle and beef industries could threaten rancher independence.

Walmart is expanding its reach across the beef supply chain, from cattle genetics and feeding to processing and packaging. The company has partnered with several beef industry businesses and invested in Sustainable Beef, a Nebraska-based processing company. In 2025, Walmart also opened its own beef cutting and packaging facility in Kansas.

Bullard says this expansion raises three major concerns: fewer markets for cattle producers, less competition when setting cattle prices, and more control over how ranchers raise their livestock.

He warns that when producers depend too heavily on one buyer, they can lose bargaining power and the freedom to choose where they sell their cattle.

Bullard acknowledges that new processing facilities can create competition and better opportunities for ranchers. However, he says the industry needs more independent buyers, stronger negotiated cattle markets, and meaningful competition at every stage of beef production.

He is urging federal regulators to examine Walmart’s ownership interests, purchasing agreements, and supplier contracts to ensure competition remains strong and cattle producers maintain control over their businesses.

REFERENCE: https://www.nationalbeefwire.com/bullard-walmart-s-beef-empire-threatens-rancher-independence

North Dakota Cattle Broker Pleads Guilty In Agridime Case

A North Dakota cattle broker has pleaded guilty in a case tied to the Agridime cattle fraud investigation.

Taylor Bang of Killdeer pleaded guilty September 9th, 2026 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in federal court in Texas. He is scheduled to be sentenced January 7th, 2027 and could face up to five years in prison, along with fines and restitution.

Following the guilty plea, the North Dakota Department of Agriculture ordered Taylor Bang Cattle Sales to stop all livestock-related sales and revoked Bang’s livestock dealer license.

Bang was one of five people charged in the Agridime investigation. A federal judge ruled in 2024 that Agridime operated as a Ponzi scheme, using money from new investors to pay earlier investors.

The company sold cattle and frozen beef to consumers, but eventually stopped making payments to investors and cattle producers. Court records say Agridime owed investors about 220 million dollars, including an estimated 40 million dollars to North Dakota investors.

Bang has denied knowingly taking part in a Ponzi scheme. Prosecutors allege he helped conceal transactions, falsified cattle records and provided investors with false information.

Current Hay Prices

Check out the current hay prices:

Hay Wire

Livestock Market

Bull & Heifer Sale Dates & Deadlines

October 30: Wasem Red Angus Heifer Sale, Online Only

October 31: Plyler & Son, Charolais, Simmental & SimAngus, Magnolia, Arkansas

November 7: Jungels Shorthorn Farm, Elite Heifer Sale, Kathryn, North Dakota

November 13: Jorgensen Land & Cattle Arcadia Stockyards Sale, Arcadia, Florida

November 13: Keller Broken Heart Ranch Female Sale, Mandan, North Dakota

November 14: Six Mile Ranch Red Angus Production Sale, Fir Mountain, Saskatchewan

November 14: JYJ Red Angus Production Sale, Columbia, Alabama

December 9: Gill Red Angus, Timber Lake, South Dakota

December 22: Mar Mac Farms Dispersal Sale, Brandon, Manitoba

Featured Experts in the Cattle Industry

Heather Hilger – Purina Animal Nutrition
https://www.purinamills.com/

Follow on Facebook: @PurinaLivestock

Shaye Wanner – Host of Casual Cattle Conversation
https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/
Follow on Facebook: @cattleconvos

Contact Us with Questions or Concerns

Have questions or feedback? Feel free to reach out via:

Call/Text: 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420
Email: RanchItUpShow@gmail.com
Follow us: Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow
YouTube: Subscribe to Ranch It Up Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RanchItUp

Catch all episodes of the Ranch It Up Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms.

Discover the Heart of Rural America with Tigger & BEC

Ranching, farming, and the Western lifestyle are at the heart of everything we do. Tigger & BEC bring you exclusive insights from the world of working ranches, cattle farming, and sustainable beef production.

Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner (BEC) and their mission to promote the Western way of life at Tigger and BEC.

https://tiggerandbec.com/