Livestock Management Archives - Page 3 of 79

Building a Better Cattle Handling Setup

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Weicks-Webmaster

Building a Better Cattle Handling Setup

Working cattle is never just another chore on the list, it takes some serious time dedication, planning, and a little bit of cooperation from your cattle, or calves. Having the right cattle handling setup can make the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one. Some days it goes smooth, where cattle flow easy, gates swing right, and you finish before you know it. Other days, it feels like everything fights you, including mud on your boots, a stubborn cow at the gate, and it causes more stress than it should take.

Design Matters

Most ranchers will tell you that those long days usually trace back to the setup. When your facilities work with you and with the cattle, the job finishes safer and faster. Hi-Hog has been building and designing cattle handling equipment setups since its incorporation in 1974. We were able to speak with Myron Wigness from Hi-Hog Farm & Ranch Equipment about some tips and advice when it comes to designing your set-up. One of Wigness’s top recommendations when evaluating design is to choose something versatile that fits your specific operation. As he explains, “We try to develop a line that’s very versatile. There are very few situations that we even have to build special equipment to fit, even if it’s into a restricted area, like a vet clinic.” Having a versatile design will give you flexibility and functionality for future growth and needs.

MJE Livestock Equipment is designed and tested in demanding environments to withstand heavy, everyday use, which gives customers confidence in its durability and performance. In a previous American Cattlemen Podcast episode, we were able to sit down with Ethan Cantrell with MJE Livestock Equipment. He sheds some light on the importance of design. He states, “You want to make sure you’re working with the cattle flow. If they’re moving with you instead of you fighting them, there’s a lot less stress for everyone.” When they don’t, you feel it in your back, your time, and sometimes your bottom line. (To listen to the full podcast about MJE and design go to: https://americancattlemen.com/podcast/mje-livestock-equipment-cattle-con-2026/)

How that job goes often depends on the setup more than anything else. A well-designed handling system can turn a long, stressful day into a smooth and efficient one, while a poor system can lead to frustration, injury, and lost performance. Research from universities and animal behavior experts has shown that cattle handling setups are not just about equipment, but about how that equipment works with the natural behavior of the animal. When design and behavior align, both cattle and handlers benefit.

Another option to consider is if you need a portable model. Choosing where and how you’ll use your equipment is key, and for many operations, a portable setup offers the most flexibility. John McDonald developed the Rawhide Portable Corral after years of working with cattle and hauling rodeo arenas across the country. His goal was to create a system that was quick and easy to use in remote pastures. As he explains, “When I first invented the Rawhide, it was out of necessity,” says John McDonald. “I was doing somethings with livestock in isolated pastures and we were set up like most people—namely with portable panels. My initial objective was just to be able to set something up that was not labor involved or labor intensive and to catch whatever I needed to and go on with my day.”

Today, the Rawhide line includes multiple models. The Original serves as a basic catch-pen system with quick, low-labor setup and options sized for different herd numbers, while the more advanced Processor model adds features like a head gate, adjustable alley, and loading chute to handle a wider range of livestock needs.

Low-Stress Handling

Cattle remember fear, and Temple Grandin, is one of the industry’s most respected researcher when it comes to cattle and cattle handling equipment. Studies led by researchers like Temple Grandin at Colorado State University have shown that cattle respond strongly to fear and past experiences. Cattle that are handled roughly become more difficult to manage over time. Their research also shows that while cattle that are handled calmly tend to move more easily and show less stress.

This is not just about convenience; stress has real effects on profit. Research has found that highly stressed cattle can take 20 to 30 minutes for their heart rate to return to normal after agitation, and repeated stress can reduce weight gain, weaken immune response, and hurt reproduction. This means that equipment design should be to minimize stress and fear. Curved alleys, solid-sided chutes, and smooth transitions all help cattle move more naturally because they limit distractions and take advantage of herd behavior.

Closely tied to cattle behavior is the concept of low-stress handling. University and industry research has consistently shown that reducing stress improves both animal welfare and production outcomes. In one review of livestock handling systems, researchers noted that cattle exposed to lower stress return to feed more quickly and experience less sickness, which directly impacts profitability.

Equipment that supports low stress, such as properly sized alleys and well-designed crowding areas, makes it easier for handlers to apply these principles consistently.

Safety

Safety is another major factor that cannot be overlooked. Cattle are large animals, and even a calm animal can cause serious injury if the setup is not designed correctly. Research and extension programs have long emphasized the importance of escape routes, solid gates, and proper chute function. Poorly designed systems increase the likelihood of handler injury, especially in tight spaces or areas with poor visibility. The Center for Disease Control estimates that the average non-fatal ranch injury costs a little over $15,000 in medical expenses and lost time from work.

If you can limit the amount of time that you have to be in the pen with cattle, you can increase your safety. Ray Sturn, Moly Manufacturing Plant Manager, illustrates how Moly Manufacturing’s TurretGate helps minimize contact with cattle. He says, “The inspiration for came from Moly Manufacturing founder Jon Mollhagen’s childhood experience with traditional crowding gates, particularly the danger of gates kicking back on him and the intense pressure created when people are forced to work inside confined spaces with cattle. Gates have always been the number one hazard, and crowding animals in high-impact areas only increases risk for both people and livestock.”

He continues, “Even with hydraulic gates, the fundamental problem remained: operators still had to push gates into oncoming animals. The breakthrough came with the shuttle function, which allows the crowding gate to roll back through the turret. This design lets cattle move with the flow instead of forcing them against it, eliminating the need to push a gate into animals altogether.”

While working cattle, cattle can be unpredictable as their flight or fight instincts kick in. Sturn says, “Traditional systems also require people to stand inside the tub or alley, with cattle behind them. In that situation, the person becomes the prey – animals are trying to escape while being pressured from behind and driven toward the same alley. TurretGate changes this dynamic by allowing shorter alleys behind the crowding gate, reducing pressure, and creating calmer movement.”

As Ethan Cantrell with MJE Livestock Equipment says “A bunch of these operations we work with are family businesses. We want the whole family out there, we want everyone feeling safe.” At the core, safer facilities reduce accidents. A well-built chute that holds an animal securely not only protects the handler but also reduces stress on the animal by preventing excessive movement.

Just as you should consider your design and layout, you should consider your available labor and help. Operations with limited or no assistance need setups that reduce workload and prioritize safety for both the handler and the animals. As Myron Wigness with Hi-Hog notes, “During calving season, a lot of times, you’re stumbling around out there in the dark by yourself. So, safety is a big concern. We try to keep even someone that’s working alone safe.”

So, consider the safety of you, your help, and the stress on the cattle. Set your pens up so cattle want to walk through with minimal balking and distractions. It’s safest for you if you can minimize your direct contact with cattle.

Invest in Quality Equipment

Efficiency is another area where equipment design plays a key role. Studies on cattle flow have shown that animals move more easily through systems that are designed with their natural behavior in mind. Cattle prefer to follow one another and avoid sharp contrasts in light, shadows, or sudden changes in direction. When ignoring these factors, cattle tend to balk, bunch up, or turn back, which slows down the entire process. In contrast, systems with smooth flow can significantly reduce labor needs. Producers often report being able to work cattle with fewer people when facilities are properly designed, and this aligns with research showing that calm, steady movement reduces handling time and stress.

At the center of any handling system is the equipment itself, including chutes, headgates, alleys, and crowding areas. Each component plays a specific role, and research supports the idea that these parts must work together as a system. For example, a well-designed chute that applies even pressure can help calm cattle during restraint, which is why squeeze chutes are widely used. Observations and behavioral studies have shown that some cattle actually become calmer when held securely, as the pressure can reduce anxiety. At the same time, poorly designed equipment that causes pain or discomfort can create negative associations, making cattle harder to handle in the future.

Choosing your System

One of the most discussed topics in cattle handling today is the choice between a Bud box and a crowd tub. While there is a limit to formal research directly comparing the two, both systems are based on well-established behavioral principles. A crowd tub uses a circular design to guide cattle forward, while a Bud box relies on the animal’s instinct to return to where it came from. The success of either system depends heavily on proper use. Research on cattle perception and behavior shows that animals respond differently based on their previous experiences and how they interpret their environment. This means that even the best system can fail if it isn’t in use correctly, while a simpler system can work well in the hands of a skilled handler.

Another important consideration is whether to use portable or permanent equipment. The choice depends on operation size and management style. Portable systems offer flexibility and are useful for operations that handle cattle in multiple locations, while permanent systems allow for more precise design and often greater durability. The key is to match the system to the operation, ensuring that it supports efficient and low-stress handling.

Durability and material quality are also critical factors. Equipment that breaks or fails during handling can create dangerous situations and increase stress for both cattle and handlers. Investing in strong materials, solid welds, and proper coatings to prevent rust can extend the life of equipment and reduce long-term costs.

Upgrades are Investments

Cost is often one of the biggest concerns for producers, and it is important to look at equipment as an investment rather than just an expense. Cantrell suggests producers look at upgrades as investments rather than unnecessary expenses. When it comes to upgrades, Cantrell explains, “It’s a big investment and something they’re going to use to keep their business going”.

Research has shown that stress and poor handling can negatively impact weight gain and meat quality, which directly affects profitability. When viewed in this context, higher-quality equipment that reduces stress and improves efficiency can provide a strong return over time. For example, calmer cattle are less likely to experience bruising and less weight-loss from stress. These losses can add up quickly, making it worthwhile to invest in better facilities.

Ray Sturns illustrates how upgrades can help with both animal and handler safety. He states, “Most conventional crowding systems are antiquated, relying on human presence inside the animals’ flight zone to function. Even standing outside a swinging gate still puts the operator in that flight zone, which creates unnecessary pressure and unpredictability.”

Use Modern Tech to Further Advance

Sturns goes on to highlight how upgrading your gates can keep handlers safe and reduce injury risk. He says, “TurretGate replaces that inefficiency with a safer, more humane process. Operators receive training to stay out of the tub entirely and use a remote control instead. By avoiding the flight zone altogether, cattle move more naturally, reducing stress, virtually removing the need for people to be in with the animals. Our customers always tell us that adding the TurretGate to their current system reduced the physical exertion of two people while working cattle, and has also eliminated their labor needs by two people – that’s a big savings to any operation.”

Modern technology is also playing a growing role in cattle handling. Hydraulic chutes, electronic scales, and data tracking systems are becoming more common, especially in larger operations. They can improve efficiency and reduce physical strain on handlers, and also reduce the amount of labor needed to work cattle. Technology also allows producers to collect more data, which can be of use to make better management decisions over time.

Final Thoughts on Building Better Cattle Handling Setups

Finally, the overall layout of the facility is just as important as the cattle handling equipment setup itself. Research and extension recommendations consistently emphasize the importance of proper layout, including good drainage, thoughtful placement of pens and alleys, and consideration of environmental factors like wind and sunlight. Poor layout can create muddy conditions, increase stress, and slow down cattle movement, while a well-planned system can improve both efficiency and animal welfare.

In the end, safe cattle handling starts with handlers, and design. When it comes to cattle handling equipment, creating a system that works with the natural behavior of cattle, supports handler safety, and improves overall efficiency is key. Industry experts make it clear that low-stress handling has real, measurable benefits for animal health, performance, and profitability. By focusing on behavior, design, and long-term value, producers can build systems that make cattle work safer, smoother, and more productive for years to come.

June 2026

By Jessica Graham

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Biological Control of Invasive Weeds

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Weicks-Webmaster

Managing Invasive Weeds with Biological Control

Many ranchers and rangeland managers are continually trying to find ways to halt prolific spread of invasive weeds. The first step in any control program is to identify the weed that is taking over your pastures, fields or rangelands. Depending on the weed, you might be able to use biological controls such as targeted grazing, and/or insects that feed on those particular weeds, to reduce the invasive weed numbers.

Biological weed control involves the use of natural enemies—such as insects, pathogens, or grazers—to reduce non-native, invasive plant populations to manageable levels. This is a sustainable, cost-effective method often used within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to control weeds but generally will not eradicate them completely. Total elimination is often impossible.

Biological control is not a new idea. In ancient times, the Chinese discovered that increasing the ant populations in citrus groves helped decrease destructive populations of large boring beetles and caterpillars. This use of a natural enemy to control a pest marked the beginning of biological control.

Common techniques today include introducing host-specific insects or utilizing livestock for grazing. These methods do not completely eliminate the target weeds but may exert enough pressure on them to reduce their populations to more acceptable and manageable levels. Biologic controls tend to be long-term actions and will only work with certain weed species. This strategy is most often in use on perennial and biennial species in natural areas, rangelands, and other perennial ecosystems. It is less common in conventional annual cropping systems where crop rotation, harvest, and soil disturbance can more easily disrupt biocontrol organisms.

An invasive weed generally came from another country such as Europe or Asia where it was part of the natural ecosystem. It had natural enemies there, to help keep it in balance with the other native vegetation. When brought to a new environment like North America it didn’t have the same ecosystem checks and balances. With no natural enemies, these weeds can spread and may crowd out the native vegetation.

Today, foreign and native organisms that attack certain weeds can be evaluated for use as biological control agents. As a weed management method, biological control offers an environmentally-friendly approach that complements conventional methods. This can help meet the need for new weed management strategies since some weeds have become resistant to certain herbicides. Biological control agents target specific weeds, and this technology is safer for applicators and consumers than use of chemicals.

If the right “enemy” for a certain invasive species can be found, this can have a dramatic effect for control of species that have been introduced into a new environment. For instance, prickly pear cactus is not native to Australia, but was introduced at some point by settlers. By 1925, Australia was struggling with 60 million acres of grazing land in Queensland and New South Wales that had become heavily infested with prickly pear cactus. Hundreds of square miles were impenetrable to humans or animals.

Then the discovery of a small moth from Argentina that utilizes the cactus for its life cycle. Some of these moths were imported into Australia and released. The moth larvae burrow into the cactus, to grow and multiply. Within 10 years these moths decimated the prickly pear cactus population. Now the cactus covers only 1% of the area it occupied in 1925.

Invasive, noxious weeds in the U.S. include leafy spurge and yellow starthistle that infest millions of acres of rangeland and wilderness areas, and estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars annually in lost grazing and associated economic effects. Leafy spurge and yellow starthistle can both spread and form dense stands, competing with native plants, reducing plant diversity, and degrading wildlife habitats.

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is native to Europe and Asia, introduced to North America in the early 1800s, likely as a contaminant in imported seed shipments. It was first documented in Massachusetts in 1827 and later spread widely via contaminated grain and soil, becoming a major invasive species across northern US states and Canada.

Biological control for leafy spurge involves using specialized, non-native flea beetles that feed on the roots and leaves. These beetles can accomplish up to 95% reduction in weed density within 3 to 5 years. The beetles are highly effective, cost-effective, and can thrive long-term, particularly in sunny, well-drained habitats. Goats and sheep can successfully graze leafy spurge as an effective biological control to reduce its spread. Goats are especially useful because they generally seek out the weed to eat it, whereas sheep learn to eat it after becoming accustomed to the taste.

Yellow star thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It’s introduction to California was in the 1850s—likely as a contaminant in Chilean alfalfa seed during the Gold Rush—and has since spread throughout the western U.S. as a major invasive species.

Biological control for yellow starthistle involves using introduced insects from its native European range to feed on flower heads and reduce seed production. The most effective agents are the hairy weevil (Eustenopus villosus) and the false peacock fly (Chaetorellia succinea), which can significantly reduce seed output. They rarely eliminate established infestations by themselves, however, and work best as part of an integrated approach

Biocontrol is a slow process, however, and efficacy is highly variable. Since it can take several years for biological control agent populations to build up to levels capable of weed suppression, many of them have not been present or studied long enough to determine their ability to control their host weed. Only after monitoring the target weed and biologic control populations over time will the impact of newly introduced control agents be determined.

These agents impact their target weeds directly and indirectly–directly by destroying plant tissues and interfering with plant functions. They cause indirect impact by increasing stress on the weed, which may reduce its ability to compete with the more desirable plants. This is why integrated management practices can more effectively reduce target weed populations. After the weeds receive the biologic control agents that weakens them, they are less able to compete with desirable plants. Seeding or planting competitive species can reduce the available light, water, and nutrients to already-stressed weed populations. In addition, small weed populations in the surrounding area can be controlled by herbicides or physical means to reduce weed spread while the biologic control agents attack the primary infestation.

Biocontrol of certain weeds may not work in your area, even if it does work somewhere else. The four main methods of biological weed control are classical, inundative, conservation and grazing. The classical method involves releasing an organism such as a specific insect into areas infested with the targeted weed. The biocontrol organism sustains itself by feeding on or infecting the weed and reducing the weed population over time. These biocontrol organisms are very host-species specific. They involve natural enemies from the places where the weed originated. The practice of weed biological control in the U.S. began in the 1940s and has resulted in some spectacular successes in suppression of the targeted weed.

Since about 1960, a group of experts has been advising APHIS on decisions to release a new non-indigenous weed biological control agent into the environment. The Technical Advisory Group for Biological Control Agents of Weeds (TAG), an independent voluntary committee, was first formed in 1957 to provide advice to researchers. Today, TAG members review petitions for biological control of weeds and provide an exchange of views, information and advice to researchers.

Inundative: An organism is released or applied to control the target pest. Mass release of insects to overwhelm the pest or applying a bioherbicide both fit this category of “inundating” the pest. These techniques are intended for relatively quick and shorter-term control, and the release or application can occur multiple times.

Conservation: A cropping system is manipulated to increase the populations of natural weed-suppressing organisms.

Grazing: Cattle, sheep or goats are utilized to reduce weed populations.

If you choose to use insects for biological control you need to use the right species of insect. Shelby Filley (Oregon State University, OSU Extension Service, Douglas County Regional Livestock & Forages Specialist, now retired) says some of the “bugs” that feed on a certain weed may already be there but you might not notice them. “People often call our Extension Service asking where they can buy the bugs, and we try to help educate them about what these biological control agents look like,” she says.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is responsible for the biological control program in Oregon. “They tell us that these bugs are everywhere and that we can collect them ourselves if we think we don’t have enough. Citizens can collect their own bugs from a patch that has them, and take them to their own place if they need more of them,” she explains. These beneficial insects are widespread, but in some locations, for some reason, they are not present, and a person can transfer some into that area.

“Oregon State University has an integrated pest management program (Oregon IPM Center). I’m not sure if all the Departments of Agriculture in the different states have a similar program, but use of biocontrol agents is now quite popular in the U.S. There are some commercial businesses that sell these insects,” says Shelby.

She thinks it would be helpful for counties to have field days to catch some of these bugs and show people what they look like, what plants they feed on and which bugs might be useful to help reduce the viability of certain invasive plants. “Interested people could learn about timing—what time of year they can find them, etc. because they are all different,” she says. Proper timing is also important for placing them in weed patches.

“Many types of larvae feed on certain plants. Usually a person would be catching and transferring the adults because they would lay eggs that would hatch into many larvae, unless they’ve already laid their eggs when you catch and transfer them. The Oregon Department of Agriculture entomologist could advise you on this.”

People need to realize that after the introduction of some of these biological control agents, weed populations in many regions have already diminished. “For instance, in years past, tansy ragwort was responsible for many cases of poisoning in livestock, and millions of dollars in death losses. Then the ODA and OSU released the cinnabar moth and the population of tansy ragwort dropped, and so did the death losses. There are actually two other biocontrol agents that are more important for tansy ragwort control than the beautiful moth that everyone loves, but since these releases years ago, we haven’t seen major livestock losses,” Shelby says. The bugs helped, but some people are still afraid of this invasive weed because they remember the bad years from earlier times.

Many of the invasive weeds in North America originated in Europe and Asia in a similar climate, but some of their natural enemies do not exist on our continent. Invasive weeds came as seeds in grain or in immigrants’ belongings or clinging to livestock hair–imported from other continents. We go to the home country to find the biocontrol agents that are host specific for the target weed. These agents receive rigorous testing to ensure safety to native plants, agricultural crops or endangered species before we release them.

Over the years there have been many biological agents brought to the U.S. after researchers found them in their native countries and did studies to make sure they are safe to bring to this continent. “The testing is very intense,” says Shelby.

“A few years ago a fungus was found that was really good at controlling non-native blackberries. These berries are hugely invasive here on the coast. The fungus is more viable on the coast where there’s more moisture, and it wasn’t able to survive very far inland in drier weather. The researchers found that the fungus was specific for certain types of blackberries and didn’t work on subspecies. Luckily it was not a problem for the commercial blackberry industry. But this illustrates the difficulty in matching a biological control agent with the weeds you want to target,” she says.

We also need some set-aside areas to preserve the biological controls, just as we now have some set-aside fields for pollinator insects (where no pesticides are in use). The biological control insects need some areas where they have their desired plants to feed on. “If there is a tansy ragwort plant in your pasture and there is plenty of forage for the livestock, leave that plant alone and don’t remove it. It may help keep the bug population alive to help control any new plants coming in,” says Shelby.

“One experiment on controlling tansy ragwort with herbicides versus biological control showed that the biocontrol was still helping years later. The spraying only lasted one season and the tansy ragwort came back and was even worse. We need to be careful to leave some of those plants. This includes some of the native plants like milkweed, that the monarch butterfly depends on,” she says. “We need to think about the insects we are dealing with and how to keep them for when we need them.”

Along with biological controls there is also a need for better pasture management as part of the strategy to reduce unwanted weeds. “A healthy pasture provides more competition for weeds and keeps them at lower levels. It really is an integrated pest management strategy,” she explains.

Targeted grazing of weed patches with livestock can also help. Sheep or goats can eat some weeds that are toxic to cattle. In some situations cattle can control weeds if they group together (using temporary electric fencing, herding or virtual fences) and concentrate in small areas to graze and knock down/eat the targeted weed.

June 2026

By Heather Smith Thomas

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Real Kansas Meats Becomes Licensed Authentic Wagyu Partner

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Weicks-Webmaster

Real Kansas Meats Becomes Licensed Authentic Wagyu Certified Beef Partner

May 13, 2026 – Real Kansas Meats will be a licensed Packer Partner for the Authentic Wagyu Certified Beef Program
Real Kansas Meats, a leader in traceable, ranch-raised premium beef from the heart of Kansas, is now a licensed Packing
Plant for the Authentic Wagyu Certified Beef Program which is a USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) G-162
Specification. This collaboration with the American Wagyu Association’s Authentic Wagyu program marks a significant
milestone for both entities. Real Kansas Meats is one of the first packing facilities to become a licensed Authentic Wagyu
partner.

What the USDA G-162 Wagyu Standard Requires

The G-162 Specification, effective January 2025, sets the highest bar for Wagyu certification. It requires compliance to
the American Wagyu Association’s live animal standards, U.S. Prime grading with a minimum marbling score of
Moderately Abundant or higher that exceeds most beef quality standards. This ensures exceptional and consistent
eating quality, tenderness, and flavor for discerning consumers and chefs.

“Real Kansas Meats is committed to showcasing the exceptional quality that Kansas ranchers can produce,” said Andy
Miller, Chief Executive Officer at Real Kansas Meats. “Becoming the first facility in the state licensed for the Authentic
Wagyu program is a gamechanger. It combines our commitment to transparency, traceability, and quality with the
rigorous standards of the American Wagyu Association’s Authentic Wagyu program, giving producers, buyers, and
consumers’ confidence in every cut.”

Tony Anderson, Livestock Procurement Director said, “Kansas ranchers raise some of the finest cattle in the nation, and
we built Real Kansas Meats to ensure they receive the best value and recognition for their efforts.” The program aligns
with the Real Kansas Meat’s mission to support Kansas producers by capturing premium value and provide consumers
with premium cuts that highlight the state’s renowned beef heritage. This will strengthen Kansas’s position in the
premium beef market and support local ranchers by keeping more value within the state.

Real Kansas Meats invites producers to learn more about program participation in Real Kansas Meats’ Authentic Wagyu
program. Visit realkansasmeats.com, or contact Tony Anderson, Livestock Procurement at
tonyaderson@realkansasmeats.com.

About Real Kansas Meats

Real Kansas Meats connects Kansas ranchers with premium markets through fully traceable,
USDA-inspected beef programs. Focused on quality, transparency, and sustainability, the company delivers high-end
beef products that reflect the best of the Kansas prairie.

About American Wagyu Association

American Wagyu Association is a premier breed organization dedicated to
advancing Wagyu cattle in the United States of America. As a member driven, not-for-profit association it upholds
rigorous standards for breed integrity, genetic authenticity and DNA traceability while promoting education, research
and marketing Authentic Wagyu beef.

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