Livestock Roundup

Nominations open for lamb board

The American Sheep Industry Association is now seeking nominees to fill four positions on the American Lamb Board because current members' terms will expire in early 2026.

Either the small-scale or large-scale producer must be from Region II -- west of the Mississippi River. The feeder at large must be from Region I -- east of the Mississippi River. Deadline is Aug. 22. Visit www.sheepusa.org for more information.

Program earns professional reaccreditation

Bison Strides, North Dakota State University’s equine-assisted services program, was recently reaccredited as a Premier Accredited Center by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Bison Strides partners veterans and individuals with disabilities and horses to build strength, resiliency and independence. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Premier Accredited Center is a designation indicating that a center has met a rigorous set of quality and safety standards. Two trained site visitors scored the program’s implementation of standards for horse management, participant safety, equipment, quality of instruction, facility operations, volunteerism and best-business administrative practices. Bison Strides earned a 99 percent on the center evaluation. Premier Accredited Centers must be reaccredited every five years to maintain such a status. Visit www.bisonstrides.org for more information.

Camp available for women in cattle industry

Cow Camp 2025, a hands-on educational experience for women in beef production, will be held Sept. 10 to 11 at Kansas State University’s Agricultural Research Center in Hays. The program is designed to help women build practical skills in cattle management, grow their confidence, and take a stronger role in the workforce shaping the future of Kansas agriculture. Cow Camp offers workshops on body condition scoring, calving preparation and simulator training, expected progeny differences, vaccine handling, forage sampling, pasture monitoring and more. The program is tailored for women who are managing a first herd, helping with a family operation, or entering the industry from the ground up. Kansas State University Extension developed Cow Camp in response to growing demand for educational opportunities that reflect the realities of western Kansas agriculture. The program supports beginning and experienced producers and reinforces the university’s commitment to practical, inclusive outreach as part of its land-grant heritage. Event is limited to 40 participants. Registration is $75 and includes meals, materials and all workshop sessions. Email wkrec@ksu.edu or visit www.wkrec.org for more information.

Cattle inventory report released

There were 94.2 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms as of July 1, 2025, according to the recently published report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Of the 94.2 million head inventory, all cows and heifers that have calved totaled 38.1 million. There are 28.7 million beef cows in the United States as of July 1, 2025. The number of milk cows in the United States is 9.45 million as of as of July 1, 2025. U.S. calf crop was estimated at 33.1 million head. All cattle on feed were at 13.0 million head. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service surveyed more than 17,900 operators across the nation during the first half of July. Surveyed producers were asked to report their cattle inventories as of July 1, 2025, and calf crop for the entire year of 2025 by internet, mail or telephone. Visit nass.usda.gov/Publications for more information.