Many of today's most innovative cattle producers are actively looking for ways to build consumer-direct niche markets for beef. But, what happens when a major retailer decides to build its own beef supply chain? A new project should provide some answers.

Whether it's by choice or because of a natural disaster, there are times when cows and calves end up in a drylot. The good news is it can work.

Every summer for 26 years, Mississippi's youth have left their home farms and ranches to trek to Mississippi State University (MSU) to learn about their state's cattle industry. They know the days will be long and, guaranteed, hot. No video games. No Netflix...

Implants are not an automatic decision at the Akins ranch. Chandler and Callie Akins take the time to identify which calves are going to be developed as seedstock, and which will move on as feeders first. The brother-sister team has learned staying flexible on implants is...

Forget the crumbles and the premade patties. Beyond Meat just introduced a 1-pound package of something that looks a lot like a pound of ground beef. The label boldly proclaims it to be "Beyond Beef" and features a cow/plant icon on the packaging.

Myles Gardner believes bread-and-butter jobs make the biggest difference when it comes to building a cattle operation. It's a seasoned philosophy for a 29-year-old. It's also proving itself on a daily basis.

Always on the hunt for ways to boost profits, Tommy Mead has been looking forward to a new marketing program that will highlight the value of his cross-bred cows. It represents the coming together of two giants in the beef industry--the American Hereford Association...