CattlePulse

About CattlePulse

We cover stories about Virginia’s cattle industry and the economics and market trends that affect them. CattlePulse provides regular market updates about Virginia feeder cattle sales, includes timely, relevant production advancements, and offers interviews with farmers and industry professionals.

Publisher

Elijah Griles

Category

education · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Mar 2023

Latest episode

10 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

42 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria

   This month on CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest cattle market developments, including the first signs of herd rebuilding in years, USDA's plan to reopen the Mexican border to feeder cattle imports, and what declining beef prices could mean for demand. Plus, Elijah talks with Dr. Alan Young of Medgene about the Asian longhorned tick and a new vaccine designed to combat Theileria orientalis Ikeda. In this episode: Feeder cattle futures softened in July, with the August contract at $353/cwt. and September at $348/cwt., down 2% and 3% month-over-month, respectively The July Cattle Inventory Report showed total U.S. cattle inventory at 94.2 million head, up 200,000 head from last year and marking the first July inventory increase since 2018 Beef cow numbers were estimated at 28.5 million head, the lowest July total since the report began in 1973 Beef replacement heifers increased 3% year-over-year to 3.8 million head, providing the first meaningful evidence of heifer retention and potential herd rebuilding in nearly a decade Despite signs of expansion, the 2026 calf crop was estimated at just 32.5 million head, down 2% from last year and the smallest calf crop on record USDA announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to feeder cattle imports beginning August 24 at Douglas, Arizona, following more than a year of closure due to New World Screwworm concerns A new sterile male screwworm fly production facility in Mexico is expected to strengthen long-term eradication efforts Boxed beef prices have declined roughly 10% since July 4th, raising questions about whether beef demand is beginning to soften beyond the typical post-holiday seasonal slowdown Dr. Alan Young explains how the invasive Asian longhorned tick spreads Theileria orientalis Ikeda and why the parasite poses a growing threat to cattle health Theileria infection can suppress the immune system, cause anemia, reduce fertility, lower performance, and increase susceptibility to secondary infections Medgene recently introduced the first U.S. vaccine targeting Theileria orientalis Ikeda The vaccine is designed primarily for naïve calves and is most effective as part of a whole-herd health strategy Vaccination currently requires a two-dose series administered three to four weeks apart, with future boosters likely needed to maintain protection Producers interested in the vaccine should consult their veterinarian, as it is available by prescription Medgene Disclaimer: Potency and efficacy of prescription platform product biologics have not been established. This product is prepared for use only by a veterinarian prescription. Medgene’s prescription platform system ensures that all the ingredients that go into our vaccines are animal origin free. Resources mentioned: USDA July Cattle Inventory Report USDA APHIS New World Screwworm Updates Medgene Labs Virginia weather and markets: Drought conditions improved modestly across parts of Virginia, with 11% of the state now drought-free Severe drought remains across portions of the Blue Ridge, Northern Virginia, and Southside, while 4% of the state remains in extreme drought NOAA's August outlook calls for near-normal precipitation and a 33-40% chance of above-normal temperatures Virginia's six-market average for 500-pound feeder steers was $427.92/cwt. in July, down 6% from June but still 16% above year-ago levels Personal note: There will be no September episode of CattlePulse as Elijah takes paternity leave to welcome his first child. The show will return in October. Have a question or topic suggestion? CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com (mailto:elijah.griles@vafb.com.). (mailto:elijah.griles@vafb.com.)

2. 

   13 Jul 2026

   Road Trip to Beef Cattle U

   CattlePulse is taking a road trip. This month, host Elijah Griles visits Virginia Tech for the third annual Virginia Beef Cattle University, where producers, students, industry professionals, and educators gathered to learn, network, and discuss some of the biggest issues facing the cattle industry today. In this episode, Elijah sits down with Emily Bowman of the Virginia Beef Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine, and Dr. M. Wayne Ayers of Elanco Animal Health to discuss cattle markets, profitability, drought, and the ongoing response to New World Screwworm. In this episode: Virginia Beef Cattle University brought together producers from Virginia and surrounding states for three days of workshops, educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry discussions Emily Bowman highlights the event's hands-on workshops, including meat science demonstrations, carcass evaluations, sensory panels, and producer-focused educational sessions Dr. Kenny Burdine says cattle market fundamentals remain strong, with tight cattle supplies continuing to support profitability across the industry Burdine encourages producers to think strategically about reinvesting profits through facility improvements, grazing infrastructure, genetics, debt reduction, and building working capital—not just herd expansion Consumer demand remains a key market concern as beef prices stay high and competing proteins like pork and poultry may expand production more quickly than the cattle industry Dr. Wayne Ayers explains the biology and threat of New World Screwworm, a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue in livestock and wildlife As of the conference, Texas had confirmed 33 New World Screwworm cases, with control efforts focused on animal movement restrictions, producer vigilance, and the sterile insect technique Producers are encouraged to educate themselves on New World Screwworm identification and pay close attention to wounds caused by procedures such as ear tagging, castration, injections, and branding Virginia drought conditions worsened following the July heat wave, with 26% of the state classified in extreme drought, 40% in severe drought, and 32% in moderate drought NOAA CPC's July outlook indicates a 50–60% chance of above-normal temperatures across most of Virginia, while precipitation chances remain near normal Virginia feeder calf markets softened in June, with the six-market average for 500-pound steers at $455.10/cwt., down 1.3% from May Limited pasture conditions and drought stress may be reducing buyer demand for backgrounding cattle despite historically strong cattle prices Resources mentioned: Virginia Beef Cattle University (https://vabeefcattleu.com/) Cattle Market Notes Weekly (https://mailchi.mp/2455fe189385/cattle-market-notes-weekly-21560265?e=97693da52e) Screwworm.gov U.S. Drought Monitor (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/) CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com (mailto:elijah.griles@vafb.com).

3. 

   8 Jun 2026

   The Screwworm Is Back

   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 cash markets. In this episode: Feeder cattle futures have been volatile — August at $349/cwt and September at $346/cwt, both down roughly 5% month-over-month before rebounding on news of a New World Screwworm detection USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf, triggering a 12-mile infestation zone and increased surveillance along with continued sterile fly dispersal The May Cattle on Feed report showed 11.6 million head on feed, up 2% year-over-year — the first increase in 18 months, with placements up 6% and marketings down 10% Drought is impacting more than 70% of the U.S. cattle herd, raising questions about expansion and increasing feed, hay, and water costs Beef demand remains strong despite record prices — retail beef averaged $9.64/lb. in April, while demand is up 7% year-over-year and 39% over the past seven years Virginia drought conditions persist: 25% of the state is in extreme drought and 59% in severe drought, with limited relief in the near-term climate outlook Virginia feeder calf prices softened slightly — the six-market average came in at $461/cwt, down 1.7% from last month Market outlook hinges on competing pressures: tighter supplies vs. drought-driven early sales and reduced buyer demand Resources mentioned: USDA APHIS updates on New World Screwworm USDA Cattle on Feed Report (May 2026) Livestock Market Information Center (LMIC) beef demand data U.S. Drought Monitor NOAA Climate Prediction Center outlook Event mention: Virginia Beef Cattle University — July 8–10 Register at: vabeefcattleu.com (https://vabeefcattleu.com/) CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com (mailto:elijah.griles@vafb.com).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

6,879

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

16

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

32

Contact CattlePulse

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.