One wolf can cost a rancher up to $162,000 in cattle losses, a new study shows

A new University of California-Davis study is giving us a clearer picture of just how costly wolves can be for ranchers.

Researchers found that a single gray wolf can cause up to $162,000 in losses due to reduced cattle weight and pregnancy rates. They also found cattle DNA in 72 percent of wolf scat samples and signs of elevated stress in herds near wolf territory. Total indirect losses could reach nearly $3.5 million across three wolf packs.

Ranchers are calling for the animals to be removed from the Endangered Species List.

Related Stories
Over 94 percent of U.S. dairy farms are family-owned, carrying forward a legacy built over generations that supports three million jobs and generates more than $40 billion in wages.
“Milk is the most nutritious drink known to mankind.”
A Southern mac and cheese recipe that cuts like a casserole? Yes, please! The extra cheese is optional, but your family will thank you for it.
Paula Deen’s legendary Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding is an irresistible, easy, no-bake dessert recipe topped with decadent Chessmen butter cookies and a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
A Southern comfort classic! Justin Wilson’s Cheesy Hamburger Grits blend beef, cheddar, and bold seasoning for a hearty, flavorful meal.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

She joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share more about her new cookbook, “Dishes and Devotions: Make Every Day Delicious,” which recently hit #1 in Amazon’s Cajun & Creole Cooking category.
$11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops.
Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.