SmartLic Helping Ranchers Protect Profits in a Record-Breaking Cattle Market

June 19, 2026

While cattle producers continue to enjoy record-setting cattle prices, challenges ranging from drought to horn fly infestations remain top concerns across much of cattle country.

During the 2026 Livestock Marketing Association Convention and World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Mike Jennings of SmartLic Supplements said producers are focused on maximizing every pound of gain at a time when cattle are worth more than ever.

"As we look across the country right now, there are areas that are droughted out and short on forage," Jennings said. "Where we do have adequate moisture, one of the biggest concerns is managing fly populations."

A $2.3 Billion Problem

According to Jennings, horn flies continue to be one of the most costly pests facing the cattle industry.

"The industry gets plagued with about $2.3 billion worth of costs to livestock producers annually from horn fly infestations," he said.

With cattle prices near historic highs, Jennings said fly control is no longer just a management consideration—it's an economic opportunity.

"Producers can help themselves gain some of that weight back by making sure they're managing that fly population," he explained.

Research and field observations show cattle producers can often recover an additional 22 to 25 pounds of gain by implementing effective fly management programs.

For stocker cattle operations, where lightweight calves are often shipped long distances to grass, the impact can be even greater.

"Every pound counts, and every pound is worth more today than it's ever been in the history of feeding cattle," Jennings said.

Solutions for Drought-Stricken Producers

While some regions have received timely moisture, others continue to battle drought conditions, particularly across portions of the Northern Plains and Western United States.

Jennings noted that producers facing forage shortages still have options to maintain cattle performance.

"As everybody knows, in order for a tub to work, we do need forage," he said. "But producers who still have hay available can supplement with a good protein and mineral package that can go a long way."

He added that drought has prompted many ranchers to consider early weaning strategies, creating additional nutritional challenges for calves.

"We have some dynamic products that allow producers to creep calves and help ensure their mineral status and immune systems are where they need to be before weaning," Jennings said.

New Products Target Flies, Ticks and Lice

One of the newest developments from SmartLic involves supplements designed to support integrated pest management programs.

Jennings said growing interest in garlic-based technologies and natural repellents prompted the company to develop new products aimed at helping reduce fly pressure.

"We've developed a couple of new products that utilize that technology," he said.

While the products are not designed to kill existing fly populations, Jennings explained they can help repel flies, ticks and lice as part of a broader pest management strategy.

"It's basically a repellent that helps keep some of those flies, ticks and lice off cattle," he said.

Matching Nutrition to Conditions

As producers begin thinking about late-summer grazing, fall weaning and winter feeding programs, Jennings emphasized the importance of matching supplementation programs to available forage and production goals.

SmartLic specializes exclusively in low-moisture supplement tubs and currently offers between 45 and 50 formulations designed to fit varying forage conditions and nutritional needs.

"We do one thing and one thing only, and that's produce low-moisture blocks," Jennings said. "Usually we can match up what producers are lacking in their forage program and help meet the daily requirements of those cattle."

As cattle producers continue navigating drought concerns, pest pressure and evolving market conditions, Jennings said the goal remains simple: help ranchers protect performance and capture every available pound in a historically strong cattle market.

Coverage of the 2026 Livestock Marketing Association Convention and World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in Deadwood and St. Onge, South Dakota sponsored by SmartLic Supplements.

Source: Western Ag Network