Building a Data-Driven Ranching Assistant with Python and a Government Weather API

This article explores how I combined web scraping, agricultural formulas, and NOAA’s weather API to build a Python-based tool that helps ranchers optimize cattle feed costs. The project features two modules—an economic engine that calculates feed requirements and scrapes real-time prices, and an environmental monitor that uses weather data to predict heat stress. By integrating these systems, the tool bridges agricultural science and data automation, offering a glimpse into how developers can create real-world value for traditional industries.