Baxter Black, DVM: CHRISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE ON THE FARM

Baxter Black, DVM:  CHRISTMAS GIFT EXCHANGE ON THE FARM

The week before Christmas the farmer announced to the animals that he would not be giving them the traditional cheese and sausage box. The pig was relieved.

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Trying to Stay Ahead of Change

Trying to Stay Ahead of Change

Steve Weisman

American Cattlemen

If there is one thing that Kenny Rogers, seedstock operator and rancher in Yuma County in eastern Colorado has discovered about the ranching industry since he came back to the family ranch in 1996, it is that change is inevitable. Rogers says with a chuckle, “Nobody likes change except maybe a baby with dirty diapers. Yet we know that the industry is undergoing constant change, whether we like it or not.”

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Pay Attention to Management of Bulls During Development Period

Pay Attention to Management of Bulls During Development Period

Stephen B. Blezinger, Ph.D., PAS

Cattle Today

About this time of the year many producers begin giving thought to the future of their cow herd and what the New Year will bring. One major decision they will make will be whether or not they will need to buy a new bull or bulls to replace current animals in the herd. In many cases these decisions have already been made and bulls have been bought at fall production sales or are currently being bought.

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Foot rot in beef cattle can affect livestock producers’ bottom line

Foot rot in beef cattle can affect livestock producers’ bottom line

TERRI ADAMS

The Prairie Star

While foot rot in cattle is not typically a fatal disease, it can really affect producers’ bottom line, says Connie Larson, research nutritionist at Zinpro Corporation in Eden Prairie, Minn.

“Studies have shown that animals with foot rot don’t perform as well,” she said. “Anytime an animal has a disease or immune challenge, a large portion of the energy is going to be shifted away from production to support the immune system. Immunity has a very high energy demand when animals are sick.”

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Premium Beef is Becoming a Top Choice

Premium Beef is Becoming a Top Choice

Vanessa K. Bush

Any way you slice it, premium beef is becoming a top choice for quick-service and fast-casual restaurants looking to surpass the competition.

As we ease our way out of an economic downturn, premium beef sales at quick-service and fast-casual restaurants are on an upswing. Perhaps because of optimistic news that the country is on the cusp of a recovery, consumers seem to be seeking out more quality and a better value when they eat out—and they’re willing to pay for it.

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How should U.S. tackle climate change concerns?

How should U.S. tackle climate change concerns?

High Plains Journal

Most political pundits will tell you that it is no longer a question of "if" we will get some type of climate change legislation approved next year, but "when." An even more interesting question is: What will it look like? If a bill with such far-reaching implications can actually get approved in a year divisible by two, it will likely look much different than current versions.

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Drought dries up millions for local ag

Drought dries up millions for local ag

Ron Maloney

The Gazette-Enterprise            

Local agricultural losses suffered in the recent drought will likely be above $15 million and could go higher still, commissioners learned this week.

Guadalupe County Extension Agent for Natural Resources Travis Franke told county commissioners that losses experienced by crop farmers are expected to be tabbed at about $9 million in Guadalupe County — a sizeable chunk of a $45 million business.

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