BeefTalk: Kick Some Straw and Read the Book

BeefTalk: Kick Some Straw and Read the Book

Kris Ringwall,

Beef Specialist, NDSU Extension Service

As another bull-buying season comes into full swing, several thoughts pop up while kicking straw in the bullpen. First, many good commercial bulls, backed by strong data numbers that are real, are available and will help producers move toward predetermined production goals. Commercial producers who do not utilize the information available on commercial bulls simply add risk and unpredictability to obtaining their desired production outcomes.

Full Story

Understanding AMS’ Withdrawal of Voluntary Marketing Standards

Understanding AMS’ Withdrawal of Voluntary Marketing Standards

Craig Morris

South Dakota Ag Connection

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced that, effective Jan. 12, the agency withdrew two voluntary marketing claim standards — the Grass (Forage) Fed Marketing Claim Standard and the Naturally Raised Marketing Claim Standard. The Naturally Raised Marketing Claim Standard has never been used by anyone. What does the announcement really mean to grass-fed beef producers and consumers? The honest answer is nothing.

Full Story

Animal health and a functioning water cycle

Animal health and a functioning water cycle

R. P. "Doc" Cooke

Beef Producer

I have read and heard that droughts often end in floods. There have been several examples of this statement in the past year as several areas have received more moisture in a few days than they had previously witnessed in twelve months.

Full Story

The Real Story of MARC: No mad scientists or Frankenstein experiments

The Real Story of MARC: No mad scientists or Frankenstein experiments

Rita Brhel

The Cattle Business Weekly

The past year has been a long one for the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Neb., which drew sharp criticism from New York Times readers in early 2015 when an article was published alleging animal maltreatment at the center.

Full Story

Ultrasound data can quickly improve your breeding herd

Ultrasound data can quickly improve your breeding herd

Kevin Gould

Michigan State University

Breeders can scan yearling bulls and heifers for carcass traits and have this information included in National Cattle Evaluation ultrasound EPDs. Ultrasound EPDs are equivalent to carcass EPDs and simple process offers a non-invasive way to collect this important information. Certified Ultrasound Technicians collect the images and send them to a centralize lab where the images are interpreted. Data is forwarded to a breed association to be included in breeding values.

Full Story

How to keep good ranch employees

How to keep good ranch employees

Laura Mushrush

Drovers

A recurring discussion in the cattle business, particularly the feedyard sector, has been centered on how to hire and keep good employees. According to Ryan Rhodes of Texas A&M – King Ranch, and Kim McCuistion of Texas A&M University, there are huge financial and production incentives for managers to put together an organized employee plan.

Full Story

Retallick accepts director of Member Programs position at American Gelbvieh Association

Retallick accepts director of Member Programs position at American Gelbvieh Association

High Plains Journal

Kelli Retallick has served as the data services coordinator for the American Gelbvieh Association for more than a year and has recently accepted the position of director of member programs. In her time at the AGA, Retallick has proved to be capable of outstanding leadership among staff, dedication to the AGA and skill in developing association programs.

Full Story