livestock
10 Ways Ethanol Helps Livestock Farmers
While the drought is having a profound impact on crop production, thanks to ethanol production there is a larger and more flexible corn supply than was available during previous droughts of this magnitude.
“A USDA report confirms what we already knew that the drought’s impact on supply and price will be felt by corn consumers around the world,” stated Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw.
The following list from the IRFA gives 10 ways that ethanol production helps livestock farmers during the 2012 drought.
Galloway Breed Offer Positives for Cattle Producers
The Galloway breed of cattle with a genetic background that goes back to the coastal lowlands of Scotland has been a choice for cattle owners in the United States since they were first brought to this country in the mid-1800s. “They were tougher than nails,” says Debra Vance public relations director for the American Galloway Breeders Association (ABGA). “Plus, they display great versatility with superior beef production, feeding efficiency and ease of calving.”
Young Rancher Needs
Traci Bruckner has a lot of experience with beginning cattle operations. As assistant director of the rural policy program at the Center for Rural Affairs, the Wayne, Neb. native helped lobby for the beginning farmer and rancher provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill; she’s also served on USDA’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Advisory Committee 2007-09, and at one time she and her husband had their own cow/calf operation.
A Guide to Managing Pasture Water “Stabilized Stream and Pond Access Sites”
The Need to Manage Pasture Water
By properly managing your pasture water, you not only provide high-quality water to maintain the health and productivity of livestock on your farm, but you also contribute to maintaining the water quality downstream – water that is used for livestock and human consumption, as well as recreational activities like fishing and swimming.
Hereford Breed
The Hereford has long been the icon of the cattle industry. Their breeding is seeped in tradition and has steadfast supporters. Large framed, red bodies with their trademark white faces, Herefords populate cattle pastures the whole world over. One would be hard pressed to find a more resilient and overall outstanding breed of beef cattle, which has so thoroughly conquered the beef business.
Of British origin, the Hereford evolved from the native red cattle of western England. These early animals were much larger than their easier fleshing, modern counterparts. Always a hardy breed they were able to efficiently convert grazing into body mass making them exceedingly popular in their region and attractive to all cattlemen.
First woman to major in animal husbandry at OSU named 2010 Master Breeder Award recipient.
Oklahoma State University has named Minnie Lou Bradley, the first woman to major in animal husbandry at the institution, as its 2010 Master Breeder Award recipient.
In 1986, believing beef was not only tasty but also a great health food, Bradley and her daughter Mary Lou launched B3R Country Meats, a beef merchandising program that grew into a company recognized worldwide for natural Angus beef.
Although the meat company was sold in 2005, the expanded 10,000-acre ranching operation situated in the Texas panhandle continues under the management of Minnie Lou, Mary Lou and Minnie’s son-in-law, James Henderson.
FFA – Past, Present and Future
On May 3, 2010, National FFA Advisor Dr. Larry Case announced he will retire at the end of the year. Case has been a fixture at national FFA conventions and in the world of agricultural education since his appointment as National FFA Advisor and Program Specialist for the U.S. Department of Education in 1984. A former FFA member from Stet, Missouri, Case started his career as an agriculture teacher in 1966. When he says farewell on Jan. 1, 2011, his last day with FFA, he will have devoted 45 years of his life to agricultural education. We asked Case to give us his viewpoint on the past, present and future of FFA and how he envisions the future of farming.
Cattle Carbon Footprint
In 2006, a report by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization claimed domesticated livestock produces 18% of the world’s anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Animal scientists—and the FAO itself—have been trying to clean up the damage ever since.
Effective Pest Control Strategies Critical Component in Overall Strategic Program
During the past couple of years we have seen the economy negatively impact the profitability of many cattle operators across the country. And, while the outlook has been slowly improving, there is still a combination of factors that have many on edge. However, by continuing to implement sound cattle management practices and be as proactive as possible in their comprehensive pest control strategies, operators will weather the storm and they and their cattle will thrive despite the challenges.
Herd Health Management Practices
