We hear it and read it all the time – that agriculture and livestock production are destroying the planet because of all the greenhouses gases they produce. This is simply not true. Michelle Miller, aka Farm Babe, puts livestock production in perspective in this post. Source: AGDAILY, October 25, 2016. When you compare the 8 percent greenhouse gas figure of agriculture to … [Read more...]
21st-century agriculture amazes many, scares some
The modern food system is amazing, especially in the United States. Never before have we fed so many people at such low costs. This efficiency comes with realities that are sensible to some and stupid to others. It has changed how we raise food and the ways animal health pros and their crop health counterparts work with customers and discus issues with the public. The five … [Read more...]
Cedar troubles
The disruptive invasion of cedar trees, such as eastern red cedar, blueberry juniper and redberry juniper, has become a major issue for rangelands, wildlife and landowners. While providing habitat benefits for some species, they push out other species. These invasive trees are also very thirsty. An acre of them absorbs 55,000 gallons of water per year. One report indicated a … [Read more...]
Industrial farms contribute to sound environmental practices
Livestock producers and farmers often get lumped together in terms such as, big ag, industrial farms and factory farming. These are not negative terms. In fact, industrial farms are good for the environment. Jayson Lusk, Oklahoma State University agricultural economics professor explains why in this well-researched op-ed. Source: New York Times Sunday Review, September 25, … [Read more...]
Farmers are often misunderstood
Farmers have a unique lifestyle that integrates business life, family and friends. Non-farm people may have perceptions that farmers have it pretty good compared to their own lives. John Phipps challenges farmers to view their situation from the perspective of non-farmers. Source: Top Producer, Summer 2016. Many things farmers take for granted can strike non-farm family … [Read more...]
Beware the beetle
Blister beetle poisoning is a rare but deadly threat. Blister beetles carry cantharidin, a toxic defense chemical that is a blistering agent. They are found in alfalfa hay with blooms or that contains other insects, especially grasshoppers, since blister beetles are attracted to both. There are several varieties, so the appearance of the beetles depends on the species, which … [Read more...]
Livestock need quality water
Cattle need plenty of water, especially during summer months when forages tend to dry out. When levels of dissolved solids, such as iron, sulfates and salts get too high, they can cause decreased water consumption. Performance can suffer. Chance Farmer, cattle consultant, offers ways of testing for dissolved solids in this article. Source: Purina Mills. This is not an issue … [Read more...]
What farming isn’t
The food movement has nothing to do with farming, proclaims writer Sarah Mock, a farm kid from Wyoming. After a two-week trek across the U.S. heartland, Mock says that the idyllic, pastoral daydream we cling to (and pay for) bears no resemblance to farming there or anywhere. Source: Medium.com, June 10, 2016. Conventional farming and farm-to-table farming exist separately … [Read more...]
Triclosan flows through streams, crops
Triclosan is a common antibacterial agent in antibacterial soaps, detergents, carpets, paints, toys and toothpaste. It is effective against bad and good bacteria. Monica Mendez, associate professor, Department of Biology and Chemistry at Texas A&M International University is interested in triclosan-contaminated streams and rivers. These streams often serve as the water … [Read more...]
The Nature Conservancy and The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) to partner on clean water
The Nature Conservancy and The Fertilizer Institute announced a new partnership in support of farm practices that result in clean water. The two groups signed a memo of understanding to help ensure agriculture has access to tool to use fertilizer with the maximum environmental and economic efficiency. Source: AgriMarketing, June 16, 2016. The agreement lays out a framework … [Read more...]
It’s time to demand less food waste
Whether it is portion size, harvesting and storage issues or cosmetic perfection for packaging, we waste nearly half of all food produced, says JoAnn Alumbaugh, editor. She gives all of us compelling information to consider as we seek to feed the world. Source: Pork Network, May 16, 2016. Do the basic math: If we can feed 6 billion people on 2 billion to 2.8 billion tons of … [Read more...]
Nat’l FFA organization and foundation name new CEO
Mark Poeschl of Brookville, Ohio, will become the new chief executive officer of both organizations effective Aug. 1, 2016. Poeschl, a former FFA member and past state FFA president from Nebraska, brings strong business, customer service, financial, IT and global perspectives to the organization. He currently serves as vice president, group director, stakeholder engagement at … [Read more...]
Cash flow is king
Declining values in cash rent, farm fuels and farm products signals those servicing the livestock area to get busy helping clients make money to avoid being looked at as an expense. Creighton University released its Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) for April 2016, and the monthly survey of bank CEOs in a 10-state Midwest region showed a downward trend of several things, including … [Read more...]
Watch for farm equipment on roadways
It is planting season. Agricultural and grounds maintenance equipment are now more present on our country roads and by-ways. Here are good reminders to share with family, colleagues and staff. Source: Pork Network, April 15, 2016. Slow down on rural roads, says Karen Funkenbusch. A car traveling 55 mph requires 224 feet to stop on dry payment, assuming average reaction time … [Read more...]
Local lies hurt us all
People want “local” food and they’re willing to pay a premium for it. Local promises fresh and tasty food. It means safe food, a small carbon footprint and genetic diversity. It also builds community. Not so fast. A key conclusion from this series is that if you eat food, you are being lied to daily. Source: Tampa Bay Times, April 15, 2016. If you eat food, you’re being … [Read more...]
Setting the record straight on animal antibiotics
Dr. Richard Raymond, well-known in food safety and animal health circles, shared his thoughts about animal antibiotics in a recent commentary on Meatingplace. In it, he responded to an article with the headline, “FDA report shows antibiotic sales on the rise.” Raymond feels the organizations representing animal agriculture should do a better job of explaining to consumers and … [Read more...]
Dairy Industry Trends
Leading dairy offer a look at the challenges of marketing to dairy producers. Read about their ideas on: Current Situation Outlook and competition Current Trends Technology Source: AgriMarketing, March 2016. Trends in the Dairy Industry, page 18. … [Read more...]
Do you know dairy?
A fun quiz features statistics and perspectives about the U.S. dairy industry. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, April 4, 2016. Dairy farming in the U.S. is an amazing industry. It is big, yet it is getting smaller all the time. Its basics are the same everywhere, yet how they are done differs everywhere – and often dramatically. … [Read more...]
All saleable milk is antibiotic free
Antibiotic testing is part of milk collection and management. According to the National Milk Drug Residue database, dairy producers increased the number of antibiotic free milk loads to 99.988% of all loads of milk delivered in 2015. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, March 7, 2016. Every load of milk delivered to dairy processing plants is tested for the presence of antibiotics. … [Read more...]
GMO debate gets weirder
If you follow GMO discussions, you’ll enjoy John Phillips’ take on this controversy. His viewpoint clearly outlines the challenges inherent with advancing science. A few tongue-in-cheek references are worth a chuckle too. Source: Top Producer, March 2016. Any definition you can come up with to identify a GMO can be rapidly nullified because of new technology or because it … [Read more...]
Limit invasive species spread in pastures
Suburban acreage owners will appreciate this article as a resource, as will livestock producers. Veterinary teams, retailers, dealers and sales representatives can use this information to discuss European starlings, feral swine, brown trees snakes and other invasive species that pose potential risks. Source: Beef Magazine, February 24, 2016. According to the USDA blog, “It … [Read more...]
Skills for safety trainers
Where there are people doing jobs, safety training is critical. Learn some best practices in this article supported by the National Agronomic Environmental Health and Safety School. Source: AgProfessional, January 2016, page 46. “Captivate your audience, but don’t treat them like captives,” says Fred Whitford, PhD, Purdue. “A trainer always has to provide the key message he … [Read more...]
Meat export ban lifted by South Africa
The United States and South Africa have entered a period of détente’ regarding meat protein exports from the U.S. According to one source, the trade bans began in 2000 Source: AgriPulse, January 8, 2016. South Africa has agreed to lift bans on U.S. poultry, pork, beef exports of the products to South Africa could generate $75 million of shipments annually. … [Read more...]
New dietary guidelines for Americans
A more sensible approach to nutrition is reflected in the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans recently announced by the Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. This round of guidelines focuses less on recommendations for individual nutrients and more on broader dietary patterns. As the DGA website puts it, “people do not eat food groups and nutrients in … [Read more...]
Weather outlook 2016: get a drought plan
This article supports coffee-shop buzz like no other. Get the 2016 weather forecast from Brian Bledsoe, Colorado Springs, CO, meteorologist and ag weather consultant. Source: Beef Magazine, January 2016, page 60. “This El Nino should be history sometime in the spring”, Bledsoe said. “By late spring, it’s probably done. Which should be an indication that you be diligent and … [Read more...]
Why Asia craves America’s pig DNA
Experience the dynamics of swine exporting and decision-making in this intriguing story. In a business fraught with financial risks and potential catastrophes, exporters must navigate countries’ various regulations, financing arrangements and cultural norms. Animal diseases, currency fluctuations, and politics can quickly destroy markets. Yet, this is part of feeding the … [Read more...]
2015, 40 under 40 from Vance Publishing’s Agribusiness Group
“You won’t find the selfish, cynical Gen X'er or narcissistic Millennial snowflake in these profiles”, says Greg Johnson, editorial director, Vance Publishing’s Agribusiness Group. “These agriculture industry professionals are examples of hard working, young people, leading their organizations and helping meet the challenge of feeding another two billion people worldwide by … [Read more...]
Ag research should not be a mere afterthought
You don’t have to be a swine DVM or hog farmer to appreciate the message in this story. A large-scale health and economics problem, applied science, collaboration and dedication underscore the topic of PRRS-resistant pigs in this blog entry. Congratulations to many professionals who have remained focused on “finding a way” for the last two to three decades. This type of … [Read more...]
Bad birds
There are no references to Hitchcock's 1963 film The Birds, in this quick read. Still, the challenge of managing both feed loss and contamination can be problematic for producers. North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist J.W. Schroeder provides some perspective and elimination ideas for consideration. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 29, … [Read more...]
Welcome to the “antibiotic-free” fear factory
The debate continues regarding antibiotic residues. The video accompanying this article in Drovers CattleNetwork Daily is not the marketing hype of large, branded fast-food chains, rather it is an excellent resource to utilize in support of safe, meat protein production. Regardless of your role, as an animal health professional please take time to consider the value of … [Read more...]