Jo Ann Smith is one of my favorite people. Boy does seeing this picture make me miss Florida. Jo Ann was the first Chairman of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board back in 1986. It’s been twenty years. My how time flies when you’re eating beef.
Milk Price Forecast Up
According to a story out from USDA today milk production is now forecast higher than first estimated for 2006. You can listen to the report by USDA’s Brenda Curtis, featuring the Chair of USDA´s World Outlook Board, Gerald Bange: Milk Price Forecast Story (1 min MP3) Bange also provided his thoughts on why the production forecast has been moved higher: … Read More
Snaplage Makes Sense for High-Moisture Harvest
While harvesting snaplage is not a new practice, it is becoming more appealing, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional services for Pioneer Hi-Bred. A leading reason is the advent of new, large silage choppers utilizing snapper heads with kernel processors. Primary benefits are improved tonnage with very good digestible fiber and high kernel starch. Pioneer has recently completed … Read More
Large Animal Veterinarians in Iraq
I have received an audio report from Iraq that you might find interesting. The email I received says it’s from Paul McKellips who’s on assignment with the Department of State at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. The report: focuses on a US military team of large animal veterinarians who are training their Iraqi counterparts to improve and enhance livestock health in Iraq. Iraqi vets have already had a successful battle against H5N1 (avian influenza) and are making great strides against the country’s other serious diseases, including foot and mouth disease (FMD). American expertise and taxpayer dollars are having a positive impact on Iraq’s agricultural future.
Answers From Monsanto
I have some new information that goes along with a post I did last week on Monsanto’s Dairying Equals Choice. I received some Q&A with Kevin Holloway, president of Monsanto Dairy Business who shares his perspective on dairy farmers’ right to choose safe, effective tools. Here you go:
Monsanto's Chief Technology Officer
At the Farm Progress Show Monsanto has a huge display showcasing their current and new technology. Although it’s mostly about row crops when I interviewed their Chief Technology Officer, Rob Fraley, he talked about what Monsanto is doing in the dairy area.
What to Demand from Data
Experts agree on the basics for believability in corn silage plot data. Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional services for Pioneer Hi-Bred, details credibility thresholds for confidence in that data. He also clarifies the seven most relevant categories of silage corn data, including which ones he believes are most revealing for comparison of genetics. Supported by university studies, Bill … Read More
Monsanto Talks Dairy at Farm Progress Show
AgWired has been covering the Farm Progress Show all week, and intern/blogger Kelcy Shcroder posted an interview this morning that deals with the diary biz. Here are her comments:
Monsanto is not only working with corn and soybeans, but also working with dairy farmers.
A Seasonal Grazing Dairy Interview
While broadcasting from the National Farmers Union Farm Bill Listening Session in Columbus, Ohio, I was intrigued by the farm story of one of the panelists discussing the dairy components of the farm bill. Stacy Hall, along with her husband, operate a seasonal dairy in Southeastern Ohio that relies totally on grazing to feed their cows. We had a fascinating conversation about the concept of milking cows from March through Thanksgiving, taking off for the Caribbean for the holidays, and then coming back and starting all over again. I also learned how the EQIP program has helped the farm install important heavy-traffic lanes that the cows use to get back and forth from the parlor to the paddock. I think you’ll enjoy the conversation.
Stacy Hall talks seasonal grazing 
Hall Seasonal Grazing Interview (7:45, mp3)
Heat Effecting Milk Production
The heat is having an effect on milk production as evidenced by USDA’s July milk production numbers. USDA Chief Economist Keith Collins says it’s down thanks to the heat in major producing state California and it’s lowering annual production forecasts as well.