Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Steve Womack (R-AR) and Peter Welch (D-VT), today re-introduced legislation called the RFS Reform Act “to reform the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to help ease concerns created by the ethanol mandate and protect consumers, livestock producers, food manufacturers, retailers, and the U.S. economy.” Livestock and poultry producer organizations are among those supporting the … Read More
Lawsuit to Protect Farmer Data Dismissed
Agricultural organizations seeking to block the Environmental Protection Agency from releasing personal information of livestock and poultry farmers and ranchers in response to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests were dealt a blow this week when the federal district court in Minnesota dismissed the lawsuit. The court concluded that no federally permitted livestock or poultry farmer is injured by such … Read More
New Z Tags® Z2 No-Tear-Tagging System
Datamars, Inc., a global leader in livestock identification ear tags, announced the introduction of its revolutionary new Z Tags® brand Z2 No-Tear-Tagging System for livestock. Unlike conventional two‐piece tagging systems, the Z Tags® Z2 No‐Tear-Tagging System features a unique new applicator with a kickback jaw that automatically retracts once the tag has been inserted. This patented feature, combined with a … Read More
World Dairy Expo Unveils Complete 2015 Judges List
World Dairy Expo’s slate of sixteen dairy cattle judges is now complete. Each of the eight shows will have a team of two experienced judges to evaluate, sort and rank each class. More than 1,200 dairy cattle exhibitors will bring more than 2,500 head of their very best cattle to Expo. These judges will select the Grand Champions of seven … Read More
Register for Industry Leading Ag Marketing Conference
Ranch House Designs Inc. has provided hands-on workshops in agricultural marketing, livestock marketing and agricultural photography since 2011. Their latest event will take place March 27-29th in Kansas City, MO and I will be there. Join me atThe Gathering Conference, a leading educational workshop in the industry that is great for farmers and ranchers, association staff members and industry professionals. … Read More
Positive Outlook for Meat and Livestock
More supply and strong demand are expected to keep the outlook in the livestock sector pretty positive. During a workshop on the subject at the recent American Farm Bureau Federation Convention and IDEAg Trade Show, Dr. Glynn Tonsor, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University, talked about what the future would hold. “The meat-to-feed price … Read More
Farm Bureau Honors Temple Grandin
The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized Dr. Temple Grandin for her distinguished service to agriculture during the organization’s 96th annual convention Sunday in San Diego. Dr. Temple Grandin has dedicated her life to improving animal welfare and handling. One of the most successful people in the world with autism, Grandin is the leading authority on farm animal behavior. Her unique … Read More
Governor Convenes Missouri Beef Industry Summit
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon convened a summit on Monday to discuss opportunities to maximize the potential of Missouri’s beef cattle industry. “It’s really about us as a country, making sure we are living up to our responsibility to feed, fuel and clothe the world,” said Nixon at the Missouri Beef Industry Summit, held at the University of Missouri in Columbia. … Read More
BIVI Investing in Iowa
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is investing more than $110 million in its facilities in Fort Dodge and Ames over the next four years, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). BIVI is a world leader in biological and pharmaceutical products for cattle, swine, horses and pets. “These investments in our Fort Dodge and Ames locations support and fuel … Read More
USDA: Swine Herd Up 2 Percent from Year Ago
The number of hogs and pigs on U.S. farms is up 2 percent from the same time a year ago. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) says the new Quarterly Hogs and Pigs report also shows an increase of 1 percent from September 1. Other key findings in the report were: • Of the 66.1 million … Read More