by George Looby, DVM
At any given moment in time it would be most difficult to estimate how many herding dogs are roaming the fields, pastures and barnyards of this country. To watch them work puts many of us to shame as they respond to the hand signals and whistles of their Shepherds with a zeal that never ceases to amaze. Unfortunately some of these animals have inherited a defective gene that puts them at risk for a potentially deadly illness. [Read more…]
by Pat Malin
EAST SYRACUSE, NY — If farmers wish to become transparent with the consumer and the public about their activities, it can be as easy as setting up a farm profile on Facebook.
On the other hand, opening up these lines of communication can come with risks and unwanted attention.
How the farmers balance their need to market their products and engage in dialogue with the public versus maintaining their privacy was a major topic at the New York Farm Bureau’s Animal Welfare Symposium on Oct. 29 at the Doubletree by Hilton. [Read more…]
Penn State’s Poultry Judging Team placed first in the nation at the 50th National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest held Nov. 1-3 at the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. It is the first time since 2005 that the team has placed first, though it has been second six times, third two times and fourth once. The team scored an impressive 4,258 points out of 4,500.
Josh Cassar, Lansdale, PA, led the team as first place overall individual, having also won high individual at the spring national contest earlier this year. Cassar placed first in Egg Production and Quality and second in Breed Selection and Carcass Quality. [Read more…]
by Tamara Scully
“Rumination is so sensitive to the cow’s state of being. Resting as a biological process, and rumination, are so closely intertwined,” Dr. Rick Grant, of the Miner Institute said. “Management that impairs lying time almost has to decrease rumination response,” no matter the diet being fed. [Read more…]
by Troy Bishopp
WATERLOO, NY — “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” This quote embodied the inaugural 2015 Food and Farm Experience where members of print, web and television media came to Seneca County to learn about the many facets of New York Agriculture.
“We were very excited to be able to put together the Food and Farm Experience,” said NYFB Foundation Director, Sandra Prokop. “The funding from the American Agriculturist Foundation, Inc. allows us to plan and launch the program during its inaugural year.” [Read more…]
by Pat Malin
MUNNSVILLE, NY — Raising cattle on pasture should be neither a 24/7 task nor a thankless job.
According to Dave Roberts, a grazing specialist for the USDA, if a farmer takes the time to observe the cycle of growth in the pasture and the cattle’s natural tendencies, the animals can practically raise themselves.
Roberts, who is based in Oneida County, was the guest speaker as Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida and Madison counties invited local grazers to an end-of the season pasture walk at the Stolzfus Farm on Oct. 16. He discussed how to evaluate pasture conditions and marketing options for beef producers. [Read more…]
by Hope Holland
During the last week of October Gov. Tom Wolf threatened to halt horse racing at all of Pennsylvania’s six tracks by Oct. 30, if the racing industry doesn’t agree to pay an approximate $9 million for drug testing. The tracks included cover three Thoroughbred racing tracks: Parx Casino and Racing in Bensalem, Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie and Penn National. Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Race Track in Chester, The Meadows Casino in Washington and the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, all of which feature harness racing, make up the other three of the six tracks involved. [Read more…]
Seven Penn State Dairy Science Club members received National Dairy Shrine scholarships awarded at the annual banquet during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. Two members won two awards; five others received single scholarships, and the total was impressive – the most ever for students from Penn State.
Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Dairy Science, said, “We are so proud of our students and congratulate them on the fine showing in this prestigious scholarship program. It is a testament to their hard work and their strong preparation that they have done so well. These scholarships are extremely important to the students as they prepare for the future, recognizing and supporting their passion for the dairy industry.” [Read more…]