Muscling begins at conception
by Sally Colby
There’s no question that consumers who purchase beef expect a high-quality eating experience. Dr. Jennifer Martin, associate professor of meat safety and quality at Colorado State University, discussed the role of muscle formation in beef cattle, which begins far in advance of a prime steak hitting the plate. (more…)
A reader responded to our story “Reincarnating reclaimed barn wood” with a story of his own. (more…)
The Keystone Farm Show, which took place Jan. 5-7 in York, PA, served as a reprieve from all the virtual farm shows that have been taking place over the past year. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Dr. Niles Jennett, a veterinarian working as a dairy consultant, said we can’t eliminate stressors in the dairy environment, but should be evaluating approaches to mitigate the effects of stress. “Most important is developing an understanding and attitude with owners and staff on how to best handle animals, minimize restraint and keep cows’ environment clean and safe,” he said. “If we can accomplish this, we can do a lot to eliminate stress.” (more…)
by Katie Navarra
In 2019 North Central, IL, farmer Harry Adams Jr. won the World Forage Analysis Superbowl. He had finished among the top contenders several years running, but claimed the title with a dry bale hay entry with a relative feed quality of 342 and a milk per ton score of 4,015. His hay was chosen from 336 entries from 17 states. The 2020 World Forage Analysis Superbowl took place virtually, and Adams shared his secrets to success. (more…)
by Troy Bishopp
Farmers are now being asked to present virtually by organizations and conference committees in lieu of face-to-face meeting venues. Opportunities abound in reaching a worldwide audience from your living room or farmstead. Are you ready to share your knowledge through the tiny video portal on your computer? (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
If you’ve watched any HGTV in the past few years, you know a hot trend in home decoration and renovation is reclaimed barn wood. Fortunately, there is a plentiful source of this must-have material in old buildings – many often unused – wherever old farms are found. (more…)
by Tamara Scully
If the benefits of Kentucky 31 tall fescue don’t outweigh the risk of toxicity, or its propensity to out-compete other forages, it is possible to renovate and remove this controversial forage from your pastures. (more…)
by Troy Bishopp
MORRISVILLE, NY – Constituents in New York’s 121st Assembly District are mourning the loss of their beloved, cow-tie wearing friend, lifelong rural advocate and former Democratic Assemblyman William “Bill” Magee, who received his wings on Christmas Eve at the age of 81. (more…)
by Karl H. Kazaks
As winter settles in, reviewing your winter livestock management strategy can help you improve the productivity and profitability of your operation. Recently, NRCS hosted a webinar with three of its agronomy and grazing experts to discuss approaches to handling livestock during what can be a challenging time of the year. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Recently, the Animal Ag Alliance announced the winners of their College Aggies Online initiative, which connects college students across the country who are interested in promoting agriculture. Participants receive training from industry experts and social media-savvy farmers to engage on social media about current and emerging issues facing farmers and telling personal stories. (more…)
by Judy Van Put
For a number of years, we’ve enjoyed receiving weekly emails from Image Equine Photography, featuring a “Photo of the Week.” Carien Schippers, originator of the site, chooses stunning images of equines she has photographed to share. She adds inspirational quotes and interesting facts on the breed, discipline or the region/country where the photo was taken. She started the “Photo of the Week” about a dozen years ago but has been an equine photographer for practically her entire life. (more…)
