“CRP is an important program for protecting environmentally sensitive lands from erosion and sedimentation, and for ensuring the sustainability of our groundwater, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams.

USDA last Thursday issued a final rule to modify the labeling provisions for muscle cut meats covered under the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) rule based on complaints from Canada and Mexico. The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of Canada and Mexico and put the deadline of May 23 for U.

The current costly feed prices mean producers should examine all aspects of the dairy for opportunities that improve efficiencies to reduce shrinkage or waste. Managers who can identify and adjust for inefficiencies such as sorting, social effects and meal patterns can reduce feed costs without losing animal productivity.

The May 20 Crop Progress report showed overall corn plantings jumped 43 percent in the prior week. The previous report (released May 13) showed only 28 percent of the expected crop planted, but the most recent report quoted 71 percent. The five-year average for that week in May is 79 percent.

Grass tetany is caused by a magnesium deficiency. It’s most common when cows and ewes in heavy lactation graze lush spring growth. Rapidly growing forages have low levels of magnesium, and high levels of protein and potassium in the forage further reduce the availability of magnesium.

Providing this information through computers and smartphones replaces the system that allowed access to the data through a landline or basic cell phone call. The phone call option will be available at the other 53 stations until the technology is upgraded.

What seemed at first like a promising free trade agreement with the European Union (EU) has started to feel a bit like a bait and switch. Talks of “comprehensive” free trade only go so far with the EU pushing to maintain its “precautionary principle” with ag imports.

economic impact model at the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, found that direct sales of approximately $1.7 million also generated secondary sales of more than $527,000 for a total annual economic contribution to the state’s economy of more than $2.

For half a century, the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) has showcased the industry’s most talented livestock auctioneers and honored local livestock auction markets annually through its World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC).

The North Dakota State University (NDSU) Agribusiness and Applied Economics Department is developing a commodity trading room (CTR) and financial laboratory. NDSU has a growing focus in commodity marketing and finance and risk management and this initiative will help it expand its expertise.