Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are developing a system that saves water by using aerial imagery and ground-based sensors to determine the irrigation needs of small sections of cultivated fields.

Retail food prices at the supermarket decreased slightly for the fourth consecutive quarter and are significantly lower than one year ago, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation (AF- BF) Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare a meal was $46.

Growth technologies are among the most effective management tools available to beef producers for adding value to cattle, he said. According to Iowa State University, implanting feedlot cattle can add $71 per head; ionophores, beta-agonists and animal health products can increase that figure another $84.

University of Nebraska Extension educators have planned Cattlemans Day and Trade Show events for Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, in North Platte, NE, at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds; Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, Ogallala, NE, at the Grey Goose; Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, in McCook, NE, at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds; and Tuesday, Nov.

The world needs to invest $83 billion a year in agriculture in developing countries to feed 9.1 billion people in 2050, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said last Thursday.

A steak sizzling on the grill is to a consumer what a cash register cha-ching is to a grocer. Despite economic conditions, those sweet sensations were in the air this summer as demand for high-quality beef cuts picked up for the worlds largest branded beef program.

Rue wrote about the importance of advocacy to dispel inaccurate public perception. The general public is easily led to wrong conclusions involving animal agriculture and animal treatment, he wrote. The underlying problem behind this is that a few producers are careless and do not take enough pride in their work to protect the industry.

Supporting students pursuing large animal veterinary careers, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and Pfizer Animal Health have announced the winners of the 2009 AABP Foundation-Pfizer Animal Health Scholarship. Eleven recipients were chosen, with each receiving a $5,000 scholarship towards an education in large animal medicine.

Now, more than ever, the cattle industry must be united to protect, preserve and promote the industry. That was the message of cattle producer Jack Reich of Zap, ND, during his presidents address to cattle producers during the 80th Annual North Dakota Stockmens Associations (NDSA) Convention and Trade Show Sept.

Sand County Foundation and Nebraska Cattlemen are proud to announce the finalists for the 2009 Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska.