As a beef producer, are you marketing your product, or are you selling it? This is a question that all producers should ask themselves and then act on management strategies that will enable them to add value and market that valuable product. With each operation being different, we all know there is no cookie-cutter solution.

USDA has made $22 million in federal funds available for organic certification cost assistance. A portion of these funds will be available for producers and handlers of organic agricultural products in Colorado.

Land values fell in the fourth quarter of 2008, but so far in 2009, land is holding its own, slightly off last years highs. Land prices in the fourth quarter were down 6 percent in Iowa and 3 percent in Illinois, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Tom Buis announced last week he will be stepping down as NFU president, effective March 15, to serve as CEO of Growth Energy. His successor will be chosen by Farmers Union delegates at the upcoming national convention March 8-10 in Washington, D.

In early February at the World Agricultural Fair, representatives of Hilarides Dairy announced the company is converting cow waste to fuel trucks and generators while minimizing pollution and diversifying energy sources.

Beef demand. What is it, and how can the Beef Checkoff Program influence changes in demand? These are questions that a recent checkoff-funded "U.S. Beef Demand Drivers and Enhancement Opportunities: A Research Study" tried to answer.

Kyle Perez, Nara Visa, NM, was selected as the 2009 Hereford Herdsman of the Year at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO. Perez was selected for the award by his peers?other Hereford herdsmen and breeders? and honored prior to the selection of the champion horned Hereford bull on Jan.

Considerable research with a nematode that destroys female ovaries and a pupal parasite that killed the pupae was conducted in Nebraska, but neither proved effective enough to be employed for control. The insecticides recommended for control of horn flies will also control face flies.

Only 5 percent of parasites live in cattle, which means 95 percent of parasites are on pastures. That is why Dr. Bert Stromberg, parasitologist and professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, says a parasite control program also can help reduce parasite burdens on pastures.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Commissioner Bart Chilton is endorsing a bill that would strengthen CFTC?s regulatory powers, but Chilton says he believes CFTC should have authority to launch criminal investigations. CFTC regulates the grain, meat and financial futures exchanges in Chicago, New York, Kansas City and Minneapolis.