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.

The 2009-2010 edition of the North Dakota Cattle Directory is now available from the North Dakota Stockmen?s Association (NDSA) and is free for the asking.

Indiana ethanol plants could produce enough of a livestock feed ingredient for Hoosier farmers to feed their animals three times over, a Purdue University study suggests. Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) is made from the leftover parts of the corn kernel in the ethanol production process.

The National Organization of Poll-ettes (NOP) recognized Robin Mead, Mid- vville, GA, as the 2008 Na- ttional Poll-ette of the Year. For her contributions to the Hereford breed, youth and the NOP, Mead was bestowed with this honor Jan. 15 at the 2009 National Western Stock Show.