We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and is looking forward to an even better New Year. During 2009, the cattle industry faced many challenges. We had fed cattle prices that didn’t support a profitable feeding sector and they experienced perhaps their worst year on record. Forecasters are calling for a better 2010 for cattle feeders which will

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been cracking down on individuals and small businesses including farmers, ranchers and horse ownerswith increased tax audits and aggressive tactics to collect taxes. The tactics include an increased volume of audits, and more bank levies and liens on real property.

As we age, we gain wisdom through life experiences. Although these experiences may be very difficult at times, we generally emerge with more insight and understanding as we follow the many trails we take in life.

Thirteen years ago, the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) changed their organization after a tumultuous battle and a lot of damage to create the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). This period was also known as the "Merger." In January, NCBA will hold their meeting again in San Antonio, TX, and attempt to change their organization again, more than likely with

The deck is not stacked, but the cow/calf producer does hold a good hand. As producers, we have a choice when to call the hand and turn the reins over to the next segment of the industry.

When you count your blessings, remember to include the ones disguised as challenges. Some of them you decided to take on as calculated risks; others intruded on your farm or in your life, but turned out to be mixed blessings.

It’s becoming clear as a bell that the Obama administration is carrying out a full frontal attack on the American economy and society. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is perhaps his most profound tool to inflict this damage. EPA announced last week that they would initiate

Based on the average price, the most valued cut was 25 pounds of ribeye roll at $126.79. However, the range of reported values was a low of $118.81 to a high of $143.77. The second greatest value was 46 pounds of boneless chuck roll that brought $84.37. The range in reported values was a low of $76.

Stephen Bartow Bart Strang was born on June 7, 1928, in New Hope, PA, to Stephen B. Strang and Ellen (Lathrop) Strang. Bart spent his early years in Bucks County, PA, and at the age of 8, moved with his family to Ralston Creek Ranch near Golden, CO. The remote location of the ranch necessitated home schooling for Bart and his brother Mike.

Dickinson State University offers a course in solving cow/calf management problems. Students are challenged to review their own and cooperating North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association producer herds and develop improvement plans in each herd..