The authors did not cite meatpacking, but they could have. In 1988, the top three packers (IBP, ConAgra and Excel) shared 67.1 percent of fed steer and heifer slaughter, according to my data. Their market share climbed as high as 73.8 percent in 2001, but then declined and has remained below 70 percent ever since.

Food safety is a two-way street. Food processors and the public both have to take some responsibility for the safety of the food products they consume. Pathogen-free food is about as unrealistic as the government eliminating their total deficit spending. Apparently, some in Washington, D.C., don’t think consumers

In a couple weeks, the world will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the idea of changing the world as we know it. The politics of climate change are heating up and the fear factor is being multiplied by the proponents of climate change and greenhouse gas abatement. From what I can tell, if we don’t do something about

Cattle are built to take most weather in strideas long as they stay in their region of origin and the weather stays normal. Northern cattle with winter hair coats are comfortable with temperatures down to 20 Fahrenheit (F), unless they get wet and the wind blows.

In reality, animal identification has been around since animals were domesticated and will continue as long as we own animals. As soon as the new family dog arrives at home, the discussion turns to naming the new pet, along with the purchase of a collar and tags.

Reality has taught Congress is slow on oversight because of political pressure brought to bear if they invade the sanctuary of these groups tax-free 501(c)(3) status..

Richard P. Gabica, 95, died Nov. 3, 2009, at his home in Nampa, ID. Richard was born July 29, 1914, to Elias and Valentina Uberuaga Gabica at Reynolds, where his father was grazing sheep in the Owyhee Mountains near the Reynolds Creek Ranch. The story is told that at the birth of his son, Elias went to Silver City, NV, to celebrate for three days.

A discussion was initiated as to where one should look to find out why the value that the producer receives for beef seems to be questioned. It goes without much discussion that this topic is complicated and difficult.

There is a time to set aside the business of life and simply do. Even the best-run business, cattle or otherwise, cannot deny that, in the end, someone else is in control, regardless of who we are, and really does not ask for input.

If Wal-Mart were in the cattle business, it would probably serve as an operating definition of leastcost producer. People might refer to its cowherd enterprise as the model for slashing expenses.