Scientists aboard NOAA’s twin-engine Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft, typically used to study hurricanes, will measure wind speed and direction, pressure, temperature and humidity in areas of the Pacific where North American storms breed and where taking measurements is difficult and data is sparse.

The order in which withdrawals are made is the key to tax efficiency. Generally, this means tapping taxable accounts—i.e., investments other than IRAs and taxdeferred employer plans such as 401(k)s—first, since they were made with aftertax dollars and taxes have already been paid on investment earnings.

One of the most personal issues agriculture faces is the safety of the kids who often help out or work on the farm or ranch. Since the overwhelming majority of American farms are family farms, kids performing ranch or farm work is not only normal, it is expected and encouraged.

The proliferation of smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices has made them popular and essential communications and information resources for today’s farmers and ranchers.

“These grants are critical for developing and demonstrating out-of-the-box ideas for conservation on America’s private lands and strengthening rural communities,” NRCS acting Chief Jason Weller said. “They inspire creative problem-solving that boosts the production of our farmers and ranchers and ultimately improves our water, air and soil.

The cash fed cattle market was slow to develop last week. The first sales surfaced on Wednesday in the South Plains at $123 live and some very light trade took place in the Corn Belt at $122 live and $194-196 dressed.

There is a lot of uncertainty about farm policy in Washington, and current budget debates will determine whether there will be a farm bill and what it will look like, said Pat Westhoff, director of the University of Missouri (MU) Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Bob Stallman presented Rep. Frank Lucas, R-OK, with AFBF’s “Golden Plow” award on Monday, Feb. 18, during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s Annual Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City. The Golden Plow is the highest recognition the organization grants members of Congress.

The Federation of State Beef Councils (Federation), a division of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), elected leaders, approved more than $105,000 in promotion and education grants, and marked its 50th anniversary during the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show early February in Tampa, FL.

No matter whether the purchase is large or small, consumer behavior often is directed, if not driven, by what they hear from others about a specific product or about a business. In the world of marketing, customer testimonials—both formal and informal—hold a lot of sway on the behavior of other consumers.