A proposed National Heritage Area in Kansas and Nebraska is receiving backlash with critics calling it government overreach, an attack on their livelihoods and infringement on their private property rights.
At a time when tensions are high in the cattle markets and producers are crying foul about anticompetitive practices, USDA has declared it will begin to tackle unfair practices in the marketplace.
Tracy Stone-Manning, President Joe Biden’s nominee for director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), faced hard-hitting questions from Republican lawmakers on a host of issues during her confirmation hearing on June 8.
Cash trade finally picked up some momentum last week, pulling out of the $118-120 mark we have been seeing over the past couple months.
The controversial Keystone XL Pipeline Project has officially been terminated after more than a decade-long battle between the energy industry and environmentalists. Read more
China committed to increase their purchases of U.S. ag exports by $73.8 billion over the course of two years. Census Bureau data has indicated that China is running behind on their commitments. Read more
In early June, members of the Congressional Western Caucus, California congressional representatives and staff members met in Santa Barbara, CA, hearing from community leaders on issues from drought and wildfire prevention to agriculture and energy independence. Read more
Jim Wiesemeyer, Washington policy analyst for ProFarmer and Farm Journal, offered his perspective on the agriculture and protein sector both domestically and internationally as the keynote speaker at U.S. Meat Export Federation’s (USMEF) Virtual Spring Conference on May 26. Read more
A recent study by Oregon State University (OSU) showed land productivity could be increased when combining sheep grazing and solar electricity production on the same land. Read more
Grain prices have plummeted and carried the cattle market with it. Read more
Warmer than normal temperatures continued their hold this week on the northern tier of the Lower 48, particularly in the northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest. Read more
Ahead of the summer grilling season, Walmart announced the launch of an Angus beef line under the McClaren Farms label at nearly 500 stores in the Southeast. Read more
USDA will spend more than $4 billion to focus on diversifying “critical supply chains” after examining lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic, and tie at least part of the funding to transforming livestock markets. Read more
While valuable, some tried-and-true drought resilience strategies can also deflect attention from the monumental challenges posed by droughts to natural areas, waterways, agriculture and people in California. Read more
Each season of the year brings management considerations for the beef producer. For summer, two groups in the herd—first-calf heifers and young calves—need special attention. Read more
Foot rot is an infectious disease of cattle, causing swelling and lameness in at least one foot. The associated lameness often leads to decreased appetite and overall performance. Read more
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can produce toxins that are harmful to livestock, wildlife and people. The growth of this bacteria is aided by high temperatures. Read more
The past two years have been more like a James Bond movie with a relentless series of unusual and unprecedented events that have kept the industry in a constant state of turmoil. Read more
Officials of the Kentucky State Fair Board recently announced that J. Neil Orth has been selected as the 2021 Saddle and Sirloin Portrait Gallery inductee. The Saddle and Sirloin award is one of the highest honors awarded to individuals in the livestock industry. Read more
There was a bit more optimism in cattle markets last week. Packers stepped out early in the week and started buying cattle up to $3 higher than last week, $125.
The federal government is finally listening to you about the state of the cattle market. USDA announced that they were planning on investing $4 billion in the food infrastructure of the U.S., from production, processing and distribution to consumer markets. I always get nervous when the government shows up and says, “We’re here to help.”
What happened at JBS was just another blip on the screen, pointing out more vulnerabilities. Having your data center hacked has become common these days and the government needs to provide security for this valuable infrastructure.
