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Well, it became official last week with the government's
acknowledgement that the U.S. economy is indeed in a recession. Amidst
this, the week's news has been dominated by the bailout being sought by
the nation's "Big Three" automakers.
My husband, the financial number cruncher in the family, thinks it's a
good time to be buying big ticket items if you've got the money. He is
especially eyeing a new pickup, and came home recently and told me that
he heard there are good deals on them right now. Due to the economic
slowdown, automakers have hardly been able to sell anything, much less a
gas- or diesel-guzzling pickup, so he tried to convince me they are
offering "buy one, get one free" - wouldn't that be nice, I said.
All jokes aside, we know that not much in this world is "free" anymore,
but as we mentioned last month, Campbell's is offering to help the FFA
through a special “Help Grow Your Soup” effort. All you have to do
is visit www.helpgrowyoursoup.com and
click on the red barn. Campbell's will donate $1 to the FFA for every
click. It’s easy and benefits a great youth leadership program. Now
that’s a real freebie!
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The problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide
initiative of the Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) with help from equine
associations, veterinarians, breeders, state and local law enforcement,
horse owners, rescue/retirement facilities and other facilities using
horses.
With tens of thousands of unwanted, neglected and abandoned horses in
the U.S., some say the problem is a fast-growing epidemic. However, much
remains unknown. Currently, there are few documented facts about the
accurate number of unwanted horses, their age, sex, breed, recent use,
value or what happens to them in the long run. To read the complete
article, click on the headline above.
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Do you have an idea that you believe might be a great business?
Larry Swain, an ardent entrepreneur who has started 16 different
businesses, encourages people with ideas and a passion for business to
pursue turning those ideas into income. In addition to his own
entrepreneurial endeavors, Swain works with the South Dakota State
University Entrepreneurship Program.
Swain says, “...There are lots and lots of opportunities for
business.” He shares some of the tip he’s learned to help generate
the ideas that may offer an innovative business for the future.
Foremost, Swain says is adding value. “Value added is the key –
especially in agriculture.” To read the complete article, click on
the headline above.
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| advertisement |
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 Fresh water on demand, 24 hours
a day.
Ritchie manufactures a complete line of livestock watering products with
the highest specifications in the industry. Ritchie fountains are
available in stainless steel, heavy-duty poly or both and backed by a 10
year limited warranty. Contact us at 800-747-0222. www.ritchiefount.com
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Producers tend to pay attention to cow weight, but new research
suggests that milk production by the cow is also worthy of attention.
Cow weight is probably easier to wrap your mind around than milk
production, but research has shown that cows with the genetic propensity
to milk heavily require more nutrients year round, not just when they
are milking.
To read the complete article, click on the headline above.
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Voting in the national Alpharma Student Video Contest is now
underway. Anyone can visit the Web
site—http://www.meetwhatyoueat.com—to view the videos and cast a
ballot. Voting ends on December 19, 2008 with the producers of the video
with the most votes receiving a $5,000 cash prize. The contest began
earlier this fall as ag students from across the country were asked to
compile short video clips on anything related to food production. To
read the complete article, click on the headline above.
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| advertisement |
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 It’s a New Day in the Sun! Join your fellow cattle
producers in Phoenix, AZ for the 2009 Cattle Industry Annual Convention
& NCBA Trade Show. January 28th -31st. If you’re in the cattle
business you don’t want to miss the largest, most important meeting of
the year. For more information or to register visit www.beefusa.org or call 303-694-0305.
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With so much time spent catching-up on things during the winter
months, it’s not uncommon for producers to put their bulls on the
“back burner.” Unfortunately, many bulls are nutritionally
forgotten, leading to potential problems the following year. At a time
when hay prices at are record highs, it’s possible that some producers
might inadvertently underfeed their bulls this winter in order to save
some money.
But, proper nutritional management of bulls at this time of year is
crucial to success during next year’s breeding season. This is
particularly true for thin bulls and young bulls that just completed
their first breeding season.
To read the complete article, click on the headline above.
Comment
on this article.
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The previous Carcass Ultrasound 101 article dealt with selection
practices used to increase muscle via ultrasound, mainly through the use
of Ribeye Area (REA) Expected Progeny Differences (EPD). This article
turns to the quality side of ultrasound technology via selection for
Percent Intramuscular Fat (%IMF) or marbling.
As breeders, it’s all too easy to establish goals that concentrate on
specific traits; the tools to make “progress” are readily available.
Unfortunately, the beauty and simplicity of EPDs can also cause
breeders to make unwanted changes. It’s important to understand the
potential for Mother Nature to humble cattle producers when using
technology in mating decisions.
However, a little patience and proper use of all the genetic tools
available gives breeders an unequaled opportunity. A more in depth look
at carcass quality selection via ultrasound can help breeders avoid some
of the unexpected pitfalls. To read the complete article, click on
the headline above.
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