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Reaching the limits of feeding cattle to heavier finishing weights
The total number of beef cattle in the United States is at the lowest level since the 1950s. To make up for the lack of beef cattle while still producing the necessary amount of beef for consumer demand, the cattle industry is feeding cattle to heavier weights. Eric Relph of Commstock Investments says that the industry might be reaching the upper limits of heavier cattle. Relph says he has been surprised by the total weight that cattle are being fed to year over year. He adds that trying to...
Research finds that supplements can help diabetic cows in reproductive cycle
A project at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory led by Travis Mulliniks, Nebraska Extension range cattle nutritionist, found that, with small amounts of supplements, there was an increase in reproductive performance in beef...
Researchers in Idaho working on a weeding robot
It seems that wonders will never cease. We look at smart sprayers, auto steer, and drone technology that prescribes for our acres. However, the bar for technology gets raised once again, as researchers at the University of Idaho are working with a Kirkland, WA-based...
U.S. export sales take a step back
USDA data shows export sales of corn, beans, and wheat all fell week-to-week during the seven days ending on September 15. Corn sales during the week dropped sharply to 182,300 metric tons from 583,000 tons during the previous week. Japan was the biggest buyer at...
Kemps and Fareway partner up to donate shelf-stable milk to Food Bank of Iowa
Hunger and malnutrition are always going to be issues we face. It?s just an unfortunate truth of the world we live in. However, there?s plenty we can do to mitigate that issue. To help combat malnutrition, the Kemps Giving Cow Foundation and Fareway have partnered...
China food security policy may mean lower soybean demand
A Bloomberg article has a large number of soybean farmers around the world worried about the future of Chinese soybean demand. The Chinese government is attempting to boost the country?s food security by trying to lower the number of soybeans turned into animal feed....
Biofuel industry leaders discuss RFS and ?The Set?
The Environmental Protection Agency is quickly approaching its deadline to propose a multi-year rule called ?The Set.? The rule will establish a new baseline growth in low-carbon biofuels. Several national farm and biofuel leaders held a webinar to discuss the future...
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More Ag News
Secretary Naig, ten other commissioners of ag raise concerns about RFS volumes
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and ten other elected Commissioners of Agriculture from around the country recently raised concerns with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the biomass-based diesel volumes in the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard...
May started promising, but turned exceptionally dry
Early on in May, the weather looked like it was going to live up to expectations and bring plenty of moisture. However, the back half of the month reminded us that Mother Nature can do whatever she pleases, and it ended up being one of the driest Mays on record. Iowa...
Give your swine barn a ventilation checkup
Even with warmer weather, swine barn ventilation maintenance is a year-round activity. Kevin Rath, AP District Manager, said that keeping the ventilation system in good working order can make all the difference.?Good ventilation is imperative for creating an ideal...
FBN speeding up land loan approval process
Traditionally, securing land financing has been a time-consuming and sometimes complicated task. The new Instant Land Loan Approvals program from Farmers Business Network Finance is designed to speed up the loan application process and help farmers in a competitive...
Improving water quality remains the focus at IDALS
The recent decision by the Supreme Court over the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency has limits on the jurisdiction over private properties. It also affirmed that the states and local governments still have jurisdiction...
