The Pork Checkoff hosted the USDA’s Quarterly Hogs and Pigs Report on Thursday, June 29, 2017. This quarterly teleconference featured three agricultural economists and their reactions to the report. Panelists included: Dr. Lee Schulz, Extension Livestock Economist, Iowa State University Dr. Scott Brown, Assistant Extension Professor, University of Missouri-Columbia Joe Kerns, President, Kerns & Associates, Ames, IA Reports seemed to …
A World of First’s in PRRSV Research
The world’s only provider of mucosal PRRSV and flu vaccines, Aptimmue, officially launched during the 2017 World Pork Expo. The vaccine utilizes the BARRICADE proprietary technologies and takes advantage of high-titer PRRSV antigen produced on ZMAC, the world’s only commercially available porcine based alveolar macrophage cell line. During the launch, I sat down with Dr. Jianqiang Zhang, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, …
Brownfield Livestock Market Reporter to Retire
Veteran farm broadcaster Jerry Passer is retiring – for real this time. Jerry already retired once after almost 20 years at WMT Radio and TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa but he came out of retirement in 2002, signing a six month agreement to cover livestock markets for Brownfield Ag News that turned into almost 15 years. “For almost 35 years …
Grassland Oregon Offers Pastures for Pollinators
In response to the need to protect pollinators and support sustainable livestock farming, Grassland Oregon has introduced a new seed mixture called Pastures for Pollinators that will benefit bees, livestock and sustainable agriculture. Risa DeMasi, co-founder of Grassland Oregon and immediate past chairman of the American Seed Trade Association says proceeds from the sales of Pastures for Pollinators will be …
Ag Groups & Ethanol Discuss Common Ground
At the National Ethanol Conference, Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) president and CEO Bob Dinneen sat down with representatives from the corn and livestock industries to talk about the current state of the farm economy, the policy impact of historic surpluses, and moving past food versus fuel. Dinneen discussed common ground with National Corn Growers Association CEO Chris Novak and National …
#CattleCon17 is Here – Get the Scoop from NCBA CEO
The 2017 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show is underway in Nashville, TN and we are set up to bring you updates on policy impacting the beef community and other hot topics cattlemen and women across the country need to know. My first conversation of the week was with the NCBA CEO, Kendall Fraizer, who shared highlights of #CattleCon17 …
USDA Announces New GIPSA Rules
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced updated regulations under the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). The “Farmer Fair Practices Rules” outline “common sense protections to restore fairness and reduce the burden for farmers seeking justice under the Packers and Stockyards Act.” “For years, American farmers have been calling for protections against the most damaging unfair and deceptive practices …
Merck Animal Health Helps to #SpeakAg at #TransformFFA
Merck Animal Health is a devout supporter of the National FFA Organization, which was evident throughout the 89th National FFA Convention with their sponsorship of the opening session, lanyards and presence in the expo. I caught up with Cameron Aguiar, national accounts manager, Merck, who said, “FFA is the future of America. We find value in educating kids on the …
JCB Talks Benefits of Telescopic Handlers
JCB made an appearance at the 2016 Ag Media Summit to discuss the company’s commitment to quality material-handling equipment, and Ray Bingley, Agriculture Product & Sales Manager for JCB, sat down with Chuck to talk about the company’s line of telescopic handlers that are increasingly replacing tractors with loaders to stack, lift, load, power attachments and move things around the …
LPC Elects New Leadership
Livestock Publications Council (LPC) members gathered for the 2016 Ag Media Summit and one item of business was electing new leadership. Congratulations to new LCP president, Scarlett Hagins, and her new team. 2016-2017 LPC Officers: President – Scarlett Hagins, Kansas Stockman 1st Vice President – Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board 2nd Vice President – Carey Brown, Cow Country Secretary-Treasurer – …