Today Saint Anthony Abbot, is commemorated by the Catholic Church. He is the patron and protector of animals. In Rome, St. Peter’s Square will be filled with animals and the Italian Association of Livestock Farmers has organized a series of events to honor their patron saint. From the Vatican News Service: The day began at 10:30 with Mass in the …
American Lamb Road Map
The American Lamb Board knows where it’s going and how it’s going to get there. After over a year of research, analysis, and industry input, the American Lamb Board is proud to announce the release of the Final Lamb Industry Roadmap presentation. Created through collaboration and consultation from all sectors of the industry, the Lamb Industry Roadmap is owned by …
Fresh Turkey for Thanksgiving Dinner
When I saw this gaggle of plump turkeys in their pen on Monday morning, I wondered if they knew they were going to become very friendly with my mom, the turkey dresser, later that day. It was doomsday for these critters as they were pre-sold to friends and family of the hobby farmer, who also happens to be my best …
Update from Animal Ag Alliance at NAFB
The Animal Agriculture Alliance has been busy over the course of the last year staying up-to-date on animal ag issues, researching current activist campaigns and advocating farm policy. At the 2013 NAFB Convention I met up with Kay Johnson Smith, President and CEO, and Emily Meredith, Director of Communications during the events Trade Talk. Hot topics of discussion included the …
TATT Global Farmer Roundtable visits Couser Cattle
During the Truth About Trade and Technology (TATT) Global Farmer Roundtable we went to the Couser Cattle Company. Bill and Nancy Couser with son Tim produce corn and cattle just outside of Nevada, IA. When Tim graduated from Iowa State University, mom and dad strongly suggested that he spend some time in the corporate world before returning to the …
Policy Panel at NAMA Fall Conference
The NAMA Fall Conference featured a policy panel moderated by Sara “Legs” Wyant of Agri-Pulse, and featuring Mike Deering with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Garrett Hawkins with Missouri Farm Bureau, and Steve Censky with the American Soybean Association. The need for a new farm bill was the major topic of discussion. “We’re all kind of waiting to see what happens …
Cattle and Ethanol Debating RFS
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Kristina Butts is live right now on AgriTalk in a debate with Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen over the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The Great RFS Debate is being co-hosted by Agri-Pulse. Pictured here, left to right, as the debate begins – Bob Dinneen, AgriTalk host Mike …
Reaction to Court COOL Decision
A U.S. district court judge today denied a request for a preliminary injunction blocking a final USDA regulation mandating country-of-origin labels (COOL) on meat sold in retail stores until a lawsuit filed July 8 is concluded. That decision made COOL supporters happy but disappointed the plaintiffs, which include U.S. and Canadian meat packer and livestock organizations. “We disagree strongly with …
Gauchos Herding Livestock Across River
After a dusty day on the trail during our IFAJ Congress livestock farm tour in Argentina’s Entre Ríos province we got a welcome change of pace with a boat trip on the Paraná River. Our boats all took us to where we got a front row seat as gauchos herded horses and cattle across the river. It turned into a …
Argentina Farm Tour
During the 2013 IFAJ Congress many of us participated in a livestock tour that focused on one farm in the Entre Ríos province. Throughout the major portion of the day we were taken from location to location on dirt roads in trailers pulled by tractors and trucks. Let’s just say we got down and dirty, or rather dusty. From the …