World Without Cows?
Can you image a world without cows? I can’t. But I’m sure there are some people who may think differently. To get some facts and answers to the question, a feature-length documentary is in final stages and made possible by Planet of Plenty – World Without Cows. Here’s some information about the production.
World Without Cows is an incredible journey around the world in search of the answer to one simple question: Are we better off in a world without cows? With unprecedented global access to those on the frontlines of agriculture and science, filmmakers Brandon Whitworth and Michelle Michael examined the cultural and economic significance of cows, their role in nourishing the world and their impact on climate. What they found was far from simple: When it comes to cows, it’s not black and white. World Without Cows invites viewers to take a scientific look at the real impact of cows on our world — and the potential consequences of their absence.
We aim to challenge the prevailing narrative and encourage viewers to examine the science.
I talked with Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech, about the project at CattleCon earlier this year.
Interview with Mark Lyons, Alltech 8:24
Here is the trailer below. If you’re interested in more please look at the website and ask about a screening of the film.
Halter Brings Virtual Fencing Technology to U.S.
The world’s leading virtual fence company has brought its technology to U.S. ranchers and dairy farmers. Founded in New Zealand, Halter has become the world’s leading virtual fence company in revenue and volume of collars sold and is positioned to deliver its technology to the U.S. market.
“Halter technology is a powerful system that helps users precisely manage pasture to lift the performance of the animals grazing it,” says Craig Piggott, Halter Founder and CEO. “For years farmers in New Zealand and Australia have generated significant benefits from utilizing the technology, and we’re excited to bring these same benefits to U.S. cattle ranchers.”
There are 200,000 cattle under Halter’s management in the United States, New Zealand and Australia, making Halter the largest virtual fencing provider by number of cattle. Halter’s U.S. customers are in California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas and Louisiana, with new customers going live in additional states in the coming months. Halter is quickly growing its U.S.-based team and is hiring dozens of people throughout the States in the coming months.
The Halter app allows users to establish virtual fences and cows are trained to respond to the collar’s sound and vibration cues cues as they approach the virtual fence. Halter collars are lightweight and powered by two small solar cells at the top of the collar which are connected via solar-powered towers on the ranch.
“Ranchers have real-time, 24/7 access to their cattle and pastures to quickly and easily put cattle where the grass is without moving fences or physically herding cattle, offering unparalleled oversight of their herds in real-time” says Piggott.
By enabling more precise pasture management, virtual fencing can play a significant role in regenerative land management. Ranchers can grow and harvest more grass, better protect soils, increase soil carbon sequestration to reduce net emissions, retire unutilized land without reducing stocking rate, and prevent animals from entering protected waterways.
For more information, visit www.halterhq.com
Rest in Peace Greg Henderson
It was a very shocking and sudden notice of the passing last week of Greg Henderson, Editorial Director, Drovers at Farm Journal Media, at the age of 67. Greg attended the Ag Media Summit where I saw him last and spent some time chatting with him and taking his picture on the stage.
Post Update – From a news release from Farm Journal:
Lenexa, Kan. (Aug. 21, 2024) — It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Drovers editorial director Greg Henderson on Aug. 16, 2024. Greg leaves behind a legacy in agricultural media and significant contributions to the advancement of beef production during his 40 years of dedication and service to the beef industry.
An award-winning journalist and revered voice for the beef industry, Greg provided timely information and in-depth analysis on all segments of the business, including cattle feeding margins, market trends, genetic advancements, emerging technologies and the impacts of economic factors on beef prices and production. His years of knowledge and expertise allowed him to serve as a moderator and speaker on many local, regional and national stages representing the interests of U.S. cattle producers.
“There has been no other voice in the beef industry that is more respected or more trusted than Greg Henderson,” said Charlene Finck, President, Industry Relations for Farm Journal. “I had the honor of working with him in a time that brought dramatic and positive change to the beef industry. Greg was a catalyst for that change and helped producers understand why it was needed through the content he created every day. I was lucky to call him a close friend. He will be missed by many.”
Greg is survived by his wife, Ruth, of the home in Olathe, Kan.; children Lisa (Greg) Suellentrop and Jared Henderson; grandchildren Charlie and Amelia Suellentrop; and brother Gary Henderson (Kathy) of Havana, Kan. Greg was preceded in death by his parents QC and Marie Henderson of Niotaze, Kan., and his sister Glenda (Henderson) McDonald. Memorial services will be held at a future date.
Click here for the full release. (.pdf)
For those who have seen this on Facebook and commented I would just echo everything they have said. Greg was very easy to talk to, especially to someone who had a long time farm radio career before changing everything. I liked telling him he had a great voice for radio! I just wanted to help let more of his friends know if they don’t yet.
Rest in peace Greg and prayers to you and all your family.
Precision Ag News 8/21
Intelinair Named 2024 AgTech Data Analytics Company
Intelinair has been named “AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year” in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough awards program. This is the second time in three years the company has been recognized with this prestigious award.
Intelinair’s ag tech platform, AGMRI, has recently been enhanced with AGMRI Analyze – alongside its established in-season analytics suite, AGMRI Insights. AGMRI Insights focuses on the data and information used to make decisions during the crop growing season to protect yield. AGMRI Analyze complements the real-time insights and actionable alerts of AGMRI Insights by offering a retrospective data analysis of the entire crop season to enhance decision making.
The annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program is the industry’s most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of agricultural and food technology categories and this year attracted thousands of nominations from over 15 different countries.
Animal Ag News 8/20
Industry Ag News 8/19
Vilsack Hopeful for 45Z Guidance by 2025
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed members of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) last week and thanked them for the work they have been doing on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which is helping to set the stage for 45Z tax credit guidance.
The RCCP started in South Dakota in 2021 and recently received a $35 million investment through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) which has helped it expand to 10 states.
“You’re providing resources to help farmers reduce tillage to manage nutrients and to utilize cover crops,” said Vilsack. “You are creating a database that will be verified and measured…And you’re setting the stage for us to make, I think a more powerful case that ethanol needs to be part of the sustainable aviation fuel future.”
Vilsack said during his remarks that USDA has taken the comments received in a recent request for information and will be working with the other agencies involved to get guidance from the Treasury Department by the time the 45Z tax credit becomes effective in 2025. “Things can change and timelines can slip as they have from time to time, but I think the goal here, I think everybody’s working towards that goal of the end of the year, beginning of next year’s focus,” Vilsack told reporters.
Listen to Vilsack’s remarks here:
ACE 24 Sec. Vilsack remarks 48:40 ACE 24 Sec. Vilsack presser 15:172024 IFAJ Congress – Switzerland

SWITZERLAND – INTERLAKEN – Group picture of the IFAJ2024 Congress – August 15th 2024 © Raphael Hünerfauth – https://www.huenerfauth.ch
I miss seeing so many of our international journalist friends. The gavel was passed from Lena Johansson, the first woman IFAJ President to Steve Werblow, Steve Werblow Communications. Lots of awards were presented, great speakers, tours, cheese, good wine, and cheese!
You can find out a lot more on the 2024 IFAJ Congress website and the IFAJ website.
You can find lots of pictures from the Congress in the photo album: 2024 IFAJ Congress Photo Album