With record low unemployment, USDA finalizes rule to promote work

(Washington, D.C., December 6, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue released the following statement regarding the latest jobs report released today by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The jobs report shows the economy added 266,000 new jobs in November with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which remains at a record 50 year low. Earlier this week, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)…

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Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Sustainable Intensification extended for five years

USAID adds $23 million to lab based at Kansas State University MANHATTAN, Kan. – A unique organization focused on farm innovations in developing countries and Kansas will continue and expand its work for another five years. “We’re furthering our partnership with Kansas State University on the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Sustainable Intensification for five years, building on our successful collaboration with them to date,” said Bonnie Glick, deputy administrator of the…

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NCBA Seeks Clarity and Consistency in Beef Origin Labeling Practices

NCBA Staff Directed to Work With USDA to Verify Beef Origin Labeling Claims WASHINGTON (Dec. 3, 2019) — The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the nation's oldest and largest national organization representing American cattle producers, today reaffirmed its policy supporting voluntary country-of-origin labeling (COOL). Because the association takes the concerns of its members and stakeholders seriously, its Executive Committee has unanimously approved efforts to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety…

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Improving the Bottom-line of Breeding: Three State Beef Conference

Pre-calving nutritional strategies will be discussed at the upcoming Three State Beef Conference. Photo credit Troy Walz. In a joint effort, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa Extension are hosting three meetings to address how to set up an economical and successful breeding season. The registration fee is $25 per person. It includes a meal and a copy of the conference proceedings. Presentations include: Pre-calving nutritional strategies: Am I staying ahead or getting behind?Dr. Travis…

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Soybean Stubble for Cows

Bruce Anderson, Nebraska Extension Forage Specialist Don’t be misled into thinking soybean residues are as good or better than corn stalks. Photo credit Troy Walz. After soybeans are harvested, cows sometimes are put out on the residues to graze.  Some bean residues are even baled.  But how good is this feed?  We’re all familiar with the usefulness of grazing corn stalks, but I see more and more residue from soybean fields grazed every…

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2019 Women Managing Agricultural Land Conference

Jessica Groskopf, Associate Extension Educator Female agriculture landowners, farmers and ranchers, and industry professionals looking to increase their business management skills are encouraged to register for the 2019 Women Managing Agricultural Land conference.  The conference will be held Dec. 11 at Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Drive in Lincoln. The Women Managing Agricultural Land Conference will allow women to build relationships with each other, attend workshops and gain valuable knowledge. Keynote speakers and…

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Do Your Herd and Your Bank Account a Favor – Test Your Hay!

Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Every year I get calls for help with balancing rations and most don’t have a hay analysis. All hay of the same species is NOT created equal.  For instance, smooth bromegrass hay can range from 48 to 58% total digestible nutrients (TDN) with crude protein (CP) ranging from 6 to 11% CP. This can be the difference between a growing heifer losing 0.25 lb/d or gaining…

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Buying Hay; Consider Quality and Value

Garth Ruff, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator, OSU Henry County Extension While there are some visual and sensory characteristics to look at, the only sure fire way to determine quality is to pull a sample and do a forage analysis. As 2018 was a lousy year for making dry hay across the state, 2019 wasn’t much better or perhaps worse yet. For those who have to purchase hay this winter there are…

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K-State beef cattle experts share considerations for retaining females in the herd

Decision often is based on priorities of the operation MANHATTAN, Kan. – Late fall is the time many cattle producers are weaning spring born calves and making selections for replacement females. Trying to decide if replacement heifers should be kept and, if so, the best way for making that decision was a recent discussion topic for Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute professors Bob Larson and Bob Weaber. Larson, a veterinarian, said the…

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MU Extension releases winter feed cost dashboard

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Beef producers will soon spend a lot on hay and supplement. Just how much can vary and depends on many moving factors, say two University of Missouri Extension specialists. Agricultural business specialist Brent Carpenter and livestock specialist Gene Schmitz looked at how current prices affect winter feeding costs for several different diets. “Winter feeding is a critical time for herd health and production. It’s also the most expensive time on…

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