Animal Agriculture Alliance publishes new resources on understanding activism, farm security and consumer engagement

New website places up-to-date resources in the hands of farmers and ag advocates January 8, 2020 – Today, the Animal Agriculture Alliance announced its new website and updated resources to celebrate the beginning of a new decade. With the mission of the Alliance being to bridge the communication gap between farm and fork, its website features resources to help farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and supporters of the industry engage in any and all conversations about…

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Nebraska Extension Offering Land Application Training in January and February

Leslie Johnson, UNL Animal Manure Management Project Coordinator Which field benefits the most from manure? Participants combine personal experiences and management principles to identify preferred fields for receiving manure. Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified, and farms must complete an approved training every five years. The Nebraska Extension Animal Manure Management Team holds Land Application Training events annually to fulfill this requirement.…

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K-State’s Winter Ranch Management Series Set for January and February

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Profit enhancing strategies included in the topics for the 2020 Kansas State University Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series. Hosted at five sites across the state of Kansas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by extension educators to enhance management and marketing strategies employed by cow-calf producers. The meetings will also feature a popular "town hall" style question-and-answer session between Kansas cattle producers and extension specialists. "The series has a history…

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K-State Swine Profitability Conference Set for February 4

‘Staying Competitive in the Swine Industry’ is the theme for the annual event MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University’s 2020 Swine Profitability Conference is planned for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Stanley Stout Center in Manhattan. Each year, the Swine Profitability Conference focuses on the business side of pork production. “We will be discussing important swine business topics of risk management, pork demand, value-added production, and biosecurity,” said Mike Tokach, University Distinguished Professor…

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University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Beef Economics Team Annual Beef Heifer Replacement Forecasts for the 2019 – 2020 Production Season (Summary Briefing)

Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension EducatorMatt Stockton, Nebraska Extension Ag Economics Specialist While the selection of replacement animals in a herd of beef cattle may differ from ranch to ranch, there are three factors seen by the authors as critically important that affect their value as replacements. Photo credit Troy Walz. What is a respectable value of a beef replacement heifer for the coming 2019-2020 production season? This can be a complicated choice, but…

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USDA, FDA, EPA Launch Website for Biotechnology Regulation

(Washington, D.C., January 9, 2020) – Today, in recognition of January 2020 as National Biotechnology Month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched a Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation. The Website streamlines information about the three regulatory agencies charged with overseeing agriculture biotechnology products and is part President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order on Modernizing the Regulatory Framework for Agricultural Biotechnology…

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Federal Spending Bill Repeals HIT, Extends Key Tax Provisions

Legislation to fund the U.S. government in 2020 included several tax provisions important to farmers and ranchers. At the top of the list is permanent repeal of the Health Insurance Tax, which was enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act. The Health Insurance Tax has increased health insurance costs for farmers, ranchers and other small businesses by imposing a levy on the net premiums of health insurance companies, which is then passed…

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NCBA and Masters of Beef Advocacy Announce 2019 Advocate of the Year

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, has selected Brandi Buzzard Frobose, blogger, Kansas rancher and influencer, as the 2019 Advocate of the Year. This honor is given annually to an outstanding Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program graduate to recognize his or her success in reaching and educating consumers who want to learn more about beef and raising cattle. MBA is a Checkoff-funded program designed to equip…

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Breaking the Ice

Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County, OSU Extension Happy Holidays readers! With holiday gatherings a plenty right now, I thought maybe you would appreciate a suggestion for a conversation starter. Why not break the ice about breaking the ice? Owners of livestock and pets will probably sympathize with you over a cup of hot cider by the tree. With the cold finally settling in, keeping free flowing water available can…

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Research on irrigation, soil health highlights Jan. 14 workshop

K-State faculty will discuss work at the Flickner Innovation Farm near Inman INMAN, Kan. ­– Kansas State University will be presenting current findings on irrigation and soil health based on research conducted at the Flickner Innovation Farm, near Inman. The farm is hosting the free workshop at the Inman Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on January 14. Lunch will be provided. More information, including registration, is available online from the…

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