There’s nothing stinky about a plan to turn manure into cash. It might be a dirty business, but the results can be a boon to dairymen around the globe. A group of scientists led by Aicardo Roa Espinosa, founder of Madison, Wisconsin-based Soil Net LLC, is working on a $9 million research study that uses polymer to separate manure.

Proper management of animal mortalities on livestock operations has important implications in nutrient management, herd and flock health, as well as the health of farm families and public health. For this reason it is imperative to be familiar with best management practices for dealing with dead animals.

Anaerobic digestion to turn waste into energy is a topic that continues to garner growing interest from the agricultural community – and rightfully so. The benefits of biogas systems are many and they span the environmental, societal and economic arenas.

I announce the publication of my book. During my 18-month assignment in Iraq, I wrote a number of chapters. I sent them to about 30 people on an email list and many of them wrote asking me to publish them in book format. So I have.

Ownership and operational costs of modern farm equipment are major expenses on [today’s] farms. Today’s tractors, combines and farm implements are both impressive and pricey. It is remarkable to see what they can do when working well. Breakdowns, however, can be quite costly and frustrating. I have great respect for mechanics who can keep machines properly adjusted and efficiently running.

When I was young, having to milk Christmas morning was – I was sure then – the purest form of torture. Every Christmas song, every frosted cookie, every time “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Charlie Brown Christmas” aired on the television set was part of the countdown to getting to the presents under the tree.

One of my Texas buddies was talkin’ about stockdogs “down south” being different than those “up north.” I agreed, depending on where you draw the Mason-Dixon Line. I describe those coming from the cooler climes as “suave, smooth, nervous and quick.” Think of hockey pucks, machine guns and playing zone defense. Border Collies, Kelpies and Aussies fit that description. The handler continuously moves his canine leaf-blower into position to “blow” the sheep through the gate. It’s almost like opposing magnets dancing.

When the Oct. 19 Cattle on Feed Report was released, it showed placements at a 16-year low. Many analysts assume and predict cattle and feeder cattle prices will rally because of the low expected placements. It must be a surprise to those wanting to keep the bull market moving higher that since the report and as of Nov. 5, the December Live Cattle are down over $3.00 per hundredweight (cwt), June 2013 Cattle are down $3.00 per cwt and January feeders are around $5.00 per cwt lower. If the report was bullish, why are markets down?