Sometimes, when we go to our livestock meetings and see all the technology, we forget about the cowboy and the horse.

Drought, record-high feed costs, changing consumer preferences and a growing global demand for protein have driven significant changes in the U.S. beef industry. With these trends in mind, the American Hereford Association (AHA) is planning a Hereford Genetic Summit September 4 to 5 in Springfield, Missouri, where Hereford enthusiasts can gather and engage in meaningful discussions about the industry, the inherent strengths and weaknesses of the Hereford breed and the actions necessary to position the breed for continued growth.

Zoetis has entered into a multiyear service and development agreement with Eureka Genomics to gain unique access to Eureka Genomics’ proprietary Next Generation Genotyping (NGG) technology for its genetics business in cattle and sheep.

The majority of Progressive Forage Grower readers who weighed in on a recent poll are Ford fans (40.9 percent). The runner up was Chevy with 24.2 percent of the vote.

Even before VaxLiant was formed in 2013, its leaders had been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create a breakthrough foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine.

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) elected and installed the 2014-15 officer team during its annual convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The officers share common goals and will continue to implement the association’s five-year strategic plan, focusing strongly on advocacy and communications.

Summer officially started this past weekend and cattle markets so far have shown little of the seasonal pressure that has been expected. Fed cattle prices have strengthened counter-seasonally the past three weeks and cattle slaughter has continued down year over year. Feedlot marketings are expected to increase in June but the sharp spike in feedlot supplies that was implied by earlier placements may not materialize that way.

Progressive Cattleman has hired Cassidy Woolsey as a summer intern for reporting and editorial contributions to the magazine and its website.

Extension officials with the University of Idaho share insight on how to properly monitor rangeland through the use of digital cameras and routine inspections.