Cow-calf producers in northwest Missouri can join in selling Show-Me-Select heifers this fall if they sign up this winter.

U.S. pork exports set another monthly volume record in November, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), which helped offset record-high production and provide a significant boost to pork cutout values. Exports totaled 217,080 metric tons valued at $597.85 million - up 22.5 percent and 35 percent, respectively, over November 2010.

Livestock Grain Market News cattle report for Jan. 13.

The home of the dairy cows on the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus is getting a long-awaited update. In May, the university will undertake a $3 million remodeling of the Dairy Cattle Center on Linden Drive. The remodeled facilities will enable better animal care – with better cooling and ventilation and bigger, more comfortable stalls – and enhanced learning opportunities than are possible in the existing 56-year-old setup, says Kent Weigel, chair of the dairy science department. Facilities will be shared by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the School of Veterinary Medicine, which recently combined their herds.

Scientists now have a way to more accurately compare how efficiently plants and photovoltaic, or solar, cells convert sunlight into energy, thanks to findings by a research consortium that included a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientist. The study, published in Science, could help researchers improve plant photosynthesis, a critical first link in the global supply chain for food, feed, fiber and bioenergy production.

The manufacturing facility for Wolf Trax plant nutrition products has completed an overhaul and upgrades to its equipment as the company prepares to meet increased demand in 2012. The work to the manufacturing and packaging equipment will help ensure steady production during peak periods and increase manufacturing capacity at the facility.

The U.S. Agriculture Department announced recently it will close nearly 260 offices nationwide, a move that won praise for cutting costs but raised concerns about the possible effect on food safety. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the goal was to save $150 million a year in the agency's $145 billion budget. About $90 million had already been saved by reducing travel and supplies, and the closures were expected to save another $60 million, he said.