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USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board released their supply and demand estimates last Thursday. The report revealed what many expected - a drop in U.S. corn and soybean supplies due primarily to lower yields for both crops. The crop has been hit with extreme heat in many predominant growing areas thus far this summer, which was exacerbated by the delayed plantings putting the plants at critical growth stages later than normal. Average projected U.S. corn yield was reduced from 158.7 bushels per acre in July to 153 bu/ac this month. Analysts expected a decline to 155.2 bu/ac. Corn harvested acreage was also reduced marginally to 84.4 million from 84.9 last month, a 0.6% decline, but up 3.7% compared to last year. Corn used for feed in the 2011/12 crop-marketing year is currently projected at 4.9 billion bushels versus 5.1 billion bushels going to ethanol production. This implies a near even split in uses for these two at just under 40% each. Exports were projected lower as well due to fragile global economic conditions and increased expectations of wheat feeding.
In today’s economy, it’s more important than ever for cattle producers to implement innovative practices that will return more profit on their calf crop.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Aug. 15 issued a directive with new instructions to its inspectors that will better ensure the humane treatment and slaughter of livestock presented for processing at FSIS-inspected facilities. FSIS will train its personnel to ensure they are prepared to carry out these new instructions.
The historic Texas drought has led to a record $5.2 billion in agricultural losses, making it the most costly drought on record, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists.
COLEGE STATION – With little to no grazing and hay, should livestock producers continue to try to buy feed, move cattle to another state or just sell out?
“It would be much less expensive to just get out and come back later,” said Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas AgriLife Extension Service state forage specialist. “And that’s the message that we’re trying to convey.”
Many livestock producers have already tried to cut feeding costs by extensively culling their herds, but have held onto enough cows to rebuild their herds if the drought passes, he said.
Commercial beef producers will have another opportunity to purchase replacement females or bulls next spring with the first annual Minnesota Beef Showcase Sale and Agribition.
The Minnesota Beef Showcase Sale and Agribition is a joint effort of several Minnesota breed associations and will be held March 29-31, 2012 at the Red Horse Ranch Arena in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
Most people don’t think of grass as poison, but dry weather and drought can turn a pasture dangerous.
Nitrates and prussic acid built to lethal levels in the stems and leaves of some plants as the hot days of July and August slowed forage growth to a halt. To protect your herd, University of Missouri Extension experts recommend a simple test to ensure cows aren’t chewing their way to disaster.
MT. VERNON, Missouri – Dry weather for the last two months in southwest Missouri has reduced the available forage in most pastures.
As a result, many cattle producers are feeding hay that they would prefer to have saved for cold weather, according to Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
OpenGate Capital, a global private equity firm, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Waukesha, Wisconsin-based dairy-processing plant and related assets from Dean Foods Company. OpenGate will acquire the Golden Guernsey(R) and La Vaca Bonita(R) brands as part of the transaction.
The business manufactures, bottles and distributes its dairy products to schools, grocery stores, convenience stores and major retailers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
