Shortly after getting married, I took over the task of raising calves on our farm. One of the first tasks I was given was to head to the local Goodwill store to buy fleece vests.

The year 1930 had more than its share of low points as the first full year of the Great Depression; however, it wasn’t all bad. History was made Nov. 13, 1930, when Borden Company unveiled the first rotary parlor.

In its continued effort to share the compelling story of continuous improvement on America’s dairy farms, the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program has opened participation in its third component, FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES).

Common questions among producers at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Cattle Industry Convention (CIC) included: “What didn’t the CattleFax analysts see when they were standing on the stage last year at the NCBA convention? And, what were the things that changed?”

It’s good news for the Midwest and Southeast in 2017, but the Pacific Northwest will likely encounter major drought. Why? “A new El Nino is coming,” said CattleFax meteorology analyst Art Douglas as he addressed the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Cattle Industry Convention (CIC) attendees in Nashville.

U.S. farmland values fell in tandem with lower farm incomes to end 2016. While that trend was expected to continue through the first quarter of 2017, several factors will determine the land value direction in the year ahead, according to Randy Dickhut, senior vice president of real estate operations for Farmers National Company.

Widespread winter precipitation improved moisture conditions throughout the U.S., providing optimism for the 2017 growing season. Meanwhile, hay prices generally remained low and steady, but buyer interest was picking up in early February, suggesting the marketing year was beginning to thaw.

On 850 acres in Lublin, Wisconsin, Doug Syryczuk milks 300 Holstein cows and raises alfalfa (300 acres) and brown midrib (BMR) corn silage. He says, “Granted, there is a little tonnage difference in the BMR from conventional hybrids, but digestibility on the BMR is, I think, one of the big differences in keeping our production where it’s at.”

An effort to move California into the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system took a major step forward with USDA’s “recommended decision,” published Feb. 14. Meanwhile, a separate petition from the state’s dairy processors, seeking to adjust manufacturing allowances under the state milk marketing order, was denied.

A press release from Titan Machinery Inc. announced the closing of 14 agricultural dealerships during the first half of 2017.