Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “What goes up must come down.” Grain prices seem to be following this old axiom, with substantial questions remaining of “how far down?” For U.S. animal product consumption, the phrase could be reversed: “What goes down must come up.”

Happy New Year! Although there are still several months until that April 15 tax date, now is the time to determine to whom 1099 forms need be issued and get those forms delivered. There are numerous instances in which ranchers need to issue 1099 forms for services provided to the operation.

The growth of animal welfare concerns among today’s consumers will create more demand for analgesic care given to livestock, including more requirements from meat-packing organizations.

Most bodily functions are controlled by the endocrine system, which uses chemicals and hormones (chemical messengers) that are released into the bloodstream from glands.

With rain reaching most of cattle country, drought-impacted cattle and pasture areas of the U.S. have improved substantially compared with this time last year. This year, producers face improved winter grazing conditions compared with past years. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) Crop Progress and Condition report, soil moisture levels in North Texas, for example, indicate promising conditions for winter wheat (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service).

Thinking of attending this year’s NCBA Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas?

Is two better than one? Or is calving twins double the trouble? Whatever the case, raising twins or multiple calves can bring a whole new set of challenges to an operation.

For some the “spring” calving season is upon them, although the calendar still says it is winter. For others, the start of the spring calving season is still several months away. The value of calves under current market conditions is amazing, with baby calves bringing close to the same amount of dollars today a weaned calf would bring just five years ago.

A letter from Haarvest Farms, who was named plaintiff in the class action Northeast Dairy anti-trust litigation: Opportunity knocks. Help us resist oppression and join the fight for a free milk market.