Although the methods used to feed cows and raise calves have moved into the 21st century, Dr. Jud Heinrichs, professor of dairy science at Penn State, said many farms are raising heifers like it is still the 1970s. Heinrichs presented “Precision Feeding Dairy Heifers” at the Four State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference held June 12 and 13 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Dry-aged beef. The term evokes a variety of responses -- for me they're the palatable kind. But how many of us have actually seen the process up close?

Amended Country of Origin Labeling, or COOL, laws are still creating a wave among U.S. commodity producers, especially those who raise and export beef. The issue appears to be headed toward more litigation, and more rounds of trade negotiation. The question is if the powers in Washington are paying attention.

In a 24-hour period, consumers in the U.S. see approximately 13,000 marketing messages, and they associate any product on the market with a specific brand. So, what do they think about when the dairy industry comes to mind? Read ideas to positively influence their perception from Center Communications Intern Sara Kitchen. PD Click here for the column. Learn more about Sara Kitchen and her internship with the Center.

Growing up in Wisconsin, one of my favorite summer activities was hitting up the Wisconsin State Fair when it came to Milwaukee. Long before the craze of “fried things on a stick” took hold, my parents and I would wander through the livestock barns, admiring the beautiful animals, take a visit to the milking parlor, watch a parade featuring majestic Clydesdales and snack on a Wisconsin State Fair tradition – the cream puff.

Ranchers in Tornado Alley aren't the only ones who were hit this year by extreme weather in their herds.

Worksaver Inc. has produced the RBH-4000 Bale Handler that gives farmers and ranchers a couple of options with their hay. It fits tractor front loaders to handle and stack two 4x4x8 or three 3x3x8 large rectangular bales.

This month's Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook from the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) puts the heavy slaughter rates for beef cattle in perspective. Feedlots are placing heavier feeder cattle as a way to spark more beef production as the summer continues, which USDA says could lower fed cattle prices.

Here's to new beginnings. This marks the first entry in my Editor's Blog corner for Progressive Cattleman. Check back here regularly for the latest happenings in the beef industry. I'll try to keep a tidy array of news, market reports and commentary from around the Web.

Protecting farmers’ and ranchers’ right to privacy is a top priority, said the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), which took legal action recently to stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from publicly releasing personal information about thousands of farmers and ranchers and their families. EPA is expected to respond to several Freedom of Information Act requests, prompting AFBF to file a lawsuit and seek a temporary restraining order before the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.