The world is becoming increasingly atheistic. People think because they can’t see a God, there isn’t one. They reason God was created by man to explain the universe.

My parents instilled a mantra in me I am sure many of you have as well: “Hope for the best, but plan for the worst, and everything in between is gravy.”

The baler greased and put in the shed. The insulated boots dug out from the cellar. The barn battened down and winterized.

Put on your favorite sweatpants or elastic polyester jumpsuit, people. It’s green bean casserole season. Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Ah, the memories that will be made. In-laws, politics, tryptophan and an electric carving knife – what could go wrong?

Adverse economic conditions and herd liquidations continue to apply downward pressure on prices paid for dairy replacement cows.

Consistency is one of the most important things calves need. They like their diets and schedules to be the same each day. The first step in achieving consistency is ensuring everyone understands calf care procedures and protocols. They should be clearly written, posted and easy to follow.

A calf’s digestive system is a battleground between good and bad bacteria. Nutritional additives can bolster good bacteria or diminish bad bacteria to improve gut health, leading to efficient nutrient digestion.

From a recent print issue, the article, “Recreation, rehabilitation at Duncan Dairy Farm and Corn Maze” features a unique experience a group of veterans had visiting a Pennsylvania dairy farm and corn maze. The group learned about the milking process, fed baby calves and cheered each other on in various friendly competitions.

U.S. beef trade continued the impressive performance of recent months in the latest monthly trade data for August. Total monthly U.S. beef exports were up 9 percent with a year-to-date total up 14.2 percent year over year.

Students attending the national FFA convention in Indianapolis had the opportunity to hear from President Donald Trump, who appeared as the closing session on Oct. 27. This is the first time a U.S. president has attended a national FFA convention since George H. W. Bush spoke at the event in Kansas City in 1991.