USDA has announced its decision on Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office consolidations proposed in January. In total, FSA will consolidate 125 of the 131 offices originally proposed for consolidation with other USDA service centers. The move is consistent with provisions of the 2008 farm bill. The six proposed county offices that will continue operating are: Lafayette County, Arkansas; Boulder County, Colorado; St. Mary Parish, Louisiana; Pamlico County, North Carolina; Mayes County, Oklahoma; and York County, South Carolina.

For two years, both proponents and opponents of Arizona’s Senate Bill 1070 have been promising they would prevail at the Supreme Court.Last Monday, after the court issued its 5-3 decision upholding the law’s most controversial provision but striking down three portions that the justices said encroached on federal immigration-enforcement powers, both sides claimed victory.

Save heifers, buy bred heifers or cows, or keep open cows?An analysis was conducted to determine economics of: retaining heifers purchasing bred heifers purchasing bred cows keeping open cows Prices assumed were those prevailing in the fall/winter of 2010-11. A range of cull cow values and open cow percentages was included in the analysis.

As part of an effort to educate cattle producers on the benefits of livestock weighing, Gallagher has introduced an online challenge to test producers’ knowledge.Through the Gallagher Weigh Up Challenge, participants can register online and then provide weight estimates for three animals. Gallagher has partnered with DVAuction, who is supplying actual livestock footage and weights.