To understand the right order of ingredients that should go into the mixer wagon, we must consider the physical properties of the ingredients that affect mixing, such as size, shape, density, water absorption capacity (hydroscopy), static electricity and adhesiveness. Ingredient moistureDry ingredients of small particle size will stick to high-moisture ingredients such as silage or molasses. Therefore, it is important to properly mix the dry ingredients before adding the wetter ingredients.

Quality Liquid Feeds, Inc. (QLF) has completed a new liquid feed manufacturing plant in Clovis, New Mexico. With this expansion, QLF will increase the ability to serve dairy, cow/calf, feedlot, pelleted feeds and texturized feed markets. Construction for the facility began in August 2011 and was completed in January. From this location, QLF will service primarily Texas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Utah.

  Bovance -- a joint-venture between Trans Ova Genetics of Sioux Center, Iowa, and ViaGen of Austin, Texas -- has chosen Branden Zuck from Ames, Iowa, as the winner of the second Bovance Scholarship Contest. Applicants submitted essays related to cloning and its benefit to the agriculture industry. Zuck is currently a sophomore at Iowa State University majoring in Animal Science with a Pre-Veterinary focus.

When South Dakota’s farmers wanted to connect with consumers they brought the consumers to the farm. Now, events like Mom’s Day Out on the Farm dot calendars throughout the state and consumers are meeting the people who help put food on the table.

Rita Holt has a farmer’s heart. That’s the secret ingredient to her award winning recipes. Each year for the past several, she’s entered a contest at National MooFest, an Athens, Tennessee, event celebrating the community’s connection to dairy farmers. or scroll down to see more details on MooFest. Twice now, she’s won; once for using dairy products in a recipe and once for her homemade ice cream. She said she and her husband, Dean, used to farm but when she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, they sold all but a few acres. They still occasionally keep livestock around – a few chickens or a cow, which she spoils rotten.