Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation declaring Nov. 3 “Fuel Up to Play 60” Day in recognition of the statewide commitment to child health and wellness at Wilbur Middle School in Wichita. Kansas Agriculture Secretary Dale Rodman, former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Eddie Kennison, Kansas City Chiefs mascot KC Wolf as well as Midwest Dairy Council staff, Wilbur students and teachers joined the Governor for the signing.

Proper nutrient levels go a long way in promoting yield, forage quality, disease tolerance and overall crop production. If your alfalfa stand is lacking nutrients, you’re not going to realize optimum yield and quality potential.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of three articles. Part 2 can be found in the Issue 4, 2012 Progressive Forage Grower, or click here to read Part 2. Part 3 can be found in the Issue 9, 2012 Progressive Forage Grower, or click here to ready Part 3.

Fences can significantly increase livestock grazing efficiency. The first step in planning livestock fencing is determining the purpose and goals of the fencing program.

Feedlot operators are turning to veterinarians and nutritionists to help prepare cattle for the best defense against fall parasites.

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court seems ready to overturn a California law requiring euthanization of downed livestock at federally inspected slaughterhouses to keep the meat out of the nation's food system.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are leading the way in learning more about "biochar," the charred biomass created from wood, other plant material, and manure. The studies by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at laboratories across the country support the USDA priorities of promoting international food security and responding to global climate change. ARS is USDA's chief intramural scientific research agency. Soil scientist Jeff Novak at the ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water and Plant Research Center in Florence, South Carolina, is coordinating the multi-location effort. In one project, he led a laboratory study to see if different biochars could improve the sandy soils found on the Carolina coastal plain, and Pacific Northwest silt loam soils derived from volcanic ash.