For American farmers and ranchers, international trade is a somewhat silent partner in the agriculture industry. Large amounts of American agriculture products leave U.S. borders for foreign ports and help to feed the world.

When hiring a family member to return to the family farm after high school or college, we need to be very clear about our expectations, our justification for bringing them on as a full-time employee and the criteria for consideration.

There is a flame of passion burning strong in Jim Kopriva despite candidly admitting the reins of Kopriva Angus near Raymond, South Dakota, are split with his son.

An important issue at the forefront of agriculture is succession planning. Agriculture and the beef cattle industry take great pride that the highest percentage of farms and ranches are family-owned.

Since the early 20th century, the FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) and 4-H organizations have provided agriculture education, development opportunities and scholarship to America’s youth.

Multispecies grazing could be a great strategy to improve pasture quality and increase economic returns.

In fall and winter, most native forages and tame pastures are low in protein (unless fall rains stimulated new growth).

We all know the best lessons are shared in hindsight. Last year was a wet one for northern Pennsylvania. For 38 days (from May 25 to July 1), it rained every other day.

Annual plant production on native rangelands is dynamic and influenced by many factors. However, the most critical determining factor for plant production in the western U.S. is the amount and timing of spring and summer precipitation, which can be highly variable from year to year.

As a grazier and advocate for improved grazing management, much of my time is spent emphasizing the negative aspects of hay feeding.