When critics of livestock agriculture take aim at the beef industry and its impact on the environment, cattlemen can’t afford to run, hide or sit idle. Dr. Frank Mitloehner, professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension at the University of California – Davis, knows firsthand how scientific data has been manipulated to demonize livestock agriculture. The strategy to fight those misperceptions? Learn the facts about your cattle production methods and then get to work defending them.

Responding to growing consumer preferences for natural and wholesome food production, Cargill today announced it has signed a binding agreement to acquire Diamond V, a global provider of innovative natural solutions and technologies that improve animal health, animal performance and food safety.

Stockpiled forages and winter annuals can reduce the need for and cost of hay and other supplemental feed for beef cattle producers in regions with adequate annual rainfall, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.

It’s annoying when you can’t get your way. It’s also frustrating when you have to change the way you’ve always done things.

Nitrates in forages can sometimes be a problem for cattle, says Rachel Endecott, extension beef cattle specialist, Montana State University. All plants contain nitrates, but they utilize it during normal metabolism and growth.

At nearly 100ºF, it was a relief to be greeted with air conditioning as I walked through the automatic doors. Grabbing a shopping cart and strolling through the aisles, I noticed something peculiar given the grueling heat in my Idaho home: garlands, mistletoe, snow globes and Santa knickknacks.

The Bureau of Land Management has announced its intention to reopen the multi-state pact on sage grouse protection. The agency’s move on Oct. 5 follows an announcement last summer from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke that the deal may be overhauled to include more multi-use interests.

Drought conditions in the Northern Plains and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have likely affected regional U.S. cattle production. While much of the effects from the drought in the Northern Plains has likely already played out, it is too early to estimate the impacts of the two hurricanes.

Poor reproductive performance, disposition and structural soundness are common reasons for culling beef cows from the herd. The most convenient time to cull cows is following weaning or pregnancy checking in the fall, which can help reduce winter feed costs.

I’m sure you have felt it: the strange sense something big just happened. These moments often come out of the blue with no warning … well, it may seem that way, but perhaps you just hadn’t been paying attention.