Finally agriculture has its own index ranking competitive factors in the world of business, thanks to a new study released by Colorado State University economists. Called the Agribusiness Friendly Index, the rankings were formed by a two-year study conducted by Greg Perry, professor and department head of agricultural and resource economics at CSU, and James Pritchett, also a professor of agricultural and resource economics, and an extension agricultural specialist at CSU.

Being a political junkie, I’ve been relatively torn between fascination and dismay when studying the results of the most recent presidential election.

National Beef will close its Brawley, California, meatpacking facility despite local efforts to convince the company to stay.

Idaho became the seventh state to pass legislation prohibiting undercover video of animal cruelty. Lawmakers passed SB 1337 by wide majorities in both houses before being signed by Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter on Feb. 28.

Producers have good incentives to increase the national cow herd, and expansion, which has been stymied by drought the last several years, may now be under way.

U.S. agricultural imports for 2014 are forecast to be $110 billion, which is $500 million more than the preceding forecast and 5.9 percent higher than 2013.

The word “friend” just might be the most overused word in the English language. The word has been diluted like watered wine, a bar drink and the American dollar.

In an effort to better serve the commercial beef industry, International Genetic Solutions (IGS) and its partners have developed a tool to determine relative value of feeder calves based on genetic, environmental and management factors. IGS is a cooperation of companies, such as breed associations, whose primary focus is the success of the commercial cattlemen. The Feeder Profit Calculator will reward and incentivize better genetic and management practices.

Life insurance can serve a number of purposes for the agricultural family. Besides providing for the continuation of income in the event of a breadwinner’s death, life insurance can do the following: