Looking back, U.S. agricultural industries have changed dramatically over the past decade. Given mounting political, social, technological and economic pressures, it is safe to assume not only that change will continue, but that it could even increase in rapidity.

Three giant lobby groups from an alternative time warp are engaged in a furious hissy fit whose purpose is raising money to pay lawyers. “Send money so we can litigate, pay company executives and solicit more funds!” “Animals are overrunning government property,” they exclaimed, “… and endangering the environment. These are domestic animals that have been turned loose to fend for themselves and have multiplied exponentially!” Sound familiar? Yes, the lobby groups are the usual suspects: Sierra Club, Audubon Society and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The 127th Annual Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show, held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Dec. 15-17, drew over 740 participants from across the state.

The 114th annual Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Trade Show will ride into Nashville, Tennessee, for its four-day event Feb. 1-4, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Producers will again have the opportunity to learn about some of today’s most pressing issues facing the beef and cattle industry, while also gleaning information in the 19th Annual Cattlemen’s College.

“In marketing, you don’t produce something and ask people to buy it. Find out what people want and figure out a way to produce it,” says beef producer Jim Lerwick of Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.

Akaushi beef inspires praise for trumping other breeds in marbling capacity and health benefits, while the breed itself displays competitive traits such as feed efficiency and calving ease.

Heifers represent the future and the best genetics in your cowherd.

The decline in the U.S. cattle inventory is well documented. The decline has sharpened particularly over the past 10 years and continued through 2011.

Drought conditions in regions throughout North America have placed a great deal of pressure on cattle ranchers, particularly in regards to the cost and availability of hay this winter. In many areas they are faced with a pressing choice: either stretch existing supplies of hay or supplement with additional hay purchased on the open market at inflated prices due to the shortages.