Hope the summer has been kind to your operation thus far. The summer of 2016 was a struggle for most; the drought was a hard pill to swallow. This year has shaken out to be much better for many, and the long-term precipitation forecast is more optimistic.

As the grazing season progresses, cattle use of riparian areas will increase due to more appealing grazing conditions (i.e., forage quality and quantity). Overgrazing riparian areas during the summer (hot temperatures and lack of moisture) can have detrimental impacts on forage.

Cool-season grass production in August is often reduced by about 50 percent of the forage yield in May due to increased temperatures and reduced moisture.

Fall is approaching, and the majority of beef cattle producers will be weaning calves in the next few months. The goal of weaning programs is to minimize stress on calves and prepare them to perform as stockers, feeders and replacement heifers.

The most discussed trends in U.S. agriculture have likely been the declining number of U.S. farmers and ranchers. This trend – combined with ever-growing global demand – has set the wheels into motion for U.S. farming and ranching operations to become larger over time.

Most of us consider generational land transfer (parent to child) to be the most common method of land transfer in the U.S. However, there are some interesting changes in the population structure that may impact the traditional way in which land can be transferred.

In today’s world, we hear the word “millennial” so many times we cringe. It has become almost “evil” to certain generations. We say they are lazy, we say they are entitled, and we say they want it all now.

Farming and agriculture in general is a rewarding, exciting and honorable vocation. It is also backbreaking, heart-aching and hard to get involved in for some.

Going back to the family farm may be a dream for some, but that doesn’t make it a reality. When Sally, Drake and Corbin Yon decided to return to their family’s reputable seedstock and row-crop business in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, the legwork had already been done.

Sally: We are all working on the same farm, but we don’t really see a lot of each other. Even though the meetings take longer than needed some days, they are good because they help everyone know what’s going on.