A visit with 2015 National BQA Cow Calf Award winners Ira and Kim Brackett, from Brackett Ranches L.P., of Castleford, Idaho. Video courtesy of National BQA.

In agriculture and livestock production, it is becoming increasingly more important to be beyond reproach. As undercover activists lurk in our barns and consumers become more and more attuned to animal care issues, we have enough on our plate with trying to explain humane, necessary and science-based practices that may not look pleasant on the surface (such as dehorning calves or moving a down cow) to tolerate any mistreatment or cruelty.

Prior to joining Purdue University as a teaching veterinarian, Dr. Mark Hilton said his objective as a practicing vet for 15 years was direct and simple: “My goal as a food animal veterinarian is to never see a sick animal.”

Vote for the 2015 Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame inductees now at the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame website. In the seventh year of nominations, this group of nominees showcases five unique pioneers and visionaries for the cattle-feeding industry. From the five nominees, two inductees will be announced during the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame banquet this summer in Westminster, Colorado.

Phibro Animal Health Corporation has launched GemStone, a new line of organic trace minerals, building on Prince Agri Products' decades of experience in mineral nutrition.

Three agricultural organizations have officially formed a collaboration that will benefit private landowners across the U.S.

A New Braunfels, Texas, man was arrested Feb. 3 on three separate charges of third-degree theft of cattle. The suspect stole the cattle during four different transactions over a 15-month period from a ranch in New Braunfels, where he was employed as the ranch manager.

Merck Animal Health and DVAuction Inc. has introduced the Cattle Market Central (CMC). It is an extension of the familiar Beef Market Central. It provides feeder cattle class and weight offerings, as well as prices that are updated automatically throughout the day from more than 45 auction markets.

Chance MeteerBeef SpecialistVita PlusLafayette, Indiana

The inventory of all cattle and calves was at 89.8 million head on Jan. 1, 2015, up 1.4 percent from one year ago but, except for last year, still the smallest total herd inventory since 1952.