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:

On Dec. 23, 2013, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to allow the importation of fresh (chilled or frozen) beef from certain regions of Brazil.

Every year, cow-calf producers reach for magic vaccines which will prevent their calves from getting sick. Calves’ immune systems are capable of protecting against the majority of disease threats.

We think of cattle and symbiotic relationships primarily with rumen microbes. The animal provides habitat and the microbes help optimize roughage digestion in the cow.