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3 Open Minutes with Dennis Hancock, Ph.D

September 30, 2020

Dennis W. Hancock

The U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center (USDFRC) is a research center of the USDA devoted to the optimization of the use of forages in improving dairy cattle production and sustainability. The center employs 20 research scientists and 40 support staff, and hosts another 40 students, post-docs and visiting scientists.

4 things to keep an eye on when purchasing seed for fall planting

September 4, 2020

Jerry Hall

As we approach the fall cover crop planting season, the industry is starting to see shortages of a few different crops like radishes, hairy vetch and annual clovers due to the record amount of acreage that was planted last year as part of USDA’s prevent plant program.

Decision-making in weird economic times

July 15, 2020

Dustin Sawyer

It can be difficult to make the right decisions when it feels like everything is on the line. Times of uncertainty can impose pressures that cause the decision-making process to malfunction.

Incorporating conservation practices on rented ground

April 30, 2020

Anna Cates and Brian DeVore

Almost all farmers farm some rented ground. This may be a long-term relationship with a relative, a new opportunity or a one-year handshake deal. Implementing conservation practices on that ground requires an agreement between renter and owner, and starting that conversation can be the hardest part.

How to choose a high-quality laboratory

April 30, 2020

Dan Putnam and Glenn Shewmaker

Most forage testing laboratories attempt to provide accurate and repeatable results to their clients. In the long term, their reputation and success depends on accurately predicting the feeding value of the forage.

It’s your airplane: Seeding perennials

March 1, 2020

David Hunsberger

When we sold our milking herd of cows this past September, I was seeking a new venture to help take my mind off my cow-less estate, and I decided (with my wife’s blessing) to pursue a lifelong dream – acquire my private pilot’s license.

Is your beef ‘system’ sustainable?

March 1, 2020

Mark Boggess

Recently, I have been focusing a lot of mental energy on the description of a sustainable beef system and hopefully a research program to better understand these systems.

Innovating to increase production

March 1, 2020

Melissa Beck

At the Oklahoma 4-H Roundup, way back in the 1980s, there was a demonstration of a small robotic tractor prototype conducted by John Deere.

Should I co-sign on my child’s farm loan?

March 1, 2020

Erica Louder

According to a study completed by Legal & General Group, the so-called “Bank of Mom and Dad” was the seventh-largest lender in the U.S. in 2018. They estimated this parent patronage program accounted for $47.3 billion in lent dollars.

Analyze forage minerals to avoid animal health issues

March 1, 2020

Rebecca Kern-Lunbery

Each year I consult with several different producers regarding mineral issues in their feed. Some common things I hear are: “They just aren’t thrifty,” “They aren’t gaining like they should,” or, “We had more open cows than I was expecting.”