We read R. Tom Bass’ article “100-pound herds: What are the secrets to their success?” with great interest – and fully support six of his seven observations.

They gave us white handkerchiefs and asked us to wear them over our faces for the purpose of anonymity. We were led to an idyllic fairground setting with a plank bandstand, square bales for seats and a wooden wagon in the middle.

I had just finished bein’ on an extension program in the Herington, Kansas, sale barn. I was standin’ in the auction ring afterward, tryin’ to answer a few questions and shake hands with the local stockmen. My veterinary lecture, as usual, had been more humorous than informative.

Proper silage feedout management is essential to maintaining consistent and high-quality ensiled forages and high-moisture grains. Research shows poor face management can easily double shrink losses.

At their annual company meeting in August, Progressive Publishing employees had the opportunity to tour and sample the products at Ballard Family Dairy and Cheese in Gooding, Idaho. Steve Ballard shared their farm's story while serving up several varieties of their farmstead cheese.

Leaders from across the U.S. agriculture and food sector have continued to express their optimism and confidence in the newly reached Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.

Steve PavelskiSoftware Training and Field Support ManagerSCR DairyGreenfield Township, Pennsylvania

From Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF): Today [Oct. 9], the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has ordered a nationwide halt of the implementation of the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) final rule, which became effective on Aug. 28.

On Sept. 9, the fast-food giant announced the McDonald’s USA division would begin using real butter, instead of liquid margarine, on breakfast items: English muffins, biscuits and bagels. Furthermore, the company also introduced the new buttermilk crispy chicken with real buttermilk in the breading.

Decreased milk production, reduced feed efficiency and a suppressed immune system are some of the costly consequences of an internal parasite infection, but fecal examination is an effective way to identify the culprit and treat it accordingly.