Prices for day-old beef-X-dairy (BXD) calves are often surprisingly high. But what used to be a highly discounted after-thought (straight dairy calves) is rapidly transforming into a meaningful source of production.
As I approached the site of my first animal activist rally, I kept my distance. I watched two people beside a small megaphone and a bag, checking their phones constantly. I leaned in anticipating what would happen next.
On Jan. 1, 2023, the percentage immediately deductible through bonus depreciation (a provision in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) went from 100% to 80%. It will continue dropping by 20% each year until it reaches zero.
How fair officials and the local sheriff, both unencumbered by intelligence, tarnished your image as a livestock producer and created a public relations disaster.
An Open Letter to Superintendent Rick Nielsen, Nebo School District (Utah):
“Utah school gives kids ‘disgusting’ insects to eat in class for climate assignment on cows killing the Earth.”
Regardless of how lab-grown protein products are categorized, the federal law that created the Beef Checkoff does not allow such products to be promoted.
I'll never forget joining my daughter for a school walkathon. As we started walking, a little boy gravitated to us and made an offhanded comment about sleeping in his car. Could this really be happening in our community?
Harassment of Dr. Frank Mitloehner by journalists with an anti-animal ag agenda went about as well as a drunken tourist playing chicken with a bison in Yellowstone.
America’s cowboys think the tech giant could have Googled more accurate scientific information about beef’s sustainability and value to the environment.
Grocery stores have become a battleground for extremists pressuring retailers to remove meat, milk, poultry and eggs from shelves. Recent trends have shown an uptick in store protests, demonstrations and food tampering.
Although activism and activist activity certainly pose a reputational concern, biosecurity is one of the key drivers behind the importance of implementing farm security measures.
A foreign leader addressing a joint session of Congress this week was a rarity. Not to be outdone, the partisan and often cantankerous members of the U.S. Senate passed legislation unanimously on a voice vote!
Colorado ranchers say they are “under attack” by their governor after hiring a director of the Bureau of Animal Protection who has ties to Mercy for Animals and leads a project that promotes plant-based food choices.
Animal activist groups went full Grinch-mode this week, calling for the end of "animal gifting" programs such as Heifer International and 'Hatching Hope' that work to support impoverished people. Because, well, Humbug!
While some animal rights activist organizations rely on tactics like undercover video campaigns where individuals misrepresent themselves to get hired on farms or plants, others are much more brazen in their approach.
As much as farmers want their child to come back to the operation, few sit down and openly talk about the process to make that happen. Instead, that much-needed conversation is put off for another day.
Animal rights extremist organizations are known for attempting to take advantage of unfortunate situations. That means farmers need to think about potential activism while coming up with crisis plans.
While ruminant (cattle, sheep, and goats) production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally, the sector's share is smaller in developed countries due to better genetics and feeding practices.
“Every morsel of meat we eat is slapping the tear-stained face of a hungry child.” Hannah Thompson-Weeman shares remarkable quotes from 2021 activist conferences to demonstrate what animal ag is up against.
Virtual recruiting, including career fairs and interviews, were catching on before COVID-19, but now they’ve become the norm. Virtual recruiting is here to stay.
The U.S. agriculture community tends to be proud of our role in providing families around the world with safe, affordable and nutritious food. And we have reason to be. However, not everyone shares that same sentiment.
The Proposed Transfer Tax can actually eliminate net equity for many farm families and cause their heirs to be underwater. It can be much worse than the current or proposed estate tax for most farmers.
An unexpected conversation in the check-out lane spurred editor Jennifer Shike to weigh in on the stock show prize we need to spend more time talking about these days.
Going to the county fair is an experience that kids of all ages work hard for all summer long. As a fair mom, I know all too well how rewarding it is to watch your children work hard with their summer 4-H projects.
With so much conversation around sustainable nutrition and some voices calling for everyone to ditch meat to save the planet, we all need to get more comfortable communicating about nutrition.
I was reminded while sitting on a cold bleacher watching my oldest son play football of the power of a coach who helps push us forward when we are against all odds.
My 28-year-old nephew, Brooks, was a multi-generational farmer and father of 4-year-old twins. His death by suicide is a tragic and poignant indicator of a problem that is drastically increasing, a reader shared.
Here’s a question for you…did you water ALL your calves this morning?
In just a few weeks, we will be in the midst of the summer heat and it’s important to assure that calves have plenty of water to drink.
While in-person events have a long list of benefits, there is one downside – they allow animal rights activist organizations to attempt to gain attention for their cause by holding “disruptions” and protests.
What do the blockage of the Suez Canal for several days and the run on feta cheese resulting from a recipe that went viral have in common? They both place unexpected stresses on supply chains.
It’s here. That unusual sense of quiet tranquility right before all hell breaks loose. It’s the calm before the storm, and it’s starting to stir up tension on our family’s farm.
Attempting to use the legislative process to make things more difficult for animal agriculture is far from a new tactic for animal rights activist organizations, but things seem to be heating up in this area.
As farmers, we are the keepers of the flame. No matter if we are a first-generation farmer or the sixth, we continue to care for our family, farm and animals during both the good times and bad.
No single person has left their mark on agriculture like Kansas Senator Pat Roberts who cast his last vote in a career that spans 40 years and thousands of hours in service of farmers.
As much as 2020 has shown us being flexible is just as valuable as having plans, I still believe there is merit to taking a moment to reflect on some of the trends we’ve seen and how they may impact us moving forward.
Californians will vote on Proposition 15, which is billed as tax reform, except neither side can agree on exactly what gets reformed. Farmers and ranchers are rightly wary of the repercussions.
While the relentless decline in dairy farms is similar to other ag segments, there is something about the ongoing disappearance of small dairy farms that seems more poignant to some. John Phipps explains.