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Shipping Day on Riser's Family Farms
Shipping Day on Riser’s Family Farms Riser Family Farms sell the majority of their calf crop over video through Superior Livestock Auction. Rabun Smith is the Representative for Superior Livestock Auction that handles the Riser’s cattle. July 28th was the first shipping date for their 2011 calf crop. My daughter, Blair, who is a participant in the Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program through the LSU AgCenter took part in this shipping day on Riser’s... read more
LSU AgCenter beef specialist offers tips to prevent cattle theft
LSU AgCenter beef specialist offers tips to prevent cattle theft Source: LSU AgCenter
With cattle prices at historical highs and many families struggling economically, cattle theft has the potential to increase, warns LSU AgCenter extension beef specialist Allen Nipper.
He said the loss of a few head could offset much of the profit a producer might expect to make in an entire year.
“Many law enforcement personnel say small-scale producers seem to be the most likely targets... read more
Use of Pharmaceuticals in Food-Producing Animals
Use of Pharmaceuticals in Food-Producing Animals Source: LSU AgCenter, Dr. Christine Navarre, cnavarre@agcenter.lsu.edu What is a food animal? Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and rabbits are all considered food animals by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even if the owner of an animal considers a food animal as a pet, legally it is a food animal and potential food product. Food safety has to be assured with any drug use in food animals, so pharmaceutical use laws for food animals are very... read more
FEEDLOT PLACEMENTS REMAIN LARGE
FEEDLOT PLACEMENTS REMAIN LARGE USDA-NASS reported that the number of cattle on-feed as of April 1, 2011 was 5 percent above a year ago. Placement of cattle into feedlots during March was bolstered by drought in the Southern Plains and feeders bidding aggressively for cattle to replace cattle closed-out at profitable levels. Southern Plains placements continued to be supported by feeder cattle imported from Mexico, which from January through mid-April were the largest since 2001. Indications are the Mexican... read more
Art, science combine in reducing sweet potato diseases
Art, science combine in reducing sweet potato diseases Source: LSU AgCenter
Louisiana’s sweet potato farmers soon will be planting their crop. And for most, the transplants, or “slips,” they put in the ground will be from seed roots that had their start at the LSU AgCenter Sweet Potato Research Station at Chase. Sweet potatoes are vegetatively propagated, said LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Chris Clark. “Plants such as corn that are grown from seed start out... read more
Langston Places at State 4-H Ambassador Talk
Langston Places at State 4-H Ambassador Talk
Ivan Langston, an 8th grade student at Union Christian, gave a speech entitled “Proper Poultry Care & Maintenance” which focused on poultry production of small backyard flocks, for the State 4-H Poultry Ambassador Talk. He was named the second place winner of Division II (7th-9th grade) at the state public speaking contest. The event was held April 19, at Nelson Memorial on the LSU Baton Rouge campus. According to Carol Remy, LSU AgCenter Extension... read more
Proper landscape watering is important
Proper landscape watering is important By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings
Who knows how much rain we’ll get during spring and summer? We need to keep in mind that many areas of Louisiana are experiencing below-average rainfall amounts. And it’s common to get significant rain events followed by three to four weeks of dry weather. How do we irrigate our landscapes under these conditions? This is a question that... read more
Exchange Rates Favoring U.S. Beef Exports
Exchange Rates Favoring U.S. Beef Exports
With strong export demand contributing to historically high prices, the question is how long will both last? Export demand is contingent upon incomes and currency exchange rates which are currently both working in the favor of U.S. poultry and livestock producers. As incomes rise, diets tend to shift to include more protein. This allows for cuts of meat such as the chuck and round to be more valuable since they are generally not desired by U.S. consumers. As a result,... read more
Growth-Promoting Implants and Our Food Supply
Growth-Promoting Implants and Our Food Supply Source: Dr. Paul Beck, Associate Professor, UofA Growth-promoting implants are used to increase the growth rate and feed efficiency of growing and finishing cattle by about 3% to 5%. Implants function by supplying very small amounts of compounds that act like naturally occurring hormones, thereby increasing muscle growth and reducing fat deposition. Because fat requires more energy to deposit than muscle, gains and feed... read more
Is Beef From Naturally-Managed Cattle Better Than Beef From Conventionally-Manag
Is Beef From Naturally-Managed Cattle Better Than Beef From Conventionally-Managed Cattle? Source: Shane Gadberry
The next time you go to the grocery store, take notice of the amount of meat counter space offering all-natural and possibly organic products. Public concern over food safety, nutrition and farm animal well-being is creating supply chains that provide consumers more choices for how they want livestock managed before they enter the food supply. Terms such as "natural" and "organic"... read more
Improving Grazing Management
Improving Grazing Management Kenny Simon, Program Associate-Forages, UofA One of the demonstrations associated with "300 Days of Grazing" is improving grazing management. Improving grazing management allows increased utilization of the available forage, thus helping extend the grazing season. Research demonstrated increasing the pasture rotation frequency from twice a month to twice a week increased the number of grazing days by 40%.... read more
Updates and New Recommendations for Equine Deworming
Updates and New Recommendations for Equine Deworming Deworming is an essential component of successfully managing your horse’s health and should be tailored for each animal’s specific needs. More than 150 different parasites can potentially infect your horse; however, in North America we are mainly concerned about roundworms (called ascarids), large and small strongyles and tapeworms. Threadworms are not typically included in this list because they usually occur temporarily in foals. Other common parasites of... read more
Timing management practices?
Timing management practices? By Donald Hubbell, Resident Director in Charge, Livestock and Forestry Research Station, UofA
Timing is everything. We structure our daily lives around the clock.
Livestock production should be considered a “timed” event, much
like calf roping or steer wrestling. Try to beat the clock, or weather, to get the biggest payoff. Conditions change and can be different in the same calendar month each year, but overall they usually turn out to be about the same. Planning... read more
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Congressional Opposition to Clean Water Act ‘Guidance’ WASHINGTON, D.C., April 18, 2011 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation appreciates the bipartisan support of 170 members of Congress in challenging ‘regulatory guidance’ that the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps... read more
Management Determines the Selling Price of Feeder Calves
Management Determines the Selling Price of Feeder Calves By Dr. Tom Troxel, Professor, Associate Department Head—Animal Sciences, UofA
Management is the judicious use of means to accomplish an end. For beef cattle operations, the accomplished end is a product that can be sold for a profit. It’s the management applied that determines the price of your feeder calves, not the buyers at the sale barn. Listed are a number of management practices than can reduce the selling price of feeder calves.
•... read more
Retail Staple Food Prices Rise in First Quarter
Retail Staple Food Prices Rise in First Quarter WASHINGTON, D.C., April 5, 2011 – Retail food prices at the supermarket increased during the first quarter of 2011, according to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey. The informal survey shows the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals was $49.07, up $2.10 or about 4 percent compared to the fourth... read more
LSU AgCenter agents help prisoners prepare for reentry
LSU AgCenter agents help prisoners prepare for reentry
LSU AgCenter agents in northeast Louisiana are conducting classes in detention centers in Franklin, Richland, Morehouse and Union parishes to help prisoners prepare for reentering society. The classes comply with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections reentry preparation program, a 100-hour, pre-release curriculum in locally based parish detention centers. The program, which has 60 participants, is a federal initiative implemented by the state Department... read more
DROUGHT AID AVAILABLE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
DROUGHT AID AVAILABLE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
Livestock producers in twenty-seven Parishes may be eligible for a payment due to the drought conditions in 2011, according to Willie Cooper, State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in Louisiana. As of April 26, 2011, the following parishes have qualified to take applications from producers based on the U S Drought Monitor:
Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Cameron, Claiborne, DeSoto, Evangeline, Grant, Jackson, Jeff Davis, LaSalle, Lincoln,... read more
Did You Know?
“Good judgment comes from bad experience,
and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.”
− ANONYMOUS
Did You Know?
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are XL
Did You Know?
Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Michael “Mike” G. Strain of Covington was honored as State Official of the Year by the Louisiana Meat Processors Association Friday April 8, 2011 at the LAMPA’s Spring Social in Breaux Bridge. “ The Louisiana Meat Processors Association are pleased to honor Dr. Strain for his continued support for the meat industry by keeping our state meat... read more
Did You Know?
The older we get, fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Cutting Corners: Easy Strawberry Pie
Easy
Strawberry Pie
Graham Cracker Pie Crust
2 cups fresh strawberries
1cup water
3 Tbsp. strawberry jello
1 cup sugar
2-3 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup cool whip
Slice berries, set aside. Mix sugar and cornstarch together. Add water. Cook until thickened, remove from heat and stir in jello. Mix well and cool. Fold in berries. Pour into pie shell. Refrigerate 1 hour. Spread cool whip on pie. Serve.
... read more
Fun Facts
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weigh, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.
Fun Facts
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
FEEDLOT UPDATE:
FEEDLOT UPDATE: In the latest Kansas State University “Focus on Feedlots” survey for the month of January, steer and heifer performance continued to improve and surpass prior years. Still, high feedstuff costs have raised cost of gain. Two key feedlot measures of animal performance were impressive in recent months: 1) average daily gain; and 2) pounds of feed required for a pound of gain. The average cost of gain for steers and heifers increased as expected driven by the increase in corn prices with costs of gains forecast... read more
Foreign Oil Imports:
Foreign Oil Imports:
Based on the latest figures from the Federal Reserve Economic Database, the U.S. imported 55% of its oil in February, sending approximately $31.3 billion –or $777,065.00 per minute—to foreign countries.
New food safety law shifts focus to prevention
New food safety law shifts focus to prevention
BATON ROUGE – A new federal law gives the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sweeping new powers to establish standards and regulate food processor facilities and growers both in this country and internationally, a food industry consultant told the Louisiana Food Processors Conference Wednesday (March 16).
Dr. David Acheson, managing director, food and import safety practice, at Leavitt Partners in Salt Lake City, Utah, said the new Food Safety Modernization Act gives FDA specific authority to establish... read more
Home sales, Japan, mills featured at forestry forum
Home sales, Japan, mills featured at forestry forum
SHREVEPORT, La. – Home sales, Japan, mills and helpful forest products websites were among the topics presented at the 27th annual Ark-La-Tex Forestry Forum March 17.
February had the lowest new home sales since 1960, said Joe Chang, professor of forest economics and marketing in the LSU AgCenter School of Renewable Natural Resources. But he forecasts steady growth in the housing industry over the next three years.
“The housing sector is the largest consumer of wood products,” Chang... read more
Equine--The Golden Years
Equine—The Golden Years You and your horse go back a long way. perhaps he took you over your first fence (or surprise!—over your first creek). Maybe you spent years perfecting his lateral work, while he was helping you perfect your own quiet hands. He can read you like a book, and you know exactly how he’s going to react to your cues and requests. But things are changing.... read more
Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program participants selected
Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program participants selected Source: LSU AgCenter
Ten young people from around the state have been selected for the LSU AgCenter’s 2011-2012 Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program, according to program coordinator Bradley Leger.
The one-year, intensive classroom, hands-on, mentor-based experience introduces high school junior and senior students to the options available to them in the areas of food and fiber production... read more
'Louisiana Honey Plants' publication released by LSU AgCenter
‘Louisiana Honey Plants’ publication released by LSU AgCenter
The LSU AgCenter recently released a guidebook with details about plants growing in Louisiana that contribute to honey production.
Titled “Louisiana Honey Plants,” the publication was authored by retired LSU AgCenter professor and entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet.
“This publication contains details on 53 plants that are capable of producing nectar,” Pollet explains, adding that the major nectar plants in Louisiana are Chinese tallow, willow, clover, American buckwheat... read more
AFBF Applauds House Passage of Veterinary Health Bill
AFBF Applauds House Passage of Veterinary Health Bill Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2011 – The House this week passed a bill that would help increase the number of veterinarians working in livestock and food animal practices and in key public health fields. The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging the Senate to follow suit. “Many recent studies have shown dramatic shortfalls of veterinarians in food animal practice in rural areas and in key public health practice areas, including... read more
AFBF Intervenes in Pesticide Lawsuit
AFBF Intervenes in Pesticide Lawsuit Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2011 – The American Farm Bureau Federation, along with other agriculture groups, has filed a motion to intervene in federal court in a lawsuit aimed at imposing needless restrictions or bans on pesticide use. AFBF filed in Center for Biological Diversity v. Environmental Protection Agency, a suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.... read more
Budget cuts force LSU AgCenter to phase out 3 research stations
Budget cuts force LSU AgCenter to phase out 3 research stations Because of cuts in state funding and to make more efficient use of resources, the LSU AgCenter has begun phasing out research programs at three of its 20 research stations. The three are the Coastal Area Research Station in Plaquemines Parish, the Rosepine Research Station in Vernon Parish and the Calhoun Research Station in Ouachita Parish. “We are merging the programs at these stations into programs at other stations... read more
Did You Know?
Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words “The” and “IRS” together it spells “Theirs”.
Learn all about blueberries on new website
Learn all about blueberries on new website Source: LSU AgCenter As demand for blueberries keeps increasing so does the need for more people to grow them. To promote both the production of blueberries and their nutritional value, the LSU AgCenter has developed a new website, www.eXtension.org/blueberries. “This website has several goals. But a primary goal is to introduce a new economic development opportunity for people,” said Natalie Hummel, LSU AgCenter extension... read more
Fun Facts
The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
Commissioner Strain and LDAF celebrate Ag Day 2011
Commissioner Strain and LDAF celebrate Ag Day 2011
Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., unveiled the new “Fresh, Local and Grown Bayou” logo today at Ag Day festivities at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry building in Baton Rouge .
Ag Day honors the men, women and businesses of the farming communities across the state. The “Fresh, Local and Grown Bayou” logo was designed by Jeffrey Johnson of Clinton , Miss. and will be used to promote statewide “Buy Fresh, Buy Local”... read more
Fun Facts
A Penny saved is a government oversight.
Strain: It's A Great Day in Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry
Strain: It's A Great Day in Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Agriculture is the largest sector of Louisiana ’s economy. Agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture cover over 85 percent of the surface area of the state and those industries provide more than 243,000 jobs, or nearly 10 percent of our work force. At more than $30 billion, agriculture and forestry combined make up one of Louisiana 's largest and most economically dependent industries.
Nationally, our state ranks second... read more
Beekeepers can remove, manage honeybee swarms
Beekeepers can remove, manage honeybee swarms
The advent of warmer weather and plenty of plants in bloom means honeybees are active. Spring swarms are common as bees look to establish new colonies, and they may find your yard enticing. LSU AgCenter county agent Keith Hawkins says it is best to leave a colony alone or call in an experienced beekeeper. “We encourage humane removal of bees,” Hawkins said. “We need bees’ pollination services, and a beekeeper could bring them into a hive where they would be used for pollination and honey production.” Even if the bee swarm... read more
New vitamin D dietary rates announced
New vitamin D dietary rates announced
The Institute of Medicine recently announced new recommended intakes for vitamin D, according to LSU AgCenter nutritionist Beth Reames. Vitamin D, often called the “sunshine vitamin,” helps the body absorb & use calcium to build strong bones & teeth & maintain muscle strength. The new recommended intake for North Americans is 600 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D per day, Reames says. People age 71 & older may need more – as much as 800 IUs per day. The Institute of Medicine sets national nutrient standards & has set the new... read more
New USDA Standards to Reduce Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry
New USDA Standards to Reduce Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry Source: Theresia Lavergne, Ph.D., P.A.S., Associate Professor, LSU AgCenter
On March 16, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced revised and new standards to reduce the incidence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in chickens and turkeys. The FSIS estimates that about 25,000 foodborne illnesses will be prevented under the new Campylobactor and revised Salmonella standards.
These standards were developed based on nationwide studies... read more
Farmers Prevail in Court Decision on EPA Livestock Rules
Farmers Prevail in Court Decision on EPA Livestock Rules Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., March 16, 2011 – In a major court victory for the American Farm Bureau Federation and other farm organizations, a unanimous federal court of appeals has ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency cannot require livestock farmers to apply for Clean Water Act permits unless their farms actually discharge manure into U.S. waters. The ruling was welcomed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Pork Producers Council and several other agriculture groups that filed suit against EPA in the U.S. Court... read more
Louisiana agriculture up 20 percent in 2010 to $9.9 billion
Louisiana agriculture up 20 percent in 2010 to $9.9 billion Source: LSU AgCenter Louisiana agriculture contributed $9.9 billion to the state’s economy in 2010 – up 20 percent from the year before, according to the latest figures compiled by the LSU AgCenter in its annual Ag Summary. The biggest gainers in 2010 were the same sectors that declined the most in 2009 – poultry and forestry – according to John Westra, LSU AgCenter economist. He compiles the Ag Summary, which has been done every year since 1978, from reports... read more
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding
Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding Introduction of Estate Tax Bill H.R. 1259 WASHINGTON, D.C., March 31, 2011 – “The American Farm Bureau Federation supports new estate tax legislation by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.). The bill, H.R. 1259, would relieve farmers and ranchers from the financial drain of estate tax planning and prevent the damage caused to farms and ranches when a family member dies. “Estate taxes continue to be a problem for U.S. farm and ranch families who... read more
Fun Facts
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
Cutting Corners: Quick and Easy Banana Pudding
Quick and Easy Banana Pudding
1 pkg Instant vanilla Pudding
2 cups milk
1can sweeten condensed milk
1 container cool whip
3 or 4 ripe bananas
Vanilla wafers
Prepare pudding as per directions. While pudding is setting, cover bottom of container with vanilla wafers, then cut bananas up over vanilla wafers. Take pudding from refrigerator and add can of condensed milk and cool whip, fold together until mixed. Pour over top of bananas. Complete by sticking vanilla wafers around side of container. Refrigerator... read more
News Brief:
News Brief: Fifteen percent more Americans are familiar with the term “factory farming” than in 2008 according to a study funded by the beef checkoff. The number now stands at 64 percent. The number of respondents who associated factory farming with chicken has gone up significantly since 2008. Figures for beef have remained stable even though more people associate beef cattle with factory farming than they do dairy cattle. Source: Meatingplace.com
VERY STRONG CALF AND YEARLING PRICES
VERY STRONG CALF AND YEARLING PRICES In the first six weeks of 2011, Kansas 500-to 600-pound steer calf prices ranged from about $139.00 to $155.00 per cwt. and averaged about $146.00, which was $34.00 per cwt. above the same timeframe a year ago. Kansas yearling steers (700-to 800-lb) for the first six weeks of this year averaged about $126.00 per cwt. compared to about $98.00 last year, an increase of $28.00 per cwt. It appears much of the seasonal price strength in calf and yearling prices... read more
Don't Let Tetany Be a Problem For You This Year
Don't Let Tetany Be a Problem For You This Year
Source: Jeremy Powell, U of A Once cool-season forages begin to reemerge in your grazing pastures, grass tetany can become a potential problem. This disease normally occurs in Arkansas in the months of February, March and April and is due to an abnormally low level of magnesium in the cow's body. Early signs of tetany include decreased appetite, decreased milk production, frequent urination, separation from the herd, increased excitability as well as a stiff or unsteady gait. These early signs may occur for as little as... read more
10 Traits of Top Managers
10 Traits of Top Managers Source: Brett Barham, U of A I recently came across a document on the web published by the University of Kentucky that discusses management skills for running an agricultural enterprise (it can be found at http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id108/10.pdf). It has a short section that talks about how top managers often share some common traits. I think that even these business-minded traits fit well to cattle production, so I would like to take these ten traits and expand on them. While this is... read more
Louisiana Junior Cattlemen of the Year Award
Louisiana Junior Cattlemen of the Year Award
This year’s Louisiana Junior Cattlemen of the year award goes to Ms. Avery Boone. Avery is a senior at West Ouachita High School. She plans to go to college at Louisiana Tech and study pre-veterinarian and then futher her education at LSU to be a veterinarian. Avery has been showing cattle in 4-H for seven years and partners in Cross B Angus Farm with her father Terry Boone. Avery is a person that exhibits great character, showman skills, and one who will be a great asset to our cattle industry. Observing Avery throughout the years, I have seen her obtain knowledge,... read more
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's Statement on Record Forecast for U.S. Farm Expor
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's Statement on Record Forecast for U.S. Farm Exports Source: www.usda.gov WASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement regarding today's quarterly forecast for U.S. agricultural exports, which are expected to reach a record $135.5 billion in fiscal year 2011: "Today's quarterly forecast shows that U.S. agriculture continues to be on track for its best export year ever in fiscal year 2011, eclipsing the previous record set in 2008 by more than $20 billion. Compared to fiscal year 2010, export value is expected to grow 25 percent and... read more
Crawfish season off to sluggish start
Crawfish season off to sluggish start Source: LSU AgCenter
This year’s crawfish season is off to a slow start mainly because of unusually long stretches of cold weather, but a warm-up is boosting the catch.
Predicting whether the season will be good or bad is difficult, according to Ray McClain, crawfish specialist for the LSU AgCenter. “There are many factors that influence crawfish production and the degree of how each factor affects production will vary widely making a prediction an inexact science. There really is no crystal ball.” During an LSU AgCenter meeting on Feb. 21 for crawfish producers in Opelousas,... read more
LSU AgCenter experts help crawfish farmers increase their yields
LSU AgCenter experts help crawfish farmers increase their yields OPELOUSAS, La. – LSU AgCenter crawfish researchers gave recommendations to producers on improving their crop and avoiding or reducing problems in their ponds. Robert Romaire, LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist, advised that algal scum that grows during cold weather will die in the spring, and the decaying vegetation will deplete oxygen from the water. He said the condition could be evident in the next 3-4 weeks with the recent warm weather. Romaire... read more
Non-native grass threatens La. forests
Non-native grass threatens La. forests Source: LSU AgCenter
ALEXANDRIA, La. – Forestry industry representatives attending an LSU AgCenter forum Tuesday (Feb. 22) at the Dean Lee Research Station were warned that a non-native grass threatens Louisiana forests. The plant cogongrass is a weed that displaces native vegetation and prevents establishment and growth of young trees, said Hallie Dozier, assistant professor in the LSU AgCenter School of Renewable Natural Resources, “This is a big, bad super plant,” Dozier said. “You really don’t want to do battle with cogongrass.” The plant is native to Southeast Asia,... read more
News Brief:
News Briefs:
Stocks of meat and poultry in U.S. commercial freezers increased by 6.1% during January, reaching 2.054 billion pounds according to USDA’s monthly Cold storage report released on February 22nd. This was 9.6% higher than one year ago. This increase is shared by the four major species but the largest year-on-year increase belonged to chicken whose stocks were 23.5% larger than last year at 778.3 million pounds.
Source: USDA & CME Group LS. Report
According to USDA’s January 1 Cattle inventory estimates beef cow numbers continue to fall. Continued decline is related to multi-year financial disappointments due... read more
Knowing your rights can protect your 'heir property'
Knowing your rights can protect your ‘heir property’
Homeowners living on property passed down from family sometimes can’t take advantage of their property rights.
This problem gained attention after the 2005 hurricanes when some Louisiana residents were unable to receive federal and state aid for property damage, said Dr. Jeanette Tucker, LSU AgCenter family economist. “They owned their homes. They even paid property taxes. But legal documents didn’t list them as owners so they lacked ‘clear title,’” she said.
Their homes were passed down through generations by family agreement, but not... read more
Physical activity has no age limit
Physical activity has no age limit by trisha.gedon@okstate.edu STILLWATER, Okla. – While you must be a certain age to vote or drive a car, physical activity has no age limit. Simply because a person ages does not mean he or she must become inactive. In fact, just the opposite is true. The older a person gets, the more important it is to remain as physically active as possible, said Jan Johnston, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension gerontology specialist. “Individuals who have been physically active throughout their... read more
EPA GHG Regulations Brings 'Double Economic Jolt' to Ag
EPA GHG Regulations Brings ‘Double Economic Jolt’ to Ag Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., February 9, 2011 – America’s farmers and ranchers will receive a “double economic jolt” from the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulation of greenhouse gases, the American Farm Bureau Federation told a House subcommittee today. Philip Nelson, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, testified on behalf of AFBF before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power. “First, any costs incurred by utilities, refiners, manufacturers and other large... read more
Over-regulation Continues to Hurt the Banking Industry
Over-regulation Continues to Hurt the Banking Industry Source: www.fb.org ATLANTA, January 11, 2011 – New regulations mandated by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Credit Card Act of 2009 and the Job Creation Act of 2010 are currently having the greatest effect on the banking industry, according to Larry Lanie, president and CEO of Farm Bureau BanCorp, speaking at an issues conference at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd annual meeting. “When the government first started to create new regulations it... read more
News Brief:
News Brief: Beef production will continue to decline through 2012 then rise through 2020 as strengthening returns support herd rebuilding, USDA projected in its “USDA Agricultural Projections to 2020” Report. Source: USDA
Strain Mississippi River resolution approved by NASDA
Strain Mississippi River resolution approved by NASDA Source: LDAF Press Release Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., successfully authored a resolution issued by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) this week strongly urging the United States Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the lower Mississippi River deep draft navigation channel at a 45-foot depth. Strain enlisted the support of his fellow state agriculture commissioners, secretaries and directors at NASDA’s midyear meeting this week in Reston , Va. The... read more
LAFA distributes $11.2 million for poultry grower aid
LAFA distributes $11.2 million for poultry grower aid Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the Louisiana Agricultural Finance Authority (LAFA) is distributing $11.2 million today in aid to poultry growers who were affected by the 2008 bankruptcy of chicken processor Pilgrim’s Pride. “The checks and direct deposit transactions are being distributed today,” Strain said. “These funds should provide tremendous relief for many of the growers who were damaged.” Pilgrim’s Pride shuttered its Farmerville plant in 2009, affecting more than 300 independent Louisiana and Arkansas poultry suppliers. Pilgrim’s Pride’s... read more
87 Percent of Young Farmers, Ranchers Express More Optimism
87 Percent of Young Farmers, Ranchers Express More Optimism Source: www.fb.org WASHINGTON, D.C., March 3, 2011 – The latest survey of participants in the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers program shows that America’s young farmers and ranchers are an optimistic lot. Results of the 19th annual YF&R survey reveal that 87 percent of those surveyed are more optimistic about farming and ranching than they were five years ago. This is the highest optimism level ever in AFBF’s annual YF&R survey, which was initiated in 1993. Last year, 80 percent of those surveyed said they were more... read more
Earth-Kind roses are low-maintenance options
Earth-Kind roses are low-maintenance options By LSU AgCenter Horticulturists Dan Gill, Kyle Huffstickler and Allen Owings
Growing roses in Louisiana is a challenge for landscape professionals and home gardeners alike. A major problem in rose production and landscape performance is disease (blackspot and powdery mildew, primarily) brought on by environmental conditions of our region. Heat and humidity have an adverse affect on many rose varieties we grow in Louisiana. The growing popularity of landscape shrub roses has stimulated new interest in roses over the past few years. Traditionally, modern roses – such as hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora varieties –... read more
News Brief:
News Brief:
Townsends, Inc. will sell its Arkansas poultry operations to Peco Foods following final approval from U.S. Bankruptcy court to effectively sell all of its assets. Peco Foods; based in Tuscalossa, Alabama, has agreed to purchase the Arkansas division for $54.1 million. Peco is a fully integrated processor with operation in Alabama and Mississippi. Townsends and subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December of 2010. It operates facilities in Arkansas, North Carolina and Georgia.
... read more
News Brief:
News Brief: Sanderson Farms posted a hefty net loss in its first quarter. The company was hurt by higher feed cost and an oversupply of chicken on the market. The company’s feed cost rose 21 percent in the quarter while chicken prices fell 4.8 percent. Based on these factors it is delaying construction of a second processing plant in North Carolina. Source: Meaatingplace.com
Cutting Corners: Hot Chicken Salad
Hot
Chicken
Salad
2 cups chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 T lemon juice
11/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cooked rice
2 Fryers
11/2 cup crushed corn flakes
Pkg slivered almonds
Boil fryers and cut up, mix all ingredients except almonds and corn flakes. Sprinkle corn flakes and almonds on top. Drizzle 4 T butter on top. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake 1 hour with foil on 325degrees. Remove foil and brown top. This is great to take for pot-luck dinners.
