‘Ag Gag’ bill voted down in Florida



A measure that would have made it a crime to take certain pictures on a farm without the owner’s permission was turned down by the Florida Legislature on Jan. 25.Under the so-called “Ag Gag” bill, photographing or videotaping “abusive, unsanitary or otherwise dangerous or illegal activity on a farm” could subject a person to criminal prosecution and imprisonment.It was aimed […]

2012 PRCA World Standings, Jan. 30



All-around1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas $10,5292. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas 8,688 Bareback Riding1. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas $22,3052. Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan. 9,1643. Caleb Bennett, Morgan, Utah 7,7554. Ryan Gray, Cheney, Wash. 6,4845. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb. 6,2546. Casey Colletti, Pueblo, Colo. 5,7517. Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore. 4,8198. Cimmaron Gerke, Odessa, Texas 4,6489. Matt Bright, Azle, Texas 4,60610. Kaycee Feild, […]

Cattle inventory for Texas lowest since 1960



Historic drought conditions took a toll on the Texas cow herd in 2011 as more than 150,000 head left the state for greener pastures – three times more than the 45,000 recorded in 2010, according to a Texas AgriLife Extension Service economist.Dr. David Anderson, AgriLife Extension livestock marketing economist in College Station, cited Texas Animal Health Commission out shipment data, […]

Farm Credit Services adding 50 jobs

Forty-nine of the openings in the region

A strong agriculture sector and demand for crop insurance is spurring one company to add more jobs across the Midwest. Across the four states of Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota and Iowa. Farm Credit Services of America Senior Vice President Mike Barrett told the Rural Radio Network that in 2012 the agency will 50 crop insurance specialist positions. Forty nine of […]

Feeder Cattle, Jan 27



Compared to last week, feeder cattle prices were firm to 5.00 higher (mostly 2.00-5.00 higher) with the full advance on the 650-850 lb short-yearling types. Much of this week’s offering will soon be celebrating their first birthday and possess a long-weaned condition that will allow them to perform like true yearlings, which have been scarce for the last few months. […]

Food price increases in 2012



If you haven’t already noticed it, you will. Food prices are expected to rise in 2012. USDA’s Economic Research Service predicts food at home prices will increase on average about 3-4% and food-away-from-home prices will increase 2-3%. USDA adds that price levels in 2012 will hinge significantly on several macroeconomic factors such as weather conditions, fuel prices, and the value […]

Grain Review, Jan. 27



Compared to last week, grain and soybean bids closed moderate to sharply higher. Grains saw gains most of the week as wheat found early support from a lower dollar and the higher soybeans. Buying interest emerged on Thursday on increased demand for U.S. wheat supplies. Soybeans and corn saw gains in reaction to the news of lack of rain in […]

Inheritance tax repeal sought in Nebraska



Gov. Dave Heineman was joined recently by Steve Nelson, President of Nebraska Farm Bureau and Michael Kelsey, Executive Director of Nebraska Cattlemen to call for repeal of the Nebraska Inheritance Tax. “Nebraska is one of only eight states that has an inheritance tax and we need to change that,” said Gov. Dave Heineman. “Four years ago we eliminated the state’s […]

Kristina Maddocks is Miss BHSS



By CBW StaffKristin Maddocks of Hecla, S.D. is the newly crowned Miss Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.Maddocks was crowned Jan.28 after a day of horsmanship, speech and modeling. She is the 21-year-old daughter of Ron and Paula Maddocks. She is a 2008 graduate of Frederick Area High School, where she was active in student council, high school rodeo, and […]

Lightbulb moment: Switching to LED light could extend meat shelf life



A simple switch to LED lights in refrigeration units could save the retail meat industry millions of dollars each year, according to research from Kansas State University.Kyle Steele, recent master’s graduate in animal sciences and industry, Silver Lake, found that using light-emitting diode, or LED, lights in refrigeration units both saves energy for meat retailers and extends the shelf life […]