Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Post

Today, farmers have to make proper genetic decisions to improve profitability and the return on their farms. However, most beef bull seedstock providers either provide too little data or too much data. This has made buying the best bull very difficult. Every bull is good on some traits and weak on others. The challenge is figuring out how each of those traits is going to impact your bottom line. Back in 2005, Leachman Cattle of Colorado decided that they didn’t want to guess anymore. As a partner of Leachman’s we too had been working with various indexes over the years but the goal was to have one number that sorted the bulls on their bottom line impact – so taking into account both the production/income and the cost of that production. That brought about $Profit on all bulls they and we sell plus other indexes depending on what the bull is being used for. Furthermore, we are basing almost all of our own selection decisions and investment on $Profit for our beef cow farmers. Literally, we and Leachman are putting our money where our mouth is #Rissington #RissingtonCattleCo #BullBreeding #BreedingforPerformance Leachman Cattle

Take a listen. Important thoughts about the H2-A labor program in the first segment of the video and the negative impacts the current wage setting mechanism is having on blueberry growers. It's not just blueberries. It's all hand harvested vegetables and fruits. America is on the cusp of losing a significant portion of U.S. grown fruits and vegetables. It's not hyperbole. It's fact unless the H2-A wage rate setting policy is changed. #freshproduce #localproduce

🐄 National Cow Appreciation Day: Celebrating the Backbone of the Texas Economy! 🐄 Happy National Cow Appreciation Day! 🎉 Today, we honor the incredible contributions cows make—not just to our daily lives, but also to the robust economy of Texas. 🏆 Texas: Home to Cattle Excellence Texas is renowned for its cattle industry, a cornerstone of our state's economic prosperity. Here’s why cows are vital to our economy: - Economic Impact: The cattle industry generates billions in revenue annually, supporting local farmers, ranchers, and countless businesses down the supply chain. - Employment: Thousands of jobs in Texas are linked to cattle farming, from agricultural workers to food processing and transportation services. - Global Influence: As a top exporter of beef, Texas plays a significant role in international markets, enhancing our global economic footprint. - Sustainability: Many Texas ranchers are leaders in sustainable and ethical farming practices, ensuring we meet today’s needs while preserving resources for future generations. 🌱 Beyond Beef: Diverse Contributions Cows provide more than just delicious steaks: - Dairy Products: Texas is also a major producer of milk, cheese, and other dairy products, contributing significantly to our agricultural output. - By-products: From leather goods to important pharmaceutical ingredients, cows offer valuable resources that permeate various industries. 🤝 Community and Culture Cows and cattle ranching are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Texas. They represent the hard work, resilience, and pioneering spirit that define our great state. On this special day, we celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and entire agricultural community that support our economy and sustain our way of life. #NationalCowAppreciationDay #TexasEconomy #CattleIndustry #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth #Agriculture #CommunityCulture #SupportFarmers #CowsRock

Conversation with Hamza, the Pastoralist: Agripeller : "Salam, Hamza! I see you have a fine herd of cattle. How much do you usually sell a cow for these days?" Hamza: "Wa'alaikum Salam! It depends on the size and breed. For a good-sized one, it could go for ₦550,000 to ₦800,000. Some special breeds even higher. We also have ₦100,000 for young calf." Agripeller : "That makes sense. Speaking of breeds, how do you manage genetics? Do you mix breeds or focus on one for better quality?" Hamza: "I mostly raise our local breeds because they’re hardy. But I’ve heard of people bringing in exotic breeds like the Simmental for better meat production. Though it's tricky, our local cows are more suited to the climate." Agripeller : "Interesting. You know, I’ve been thinking—what if I outsource cattle rearing to you? I bring you young cows, you raise them, and I sell them when they're grown. What do you think?" Hamza: "That’s an idea. I’ve done similar things for others. You’d cover the feed and care costs, and once the cow matures, you sell, and we could share the profit or agree on a fixed fee. It’s a good way to do business." Agripeller : "Exactly! That way, you focus on the rearing, and I handle the market. It could be a win-win." Hamza: "It’s a good plan, as long as we agree on the terms. I’m always open to doing business." This post gives an insight into the business discussions with a local pastoralist, highlighting the dynamics of cattle rearing, pricing, and partnerships.

Seed policy champion Kiki Hubbard has begun a new chapter! 🌱 After over a decade with OSA, including leadership on our State of Organic Seed reporting and policy platform, Kiki moved to University of Wisconsin-Madison last year. We caught up with her to learn about her work with USDA's Farmer Seed Liaison initiative. Kiki’s recent work is focusing on: 🌾 Enhancing seed marketplace transparency 🌾 Amplifying growers' voices 🌾 Promoting broader seed access for research and breeding And more! Learn how to support this crucial work and stay informed on seed policy in the full story here: https://lnkd.in/guYKdcuX #SeedPolicy #OrganicAg #FarmerRights

Food for thought: Perspective, how do we define success? Maximum Profit or Optimal Performance which includes a consideration for the welfare of the calf. We know calves thrive when feed more, 3 quarts, 3 times a day or even better, ad lib feeding. We also see better health, and better lactational performance. The feeding regime described would ensure calves spend a god bit of their first 9 weeks of life feeling hungry and not able to meet their natural drives. “This is our No. 1 thing,” Shamburg says. “Grain and water are in front of them day one on. They receive two, 3-quart bottles of milk daily until 50 days old and then one 3-quart bottle from day 51 to day 65, as they gradually are weaned off milk and on a full-grain and water diet.” Curious how others define success when it comes to the details of feeding calves.

Everyone seems to have it all together and you’re feeling left out? you are not alone. Just as life naturally segregate individuals into sizes and capacity. So it is in the animal kingdom. The picture excerpt shows 👇 myself and my trainee Joy carrying out our routine sorting activity. Though from the same parents, and same breeding date, there are always chances of differences in their growth and activity rate. Sorting is a process of distinguishing fishes based on sizes thereby giving the smaller sized fish the opportunity to grow and meet up since there is less competition for food due to their even mouth sizes. Mortality which is engendered by bullying is also reduced that is why we don't write them off. Chances are a good number of this separated smaller sizes will meet up after a short period of time and we take them back to their pairs. The post goes beyond just fish. Perhaps the rule of natural segregation is happening to you, Friends or mates you grew up with have aligned with those they feel are of same capacity as they are and you already beginning to feel not good enough. Like these fishes, see the segregation as an opportunity to improve on yourself. Don't focus on the growth of offer focus on your goals and work it out. This will reduce your chances of being a prey to depression. You are enough! trust the process and keep working. #AquacultureScience #fishfarmervicky #Sokvikiafarms #fishfarming #fish #aquaculture #entrepreneur #business #foodsecurity #Youthandwomenempowerment #sdgs

Newest episode of Farmcrunch! Visit Closter Farm & Livestock with me and Farmer Jared and learn a bunch!

Ever wondered what goes into creating that perfect cut of pork on your plate?   Understanding the journey of quality pork means recognizing the unique challenges faced by dedicated pig farmers.   Some of the challenges we face are: - Biosecurity measures - The pork industry is highly sensitive to market fluctuations and external factors like trade policies and global demand - Regulatory compliance - Environmental pressures - Weather and climate   Despite these hurdles, we at Taaibosch remain committed to producing high-quality pork while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare, sustainability, and food safety.   Read more in our blog (part 1): https://lnkd.in/dhs_6JNR   #Agriculture #Farming #Pigs #Swine #Piggery

Hatchery staff will resume stockings of Delayed Harvest Trout Waters in March. Delayed Harvest anglers have different opportunities based on the time of year. For example, these waters are catch-and-release, and only lures with one single hook may be used from Oct. 1 until the first Saturday in June. However, in June, the harvest period of the regulations begins (i.e., the delayed harvest). This year, on June 1 (the first Saturday in June), only youth under 18 are permitted to fish from 6 a.m.–noon, with no bait restrictions, no minimum length limit, and a seven trout-per-day creel. At noon, these waters open to all anglers under the same regulations until Oct. 1, when catch-and-release regulations go back into effect. View Delayed Harvest Stocking Schedule: https://bit.ly/49XcW0P