We’ve asked before if producers would be interested in using A.I. (artificial insemination) on their cow herd, and the majority answer has been a big yes, if it was more accessible.

Oftentimes, to save time and labor, net wrap or twine is not removed prior to feeding hay to cattle. A South Dakota State University forage-binding survey reported that 54% of producers removed net wrap or twine when feeding bales whole, but only 11% of producers removed it when grinding bales. 

The August Feed Outlook report shows the 2024-25 U.S. coarse grain production forecast is lowered by 1.1 million tons to 396.4 million. Despite a 1% decline in harvested corn area, yield gains boost corn production prospects by 47 million bushels.

It’s county fair week, or at least it is at the time of me writing this (the first week of August) it is. When I was younger it was my favorite time of year. It was like Christmas morning. The one where you just can’t wait. You’re excited, jittery with anticipation.

Invasive plants have created novel rangeland landscapes, requiring novel responses in vegetation management. We cannot turn back the clock to a time before cheatgrass, medusahead and ventenata – invasive annual grasses that are part of the new normal in the western U.S.

I wasn’t really thrilled about it, but circumstances dictated that I make several trips and spend several days in the concrete and asphalt jungle of Salt Lake City this summer.