July 20, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 7
“What do you do when a belt breaks?” asks Melba Sutton, a Kansas licensed, specialist clinical social worker. “You, the farmer, rely on your strengths. You go to work to fix the problem,” is her answer.
Summer video markets are in full swing out West. Coming into this marketing cycle, there were a lot of questions about pricing and what would be the market’s reaction to all that has been going on in the world. It would not have been unreasonable to think prices for calves could have been similar to slightly higher than last year. With drought still gripping much of the West and Midwest; input costs seeming to never stop their march upward; and volatility in the grain, energy and livestock boards, it is easy to slip into a sense of pessimism.
Scientists have struggled to fully understand how sperm cells function and why they sometimes fail to fertilize eggs in the female, which has implications for both livestock farmers aiming to maximize food production, as well as human couples struggling with infertility.
July 6, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 7
A shift in mindset helped improve the health and profitability of Emmett and Carrie Jordan’s Angus ranch near Briggsdale, Colo. The ranch is all rangeland, no crops. Emmett says it was dry-farmed at one time, but eventually transitioned back to pasture. The damage was already done, however, and the soil’s health was deteriorated from cropping.
This month’s column includes insight on a new American Angus Association regional manager, industry reactions to agricultural policies, and an education opportunity.
Sometimes the winding road ensures the road lasts longer. Michael Moss is the owner of Windy Hill Farms LLC in North Carolina. The purebred registered Angus cattle operation spans more than 500 acres and sells females and bulls. Moss is not originally from the state he now calls home. His story begins in Mississippi.
In this Angus Proud series, Editorial Intern Jessica Wesson provides insights into how producers across the country use Angus genetics in their respective environments.
Angus Proud: Scott SproulOklahoma operation learned wisdom of moving calving season to better suit their marketing needs.
Angus Proud: Bubba CrosbyFall-calving Georgia herd uses quality and co-ops to market calves.
Angus Proud: Jim MooreArkansas operation retains ownership through feeding and values carcass data.
Angus Proud: Stephen ShinerIdaho operation rotates pastures in summer and raises crops for winter.
Angus Proud: Brian NusbaumAngus cattle fit cattleman’s marketing goals and helped him set out on his own.
Angus Proud: Les ShawSouth Dakota operation manages winter with preparation and bull selection.
Angus Proud: Jeremy StevensNebraska operation is self-sufficient for feedstuffs despite sandy soil.
Angus Proud: Dave RutanAngus breeder gets the most out of his bull investment by partnering with opposite calving-season operation.
Angus Proud: Nickey SmithAngusLink helps Louisiana cattleman gain more for his calves.
Angus Proud: Mike MossOperation’s nontraditional start lends to creativity and conservation efforts.
