Industry News

McDonald's sales rise for seventh consecutive month
(9/9/2010)
Based on USDA data, McDonald’s beef purchases account for about 3 percent of annual U.S. beef consumption.

Ethanol, DDGS exports surge
(9/9/2010)
After sliding in three consecutive months, U.S. ethanol exports climbed substantially in July, according to government data.

Hereford demand continues to grow
(9/9/2010)
Hereford breeders continued to experience an increased demand for Hereford genetics during the fiscal year that ended Aug. 31.

More water lies from a 'nutty vegan chef'
(9/9/2010)
PETA’s propaganda campaign focuses on beef’s water footprint.

Feeding, packer margins decline
(9/9/2010)
Cattle feeding margins declined about $53 per head last week, while packer margins dropped nearly $19 per head.

Corn crop slightly ahead of schedule
(9/8/2010)
USDA called 69 percent of the corn crop in good or excellent condition, while 11 percent was called poor or very poor.

Limousin releases EPDs from multibreed evaluation
(9/8/2010)
The EPDs represent more than 2 million pedigree and performance records for Limousin-based cattle in the United States and Canada.

Rare E. coli outbreak puts focus on meat oversight
(9/8/2010)
The first outbreak linked to a rare strain of E. coli in ground beef is prompting a fresh look at tougher regulations.

Agriculture’s image being chiseled away by activist groups
(9/8/2010)
Consumer research says activists are hurting farmers' image by spreading misconceptions about “factory farming” and animal cruelty.

Fall is time to begin scours prevention program
(9/8/2010)
Take steps now to prevent scours and raise healthier and better-performing calves next spring.

Yearling grass cattle marketing in full swing
(9/8/2010)
The marketing season for summer-grazed yearling feeder cattle has started in the Northern Plains.

"It's fun to be in (the pork) business" Smithfield CEO says
(9/8/2010)
Smithfield Foods Inc. reported a record quarterly profit, saying it expects a strong pork market to continue into next year.

Vilsack launches Recipes for Healthy Kids Challenge
(9/7/2010)
Competition to improve school meals and the health of children across the nation.

McDonald's rated low in online survey
(9/7/2010)
McDonald's is at the bottom of Consumer Reports' burger ratings.

Chicago corn futures notch record trading day
(9/7/2010)
Corn futures generated record trading Sept. 3 as signs that farmers won’t harvest as large a crop as once expected fueled buying.

K-State plans Beef Stocker Field Day
(9/7/2010)
Kansas State University will host its annual Beef Stocker Field Day on September 30 at the KSU Beef Stocker Unit located on West Marlatt Avenue.

OIE meeting explores livestock production systems
(9/7/2010)
The detection of links between animal production systems around the world, climate change and the epidemiological evolution of animal diseases was the focus of a meeting organised by the OIE with experts from several continents.

Dr. Mark Spire recognized for his contributions to AABP and the cattle industry
(9/3/2010)
Mark Spire, D.V.M., of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health was awarded the American Association of Bovine Practitioners Pfizer Animal Health Distinguished Service Award.

Warmer September in Midwest bolsters record grain prospects
(9/3/2010)
Meteorologists believe September will Warmer than normal temperatures are expected to return to the Midwest for the rest of September, reducing the likelihood of an early frost and bolstering prospects for record corn and soybean harvests, meteorologists

Online poll finds majority oppose GIPSA rule changes
(9/3/2010)
An online poll conducted this week finds more than two-thirds of respondents oppose proposed GIPSA rule changes.

Climatologist confirms summer 2010 was uncomfortable
(9/3/2010)
Humidity added discomfort to summer of 2010; dew point, a measure of water in air, set record.

USDA loan program encourages conservation
(9/3/2010)
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a Conservation Loan program that will provide farm owners and farm-related business operators access to credit to implement conservation techniques that will conserve natural resources.

International young ranchers share passion for beef production
(9/2/2010)
From January 9 to 15, 2011, the Five Nations Beef Alliance’s Young Ranchers Program will be held again in Denver, Colorado, during the National Western Stock Show.

Smithfield profit crimped by hedging losses
(9/2/2010)
Profit for Smithfield Foods Inc., the biggest U.S. pork producer, probably was crimped by hedging losses in the most-recent quarter.

Range-management leader retires
(9/2/2010)
Dr. Allan McGinty, professor and rangeland specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service at San Angelo, retired Aug. 31 after 31 years of service.