This month I checked another state off the list as I traveled to Columbus, Ohio for a work trip. We were there for a "Think Tank" meeting with some of the best reproductive physiologists in the academic world of cattle in the U.S. Along with this meeting, we had the opportunity to tour the Select … Continue reading Bull Semen Collection and Ohio Select Sires
What is a cattle feedlot? | Ask a Farmer
What is a factory farm? What is a CAFO? What is a cattle feedlot? These and numerous other questions are some that I receive on a weekly basis pertaining to cattle production. I have spent most of my life becoming better acquainted with many aspects of cattle production. Over the next several posts, I hope … Continue reading What is a cattle feedlot? | Ask a Farmer
What does tobacco farming look like? Ask A Farmer
In yesterday's blog post, I shared several photos from my visit to a tobacco farm in Tennessee. Today I invited David Hayden (@DavidHayden7) to share more about tobacco farming and the tobacco harvest process. He grew up working with tobacco in Kentucky and studied the crop in college. Fire cured tobacco barn in Kentucky Tobacco … Continue reading What does tobacco farming look like? Ask A Farmer
Farm Photos of Tennessee Tobacco fields
Have I mentioned that tobacco is a new crop to me since moving to Tennessee? Pretty sure I was one of the "new" folks wondering why that barn was smoking! In Tennessee, tobacco is still a big crop. Both burley and dark fire are grown across North Central and Eastern parts of the state. Touring … Continue reading Farm Photos of Tennessee Tobacco fields
Top 10 reasons for reproductive failure in cows and bulls
Let's face it... Farming is a business. To operate, a business must turn some kind of profit. In the cattle business, reproduction is one of the most important economic traits. More important than growth, production, or carcass performance. If a cow fails to have a calf on the ground every year, something is missing. Understanding … Continue reading Top 10 reasons for reproductive failure in cows and bulls
No bull – start a conversation with a farmer
How do you start a conversation with a farmer? This entry was originally published on CNN Eatocracy on July 03, 2012. Click here to see all of my CNN articles. No bull - start a conversation with a farmer First impressions are critical when it comes to forming opinions; unfortunately, they do not always convey the entire story. … Continue reading No bull – start a conversation with a farmer
How do I build fences for livestock?
Pasture Fencing: Everyone has their own way of doing it. Every situation is different. No two fences are the same. Whether the project is a short two hours of patching or an extended building project, each needs its fair share of planning! It's one of my favorite things to do when I need a little … Continue reading How do I build fences for livestock?
The Life of a Beef Cow | Heifer vs Cow
One of the more common questions have about the life of a beef cow has been, what is the difference between a cow and a heifer. A heifer has not given birth to offspring. A cow has given birth once or more. To be more specific, we can break it down into more technical terms. … Continue reading The Life of a Beef Cow | Heifer vs Cow
What a farmer wants you to know
What should you know about how beef travels from pasture to plate? I was invited by the editor of CNN's Eatocracy to share a few of my thoughts on what a farmer wants you to know. This entry was originally published on CNN Eatocracy on June 15, 2012. Click here to see all of my … Continue reading What a farmer wants you to know
Why do farmers use cattle branding?
Humans have been using brands to identify livestock animals for thousands of years. In ancient times it was more of a ritualistic act. During the Middle Ages in Europe, hot cattle branding was used to identify the owner of the livestock. This has continued throughout history. In the American West, cattle branding is often associated … Continue reading Why do farmers use cattle branding?