What is a Factory Farm? Does feeding cattle corn harm them? Why are cattle finished in feedlots? These are a few of the questions I often receive when discussing the beef we eat and how cattle are raised. Do cattle eat grass or grain? Most all beef cattle are born and raised on pastures where … Continue reading Does feeding cattle corn harm them? Ask a Farmer
Cow giving birth to twins [Video]
Calving is my favorite event to occur in ranch life. No doubt about it. I've written about the good and bad during calving season. There's nothing that compares for me. That probably has something to do with how I ended up going to college studying Reproduction Physiology. I found this video of a cow giving … Continue reading Cow giving birth to twins [Video]
Family and Farming will persist through the Arkansas drought
A special Thank You to @Urban Magazine from Fort Smith, Arkansas for featuring my story and insight on this year's drought and its impact on the farming community. Be sure to check out the original story and leave a comment on the @Urban Magazine website. Ryan Goodman is tracking the extreme drought from his home … Continue reading Family and Farming will persist through the Arkansas drought
Isaac brings rain, worries and relief for Arkansas drought
Hurricane Isaac's approach to Arkansas and the Midwestern states couldn't be more of a blessing. These areas are in great need of significant rainfall. My thoughts go out to those affected by the significant flooding and wind damage on the coasts of Mississippi and Louisiana. Even though some forecasts are calling for up to 8 inches … Continue reading Isaac brings rain, worries and relief for Arkansas drought
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
Photo Friday: Green grass and happy cows
It's taken all summer, but we finally have some mud in the pasture. The grass is bright green, and the cows are happy. It doesn't take long to remember the drought that encompasses so much of the country though. I'm in Arkansas today and seeing first-hand the worst of the drought in the cattle pasture. … Continue reading Photo Friday: Green grass and happy cows
CBS News covers Arkansas drought – Respond with comments
No matter how hard we (farmers, ranchers, others within the agriculture community) may try to share our story with the world, there will always be haters. That would be those folks who have made up their minds about agriculture based on their first impressions from anti-agriculture groups. We have a long road to travel in … Continue reading CBS News covers Arkansas drought – Respond with comments
Arkansas Drought forcing ranchers to sell off cattle
As the drought conditions in Arkansas continue to worsen, farmers and ranchers watch their fields turn brown and water sources shrink. A few weeks ago, I shared a few photos from my family's fields on CNN. Despite more numerous spotty showers, this week's drought monitor update shows the drought only intensifying in Arkansas and across … Continue reading Arkansas Drought forcing ranchers to sell off cattle
Agriculture has some work to do
Recently in my article on CNN's Eatocracy, I noted the need for a more balanced education for customers, but this fully applies to the agriculture community as well. It's a work in progress for myself, and I've been reaching out for more candid conversations with those outside of agriculture production for their thoughts. So here … Continue reading Agriculture has some work to do
Youth Livestock Skills Competition
Earlier this week I told ya about all of the fun we had in the show ring at the Tennessee Junior Livestock Expo, but there was another competition at the event. Raising and showing livestock involves many more skills outside of the show ring. This includes subjects like health, nutrition, handling, and of course knowing … Continue reading Youth Livestock Skills Competition