![Behind the Scenes: All the Good in the Hard Work Nobody Sees [GUEST POST]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Black-Ink-07_20-400x250.jpg)
Behind the Scenes: All the Good in the Hard Work Nobody Sees [GUEST POST]
A few people who frequent your part of the country might notice land you’ve cleaned up or other improvements you’ve made over time. But many passing by don’t understand the mental gymnastics you went through to make these things happen, while simultaneously juggling family life.
“Fitbits” for Chickens: New sensor technology improves poultry welfare
In recent years, concern for the well-being of livestock has given rise to more farms where poultry is allowed to roam. Though this freedom improves the quality of chickens’ lives, free-range chickens are still subject to insect infestations.
Beef and Dairy Producers Encouraged to Take a Proactive Approach to Heat Stress
Heat stress costs beef and dairy producers hundreds of millions each year. Proactive measures implemented before an extreme heat event can reduce the immediate and long-term impacts of heat stress in ruminants.
At the Table: The Code
Compound interest is the concept of making small investments over time add up. Depositing in the “trust bank” will keep the beef industry strong long term. This is the second installment of the quarterly “At the Table” column, authored by Nicole Erceg.
Field Trips to the Farm: Pandemic brings out creativity in consumer communication
Have you ever wished everybody in your social circle could visit a farm or ranch? They could see what cattle eat, what chores look like, and all about animal care. With virtual learning skyrocketing during COVID-19, it sparked inspiration. Bring the ranch to the people.
![It’s All About Faith and Flexibility [GUEST COLUMN]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/family-silhouette-generic-400x250.jpg)
It’s All About Faith and Flexibility [GUEST COLUMN]
There’s an old saying, “Hindsight is 20/20.” When looking back on 2020, I hope it shows faith and flexibility carried us through.
Even though I didn’t know it then, the 1980s taught me a little something about taking care of people in hard times.
Fueling Your Cows: It Takes Grass to Grow Grass on the Foundation
When it comes to the cow herd, management and record-keeping are key, but do producers include grass in these measurements? When adapting for uncontrollable changes, Hugh Aljoe, director of producer relations at Noble Research Institute, says cattlemen should focus on the foundation.
![What Technology Can’t Do [GUEST POST]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Black-Ink-Miranda-Reiman-calves-angus-GENERIC-400x250.jpg)
What Technology Can’t Do [GUEST POST]
I don’t think much about cattle waterers, or how they’ve changed over the years. Perhaps I don’t go there because I’m trying to block out the memories. I am a huge fan of technology and making things easier when we can, so every time I learn of ideas in development that will change the way we monitor and care for our animals, I get excited.
As The Coronavirus Spreads, Producers Still Fight Other Livestock Viruses
Stagnant water that collects bacteria, and where mosquitoes gather and become virus carriers can become a big source of problems for livestock and humans. President and CEO of Bar-Bar-A, David Anderson, weighs in.
Getting Ready for Spring
Taking advantage of planning opportunities now will set your forage/grazing operation up for success come spring. Here is a list of things you can do now that will help ensure a successful growing and grazing season. Joel Reagan, Professional Forage Product Manager at Barenbrug USA offers his expertise.
![This Too, Shall Pass [GUEST COLUMN]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Black-Ink-stock-pic-GENERIC-web-400x250.jpg)
This Too, Shall Pass [GUEST COLUMN]
“My favorite book in the Bible is Exodus. The first time I read it, I remember getting so frustrated with the Israelites. How could they be so close to the Promised Land and mess everything up?” Nicole Erceg draws on some historical perspective to give encouragement to those in cattle country.
Human Strain of Coronavirus Causes Fear, but Domestic Livestock Strains are Routine
Many people are hearing about coronavirus for the first time as the China strain, COVID-19, affecting humans causes concern all across the world. But coronaviruses are not new to livestock and poultry producers.
![Changing Consumer Attitudes Toward Beef [GUEST COLUMN]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/At-The-Table-04_20-WEB-400x250.jpg)
Changing Consumer Attitudes Toward Beef [GUEST COLUMN]
Skepticism is a societal condition. Public trust has eroded in nearly every industry. So, what can beef producers do to gain more consumer confidence? And exactly what are consumers buying right now, and why? Nicole Erceg from CAB® answers.
The “Swankiest” Steaks in the World
A friend owns several expensive sushi restaurants in Italy. He’s made a handsome living catering to specific clients in Europe. To satisfy their tastes, he imports Wagyu beef from Japan at $150 per pound. When he told me this, it prompted two questions: first to him “What is Wagyu?” and the second to my parents “Why aren’t we raising Wagyu?”
![What Does Beef Production Look Like in 2030? [GUEST COLUMN]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Black-Ink-1.8.20-400x250.jpg)
What Does Beef Production Look Like in 2030? [GUEST COLUMN]
It’s a heavy question, one difficult to grasp with the uncertainty, but worth considering. I’m not a betting woman, nor do I have a crystal ball, but if I were to project what beef production will look like a decade from now, it’s even better, thanks to ever greater quality and consistency.
Coffee Table Book Spotlights Ranchers, Launches Rural Relief Fund
Can a book really benefit ranchers? Yes, it can. 100% of sales from “Sheltering Generations—The American Barn” goes into the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) Rural Relief Fund. When natural disasters strike, the fund will be used to help cattlemen recover their operations.
![Cows Maintain Individual Voices in ‘Emotional Situations’, According to Recent Study [RESEARCH]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Cowmunication-1-400x250.jpg)
Cows Maintain Individual Voices in ‘Emotional Situations’, According to Recent Study [RESEARCH]
A recent study at the University of Sydney, Australia, shows that cows maintain individual voices in a variety of emotional situations. Why should farmers take note?
![Tough Transitions Made Simple [VIDEO]](https://farmandlivestockdirectory.com/wp-content/uploads/Tough-Transitions-YouTube-shot-400x250.jpg)
Tough Transitions Made Simple [VIDEO]
We hear a lot about generational stereotypes, but a people-skills pro says we can get past those by sharing stories that build common ground. From farming to other businesses where the payroll may span 50 or 60 years, a human relations expert says age differences can become barriers without some focused effort.
