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January 19, 2012
Dairies: Cost of Production More Important Than Milk Prices

Profiting from efficient milk production

via dairyco.org.uk

According to the DairyCo (UK) Milkbench+ report, the relationship between cost of production and profit is much stronger than many dairies realize. The report states that cost of production is the most significant factor in determining profit.

Milkbench+ analyst Karolina Klaskova says: “Through robust data and statistical analysis we see that the relationship between cost of production and margin is strong.” Ms Klaskova acknowledges that the findings are challenging. “The report raises many issues, including just how difficult it can be to make a profit from milk production,” she says.

December 20, 2011
This Week In Ag 0045 - Matija Kopic, Farmeron, aims to change the way farming is done today.

Farmeron aims to change the way farming is done today, by challenging traditional assumptions and using software to advance farming production.

Show notes: Conversation with Matija Kopic, CEO at Farmeron.

  • When you Google Farmeron = "Changing the way farming is done today". What does that mean? What about farming today that needs changing?
  • Who is Farmeron aimed at?
November 11, 2011
Antibiotics in Food Animals, What are the Concerns?

Consumers are starting to take notice of the issues raised by research about the use of antibiotics in food animals. The discussions go beyond science and research, into the areas of consumer purchasing decisions and food marketing.

The Chicago Public Schools took a public policy stance in 2011 by serving local, antibiotic chicken in 473 of its schools. This action makes the statement that consumers have a preference for food that is free of antibiotics and is locally grown. Independent of the view of farmers, ranchers, or producers, consumers do have a voice and are influenced by how science and technology is positioned.

October 17, 2011
This Week In Ag 0042 - Ready for the National eXtension Virtual Conference?

Learn more about using social and digital media as a way to connect and extend your conversations in agriculture.

Show notes Conversation with Terry Meisenbach about the 2011 National eXtension Virtual Conference.

August 15, 2011
Ag Econ 101

The economics of agriculture is core to functioning societies. The ability to understand crop growth, trade functions, and identify trends is important to the billions of people that depend of food every day. These resources are good starting points to understand economics and how to apply it to agriculture.

July 28, 2011
Are Your Checking for Heat Stress in Livestock?

What are some of the symptoms of livestock heat stress? And what are some of the actions you need to take to protect them?

Monitoring for heat stress on livestock is key to surviving the heat waves that are occurring in many parts of the USA. Symptoms for cattle, pigs, and poultry will vary but some of the approaches will be the same: shade, cool air, water, and observation are needed.

July 6, 2011
What is PRRS ARC?

PRRS is a contant disease for pork producers. Being able to eliminate it would be great for the industry.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSv) is a disease that is a problem for those in swine production. For the last several years there have been regional efforts aimed at understanding the disease and identifying ways to control and eliminate it.

June 23, 2011
Calculating Pork's Carbon Footprint

Pork producers can learn how they are good stewards of the environment.

The National Pork Board continues to develop tools to help producers understand the environmental impacts of their pork operations. Since 2008 the National Pork Board has been working on a specific plan to assess and better understand the pork industry’s carbon footprint.

The new "Pork Carbon Footprint Calculator" was released at the at World Pork Expo.  Producers say it's also a good 'What If' tool for energy use in your operation.

April 26, 2011
This Week In Ag 0036 - Animal Ag Alliance, What Is Coming Up?

The Animal Ag Alliance brings tools and resources to agri-professionals to help agvocate agriculture to many Americans not involved in raising food.

Show notes

Conversation with Sarah Hubbart, Director for Communications for the Animal Agriculture Alliance.

  • What is the focus for the Animal Agriculture Alliance?
  • In May the Animal Ag Alliance will be holding its 10th Stakeholders Summit. Can you share with us what this year's theme is?
April 5, 2011
This Week In Ag 0035 - What Is The Consumer's Stake in Today's Food Production?

Animal agriculture must begin to incorporate consumer desires, wishes, and input into how animals are raised. The first step involves educating farmers and ranchers about the consumer issues and develop goals to bring consumers closer to the process.

Show notes

Conversation with Scott Stuart, NIAA Board Chairman, about the 2011 National Institute for Animal Agriculture conference

  • What is the focus for the 2011 National Institute for Animal Agriculture Annual Conference, titled Consumer's Stake in Today's Food Production?
  • What do you want attendees to take away from the conference? Are there any actions you hope they follow-up on once back to their operations?
March 18, 2011
This Week In Ag 0032 - Popcorn Farmer Agvocates at SXSW

Discover about this popcorn farmer's trip to South by Southwest and what he hopes to share on the SXSW Agvocacy 2.0 panel.

Zach Hunnicutt helps produce a kind of food that many people love: popcorn! At the Agvocacy 2.0 South by Southwest panel he will share how that connection to people helps him tell his story about producing food.

You can learn more about Zach's technology interests through his tweets at @zjhunn.

February 8, 2011
Why Should I Do Marketing?

Have you ever wanted someone else to know who you are and what you are doing? Here are four actions to help start your marketing practice and share your story.

Why do marketing?

Short answer: Have you ever wanted someone else to know who you are and what you are doing?

A some what longer, short answer: You may have the best yields, lowest input costs, most efficient farm operations or greatest product, but if you do not share that with anyone, no one will know nor care.

January 13, 2011
Agriculture Answering the Call of Smartphones

Agriculture software is starting to be developed for smartphones. These applications will enhance the productivity and save time for many agri-business people because they are portable and easily available.

Updated August 11, 2011: The Apple iPhone, now in it's 4th year, has brought a dramatic shift in how we communicate with people and access information. Key is the integration of widely available software with an always on Internet connection. The iPhone has driven other companies to introduce their own mobile phone ecosystems, greatly increasing the choices for consumers.

January 13, 2011
Agriculture Management Information Apps

Specialized apps provide an extension to farm management information systems, allowing for reporting while traveling.

While these apps might be free, some of information that drives the application may not be. These types of applications are mostly mobile extensions of a farm or operation management system. They allow for management and production staff to see how operations are working while on the road.

November 16, 2010
How Can You Build Consumer Confidence Before, During, and After An Incident?

Building your farm or ranch public health dashboard will help build and maintain customer, consumer, and partner trust.

Audio: via itc.conversationsnetwork.org
July 23, 2010
Dairy Market and Pricing Information

The diary industry is complex and sometimes difficult to understand. These resources can help wade through the maze.

July 23, 2010
World Agriculture Information Research Tools

Looking for ag data can seem daunting. Use these web sites and the power of Google to speed up the search and reduce the hassle.

When looking for information on world agriculture, where do you start? The following websites are good starting points. They are not all encompassing but they will get you started.

Use the power of Google Search. For example Google allows you to specify that your search results must come from a given website. For example, the query [ corn site:fao.org ] will return pages about corn but only from fao.org.

July 8, 2010
What Happened At The World Pork Expo?

The World Pork Expo offered some industry optimism and details on PRRS research.

Conversations from NPPC board members and Expo attendees revealed a better mood than in prior years, though there are topics that are important to pork industry success. Also, in conjunction with the Expo, The Boehringer Ingelheim "Change The Game" Seminar explored several current projects focusing on area control and elimination of the PRRS virus.

July 2, 2010
Area Regional Control and Elimination of PRRS

Learn more about the the efforts to eliminate Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).

Scientists and swine professionals convened in Des Moines, Iowa to share updates on the efforts to eliminate Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). The Changing The Game seminar, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, is a on going effort to keep those in the industry up to date and to recommend future actions.

June 28, 2010
Lion Meat In Restaurants

Would lion burgers affect the beef industry if they take off?

This Newsy.com video analyzes news media perspectives on Lion burgers being served in an Arizona restaurant. While the video mainly focuses on serving lion burgers as an ethical/moral issue, it will be interesting to know how (if?) it would affect the beef industry, if lion burgers catch on.

Lion: It's What's for Dinner

June 25, 2010
This Week In Ag 0004 - It's summer time, Tomato Supply and Demand, and Meat Eaters Guide To Climate Change

Summer time means warmer weather, lots of growing, heat, planning for fall, and state fairs. Will the great weather produce a great supply of crops?

Show notes

June 24, 2010
Chat with John's Custom Meats

Learn more about custom meat processing and the day to day work that goes into providing quality meat to consumers.

Learn more about custom meat processing and the day to day work that goes into providing quality meat to consumers. @KyFarmersMatter provides a behind the scenes description of a custom butcher shop and the work that goes into quality assurance and control.

June 18, 2010
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension is a resource for multiple needs of agriculture, food, and community.

University of Illinois Extension offers educational programs in healthy society, food security and safety, environmental stewardship, sustainable and profitable food production and marketing systems, and Enhancing youth, family and community well-being.

June 16, 2010
This Week In Ag 0002 - Indy 500, Ethanol Versus Food, Corn Versus Sugar

This Week In Ag looks at the connection of agriculture to the Indy 500, discusses ethanol versus food, corn versus sugar, and comments on the impacts to the dairy industry of the undercover videos taken at Conklin Dairy Farms in Ohio.

Show notes