News that tests to allow the remains of animals to be used in farm feed for the first time since the BSE crisis has been greeted with dismay by farmers and scientists. It was discussed after pressure from food manufacturers concerned at the increasing cost of disposing of animal carcasses. Anyone who remembers the fields of a few years ago with their smouldering carcasses of burnt animals - the checks at all ports and the damage to the countryside should be very concerned. EU scientists...

A number of practical aspects of cattle production and grazing will be discussed over the two days through presentations and tours, including alfalfa and forage rotations, grass establishment, bale grazing, switching fields from grain to grass, winter feeding options, and watering cattle through deep and shallow buried pipelines. Consistent with the tour s theme, Bringing Youth into Ranching, the two-day event is being offered free of charge to anyone 18 years of age and under. The average...

Drought puts 90% of state in 'extreme,' 'exceptional' status Tuesday, June 26, 2007 Ninety percent of Alabama is now in "extreme" or "exceptional" drought, making the outlook for the state's farmers "grim," the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries said Monday. Drought puts 90% of state in 'extreme,' 'exceptional' status Tuesday, June 26, 2007 Ninety percent of Alabama is now in "extreme" or "exceptional" drought, making the outlook for the state's farmers "grim," the Alabama...

Cost rise not balanced by food prices increase THERE are a number of factors which are likely to increase food production costs but these will not, in many cases, be balanced by an increase in food prices. Their unavailability, he added, could mean hot competition for alternative ingredients and drive up the price of animal feed. Commenting on the factors which will impact on production costs, Richard noted the reluctance of the EU to take account of science and allow itself to be backed...

For maximum liveweight gain, cattle need a feed of high digestibility -- preferably about 80pc DMD and must be available to appetite. While grass production may not be a major priority where stocking rate is low to moderate, the more serious consideration is the loss in annual performance on low-quality pasture. However, there are a lot of grazing fields to be seen where grass has headed out and the proportion of green leaf is down to less than half the total herbage. Cattle will...