Even in the state of Iowa which is the number one state in hog production, farmers are currently under extreme pressure to curtail livestock facilities not only for hogs but other livestock as well. Because of the concern raised by environmentalists and animal rights groups, it is increasingly difficult for livestock production. With the numerous young people eager to get into farming, the need for meat and poultry products, and the available food supply, it seems that rural communities...

The survey found that in 2006 ethanol coproducts were fed to livestock at 38 percent of dairy operations, 36 percent of cattle-on-feed operations, 13 percent of beef cattle operations and 12 percent of hog operations. Corn gluten feed was used by 46 percent of beef cow operations and 38 percent of cattle on feed operations. Most purchased from feed companies or co-ops but many cattle-on-feed operations bought directly from ethanol and other processing plants. Livestock operations not using...

With the expansion of the livestock industry, many producers are searching for new ways to meet their forage and pasture needs. Charlotte Ward, a Forage Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, states that a good irrigated pasture in Western Canada can produce more than 25 times the forage per acre that native grassland yields, and seven to 10 times more forage than cultivated dryland pasture. Charlotte Ward, a Forage Development Specialist with Saskatchewan...

With the shortage of hay, many producers may look at other areas as a source of hay production. Livestock producers who rely on summer hay production to help feed their animals through the winter have noticed a loss in production due to the 1-2 punch served up by Mother Nature. Even though recent rainfalls will help the hay fields get back on track, a certain amount of hay normally produced has been lost. The problem is compounded when dry weather causes lush pastures to become short;...

New hay storage regulations in effect July 2 Beginning July 2, cattle and hay producers can apply for 35% cost share assistance up to $3,500 toward construction of a new hay storage structure or additions to existing structures. To be eligible, farmers must operate a farm or agribusiness with at least 10 head of cattle or 50 acres of hay production. In addition to the hay storage program, farmers can also apply for cost share dollars to purchase genetically superior bulls and livestock...