On March 17, newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brook Rollins announced “new actions to reduce burdens on the U.S. pork and poultry industries…” Beginning immediately, the Food Safety and Inspection Service will be extending waivers to pork and poultry processing facilities, allowing them to increase line speeds at their discretion. In 2019, during President Donald Trump’s first administration, the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System was introduced to “modernize” swine slaughter inspection; included in this update was the opportunity for plants to determine their own maximum line speeds “…based on their ability to maintain process control.” In 2021, a Minnesota...

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Tariffs continue to dominate news and television stories and are still one of the major topics of conversation at the production sales I have been attending, second only to everyone talking about what a fantastic position we are in in the beef industry right now. Our editor put together a story this week outlining the timeline of the tariff situation and provided some insight from extension specialists out of North Dakota State University. Be sure to read through that so you can get a firm grasp on how things have transpired, and why, and what is to come with the...

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There have been times in my life, as I’m sure there have been in yours, where I’ve looked at people whose lives are very public facing and wondered how it must feel to be so loved and adored. What must it be like to be so outrageously known that people want to shake your hand and take a photo with you everywhere you go. And then I shudder off the thought and remember that I’m an introvert who tries in many ways to just blend the heck in. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve begun to realize that the higher you...

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As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to get out and enjoy the weather – people and bears alike. This time of year, bears are waking up from hibernation and beginning to look for food. It’s time to ensure that people are securing attractants to avoid conflicts with bears and being prepared to encounter bears when they are out recreating. “Being bear aware means that you assume bears are around, even if you don’t see them,” Oyler said. “You shouldn’t leave anything around your home or campsite that will attract a bear.” Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent...

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The University of Wyoming Extension will offer its fifth annual Wyoming Ranch Camp June 9–13 at the Ladder Ranch in Carbon County. Taught by UW Extension personnel and local producers, the five-day camp is geared toward current and aspiring ranchers ages 18 and up. Ag professionals, including teachers and FFA advisors, are also welcome to attend. “Ranch Camp is designed to help train the future ranch managers of Wyoming in a hands-on capacity,” says McKenna Julian, UW Extension educator and co-organizer of the program. “It’s tailored to issues specific to Wyoming ag.” From livestock genetics and soil ecology to ranch...

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When the chance arose to buy Empire Livestock — a business with six livestock auction markets across New York — she seized it. Nicholas understood the markets' vital role in the region and saw no one else stepping up to keep them running. But there was one major obstacle: her husband owned Nicholas Meat, a packing company in Pennsylvania. A Packers and Stockyards Act requirement, which predates modern livestock auctions, prohibits livestock market owners from owning packing companies. Even though Nicholas planned to purchase the auction markets with personal, non-marital funds — and had the documents to prove that —...

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Banjo licked the scrape he’d gotten from his tussle with the coyotes. “They backed down quicker than I thought they would,” Tuff said. He, too, licked a minor scrape on his paw. “Yeah, that’s because they knew exactly how long to be here, scrap with us, and leave,” Banjo said. “I think we need to forget about them and find Rascal.” “Never fear, Pudge is here,” she said upon entering the barn. “I happen to know another CIA (Cat Intelligence Agency) member who has shared some great intel.” “Oh pray-tell,” Tuff said sarcastically. “Well, aren’t we feeling a little more...

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Montana livestock production will be challenged by the climate conditions projected for 2030-2100 that result from increasing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. The challenges center on the interactions between a changing climate and evolving prices for animals, rising production costs, pandemics arising from animal confinement facilities, and global pressures to increase protein-production efficiency. Temperature and precipitation trends from 1990 to present point to intense summer drought, more rangeland wildfires, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. Because the U.S. plays an important role in feeding the world’s population, the most fertile midwestern crop-producing region will also likely see a...

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Western Ag Reporter, My mom, Frances Marsh Barrett, took some classes on writing “horse stories” several years ago at “Good Life” in Mesa, Arizona. We feel my mom’s was the best, but we want to include all of them who took classes, and are hoping you might pick one to publish in your paper. These stories were from older, retired people, and my mother moved from Mesa back up to God’s Country in 2007, and she passed away in June 2010 at the age of 92. These were some of the keepsakes that we have been going through. Thank you....

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A note to the editor, I want you to know how much I enjoy your new “Look into the Past.” In ranching, our history is everything. Oliver Shipp was Grandpa’s brother. George Shipp – Grandpa – sold Polled Herefords and Ollie was Horned. They would be proud to see all of us that are going back to them for a Black Baldy cross and Red Brockle-Face. The ranches still operate north of Glasgow. Also, so enjoy the stories from Susan Metcalf and the “Earl” jokes! Sincerely, Pam Shipp South of Nashua, Montana Editor’s Response: Pam, thank you so much for...

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