In a time where many cattle producers are exiting the business, ranchers may need to find new ways to add value and generate revenue in their operations. Many ranchers are exploring carbon sequestration as a viable resource to increase profits. Carbon sequestration is the capture and secure storage of carbon that would otherwise be emitted to or remain in the atmosphere. Meanwhile, carbon credits are the equivalent of one metric ton of CO2/acre/year.

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Every single day, we read negative headlines about animal food production. Talk of politics, the economy, consumer perceptions and new laws and regulations drown our every thought, and it’s hard to think on the bright side of things in challenging times. That’s why I closely monitored yesterday’s news to find upbeat and positive articles related to the beef industry. And, I have came to the conclusion that we have a lot of great friends working in the media, retail chains, the culinary world and in the blogosphere. Here are a few of my favorite headlines from yesterday. Hopefully, this positive industry buzz will make your day a little brighter.

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It’s hard to go a day without seeing headlines about the environment in the news. Reducing our carbon footprint is a huge concern for much of our population. In addition, the media is heavily focused on identifying the source of greenhouse gasses and encouraging consumers to do something about it. Far too often, agriculture is blamed for our world’s environmental problems. In yesterday’s newsletter, I sent an article from The Beef Site titled, “Measuring Livestock’s Large Carbon Footprint,” and it was not favorable towards beef production. In my opinion, it is incredibly important to share these articles with everyone involved in the beef industry chain, so we can remain aware of the views of the general public.

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I spent the weekend meeting with friends and industry folks at the AGR/Block&Bridle Steer Show in Brookings, S.D. at the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Campus. With over 120 entries from six different states, it was exciting to see the outstanding quality lineup of cattle presented at the show. Throughout the weekend, I asked several cattlemen how things were going in their operations, and I gained some great insights from the producers that are weathering the challenging times of the present.

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As a student that studies communications, I’m obsessed with understanding advertising campaigns. Which brand enhancement ideas work to increase beef demand, promote agriculture and give a voice to America’s farmers and ranchers? Utilzing beef checkoff dollars, the beef industry has always done an excellent job of putting those priorities first with creative and memorable beef campaigns.

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It seems that I watch the mailbox a little closer these days. As I write and work on homework, I anxiously wait for the mail to come. Now, most of the time, NOBODY wants the mail to come. The mailman usually delivers nothing but bills, bills, bills. So what am I getting all excited about? Well, these days the mailbox is chuck full of sale catalogs from area breeders highlighting their genetics and extending an invitation to attend their sale.

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Although I don’t have a lot of time to relax and curl up with a good book, due to homework, chores and keeping up with this blog, I have found myself unable to put down Walt Barnhart’s book, Kenny’s Shoes. Barnhart gifted me his newly published book at the 2009 Cattle Industry Convention, and it is, without a doubt, a page-turner.

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There is something about farm life that makes a family special. A bond is formed through daily chores, hauling manure, taking care of baby calves and watching animals grow. It’s about raising livestock to feed the neighbors and about making sacrifices to get the job done. It’s a way of life that I’m very fond of, and this weekend, I was able to escape the hustle and bustle of school life to visit a friend’s farm over the weekend. It was a relaxing weekend spent looking at baby calves, clipping steers for the next cattle show and enjoying the unusually warm weather.

As the weekend came to a close, it seemed fitting to recieve an email about a rancher that authored a toolkit that celebrates family farm life called, Farm to Family Connection.

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I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but I ran across the changes in agenda for the Humane Society of the United States. Of their priorities, they have listed 100 goals they want to conquer through legislative propositions in the upcoming months. There are several worth noting that pertain to the animal agriculture industry. I’m becoming increasingly concerned about the future of animal agriculture production, and I’m worried that the HSUS train could be hard to slow down. With an annual budget of $250 million, they have the financial means to push their priorities forward. In addition, HSUS is doing an incredible job of connecting with consumers–something I don’t think we are doing a good enough job at.

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For many, the end of calving season is nearing; for others, it’s just beginning. Wherever your breeding season falls in a calendar year, we all face the same issues: snow, mud, cold ears, assisting heifers, tagging and weighing newborns, updating record books, cleaning out the barns, maintaining cow health and keeping the calves from getting sick. Although calving season is a stressful time of year, it is also one of my favorites. Calving season is a time for new beginnings. It’s a time to see whether your breeding matches actually worked out or not. It’s a time to scope out the next “rippers” and see which cows are making the cut.

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