NEW YORK (May 30, 2008)

Dr. Ronnie Green, a respected and noted expert in cattle genetics and genomics, has joined Pfizer Animal Genetics as Senior Director of Global Technical Services. In his new position Dr. Green will lead operations relating to technical support of the entire product portfolio and will work with key stakeholders to develop novel, customer-focused solutions based on cutting edge genomic technologies. more

DES MOINES, Iowa – May, 30 2008 – Jeff Murphy, vice president of sales for Kemin AgriFoods North America, announces the appointment of Marc Hoopingarner as the Key Account Manager responsible for Kemin sales development in the territory which covers Delmarva, West Virginia, Virginia, North and South Carolina. more

Featured Veterinarian: Three Tips For Cow/Calf Producers To Unlock The Potential Of Lifetime Health, From Prize-Winning Practitioner

SUTTON, Neb.- Contrary to some suggestions that the health of the nation’s beef calf crop may have declined over the past decade, Sutton, Neb., veterinarian Dr. Michael Cox, DVM, believes calf health is better in his region now than it has been in recent memory. Market demand, better health information at the ranch level, improved calf and cow vaccination, and focused cowherd nutrition have all contributed to healthier calves in his practice area of southern Nebraska, says this partner in Sutton Veterinary Clinic. more

Producers need to plan ahead to implement a preconditioning program

DULUTH, Ga. — May 27, 2008 — Times are tough everywhere, and the beef industry — in every segment — is feeling the squeeze. However, now is not the time for producers to cut down on sound animal health practices such as vaccination programs and parasite control. Instead, as feedyards become increasingly cautious with their purchases, it is more important than ever that cow/calf producers do everything possible to add value and marketability to their calves. more

DULUTH, GA (May 21, 2008) — Bigger, better, cleaner and stronger, the ever-popular Massey Ferguson® 5400 Series mid-range tractors have new Tier III engines inside and a new look outside. The 110 and 115 hp models expand the mid-range line and its reputation for rugged durability with the right combination of weight and power to get the job done. The new hood offers mid-range tractor buyers the same serviceability and style as Massey Ferguson high horsepower 6400 and 7400 Series tractors.

“We understand how important mid-range tractor dependability is day-in and day-out,” explains Tom Weir, marketing manager, Mid-Range and Specialty Tractors, Massey Ferguson. “Our customers have told us they can’t afford a breakdown when livestock need to be fed, yards cleaned or hay baled. The 5400 Series tractors are designed to outlast and outwork the competition with a power train engineered to handle 50% more power than even these powerful Tier III engines produce.” more

Columbus, OH, April 17, 2008 – KeyBank has appointed Larry Davis as vice president for the Food and Agribusiness team. Davis will be responsible for managing relationships with existing clients and for business development activities for the agriculture, agribusiness and food segments within Key’s middle market commercial bank portfolio. Davis’ territory will include Ohio, Michigan and the Northeast.

Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management from Purdue University and an MBA from Ohio University. Prior to joining Key, Davis held sales and management positions in the agricultural finance industry for over 20 years with Telmark Leasing, Wells Fargo and, most recently, Agri-max Financial Services.

In the past 24 months, KeyBank has hired Food and Agribusiness team members that bring with them a combined 70 years of agricultural lending experience. more

May 14, 2008

[Lexington, KENTUCKY] - Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, has been named Communicator of the Year by the Central Kentucky chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The award is bestowed annually to an individual who demonstrates an ethical approach to communication and an ability to effectively communicate with internal and external audiences. more

ALEDO, Texas (May 15, 2008) – To run an efficient and progressive beef cow production system it is important to effectively develop replacement females. Developing a sufficient number of heifers that are cycling at the beginning of the breeding season helps to assure they will breed early in the first year. Early breeding translates to earlier calving and heavier weaning weights. more

Windrow spacing, using conditioners help offset potential losses

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 15, 2008 - With rising hay prices, growers look to management practices to achieve a high-quality crop. Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, suggests growers refine alfalfa curing practices to maintain integrity of harvested hay. more

The Limousin-influenced cattle in Round 3 of Visions Quest (VQ) – the North American Limousin Foundation’s (NALF’s) learn-by-doing cattle-feeding and carcass-merit–discovery project – reached the 137-day mark May 5. That was the day Craig Hays from Critical Insights of Diagonal, Iowa, ultrasound-scanned the cattle. more