Drovers Editorial http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial RSS Feed for Drovers Editorial en-us Wed, 15 May 2013 12:06:17 GMT GM confusion http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/GM-confusion-207249791.html We’re living in what many are calling the “information age.” Yet, confusion reigns over many important issues, and our easy access to information — and misinformation — helps fuel that confusion. Savvy PR or chilling effect on innovation? http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Savvy-PR-or-chilling-effect-on-innovation-202370011.html Whole Foods Market, a 335-store organic- and natural-food chain, made headlines last month announcing that by 2018 it will require all products in its stores to be labeled, indicating whether they contain genetically modified organisms (GMO). Unintended consequences of RFS http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Unintended-consequences-of-RFS-195686501.html American farmers will plant 96.5 million acres of corn this year, according to estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Private industry forecasts suggest acreage could be even higher, depending on planting conditions this spring. Did global warming close Cargill’s Plainview plant? http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Did-global-warming-close-Cargills-Plainview-plant-190872021.html When Cargill Meat Solutions announced the closure of its Plainview, Texas, harvest facility last month, the company cited the effects of the ongoing two-year drought as one of the reasons. Tangible evidence cattlemen care http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Tangible-evidence-cattlemen-care-186484761.html Consumers want to feel good about their food choices. Research repeatedly shows Americans want assurances that the food they feed their families is raised in a manner that is environmentally friendly and — in the case of meat and dairy foods — that the animals are treated humanely. Survey suggests producers are optimistic http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Survey-suggests-producers-are-optimistic-182417721.html Despite America’s devastating drought, nearly half of respondents to a Drovers/CattleNetwork online reader survey say they expect to expand their cattle herd over the next three years. The virtuous loop http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/The-virtuous-loop-182206111.html This fall’s discussion about breeding systems has very old roots, but a recent shoot comes from Nevil Speer’s November 2011 white paper, “Crossbreeding: Considerations and Alternatives in an Evolving Market.” Animal abuse is livestock industry’s Achilles heel http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Animal-abuse-is-livestock-industrys-Achilles-heel-179177091.html Somewhere in America today an animal-rights activist lurks on a farm with a hidden camera. It’s hardly a secret. Commentary: Crossbreed or straightbreed? http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Crossbreed-or-straightbreed-173908531.html Much of your success in the beef business hinges on the genetics of your cow herd, and crossbreeding has long been advocated as a way to gain productivity and profitability. Through a campaign that is sure to summon controversy, a prominent breed association challenges how we appraise crossbreeding. Coping with a rain-free zone http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/columns/editorial/Coping-with-a-rain-free-zone-166015706.html Natural disasters just sap the optimism out of everyone they touch. But drought can be especially cruel. It lingers for months, sometimes years. And recovery can take even longer.