From left, Ben Masemore, Ethan Wentworth and Rusty Herr. Wentworth and Herr are currently in jail afterfacing accusations of practicing veterinary medicine without a license. (Photo provided by Ben Masemore) (Editor's Note: This action taken by Pennsylvania prosecutors should concern goat producers who routinely use ultrasound to determine pregnancy. They can potentially be charged with illegally practicing veterinary medicine. This article is reprinted from the April 20 e-edition of Lancaster Farming (lancasterfarming.com) By Tom Venesky tvenesky@lancasterfarming.com Two Pennsylv ..read more

Goat producers, industry stakeholders join Commissioner at proclamation signing.  Kentucky goat producers and industry stakeholders joined Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell April 12 as he signed a proclamation declaring April as Goat Month in Kentucky. “The diversity of goats on our agricultural landscape is one that needs to be celebrated, particularly this month,” Commissioner Shell said. “Not only do they add a uniqueness to farm life, but they are also an excellent source of protein and dairy products. This month we salute all that goats add to our state’s agricu ..read more

  WASHINGTON, March 7, 2024 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to aid recovery efforts for farmers, ranchers and residents affected by recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma. To date, around 1.3 million acres have burned across both states. USDA staff are ready to respond with a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and communities in need. “At USDA, we know all too well the devastation catastrophic wildfires like these can cause to homes, communities and ..read more

  One study estimated the annual cost of fescue toxicosis in cattle at $2 billion. By Mary Hightower U of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture March 6, 2024 Fast facts: Participants may register online Conference runs 8:15 to 4:30 Conference includes tours, demonstrations, lunch $40 cost includes lunch and educational materials LITTLE ROCK — The March 21 Novel Endophyte Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop at Batesville will help ranchers find ways to manage one of the costliest health problems in the industry: fescue toxicosis in cattle. One study estimated the annual cost of f ..read more

Athens, Ga. – A study from the University of Georgia reveals a concerning pattern of binge drinking among women who own or manage farms.  The study, which was recently published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, surveyed 987 farmers across the U.S. about their perceived levels of stress and coping behaviors, including alcohol use.   Farmers experience higher levels of work-related stress compared to other industries and the public, and recent studies have found that many turn to alcohol to handle that stress. But not all farmers used alcohol in the sam ..read more

 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Meat-goat producers looking for information on how to make their livestock enterprise more profitable can take advantage of a home-study course offered by Penn State Extension this winter. The course, which begins Feb. 7, will cover profit-enhancing production principles for raising meat goats. Lessons are available through email and the internet or through conventional mail delivery. The course contains six weekly lessons. Lesson topics include production basics, nutrition, health, reproduction, marketing and financial issues. Each lesson offers information a ..read more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup on Jan. 12, 2024. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers and landowners interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the enrollment options available through Continuous CRP, which also includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offered by FSA partners. Additionally, producers participating in CRP can apply to re-en ..read more

  Winter storms create significant challenges and often result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers, especially for those raising livestock, row crops and vulnerable crops like citrus. Despite every attempt to mitigate risk, your operation may suffer losses. As you prepare for the potential impacts of upcoming winter weather, know that USDA offers several programs to help with recovery. Risk Management For producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), we want to remind you to ..read more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan. This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, improve customer s ..read more

 (Washington, D.C. -- December 7, 2023) The United States’ ability to sustainably produce food, steward natural resources, and support rural economies depends on ensuring greater access to land for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Working in partnership with public and private land protection leaders throughout the country, American Farmland Trust (AFT) announces a new “Land Transfer Navigators” program in partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (USDA NRCS) that will help exiting farmers and landowners retire with confidence and help new, beginning and ..read more