An amazing comeback for Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, shown with Dr. Dean Richardson, was possible because the young thoroughbred was worth the investment. But after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to ban horse slaughter, less-valuable horses may become neglected and suffer far more than if they had gone to slaughter, experts say.
U.S. House won't lead a horse to slaughter
If ever an animal was worth millions to keep alive, Barbaro is it. The magnificent thoroughbred who ran away with the 2006 Kentucky Derby - and shattered his leg while running the Preakness - could have been a Triple Crown winner, bringing his owners millions more than he'd already produced. And because of the best medical techniques and veterinary care money can buy, he may yet end up siring a Triple Crown winner. Millions were spent because Barbaro is worth millions. Click here for full story.Iowa DNR's new trading cards getting attention
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is getting attention at this year's Iowa State Fair. It's not their display that's getting noticed.Instead, it's the trading cards they're handing out to fairgoers. The four-card set, labeled "Environmental Collector Cards," features illustrations of fictional characters that are both scary and grotesque. Click here for full story.Planning for ag's future draws 130 to Clare
Too often, local planning commissions consider agricultural land a "holding use in anticipation of a better use," said Rich Harlow. Until that attitude changes, he said, farmers will continue to face restrictions and regulations made by people who don't understand the farming business or the farming life. "That limited understanding leads to excessive restrictions in the regulatory process," said Harlow, program manager with the Michigan Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program. Speaking during the Planning for Agriculture Conference in Clare Aug. 29, Harlow said he hopes to see the day when agriculture is considered the best use for land, rather than a temporary use. Click here for full story.Make safety first during harvest season
Michigan farmers will soon hustle to harvest crops in as short a time as possible, but safety experts warn that such frenzied activity puts producers at high risk of injury or death. "Weather can and does play a role in farm accidents," said Craig Anderson, manager of Michigan Farm Bureau's Regulatory Compliance Assistance Program (RCAP). "Good weather and crop conditions can lead to fatigue and transportation problems," he said. "Bad weather can lead to harvest delays and more risk taking. What's more important? A few bushels of corn or your life? That's why it's critical for producers to slow down and take the time to follow proper safety procedures. Sure, they may lose a few minutes here or there, but they could gain a lifetime." Click here for full story.FDA to collect air pollution data from farms
The EPA has received approval to begin gathering air emissions data from animal feeding operations (AFO), with certain AFOs voluntarily taking part in a national air monitoring study. Click here for full story.Farm Bureau, employees sold on purpose of State Fair livestock auction
The Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) and employees of the MFB Family of Companies participated in the Michigan State Fair's Youth Livestock Auction with intentions of making the future for Michigan youth involved in agriculture as bright as the coinage behind the bids for prize animals. At the auction, held annually in conjunction with the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, 4-H and FFA members from across the state earn money for college by selling prize steers, hogs and lambs that they raise and exhibit. Proceeds above a sales cap support the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships and educational awards for a large number of the youth who exhibit livestock at the Michigan State Fair. Click here for full story.Grain storage problems continue as harvest nears
There have been no hurricanes yet to disrupt rail service, no Canadian corn import ban, and more local markets calling for crops. But it appears that this year's crop storage problems will be at least as bad as 2005, according to several agriculture officials. "It looks like a repeat of last year," said Dave Geers, president of Michigan Agricultural Commodities (MAC). "We added three million bushels of storage space at our facilities last year, and another 1.5 million this year, but the additional space will be split between corn and soybeans. Things will be tight." Click here for full story.