What's New with Ewe?

New Goat Expert Resident in Maryland

2010-04-20T02:53:00.000-04:00

Let's give a big Maryland welcome to Dr. Enrique Nelson Escobar, who joined the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Small Ruminants (goats and sheep).

As background, Escobar said he has worked with sheep and goat producers in Texas and Oklahoma and will provide leadership to the UMES Sheep and Goat Program.Dr. Escobar plans to continue the effort at UMES toward the research and adoption of Integrated Parasite Management practices in small ruminants.

Also, he wants to find links among the production, marketing, and utilization of meat and meat products from small ruminant species. Dr. Escobar is filling the position left by Dr. Niki Whitley, who went to North Carolina A&T University. For more information about the Sheep and Goat Program at UMES, contact Dr Enrique Escobar at (410) 651-7930 or enescobar@umes.edu.

FAMACHA Tests Show Fecal Egg Counts Down

2009-09-05T10:03:00.001-04:00

Fecal egg counts on Wild Wind Farm are best determined by use of the FAMACHA test. But studies conducted by the Western Maryland Pasture Performance Test show that egg counts used by the same FAMACHA test are down this year as compared with past years.

Many reasons could be behind this decline, such as warmer temperatures, less rain in drier spots, better treatment, etc. Unfortunately, this is not an indication of what the future holds for the Barber Pole Worm or other parasites found in goat and sheep feces.

Susan Schoenian of the Western Maryland Agricultural Center in Keedysville, Maryland has conducted extensive research around this issue and data on her findings can be followed at one of two blogs she writes: Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test and Shepherd's Notebook.

Wanna buy a goat?

2009-09-05T09:30:00.006-04:00

It's coming! The 2nd Annual Western Maryland Goat Field Day and Sale will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center (fairgrounds) near Boonsboro, Maryland.

This is always a fun event, with a morning youth skill-a-thon, testing young farmer's knowledge of dairy, fiber and meat goats.

The skill-a-thon starts at 9 am and the auction bidding starts at 10 am.

Of note this year is Dr. Richard Browning, a research animal scientist from Tennessee State University. Dr. Browning is conducting a multi-year breed evaluation study, comparing Boer, Kiko, and Spanish goats and their reciprocal crosses.

Read more about the event.

Monkey as Goat-Herder?

2009-09-01T00:32:00.000-04:00

This is a great story from National Geographic about a monkey who herds the goats on a farm in India.

See the video here.

The biggest issue on Wild Wind Farm is when younger goats get their heads stuck between the wires of the fences. It is hard to be there 24 hours a day to monitor. But how great would it be to have a monkey to serve as their shepherd and remind them that the grass, weeds or brush on the other side of the fence is no greener than the pasture in which they are grazing? Priceless.

The Sheep Poo Canoe? It's All About You ...

2009-08-25T00:03:00.000-04:00

It's an "environmentally friendly resin," and now it is being tested as a challenge across the English Channel. The product is sheep poo, the remnants of sheep poo that has been transformed into sheep poo paper, then applied to the frame of a canoe and finished off with beeswax.

Lawrence and Lez are trying to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance. According to the site, poo floats and the effort will be used to help a cause which is there to "help you when you're up poo creek without a paddle ..."

Read more.

Sheep as Art ...

2009-07-27T17:59:00.005-04:00

The busy summertime always reminds me of one more thing to do around the farm. Having said that, I am amazed that some farmers have so much time on their hands (what's the deal?).

But I guess with their free time they had an opportunity to create this multimedia masterpiece, utilizing their sheep as the primary actors. Enjoy!

Organic Dairy Farming in Frederick County

2009-07-08T09:47:00.013-04:00

I came across a great story about an organic dairy farm in Jefferson, Maryland - in Frederick County - where the whole family plays a part in producing quality, organic dairy products.

Having visited this farm, I can say they have a really great operation.

Read more.

The machinery in the first picture is their current dairy operation, equipped to milk many of their cows all at once, aiming for efficient production twice per day.

The device in the second picture is designed to eliminate the flies that tend to congregate around cows out in the sun. The cow walks through here, equipped with machines that work similar to a bug-zapper, and it eliminates the majority of the flies.

The purpose of the device is to eliminate the need to medicate a cow with fly spray or ointment (remember, this is an organic operation, i.e., no chemicals, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, etc.).

While I think this would be very hard to manage an entire operation, I admire the Holter's for doing such a great job with it.

As for me and Wild Wind Farm, I think we'll stick with the all-natural approach as best we can and go from there. But it certainly is a great operation.

Farming for Sanity's Sake ...

2009-06-17T20:52:00.020-04:00

Times have not been the best in 2009, but it is amazing to me to see the number of recent articles about different types of hobby farming as therapy, as escape, and as that added boost to help people cope with the insanity of the world around them.

For example, take the recent Hometown Annapolis newspaper in which a couple decided to give up the urban hustle-and-bustle for the respite found in alpaca farming. Read the article.

In The Washington Post, another couple decided to hang it up with suburban living and are escaping to more peaceful confines on the Eastern Shore to raise chickens. Read the article.

A recent documentary on the National Geographic Channel takes a closer look at farming as therapy with, "The Farm," chronicling how the Louisiana State Penitentiary System uses farming to help inmates cope with their circumstances and as an outlet for many of their inmates. Read more.

There it is, your moment of Zen ...

History or History?

2009-06-06T17:10:00.007-04:00

A recent article in The Washington Post highlights the battle between those who want to "preserve lands" for the sake of history and those who own and have to pay ($$$) to maintain the property in order to keep it "historic."

Read this farmer's plight in Montgomery County, Maryland, USA. Yes, yes, right here in Maryland this is happening. Read more.

My opinion? I know this is a tough issue which has many people divided. But this case, in particular, seems pretty straightforward. The farm, from 1933, is not nearly as old as others around it that were preserved from the 1700s, which sound like better "historic" sites to preserve. In the meantime, let this poor farmer do what he wants to with the land (to build a new home for his grandson).

And how can you really justify preserving this old house and barn when developers have carved up more than half of Montgomery County with small subdivisions and cramped communities already anyway?

If you want to see the true signs of aging, drive by some of these communities, which were built in the 1950s (only 20 years after this farmer's place was established), and you'll see the signs of wear and tear, aging and buildings that could use some revitalization for the sake of history.

But torturing this old man and his family by making them PAY for repairs to a property that they want to doze anyway? What has become of us as a society, if we FORCE a family to do this and to PAY for it? Land of the free? Home of the Brave? Let him tear it down and build a new home for his family on it.

Isn't that what America and "the American Dream" is all about anyway?

Goats (and Sheep?) to the Rescue!

2009-06-02T16:30:00.000-04:00

I always love hearing these stories about how goats are used to help trim back or eliminate invasive plant species in undesirable areas. From Key West, Florida to the highways of Maryland, and other hard-to-reach places on government properties and wetlands, goats are "eating away" at the problem. Read more.

Goats are renowned for their ability to eat away at much of "the brush" that former President Bush used to spend countless hours "clearing" on his ranch. All he really needed was a couple dozen goats with hungry stomachs turned loose on the property and he would have never had to spend another weekend trading cleared land for poison oak or poison ivy.

The only issue I tend to have with this story is the fact that sheep aren't usually the ones eating away at these invasive plants. Far from it, in fact. Most sheep breeds find these invasive plants poisonous to them, so the goats tend to be the invasive-eaters while the sheep are there to graze on the grasses and keep the goats company.

Read more on the article and decide for yourself.

Do sheep and goats grieve over lost "friends?"

2009-05-31T10:36:00.003-04:00

An article in SouthCoast Today shows a study among animal behaviorists that herd animals, like sheep and goats, actually DO grieve over the loss of a fellow member of their herd. Would you agree? Read more.

I don't know about this one. Based on reactions by my herd animals, I am inclined to disagree with this less-than-statistical finding. My animals appear more interested in the "grain bucket" than in time spent grieving over a fellow herd animal, but I could be wrong.

Read the article.

Are chicken farms adding to algae problems in Chesapeake Bay?

2009-05-28T00:18:00.000-04:00

The Eastern shore is known for its chicken farms. But a new report shows that the high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus may actually be contributing to algae blooms, or higher amounts of algae being produced in the Chesapeake Bay. What will this mean for farmers? Read more.

Filly Wins Preakness Stakes!

2009-05-17T08:49:00.003-04:00

Rachel Alexandra, the filly who was thwarted by a bunch of colt owners for even thinking of running in the Preakness Stakes, sure showed them on Saturday in an awesome victory!

Read more from the Washington Post.

In the News: The Preakness Stakes

2009-05-16T01:00:00.002-04:00

All eyes turn to the Pimlico Racetrack in Maryland this weekend for the Preakness Stakes. The latest news includes:

- Washington Post: Fears of the Final Stretch at Pimlico

- Baltimore Sun: Preakness Truly a Gem

- New York Times: Trainers Hope Patience Pays Off at Preakness

Old Dominion Invests in Wind Power

2009-05-16T00:15:00.003-04:00

Even Old Dominion is getting in on the wind power game. The electric cooperative is buying wind power from a Maryland wind farm. A shifting tide? Read more.

Maryland Wind Farms ... Waves of the Future?

2009-05-15T17:32:00.000-04:00

It looks like legislation allowing wind farms across Maryland may finally be taking shape. What will this mean for "going green?"

In light of Preakness, what is the future of Maryland horse racing?

2009-05-14T00:12:00.000-04:00

With the Preakness Stakes this weekend, the Washington Examiner took a closer look at the horse racing industry in Maryland and what the future may hold. Read more.

Governors launch new efforts to clean up Chesapeake Bay

2009-05-12T22:42:00.000-04:00

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine met with EPA Chief Lisa Jackson this week to kick off a renewed effort toward doing more in the next 2-5 years to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

The Obama Administration's efforts will be tied to water pollution reduction and increased enforcement of banned substances to reverse the Bay's course.

The Challenges of Farming in Maryland

2009-05-01T03:10:00.000-04:00

A reporter with the Baltimore Business Examiner wrote on the challenges facing Maryland's farmers today. Among the highlights:

1. Farmland is worth more to develop than it is to farm
2. More food is needed to feed a growing population
3. Rising costs of farming are putting many out of business
4. Additional jobs are needed to supplement farmer's incomes

So what can be done? What can you do? Read more. These are some helpful tips for farmers and consumers to help today's farmers stay in business for many years to come.

Virginia Pig Farm Catches the Swine Flu

2009-04-30T20:35:00.003-04:00

As if the misnomer of a name, swine flu, is not bad enough for hog farmers coping with the stigma of the H1N1 virus, now one Virginia pig farmer may be connected to a pig farm near the center of the epidemic in Mexico.

Buddy Hance Appointed as Md. Dept. of Agriculture Secretary

2009-04-30T20:16:00.000-04:00

This just in ... read more.

Pay cut vs. Job?

2009-04-30T20:07:00.000-04:00

A recent study (see article) confirms that most Americans agree that a pay cut is better than losing a job entirely.

Unfortunately, that doesn't help the latest Maryland unemployment numbers, which shows a 17-year high in the state's unemployment rate (see article).

Is this the best time to cut aid to farmers?

A Tour of Lambco

2009-04-21T00:02:00.000-04:00

It was a great opportunity to get a tour of Lambco, LLC, the new lamb and goat processing facility in Carroll County (New Windsor, MD) that opened not too long ago. The Frederick County Sheep Breeders Association sponsored the tour on Saturday morning and Mr. Joe Kavanagh, the family proprietor of Lambco, LLC showed the group around the new facility. Amenities included:

The only processing facility for lamb and goats of its kind in the area

A full Halal processing center for Muslim holidays

Space for "one-at-a-time" harvesting of animals as part of the facility

A complete processing center to handle orders around busier times of year

An immensely clean facility with a full-scale wastewater treatment system

A well-researched and implemented nutrient management plan

One part of the facility that I liked was the holding pen area. The designers thought of everything, right down to the chicken wire above the ceiling and below the rafters to keep birds and pigeons out of the area - a welcome preventative step!

I have included many photos of Lambco on the site. Also included is a link to the LambCo. site. I highly recommend you visit it if you are interested in lambing and/or goat processing.

View the photos or go to the LambCo site.

Help Days End Horse Rescue Win $$ in a Voting Challenge

2009-04-19T13:21:00.001-04:00

We need your help!

One of the best fundraisers is getting people to vote online in a contest where the organization can win some real dollars. Such is the case for Days End Horse Rescue in nearby Lisbon, Maryland.

Last year, the horse rescue organization won $2,000 in this contest. So don't just sit there, help them out! Vote today!

Read more on the story.

Farm-Fresh Food for Maryland's Schoolchildren

2009-04-19T04:05:00.000-04:00

We knew that the best food for Maryland's schoolchildren comes from local farms, where meats, fruits and vegetables are grown and shipped to area schools. But the latest article in the Baltimore Business Journal confirms it.

One interesting point from this article is reaffirming the need for better education among children and parents about the foods available to them from nearby farms. There's SO much out there ... why not use it? And eat it!

Will Biofuels Bring Jobs Back to Farming?

2009-04-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

A recent news report in The Gazette talks with Maryland farmers about the potential jobs created by biofuels production facilities being created, developed and expanded across Maryland.

But will jobs come with the expanding services? Read more.

Should Maryland Seize a Racetrack to Maintain Preakness Stakes?

2009-04-17T00:02:00.000-04:00

The latest news from Annapolis is that Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley is asking legislators and aides to work on paperwork to seize the Pimlico racetrack in order to preserve the Preakness Stakes in the state of Maryland.

According to news reports from The Baltimore Business Journal, O'Malley and legislators are concerned that a new owner to the track could close it down and turn it into a shopping mall.

Should the state of Maryland seize the track by eminent domain? Post your comments.

Read more on the story here.

The Poison Dart Frog Lives In Maryland

2009-04-16T01:51:00.000-04:00

Thanks to one Maryland farmer, the poison dart frog - which is endangered in many places of the world (mainly in Central and South America) where it was once native - is alive and well.

'Tis the Season ... for Lamb!

2009-04-11T14:38:00.000-04:00

With the Passover and Easter holidays upon us, we hear all the buzz about everyone's penchant for lamb. A recent article in the Baltimore Sun focuses on the religious holidays and their focus on lamb. The article also highlights several Maryland farms who produce and sell lamb specifically for these purposes.

Shameless plug: Regardless of the season, Wild Wind Farm continues to raise lambs throughout the year for your dining pleasure. Email me for more information.

A Sign of the Times?

2009-04-10T09:50:00.000-04:00

Think about it: Back in the day, the grassy fields around what is now Comcast Center on the University of Maryland campus used to be grazed by animals as part of Maryland Agricultural College (circa 1856) - the center of the Maryland "college" campus. Today, you would hardly know it. Do most students even know there IS an agricultural wing to this college?

What's even more frustrating is the fact that agricultural students will now have to pay additional fees (on top of what they are already paying) to use the farming facilities that once were a much larger part of the university system. Couldn't they just add a fee to the thousands of cars that park on campus every day? There has to be a better way, no?

Read more here (link courtesy of DiamondBack Online, Maryland's independent student newspaper).

Farmers + Schools = Agri-cation!

2009-04-09T18:41:00.000-04:00

A neat program about Maryland farmers working with schools to educate kids about agriculture and its effects on their lives today.

American Farm Bureau Says Cattle Supplies Getting Tighter

2007-10-16T18:14:00.000-04:00

According to the latest study by the American Farm Bureau Federation, supplies of feeder calves and fed cattle are tight and may get tighter this winter. Further, the outlook for Winter 2008 does not look any brighter either.

AFB says cattle and calves on feed in the country’s largest feedyards totaled 10.3 million head as of Sept. 1 - which is down 6 percent from one year ago.

Read the full story at American Farm Bureau.

“Looking inside the numbers, it’s clear inventories are down in nearly all the major cattle feeding states from a year ago,” AFBF Livestock Economist Jim Sartwelle said.

“This was in response to increased corn prices and the attraction of ample supplies of ethanol co-products (distillers’ grains) in those key corn-growing states to the fed cattle sector.”

I'm back ... and it's been WAY too long!

2007-09-29T17:59:00.000-04:00

So sorry for the hiatus, but I'm back and it's been WAY too long since my last post. I'll try to do a better job this year. I've spent too much time farming! Actually, I have purchased a new line of Dorset sheep and Boer goats. With ram and buck purchases this summer, and breeding this summer/fall, I'm hoping for a busy January/February with births, etc.

Here's a photo of my new 100% Boer buck, Abraham, who I hope will become the father of many nations!

More in the days and weeks ahead, but let's get back to farming today!

-- Tim

An Update on Avian Flu Prevention in U.S.

2006-07-02T15:46:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its 180-day report on avian influenza (AI) efforts and the use of $91 million appropriated in the Emergency Supplemental Appropriation to Address Pandemic Influenza six months ago.

Read the full report (PDF).

The report details USDA's efforts both internationally and domestically to combat highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI H5N1).

Highlights from the report:

USDA is working closely with international organizations to assist affected regions with disease prevention, management and eradication activities.
USDA continues to strengthen safeguards already in place to protect against the introduction of HPAI H5N1 into the United States. For example, USDA maintains trade restrictions on the importation of poultry and poultry products from regions currently affected by H5N1 HPAI in commercial or traditionally raised flocks.
USDA and state animal health officials are working cooperatively with the poultry industry to conduct surveillance at breeding flocks, slaughter plants, live-bird markets, livestock auctions and poultry dealers.
USDA is conducting AI surveillance in wild migratory birds in Alaska and ten other states. Initial AI screening tests are performed by one of more than 45 USDA approved laboratories in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).

Read the full report (PDF).

What's Up with Farming Subsidies (today's Washington Post article)?

2006-07-02T15:07:00.000-04:00

July 3, 2006 - An article in today's Washington Post highlights some of the flaws in today's farming subsidy programs.

Read the article.

This is a tough one, but there's definitely little debate that the legislation has too many loopholes. We all know that farmer's today are competing in a global marketplace. With dwindling farmland and the increased need for organic and American crops from the heartland, it's tough for most of today's farmers to compete successfully without federal assistance.

But on the other hand, this article highlights the gross extravagances that today's legislation provides. Most of the money goes to hard-working farmers and their families, but this article highlights some of the issues with today's subsidy programs.

Highlights from the article to keep in mind:

"Most of the money goes to real farmers who grow crops on their land ..."
Residents living on former farmland in Texas collect subsidies for rice and other crops ... and they don't even farm their land
A nine-month Post investigation found that the subsidy programs have taken much of the risk out of farming for those who dominate the industry
One developer uses the farm subsidy as a selling point to buyers interested in buying new homes on former farmland.
Politics has played the biggest hand in the entire mess. From wheat farmers in South Dakota to rice and cotton farmers in Arkansas, over the past 80-90 years the role of subsidies has been shaped and molded by political parties in power to win the favor of farmers in their districts.

Farmer to Farmer Program Ensures Choices in Technology for American Agriculture

2006-06-30T15:06:00.000-04:00

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has launched a new program, called Farmer to Farmer, that is designed to help farmers ensure they continue to have a wide range of technology options available to them.

The program includes a new web site with materials that gives growers selected talking points to rebut any pending legislation to restrict access to agricultural technology. The talking points offer a strong rebuttal, based on sound science, to the information put out by biotech opponents.

Also on the site are details on:

Questions and answers on coexistence farming
Economics of crop biotechnology
Environmental impacts of crop biotechnology
Biotech crop safety
Additional resources to take action and stay involved

More information can be found at the National Corn Growers Association web site, or at the Farmer to Farmer site.

Is Your Congressman a member of the Organic Ag Caucus?

2006-06-28T10:44:00.000-04:00

The Organic Caucus is a bipartisan association of congressional members dedicated to enhancing availability and understanding of information related to the production and processing of organic agricultural products. The caucus serves public interest by promoting sound policies and funding to advance organic production and marketing.

Find out more at the Organic Farming Research Foundation's web site.

To find out if your representative is on the Organic Caucus, check the Caucus membership list. If not, get their office number by calling the US Capitol Switchboard at: (202) 224-3121. Ask for your representative by name. Once your call is transferred, ask for the Legislative Assistant handling agriculture.

OFRF is recommending constituents contact their representative and urge them to join the organic caucus. Organic co-chairs include:

Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) - Darin.Schroeder@mail.house.gov / (202) 225-5506
Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) - Jeri.Finke@mail.house.gov / (202) 225-5311

You can also contact the Organic Farming Research Foundation at (831) 426-6606 to find out how many organic growers are in your district.

Food Supply Animal Veterinarians in Demand

2006-06-26T11:01:00.000-04:00

With food safety and public health concerns, animal welfare issues, and the threat of bio-terrorism, veterinarians specializing in food supply animals are in demand. But first-year veterinary students aren't exactly banging down their advisors' doors asking to join the ranks of food supply vets.

So what will it take to attract college students to the field of food supply veterinary medicine? The June issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Association included the first of a three-part series of articles on this topic.

Read the report (PDF).

The report, written by Drs. Kevin P. Gwinner, J. Bruce Prince, and David M. Andrus, examines the reasons behind the specialty choices veterinary medicine students make, and offers suggestions for to recruit more of those students into the food supply field.

Ag Dept. Says Latest US Mad Cow Cases "Atypical"

2006-06-25T09:45:00.000-04:00

The U.S. Department of Agriculture now believes the only two native-born U.S. cows to contract mad-cow disease were infected with a little understood and rare "atypical" strain that throws into question how the animals were infected.

Read the full story at CattleNetwork.com.

The USDA's chief veterinarian, John Clifford, said the latest two cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE, in the U.S. -- found in Alabama and Texas -- are abnormal, differing from the common form of the disease found in Canada and the U.K.

Clifford said the USDA has no plans to change the way it safeguards the U.S. beef supply.

Pork Producers: Environmental Regs Not Helping Farmers

2006-06-13T12:24:00.000-04:00

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) reported to Congress on what they feel is the lack of progress on environmental regulations that were designed to be a government/farmer cooperative initiative.

According to the NPPC, Randy Spronk, a pork producer from Edgerton, Minn., testified before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, that the primary environmental assistance program for the agriculture industry – the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – has done little for pork producers, and he offered to work with the committee on the problem in the 2007 Farm Bill reauthorization.

Read the full story at the National Pork Producers Council website.

“EQIP has made only a minimal contribution to pork producers’ environmental efforts,” Spronk told the Agriculture Committee. “We think EQIP is missing a tremendous opportunity to have a dramatic effect on the environment by failing to work with producers who are ready to take their [environmental] performance to the next level.”

In 2003, 2004 and 2005, pork producers received just 3 percent of the EQIP cost-share assistance provided to all livestock producers – $43 million of the $1.26 billion allocated. That share was less than the amount received by goat, emu, ostrich, elk and bison producers.

NPPC is conducting a detailed review of EQIP and why it has not been beneficial to pork producers.

Agriculture Secretary Addresses World Pork Expo

2006-06-11T15:19:00.000-04:00

Mike Johanns, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for the Bush Administration, addressed the National Pork Producers Council's World Pork Expo on June 8. He outlined themes for a new farm bill white paper on farm policies that we need to address in coming farm bills.

Read the full story at Agriculture Online.

Highlights from the address include:

The latest white paper looks at conservation programs that America's farmers can take greater part in driving. Download/view the PDF of the white paper.
Consolidating similar programs will increase our efficiencies in watersheds and landscaping efforts
Focusing on "green" payments, which would encourage farmers to be more environmentally conscious of their farming methods
Pushing for a national animal identification system
Expanding requirements for farmers to meet higher water quality and soil standards before receiving federal subsidies

The Agriculture Secretary also stressed the importance of immigration reform, in that many of the workers in today's processing facilities and meat-packing plants are hard-working immigrants.

Read the full story at Agriculture Online.

Poll: More Americans Support Ethanol

2006-06-11T14:15:00.000-04:00

Nearly 80 percent of Americans are in favor or increased use of ethanol. Two-thirds of Americans support the use of bio-fuels overall. Results were accumulated by Public Opinion Strategies, a polling firm who conducted the survey.

Read the full story at AgWeb.com

Among other poll results, 91 percent of Americans say they feel the country is facing an energy crisis and 53 percent believe we should diversify our energy supply by utilizing alternative energy sources like ethanol.

“These results clearly reflect the growing enthusiasm for ethanol and other biofuels we have seen in the past year,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President Bob Dinneen. “From the farmer in the field to the business owner on Main Street to consumer at the pump, Americans are realizing that we need to do something different when it comes to meeting our energy needs. Ethanol and renewable fuels are ready today to start America down a path of greater energy independence.”

CattleNetwork: Feeder Cattle: Aggressive Buyers, Pastures In Poor Condition

2006-06-11T11:51:00.000-04:00

CattleNetwork.com - Compared to last week, feeder and stocker cattle sold steady to 2.00 higher across most of the United States. The only exceptions both took place in the hot/dry Southern Plains, where yearling feeders traded as much as 4.00 higher and a light test of calves sold weak to 3.00 lower. Feeder buyers were aggressive this past week following last week’s 2.00 gain in the fed cattle market and the expectation of tight supplies of yearlings through the summer.

Read the full story at CattleNetwork.com.

Other highlights from the article:

The USDA rated 45 percent of the pastures in this area to be in poor or very poor condition, compared to 21 percent last year and a five year average of 23.6.
Cow receipts in Texas auctions have been well above normal for weeks as producers are being forced to sell not only their old cows but also viable breeding stock, many of which are going to slaughter
Slaughter steers and heifers sold 1.50-2.00 lower from 81.00-81.50
Packers continue to operate at aggressive chain speeds with an estimated weekly cattle harvest of 707,000, which was 49,000 head larger than the same week a year ago

NAIS Is Coming: National ID System for Farm Animals

2006-06-10T14:35:00.000-04:00

As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard U.S. animal health, the United States Department of Agriculture initiated the implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) in 2004. NAIS is a cooperative State-Federal-industry partnership to standardize and expand animal identification programs and practices to all livestock species and poultry. NAIS is currently a voluntary program.

Read more about the program at the USDA website.

NAIS is being developed through the integration of three components—premises identification, animal identification, and animal tracking. The long-term goal of the NAIS is to provide animal health officials with the capability to identify all livestock and premises that have had direct contact with a disease of concern within 48 hours after discovery.

Other points of interest:

NAIS Implementation Plan: Goals include 100 percent of premises registration by January 2009 (as well as 100 percent registration of new animals identified); (View PDF of plan )
News release: USDA Releases Guidelines for the manufacture and distribution of official identification devices under NAIS (View PDF)
News release: USDA to Award up to $14.3 Million to States and Tribes for National Animal ID Systems Premises Registration (View release)

Stay Informed about Avian Influenza

2006-06-09T11:45:00.000-04:00

Separate the facts from fiction by staying abreast of current developments in the Avian Influenza, or bird flu, research and monitoring program.

Read more about it at the USDA's Avian Influenze (Bird Flu) page.

Some highlights from the site include:

Report sick birds at 1-866-536-7593 (view biosecurity site)
USDA's role in national implementation plan (view PDF of plan)
An Early Detection System for H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Migratory Birds (view fact sheet)
Q&A: Questions and answers about avian influenza, how the disease spreads, and it's threat to human health (view Q&A site)
Official USDA Avian Flu Response Brochure (view PDF)

World Pork Expo, June 8-10, in Iowa

2006-06-08T14:10:00.000-04:00

The 18th annual World Pork Expo will be held June 8-10, 2006, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. As the largest pork-industry trade show and exhibition in the world, the expo draws some 30,000 pork producers, exhibitors and visitors from across the country and around the globe.

Find out more at: http://www.worldpork.org/

“World Pork Expo has been getting better and better every year,” says Joy Philippi, National Pork Producers Council President and pork producer from Bruning, Neb. “We’ve added a new environmental information center as well as a job fair and career center. Pork producers and those in allied industry are finding that World Pork Expo has more to offer than ever.”

“Returning this year is the World Pork Expo Farm Toy Collector Show and Sale featuring a limited edition World Pork Expo commemorative toy tractor,” she adds.

World Pork Expo entertainment will be held Friday afternoon and evening, presented street dance-style on the Grand Concourse featuring the hit pop-turned-country act, Exile, and headliners, perennial favorites, the Grass Roots.

“We’re very much looking forward to yet another successful World Pork Expo!” Philippi says.

Keep Farming in the Family

2006-06-08T02:14:00.000-04:00

It's great to see young people wanting to be more involved in today's farming. With the farm having to compete with city jobs and busy lives, it's great to see today's youth wanting to be a more active participant in the process. I came across this story on Agriculture Online about a new generation of farmers. While farming is never easy, it really makes you appreciate what you have and the results it yields.

Check out the full story here.

Learning More about Ethanol

2006-06-04T10:43:00.000-04:00

With gas prices soaring faster than the stock market these days, it's no wonder that many renewable fuel experts are talking fast and furious about ethanol. But ethanol is nothing new and its production has been around since Henry Ford was cranking out cars. Agriculture Online takes a more in-depth look at ethanol, it's history, it's place in today's fuel wars, and the future of ethanol farmers in an increasingly global environment.

Read all about ethanol at Agriculture Online or by clicking here.

Some highlights:

Henry Ford's Model T could run on gasoline, alcohol or both
During Prohibition Ford advocated the use of distilleries to make alcohol to fuel cars; but the lower price of gasoline didn't allow ethanol to compete
Ethanol was used in World War II to extend the military fuel supply
The 1978 tax subsidy helped increase the focus of gasohol on ethanol, with 50 million gallons of ethanol being blended with gasoline per year (note: today, one plant makes this much ethanol; in 1978 it took 10 plants to do this)
Energy inputs are increasing and making break-even costs for farmers more profitable

For specific articles on ethanol (in PDF format) see below:

Ethanol has been around a long time (view PDF)
How an ethanol plant works (view PDF)
Farming in today's ethanol environment (view PDF)
A day in the life at an ethanol plant (view PDF)

Best Rural Places to Live in America

2006-06-04T10:13:00.000-04:00

The Progressive Farmer Magazine has just released its latest "best places" listing for life in rural America. It includes places like Boone County, Indiana; Ontario County, New York; and Hood River County, Oregon (see picture). Check out the top 200 at The Progressive Farmer Magazine.

2006-06-04T09:23:00.000-04:00

FAMACHA© is a new system for identifying the need to de-worm individual animals, like sheep and goats. The FAMACHA system utilizes a color eye chart, showing varying degrees of anemia. Sheep and goats are the animals who can gain most from this new gastro-intestinal (worm) identification. By looking at the animal's eyes, one can distinguish between the level of anemia and whether an animal needs de-worming.

Read more about FAMACHA at the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control.

Learn more about FAMACHA, as well as all kinds of news and information affecting sheep and goats at Susan Schoenian's very informative blog (Shepherd's Notebook), also found at Sheepandgoat.com. Susan has asked me and others to help spread the word on this new technique to prevent worms in goats and sheep.

Farming Today Blog Launches

2006-04-30T08:58:00.000-04:00

At Wild Wind Farm, we've begun a new blog to update you on the latest activities at Wild Wind Farm, as well as the latest industry farming news, leading farming practices, a historical look at farming from time to time, and the latest news and information on some of our favorite animals like cattle, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens.

Bookmark this page and come back often. Should you have questions or comments, please email us at wildwindfarm1@yahoo.com.

We look forward to Farming Today along with you!

What's New with Ewe?

New Goat Expert Resident in Maryland

FAMACHA Tests Show Fecal Egg Counts Down

Wanna buy a goat?

Monkey as Goat-Herder?

The Sheep Poo Canoe? It's All About You ...

Sheep as Art ...

Organic Dairy Farming in Frederick County

Farming for Sanity's Sake ...

History or History?

Goats (and Sheep?) to the Rescue!

Do sheep and goats grieve over lost "friends?"

Are chicken farms adding to algae problems in Chesapeake Bay?

Filly Wins Preakness Stakes!

In the News: The Preakness Stakes

Old Dominion Invests in Wind Power

Maryland Wind Farms ... Waves of the Future?

In light of Preakness, what is the future of Maryland horse racing?

Governors launch new efforts to clean up Chesapeake Bay

The Challenges of Farming in Maryland

Virginia Pig Farm Catches the Swine Flu

Buddy Hance Appointed as Md. Dept. of Agriculture Secretary

Pay cut vs. Job?

A Tour of Lambco

Help Days End Horse Rescue Win $$ in a Voting Challenge

Farm-Fresh Food for Maryland's Schoolchildren

Will Biofuels Bring Jobs Back to Farming?

Should Maryland Seize a Racetrack to Maintain Preakness Stakes?

The Poison Dart Frog Lives In Maryland

'Tis the Season ... for Lamb!

A Sign of the Times?

Farmers + Schools = Agri-cation!

American Farm Bureau Says Cattle Supplies Getting Tighter

I'm back ... and it's been WAY too long!

An Update on Avian Flu Prevention in U.S.

What's Up with Farming Subsidies (today's Washington Post article)?

Farmer to Farmer Program Ensures Choices in Technology for American Agriculture

Is Your Congressman a member of the Organic Ag Caucus?

Food Supply Animal Veterinarians in Demand

Ag Dept. Says Latest US Mad Cow Cases "Atypical"

Pork Producers: Environmental Regs Not Helping Farmers

Agriculture Secretary Addresses World Pork Expo

Poll: More Americans Support Ethanol

CattleNetwork: Feeder Cattle: Aggressive Buyers, Pastures In Poor Condition

NAIS Is Coming: National ID System for Farm Animals

Stay Informed about Avian Influenza

World Pork Expo, June 8-10, in Iowa

Keep Farming in the Family

Learning More about Ethanol

Best Rural Places to Live in America

Learning more about FAMACHA©

Farming Today Blog Launches