MSU Extension Offers Learning Opportunities For Small, Medium And Large Farms

Jan 30, 2023

By Elizabeth Ferry

Livestock farmers are continuously focused on improving the practices that they use to raise animals. Even small improvements can greatly impact the care that the animals receive and the bottom line for the business. By continuously utilizing educational experiences and reviewing newly developed resources, farmers can continue to grow and better manage their herds, while focusing on productivity.

One option where farmers can gain knowledge, hear about current research initiatives and results and learn new skills to invest in their operation is during the Michigan Ag Ideas to Grow With virtual conference. This conference is the Michigan State University Extension feature event for MSU’s Agriculture and Natural Resources month, which is held throughout the month of March. Over 60 sessions focused on agricultural topics will be delivered via Zoom and available for attendees from anywhere in the world.

Specific sessions emphasizing livestock production will be hosted the last week of February and the first week of March. Each session will begin at 6 p.m. and last approximately 30 minutes, with time for questions and answers with the speakers. The featured topics include:

February 27: Getting Started with Beekeeping with Ana Heck
February 28: Backyard Poultry; Facilities, Health and Animal Care Tips with Katie Ockert
March 1: Basics of Biosecurity; Protecting Your Herd/Flock from Disease with Katie Ockert and Casey Zangaro
March 2: The Michigan Manure Hauler Certification Program Value Proposition with Charles Gould
March 6: Best Practices for the Care of Your Horses with Tom Guthrie
March 7: Parasites are Pests! Controlling Parasites in Your Livestock with Dave Thompson and Beth Ferry
March 8: Interested in Selling at Farmers Markets? With Mike Metzger

Source : msu.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.