Heather Thomas

Jan 2, 2025 | farmprogress.com | Heather Thomas

Overweight bulls are not as fertile, and high-energy diets can create health and soundness problems. Nutrition is important when developing young bulls; most seedstock producers market bulls as yearlings and want them well-grown and ready to breed at that young age. Feeding strategies for young, growing bulls are complicated by the fact that pushing them too fast may negatively impact future fertility and longevity.

Dec 26, 2024 | farmprogress.com | Heather Thomas

As COVID-19 exposed supply chain flaws, more Western communities are seeing the value of local meat processors. Until about 60 years ago, butcher shops were common, but as supermarkets replaced small grocers, local butchers disappeared. Shoppers no longer knew where their meat came from. A few dedicated butchers remained, and today a few more are starting. One of the traditional processing outfits that still exists is in the Hood River Valley of Oregon.

Nov 12, 2024 | farmprogress.com | Heather Thomas

We are what we eat. This is true for food-producing animals and humans alike. If the grazing animals that produce our beef have a balanced diet containing different plant species, they are healthier and produce meat that is healthier for us. Dr. James Linne is a gastroenterologist-turned farmer who practiced medicine for 35 years. “Early in my practice, I met a primary care physician who was hybridizing day lilies.

Nov 5, 2024 | farmprogress.com | Heather Thomas

The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) was founded in 1995 when Colorado Cattlemen’s Association members voted to create it and work directly with farm and ranch families in Colorado. It was the first land trust in the U.S. founded by producers for producers. Erik Glenn, Executive Director of CCALT, says the reason for creating it was to help provide options for their members and other ag families across the state struggling to transfer ownership to the next generation.

Oct 24, 2024 | farmprogress.com | Heather Thomas

American agriculture has been the foundation and backbone of our country from the beginning. Agriculture and education were interrelated, since most people lived on farms or in small towns; many kids did farm chores before and after school. Often the school year revolved around planting and harvesting. School textbooks were full of agricultural references and examples. Farming and livestock were a familiar part of nearly every child’s life. By 1920 the farm population began to shrink.