What is the world coming to?

Over the course of the past few days, my opinions on several things have changed…. Growing up, I loved watching TV Land. The classics were always aired; I Love Lucy, I Dream of Jeanie, Dukes of Hazzard, and Green Acres. Dukes of Hazzard and Green Acres were probably my favorite. Duke’s had the famous Duke brothers with the car with the Confederate flag painted across the hood, and they were always running moonshine for Uncle Jesse. This show was aired from 1979-1985 and is apart of history. But now, because everyone is afraid of “offending” someone, Dukes of Hazzard has been removed from television. And there has been laws and amendments made to the constitution for removal of the Confederate flag.  I read one article where somebody stated, “Without the Confederate flag, our nation could forget racism ever happened”. Seriously?! I do not think that there is any time soon that our country or the world is ever going to forget about racism, or slavery. The fact is, what happened in the past, has happened! There is no ability to go back in time and change what happened. Our history makes us who we are today. And up until a couple of years ago, I didn’t think that who our nation was becoming was too bad. Of course there were things that definitely could be improved, the fact is, there is always room for improvement. It irritates me that people have gone as far with the whole “I’m offended” to change the course of history.

I have lost complete respect for the TV Land network. The removal of Dukes of Hazzard does not upset me as much as their new show that is going to be airing starting July 15. I have always thought of TV land as a family friendly television network. I was sitting at home last night watching TV Land’s, Gilligan Island, but during commercials, this advertisement for a new show came on, and literally made me sick at my stomach. The new show, Impastor, mocks Christianity and offends Christians to their core, in my opinion. The story line for Impastor includes a slacker “Buddy” with a gambling problem that leads him to attempt suicide. But he is talked down by a pastor, who actually falls off the bridge to his death instead. When Buddy in turn, decides to steal the reverends identity and take the job at a small town church where he begins sleeping with members of the church and has extensive knowledge of drugs. Buddy also claims to be gay. The show completely crosses the line and should never be aired on television! Impastor mocks Christianity, and insults pastors and honestly upsets all of those who believe in God.

One more thing for today, there is a new lawsuit happening in Grand Rapids. A gay man files a $70 million dollar lawsuit against the Bible. Are you kidding me? The Bible? The lawsuit is actually against the publishers, Zondervan and Thomas Nelson. The man stated that Zondervan and Nelson manipulated published versions of the bible and the man claims, that Zondervan and Nelson’s version refers to homosexuality as a sin. And caused him emotional distress and also violates his constitutional rights. I have news, the Bible is against homosexuality and refers to it as a sin. In ALL versions.  In God’s eyes, marriage is between a man and woman. And homosexuality is a sin. Thankfully, the judge refused to issue him a lawyer. I have included the link to one of the articles here: http://m.christianpost.com/news/gay-man-files-70m-suit-against-bible-publishers-over-homosexual-verses-33219/. It really bothers me that people feel the need to file lawsuits against those who refuse to either bake a cake for their wedding, or perform ceremony’s.  We as Christians, have beliefs and follow the Almighty King, God who says that homosexuality is a sin. Also, in my opinion, businesses should be able to refuse service to whoever they feel a need to.

I have SOO many more views and opinions to voice, but that is all for today folks. It is time that Christians band together. God Bless!

Voices of the Past

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington along with other founding fathers set the building blocks for our country. These heroic men and women could not have made America without motivation. Youth are the building blocks to America's future, so we need to make sure that as a community we are preparing youth as future leaders with motivation and skills to step up. Skills USA is one of the organizations that helps prepare youth for this.

Youth in organizations such as Skills USA are uniquely prepared to accept the challenges of a changing society and world. While Skills USA and 4-H help develop character, these organizations also offer opportunities to learn about our nations history, offer public speaking and networking opportunities and help teach youth responsible citizenship and leadership.

Voices of the past such as from our founding fathers and past presidents give words of advice to create strong leadership, citizenship, and character traits. Some voices from the past are quoted in the present and hare heard by thousands, even millions of people worldwide. The late president Truman was born in Missouri and spent most of his life on the family's Jackson County, Missouri farm. President Truman was very particular about his farming and everything else he attempted in life. Truman is known for his famous voice of the past, "If I want to be great, I have to win the victory over myself....self disciple". The things that President Truman accomplished through his life were achieved by the use of skills that he learned and the motivation to complete tasks.

 Some voices are not heard by congress, a foreign leader or by millions of readers. Some voices are only heard by a few people whose lives they come in contact with. My grandmother, Mary Helen, is an example. She was not famous, yet her voice was used to encourage her students to do their very best. She specialized in teaching challenged student how to read and used at least ones student's interest in farming to advance his reading and writing skills. My grandmother did her very best to have a positive impact on those around her. Her influence left a mark on those she touched. Her motivation through teaching youth how to read and write gave them the skills to have a brighter future and expand their horizons.

While using the voices from the past, including my grandmothers motivation, I have become who I am today. Skills USA gives students opportunities about learning to cooperate as a team, develop citizenship skills and self-growth. Skills USA promotes well prepared and educated youth to become active and keep America's future looking bright. Being involved in many different activities and taking on leadership positions requires time management. Organizations such Skills USA, FFA, and 4-H teaches youth how to manage their time better.

The skills and motivation that youth learn through organizations such as Skills USA are preparing them to accept leadership roles. My fellow youth, community, future leaders, we cant sit back and wait for thing to happen. We as the future leaders of America, have to make it happen.

Agriculture and Our Existance

One of the greatest presidents known is Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States and had a passion for agriculture and took action. Lincoln had an impact on the agriculture industry by starting the Department of Ag and he also developed Land Grant colleges.

One of the biggest problems that ag industry faces is that the public doesn't know what farmer and people involved in agriculture do... And a lot of people think that if you live in a rural community every knows what agriculture is. However, according to Russell Weathers, president and CEO of AFA, "If they aren't involved in production agriculture, they don't know what agriculture is." Its predicted that by the year 2050, farmers and ranchers will be feeding 9-11 billion people. Recently attending the AFA Leaders Conference, it really hit me how much we need to inform society about ag. The theme for AFA was Find Your Passion and Take Action.

The best thing for those involved in the agriculture industry to do is become advocates and talk to society. Probably one the most recent ag advocates taking a stand and showing the world agriculture would have to be the Peterson brothers from Kansas with the famous, "Farming and I Grow It" and showed the world a little piece about what agriculture is. As of February 2014, the Peterson brothers video had over 30,000 views. The brothers have taken ag advocates to the next level with the agriculture parody's to famous song like Farmer Style that has over 12 million views. The Peterson's are also doing monthly life on the farm videos to showcase life on the farm. One of the most well-known commercials around the world that has caused an impact is the 2013 Dodge Ram Super Bowl Commercial "Farmer". The video alone has had over 15 million views. Think how many people we could be reaching with a simple video!

Currently we stand in the golden age. We have the greatest opportunities and bright future ahead with the technology we have available. Technology allows us to communicate and inform others on agriculture in so many different ways. Not only has advances in technology made our lives of communication much easier, but also in the ways of farming. GPS systems have been installed in some farm equipment to locate fields and have satellite images of farms. Technology has become advanced in every aspect of agriculture and in the business world with a simple click of a button.

HSUS-Humane Society of the United States is uninformed about the agriculture industry and what farmers are all about. The HSUS paints us to be cruel to animals... but what do farmers and livestock producers gain from harming animals? The many attempts that humane society makes with commercials, YouTube videos and Facebook groups and posts are all lies about how farmers treat their livestock. But yet ag advocates fight back with doing their best to tell everyone around them how their farms really operate. One of my experiences involves a co-worker sharing a video on animal cruelty all over Facebook and talking about her opinion in how farmers treat their animals without ever stepping foot on a farm. It amazed me how many people commented within minutes on her post debating and discussing the video. While at AFA Leaders Conference, Jay Lehr with the Heartland Institute showed a video and talked about becoming an ag advocate. Jay actually traveled to San Francisco on a business trip, but like his video, he spent time walking around talking to random people about fertilizer.

Not only are organizations such as HSUS just attacking agriculture through social media, but law. In North Dakota, proposition 5 was to create a felony for those who harmed animals. Sounds good right? Put those who treat animals wrongly in jail? But this law also chose to limit production such as horse slaughter plants. Back in 2007, Congress brought funding to a halt in the horse slaughter industry. Many people find horse slaughter in-humane. However, what most people fail to realize is that horse slaughter plants are also a way for abandoned and neglected horses to be put out of their misery. Wayne White said, "People are giving away horses every day because they cant sell them and all the rescue places are over populated." Although there is not a huge demand for horse meat used ofr human consumption in the U.S., China, Russia nad Mexico consume the meat and it would allow for more trade between countries. Here in the U.S., horse meat is also used to feed zoo animals. Allowing rules like these make gateway opportunities for laws such as proposition 37 in California that had to deal with the production of food. Many people claim that farmers overuse insecticides and such on crops...however, did you know that the average farmer uses less than one ounce of herbicides and insecticides per acre of land?

As Howard G. Buffett talked at our AFA conference, maybe its not necessarily just informing society about agriculture, but maybe its building the relationship between consumer and farmer. Maybe it involves teaching society how to grow their own vegetables and have their own little backyard farm.

The fact is, our existence would not be possible without agriculture. A quote that I would like to share that left a lasting impression is: "Together, as a network of dedicated leaders, we must turn our passion into action and propel the industry into the future."

Technology in Reproduction

For years, farmers and livestock producers have wondered how to make livestock reproduction more profitable. Cows typically only have a handful of calves during their lifetime. And many breeders have that one special bull or calf that they would love to keep around forever to keep the bloodline. Well, scientists have made that possible with new advances in technology that has advanced reproduction possibilities to a maximum. 

Artificial insemination is the most popular and effective method that is used for advancing the genetics of livestock. However, there is also MOET, Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer, IVF which In-vitro Fertilization as well as cloning possibilities. these alternatives to reproduction techniques have assisted in lowering the amount of transmitted diseases.  

Technology has become the a major player in the 21st century in every aspect of life. The new techno gear has changed reproduction forever. As we know, there are hormones on the market that are able to synchronize the estrus cycles in cattle. MOET, IVF, cloning and AI have genetically changed the animal population and livestock production industry forever. These assistive technologies not only give the capability of manipulating reproductive processes but also lowering the ability to spread transmitted diseases. 

IVF-Invitro Fertilization

The first calf through IVF was born in 1981. Invitro fertilization is where unfertilized eggs are harvested and fertilized outside the cow in a laboratory. Invitro fertilization in cattle is similar to the procedure used in humans. After the unfertilized eggs have been harvested and fertilized, they are left to culture until early embryos have began to develop. Once the embryo has started to develop, it is then placed back into a cow in the receptive stage of her estrus cycle. 

Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET)

A cow only produced one egg per estrus cycle, and therefore a cow only produces a handful of calves in her lifetime. But if you want to keep a desirable female or male bloodlines around, one of your options is MOET. Embryo transferring is a common use in producing AI'd sires from desirable bulls and cows. Stages for a MOET are as follows:

1) Donor cows of a selective pedigree are treated with FSH and LH hormones to increase the number of eggs that are released at optimal ovulation. This is called multiple ovulation. (MO) 

2) The cows are then artificially inseminated using semen from a selected bull. 

3) After a few days, typically 6-7, the embryos are non-surgically flushed and four to seven of the embryos are collected. In cattle, there is a delay before the embryos are implanted into the uterine wall making the procedure possible. 

4) Embryos are then implanted into the recipient cow when she is at her prime reception stage of her estrus cycle through hormonal manipulation.

5) Embryos are capable of being frozen and stored using techniques that are similar to the storage of semen. 

Research has shown that there have been around 10% achievability in the genetic gains of cows. Embryo transfers have the ability improve genetics twice as fast compared to artificial insemination alone. 

Cloning is the process in which a cloned animal is an exact duplicate in every single way of its parent. They have the same exact DNA. An entire organism is reproduced from a single cell that is taken and produced in a genetically identical matter. Cloning is not just a man made thing. Cloning happens in nature when development of twins happens from sing fertilized egg or the asexual reproduction of certain organisms. The cloning process involves removing the chromosomal DNA from the mature oocyte and replacing it with a cell from the donor animal that is to be cloned.

Sources: 

Chakravarthi, Vikrama, and P and N. Sri Balagi. "Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies." Veterinary World 3.5 (2010): 238-40. Print

Grass Tetany

In 2005, the United States experienced a 7% loss of beef cattle from death that was caused by digestive problems. Digestive problems can easily be related to mineral imbalances or sudden shifts in cows diets. Such as a high roughage to a high concentrate. Grass tetany, milk fever, water belly, polioencephalomalacia and white muscle disease are associated with mineral imbalances.

Grass Tetany or sometimes better known as hypomagnesaemia, is a nutritional disorder found in cattle with low levels of magnesium or calcium. Typically caused by grazing cool-season perennial grasses in spring or winter that have rapid and lush growth. Grasses often associated with grass tetany include rye grass, wheat, oats or other small grains. Lactating cows or cows with calves that are under the age of 2 months are frequently affected by grass tetany.

Grass tetany results when forages don't meet the requirements of magnesium and calcium to cattle's diets. Proper diagnosis of grass tetany can be difficult because the symptoms resemble many other diseases. However, a positive diagnosis can be confirmed by a blood test. Tetany symptoms include; nervousness, muscle twitching and staggering during walking, excitable, uncoordinated, and grinding teeth. Or expressing a wild stare with erect ears and appear to be blind. These can be followed by convulsions that can be violent, a deep coma, and then death.

With effort, grass tetany is preventable. Magnesium-deficient pastures can be limed with a dolomitic lime that contains magnesium. Fertilization of phosphorus can also be useful for improving magnesium forage levels. The planting of legumes like alfalfa, lespedeza or clovers, can help reduce the risk of tetany when included in forage production because they are high in magnesium. Although fertilization and planting of legumes can help reduce the risk of tetany, the most reliable method of prevention is supplementing magnesium and calcium during the grass tetany season, fall and spring.

Cattle that have collapsed and have been down for more than 12-24 hours will seldom ever recover. However, blood magnesium levels are able to be increased within 15 minutes by administering 500 ml of a calcium borogluconate solution that contains a 5% magnesium hypo phosphate. Respiratory rates and heart should be monitored during administration. Animals should be handled gently to prevent excitement. Farmers could also give 200 cc of sterile solution of magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts) injected under the skin at least four different sites.

Sources:
Field, Thomas G. Beef Production and Management Decisions. Ed. Vernon Anthony and Jill-Jones Renger. 5th ed. Columbus: Pearson Prentice Hall, n.d. Print. 

Gadberry, Shane, and Jeremy Powell. Nutritional Disorder in Beef Cattle. N.p.: University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, n.d. Print. 

Parish, Jane A., and Justin D. Rhinehart, Dr. Beef Cattle Nutritional Disorders. N.p.: Mississippi State University Extension Service, 2009. Print. 

Carcass Cuts & Fabrication

When you go to the grocery store and see that meats have a grade stamp on the package, its important to know what the stamp means. The United States Department of Agriculture uses a dual grading system on beef carcasses. More than 95% of beef cattle receive USDA grades.

USDA grades are voluntary and are divided into market classes. The classes are; heifer, cow, steer, bull and bullock. And a stag class can be used, which is a bull that has been castrated. There are yield grades which measure the amount of fat, lean and bone in the carcass. Yield grades are often referred to as cutability. And quality grades which are an evaluation of consumer palatibility characteristics.

A USDA grader assigns either as yield or quality grade to beef carcasses post harvest. Ultrasounds have also been put into play when determining subcutaneous fat and carcass grade. When 4-H/FFA kids show livestock at county fairs, there is sometimes a carcass class and an ultrasound is used to determine grading.

Carcass weight is the most important factor in determining the value of a carcass when cattle are bought or sold. A range has been outlined by the National Beef Quality Audit as the target for carcass weight for 650-850 lbs. Final carcass quality grade is determined by maturity and marbling. Quality grading is evaluating factors that affect eating quality and desirability. The quality grade stamps are then divided into four different categories of Prime, Choice, Select and Standard.

There are defects that can arise in the carcass such as dark cutters. Dark cutting meat is noticed by oclor ranging from a dark red to black with sticky texture and a high water holding capacity. It has a shorter shelf life than normal beef and is often rejected because of the color. Blood splash defects is hemorrhaging with the muscles of a carcass. Blood splash is the result of high blood pressure when the capillaries rupture. Calloused ribeye defect is the result of a callus or section of fatty tissue within the muscle because of steatosis of longissimus muscle. Another defect is bruises when trim loss occurs because of fecal contamination or deep tissue bruising or abscesses. In 2005, the National Beef Quality Audit reported that 35.2% of carcasses had a bruise defect.


Sources:
Field, Thomas G. Beef Production and Management Decisions. Ed. Jill Jones Renger and Vernon Anthony. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson-Prentice Hall, 2007. Print.

Parish, Jane A., Justin D. Rhinehart, Dr, and James M. Martin, Dr. Beef Grades and Carcass Information. N.p.: Mississippi State University Extension Service, 2009. Print. 

Nutrition & Reproduction-Livestock

The topic of nutrition within the cattle industry has a high importance because of the       ongoing challenges with providing proper nutrition for cattle production. We currently know that certain forages are better for pregnant or lactating cows to provide nutrition,      minerals and weight gain for cow-calf operations. We know that certain forages affect the first few steps of reproduction in both the female and the male. And we also know that certain forages effect the production and overall outcomes of the cattle industry.

Energy is a necessity required by cows. And without the proper amount of energy supplied, it has a negative impact on the reproductive capabilities of a female bovine. Inadequate nutrition will reduce conception rate, increase losses and delay puberty in heifers.

One of our herds

Protein and Mineral Importance

With deficiencies in protein and minerals, the effects can be detrimental in the reproduction of cattle. Protein deficiencies increase silent heats. And pelvic growth as well as skeletal growth is lacking in heifers that are raised on a diet that is protein deficient (Role). Deficiencies that are caused by a lack of calcium, selenium, copper and vitamin A&E result in an increased number of retained placentas. Phosphorus deficiencies decrease fertility, and milk production. Phosphorus can also result in lower conception rates, and irregular estrus cycles.  Whereas, calcium deficiencies prevents normal bone growth and retards growth and development. A copper deficient diet can result in embryonic death and a decreased conception rate. Iodine deficiencies can cause abortion and still births as well as prolonged gestation.

Vitamin A is the most common vitamin and mineral that cows are deficient in. Vitamin A is a necessity because it maintains that tissue that lines the reproductive tract. These tissues become hard and cracked during a vitamin A deficiency which can result in a delayed sexual maturity, abortion, stillbirths or weak calves as well as possible retained placentas, and shortened gestation periods.

But proper nutrition doesn't always have to deal with vitamin and mineral deficiencies but can also relate to forages. Such as timothy is ideal for pregnant and lactating cows shown through different studies. And alfalfa increases milk production in dairy cattle. Typically when we think of issues regarding nutrition and reproduction, we always think that proper nutrition only has to deal with the female. However, proper nutrition also affects the bulls ability to reproduce. Just like when bulls are fed infected fescue seed, it leads to a smaller scrotum circumference and slower sperm cells. Bull nutrition and reproduction capability has to deal with fescue toxicity and fescue toxicity can also affect the female and lead to poor reproductive performance overall.

In conclusion, proper nutrition and diets are the key to reproduction and are inversely related. And we know that there are forages that are better for pregnant or lactating cows and we also know there are forages that are bad for cows. And we know that there are forages that affect a bulls ability to reproduce. Scientists have worked very hard in understanding a cows digestive system and their ability to digest different nutrients and absorb them. Scientists have been able to form different supplemental minerals to give cattle what they need.  This is why there are so many books and articles on nutrition in cattle. Just like people, without proper diets, our bodies are not able to do what they were made to do.

Written by Sarah Young

References: 

Amaral-Phillips, Donna M., and George Heersche, Jr. "Role of Nutrition on Reproductive Performance." Cooperative Extension Service-University of Kentucky: n. pag. Print.

Haag, Ed. “Bulls and Fescue Toxicity.” Angus Journal. August 2008.

ILRI, ed. "The role of nutrition in cattle reproduction." Corporate Document Repository. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2015. <http://www.fao.org/wairdocs/ilri/x5442e/x5442e08.htm>.

"Impact of Nutrition on Dairy Cattle Reproduction." The Cattle Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2015. <http://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/1568/impact-of-nutrition-on-dairy-cattle-reproduction/>.

Nix, Jackie. “Dealing with Fescue Toxicity.” Sweetlix. N.p., n.d. July 1,2013.

<http://sweetlix.com////_DealingFescueToxicosis.pdf>.

Zenk, Peg. “Fend Off Fescue Toxicity In Cattle Pastures.” Hay & Forage Grower. Ed. Fae Holin and Neil Tietz. N.p., 1 Mar. 2009. July 20, 2013.