Weekly Outlook - Hog Producers Follow Prudent Path

Hog production returned to profitability in 2011, but producers remain cautious about the future. This is evidenced by the modest expansion of the breeding herd as reported by USDA at the end of the year.  Limited expansion would seem to be the prudent path until more is known about 2012 crop yields and feed prices. This suggests no expansion of the breeding herd until mid-summer 2012.

Pork production is expected to rise by 2 to 2.5 percent in 2012, but most of that increase is due to more pigs per litter rather than from larger farrowings. Exports are expected to remain strong so that the per capita pork availability in the U.S. will only increase by about one percent. Pork demand will also be supported by smaller per capita supplies of beef and poultry in 2012. As a result, hog prices are expected to be down only modestly from 2011 levels with similar costs. This means another year of profitability is likely. <Read More>

Sheep and Goat Webinar Series Presentation Videos Now Available

If you missed the recent Sheep and Goat Webinar Series presented by Purdue Extension but are still interested in the topics presented, you're in luck!  Videos of each presentation are now posted online for viewing at www.ansc.purdue.edu/SP/MG/ .  DVDs of the entire series can also be ordered through the website for $15.  In addition to the videos, supporting reference material, including slide presentations and Extension publications are also available.  For the best video quality, a high-speed internet connection is recommended.   

Proper Mineral Management Key to Keeping Cattle Healthy

Beef producers shouldn't overlook proper mineral intake as part of an overall feeding plan, according to a Purdue Extension specialist.

Ron Lemenager, a professor of animal sciences, said minerals are becoming a more important issue as feed options have changed.

"I think we pretty much had minerals taken care of when everyone was feeding corn and hay," Lemenager said. "But then it changed and we introduced by-products like distillers dried grains, corn gluten feed and soybean hulls which changes our supplementation strategy."

If minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese and selenium are out of balance, a cow could have problems with immune function, reproduction, digestion and metabolism, and onset of puberty, among other issues. <Read More>

Upcoming Events - "Getting Started in Vegetable, Fruit, and Specialty Crop Production" Workshop at Hort Congress

Are you interested in growing and marketing fresh fruit, vegetables or other specialty crops locally but are unsure how to get started?  Then plan to attend a special workshop specifically designed to meet the needs of beginning farmers.  Workshop participants will learn what it takes to start and manage a successful specialty crop business.  Extension specialists from Purdue University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison will discuss resource assessment, goal setting, financial planning and marketing options.  Growers will also be on hand to share their experiences and answer questions about starting new specialty crop enterprises using a range of different production and direct marketing strategies. 

This workshop is part of the Indiana Horticulture Congress, which will also include more advanced sessions featuring fruit and vegetable production, agritourism, wine and grapes, on-farm food safety, organics, and high tunnel management.  Horticulture Congress is January 17-19 at the Wyndham Hotel in Indianapolis, with the "Getting Started" workshop being held January 17 from 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM EST.  Registration to Hort Congress is required for attendance at the "Getting Started" workshop.  Conference information and registration available here.