What is Proposition 12? Proposition 12 is a ballot initiative the citizens of California voted for. The proposition talks about new space requirements for livestock, including pigs. Currently, only 5% of farms would meet the new requirements. The pork industry along with American Farm Bureau has asked the Supreme Court to review the legality of this proposition. As of right…
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Why the Supreme Court May Decide How Farmers Can Raise Their Pigs
My Top 8 Ag Wish List for 2022
As 2021 winds down, it’s time to think of next year–thus, My Top 8 Wish List for 2022. 1. Farming This is a big topic. I know I can’t do it justice but I will try to sum up a few of my thoughts and wishes. a, 2021 taught us all a lot of lessons. Living in a D3 drought…
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The Two Sides of Gov. Walz – A Friend to Biofuels or Electric Vehicle Mandates? He Can’t Have It Both Ways.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has a wishy-washy and often contradictory history with his stance on ethanol and biodiesel fuels in his state. It seems as though whether he is supportive of the industry or not depends on his audience, or perhaps the day of the week. You might think that being part of the Governor’s Biofuels Coalition would mean you…
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How To Be An Advocate for Agriculture
Why Do we need to advocate? I don’t think it will surprise anyone but we in agriculture have a challenge. We ALL need to learn how to be an Advocate for Agriculture. With less than 2% of us who farm, there are 98% that do not have a connection to where their food comes from. That’s a big deal and…
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Boar Studs and the Practice of Artificial Insemination
In the vast majority of pig farms, breeding boars are nowhere to be found. So how can sows be pregnant with no board around? The majority of sows in the U.S. are bred using a technique called Artificial Insemination, OR AI. AI is not new and was first used in swine in the 1930’s. Boar studs (boar farms) are used…
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