Farmers and ranchers are often called stewards of the land because of their close connection to it. They hold true to the belief that they can and must enhance natural resources to protect the environment, while simultaneously producing food for a growing population.
For the Mensink family, farming and preserving the natural resources under their care has been a part of their daily life since they began their family farm in Preston, Minnesota in 1981.
Dr. Kristina Horback, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis, has always been fascinated by the lives, and more specifically the minds of cattle. Growing up in the Bay Area, she would travel past ranches, captivated by the sight of cattle grazing on distant hills, and often wondered how these animals navigated the expansive rangelands.
“I was always curious about why the cows were up there on the hill or why they were down the hill,” said Dr. Horback.
Generational farming not only sustains agricultural productivity, but it also serves as a bridge between past wisdom and future innovation, ensuring the preservation of essential farming traditions, while also allowing for the adaptability needed to address modern challenges.
Agriculture is constantly trying to meet the challenges of a growing global population while doing so with sustainable methods. And that’s where scientific research and cutting-edge technology can come into play. Together, they can offer groundbreaking potential and innovative techniques that could possibly pave the way for healthier animals as well as a reduced impact on the environment.
Every year, ranchers, researchers, policy makers, and industry leaders gather for the most anticipated event of the year: CattleCon. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the organizer of the annual conference and trade show, which is the largest cattle industry event in the country.
A groundbreaking summit focusing on one of the world’s most discussed environmental challenges—reducing methane emissions from livestock—was held earlier this year and the organizers have released a written report to summarize key information shared at the conference and to invite others to join them in a collaborative effort to further knowledge around solutions to mitigating methane emissions from livestock.
A good start to life is essential and can be the set-up for a healthy and productive future. Dr. Russ Hovey, a professor in the Department of Animal Science, is working on a new grant aimed at using AI to help piglets start their lives strong and healthy, as their early days are crucial to their long-term health and productivity
