Cash-Strapped Farmers Feed Candy to Cows
Cattle farmers struggling with record corn prices are feeding their cows chocolate bars, gummy worms, ice cream sprinkles, marshmallows, bits of hard candy and even powdered hot chocolate mix.
Cattle farmers struggling with record corn prices are feeding their cows chocolate bars, gummy worms, ice cream sprinkles, marshmallows, bits of hard candy and even powdered hot chocolate mix.
That cherished American tradition -- summer grilling -- is about to get pricier. Rising grain prices are affecting livestock feed, which in turn affects meat production. And surging overseas demand for both U.S grains and meat are adding to the equation.
Japan's domestic food supply faces plenty of threats, including nuclear radiation, a crippled distribution infrastructure and a shaky electric grid. But there's some good news for U.S. suppliers: A shortage of domestic beef and pork could increase the market for imported meat.
The American beef market has rebounded since the dark days of 2003, when a report of "mad cow disease" virtually shut down U.S. beef and pork exports. Now, thanks to strong demand from Asia, industry officials say 2010 was the best year ever for U.S. beef exports.
Native to the Himalaya and still exotic in North America, yaks have potential. They're environmentally sound, relatively easy to raise, have cashmere-like wool and lower-fat meat than beef. They're still a niche -- but gaining notice.
Since the mad cow scare of 2003, South Korea has been a tough market for U.S. beef: The country first banned it, then severely limited imports. But a pending new trade agreement could mark the resumption of normal trade and the start of a more prosperous era for American beef exports.
Spreading at 12% a year across 17 Western state, this invasive species -- with its high silica content and spiky heads and seeds that cut animals' mouths -- forces livestock to go elsewhere to feed. That can raise costs for ranchers and result in skinnier cattle.
Hoping to stop more small ranches from failing, the Obama administration has proposed a new antitrust rule. But ranchers are divided about whether it will help or hurt them. At a workshop Friday, some argued the rule could end up reducing their earnings.
It's hard to beat a mouthwatering steak grilled on the barbecue during the summer. But which ones provide the best sizzle for the price? Fortunately, tough times mean that most people don't have to go for the least expensive cuts. This year, the higher-quality cuts now sell for less. Here are the 10 most popular cuts for grilling this summer.
More Americans are developing a taste for bison, with consumption growing at double digits for each of the past five years. Can the bison industry keep up?
A news report says the government is preparing to launch an investigation into whether the nation's largest meat packing companies have been manipulating and driving down cattle prices. But industry insiders are skeptical.
Meat eaters, brace yourselves for higher prices in the months to come. After a long economic slide, U.S. beef prices are rising again, as demand both at home and abroad increases. American consumers must now compete with Asian customers for popular beef short ribs.













