This week’s episode of Around Farm Progress takes on two different topic areas. There’s a look at one farmer’s innovation in forest restoration that’s getting some attention. We also continue our coverage of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Cattle Industry Convention with a look at topics related to beef biosecurity.

Curt Arens, Nebraska Farmer, digs in on a recent story he wrote about a farmer in western Nebraska who innovated an approach to planting trees after a wildfire. The farmer, concerned about dead, burned trees after the wildfire took an aggressive approach to the problem and may have discovered a way to boost survival of replant seedlings for the future. Arens also came across some interesting native American history on the ranch.

Then we tackle beef biosecurity with two Farm Progress editors. Betty Haynes, Prairie Farmer, talks with Julia Herman, NCBA beef cattle specialist and veterinarian, who discusses biosecurity, Beef Quality Assurance and the opportunities for producers. With concerns about foot-and-mouth disease lingering over the industry, and watching the fast spread of avian influenza, the beef industry is reviewing biosecurity.

On a related topic, Jennifer Carrico, Wallaces Farmer, talks with Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association. They discuss the electronic identification system the association is encouraging seedstock producers to use. There’s also another benefit to the electronic program: The ability to trace the spread of diseases in cattle if needed. A fascinating conversation., give it a listen.

If this is the first time you've listened to the podcast, please ‘like’ and ‘subscribe.’ If you want to use another podcast source you can listen (and subscribe) on Apple, Amazon Music and Spotify.

Keeping connected

And if you want quick access to top news from Farm Progress, sign up for our mobile text service by texting FARM to 20505. The service provides a daily alert linking your smartphone to a key information item. Note that there may be a text or data cost for using the service.

Farmers are getting their information in new ways. Farm Progress is a leader in reaching them as needed. From top magazines around the country to one of the first agriculture-focused mobile apps from Farm Futures, to the leading television presence with This Week in Agribusiness, the company covers all media for agriculture.

Comments or questions? Just send a note to [email protected].