FEATURES:
Change is inevitable
More than ever before, consumers are influencing the way farmers produce beef. Producers attending MFA's Beef Innovators seminar in August found out what consumers want. They also found that change is inevitable. By James D. Ritchie

Cattle and hog similarities
More and more livestock industry analysts are seeing similarities between beef today and pork in the early '90s. But the situation is more than a numbers game. Data drive changes. Producers need to capture that data. And more importantly, they need to be in position to take advantage of information. By James D. Ritchie

Cutting-edge cattle
When it comes to producing the kind of beef consumers demand, Mike John, director of MFA Health Track Beef Alliance, says there's no time like right now. New developments in MFA's alliance will keep producers in the forefront of cattle production and marketing. By James D. Ritchie

Soybean diseases
Despite high yields in many areas, late-season soybean diseases showed up throughout MFA's trade territory this last cropping season. Keep an eye out for these yield robbers and plan your soybean management accordingly. By Dr. Laura Sweets

Grain management
Favorable weather has brought about a bountiful harvest. That means you probably have more grain in your bins than usual. Maintaining grain in storage takes a lot of work--work that starts in the field. By James D. Ritchie

Agriculture's future
The Agriculture Future of America (AFA) is helping college students take advantage of financial assistance as well as leadership and hands-on experiences. The organization, founded four years ago, aims to fill the void of leadership training for college agriculture students before they enter the workforce. By Holly Hollenbeck

DEPARTMENTS:
Country Corner
Changing role of consumer driving beef industry change. By Chuck Lay

Nutrition
Pinching feed pennies isn't best management solution. By Dr. Dan Netemeyer

Crops
Patience, time are the keys to tall fescue renovation. By Dr. Paul Tracy

Country Humor
United we stand. By Jack S. Bray
UFO preparations. By Mitch Jayne

Viewpoint
Upcoming annual meeting will highlight MFA's accomplishments. By Don Copenhaver