Hello everyone! Welcome to another episode of The Market Minute with Mattie! These episodes are smaller segments of the Barnyard Broadcast. It will provide listeners with an overview of the end-of-October numbers and insights into the current markets. If you want to access the reports referenced in this episode, please visit the links below! As always, please contact your local Penn State Extension Livestock educator or visit our website at extension.psu.edu. Thank you for joining me for this month’s instalment of the Market Minute with Mattie! Tuned in for our next episode!

Updated reports can be found on the USDA Market News website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain

This week's reports:

10/12/25 – 10/18/25 Pennsylvania Weekly Cattle Auction Summary

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Livestock Futures Settlement

New Holland Sheep and Goat Auction 10/21/2025

New Holland Slaughter Hog Auction 10/23/2025

National Daily Hog and Pork Summary 10/23/2025

National Sheep Summary - please reach out to Mattie Horchler (msh5697@psu.edu) for copies of reports

Hello everyone! Welcome to another episode of The Market Minute with Mattie! These episodes are smaller segments of the Barnyard Broadcast. It will give listeners an overview of the beginning of September numbers and insights into the current markets. If you want to access the reports referenced in this episode, please visit the links below! As always, please get in touch with your local Penn State Extension Livestock educator or head over to our website at extension.psu.edu. Thank you for joining me for this month’s instalment of the Market Minute with Mattie! Tuned in for our next episode!

Updated reports can be found on the USDA Market News website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain

This week's reports:

8/24/25 – 8/30/25 Pennsylvania Weekly Cattle Auction Summary- PA weekly cattle auction summary sept 2.pdf

New Holland Sheep and Goat Auction 8/26/2025- New Holland Sheep and Goat Report August 25.pdf

New Holland Slaughter Hog Auction 8/28/2025- New Holland Swine Auction August 28.pdf

National Daily Hog and Pork Summary 5/23/2025- National Swine Summary August 29th.pdf

National Sheep Summary - please reach out to Mattie Horchler (msh5697@psu.edu) for copies of reports

Hello! Thank you for tuning into the Barnyard Broadcast! On this episode, we will be chatting about forages and pasture management! Our guests today are Gabe Francisco, Erin Cuprinka, and Justin Brackenrich. Please check out their bios below! As always, if you have any questions about forages or pasture management or any other livestock topic, please reach out to your local livestock educator or visit extension.psu.edu. I will also link some of the resources that are available that were referenced in the episode!

The Penn State Agronomy Guide: https://extension.psu.edu/the-penn-state-agronomy-guide

Southern Forages: Modern Concepts for Forage Crop Management by C. S. Hoveland, Donald M. Ball, and Garry D. Lacefield

When Weeds Talk by Jay McCaman

Guest Bios

Gabe Francisco - Gabe Francisco serves as the Livestock and Grazing Specialist for the Van Buren Conservation District and the Van Buren NRCS. A fifth-generation Michigan farmer, Gabe is also the owner of Thunderfoot Farms, a small pasture-based farm where he rotationally grazes a diverse array of livestock, including sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, rabbits, and two teams of oxen, alongside a draft horse. Thunderfoot Farms is Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) verified and holds the distinction of being the first "Certified Naturally Grown" farm in the state of Michigan for both its livestock and pastures. Gabe is also actively involved in several agricultural organizations, serving on the board of directors for the Michigan Sheep Producers, Michigan Family and Farm Food Systems, and the United States Texel Breeders Society. Additionally, Gabe is a co-founder of "A Common Pasture," a regional pasture-based pork producer's co-op in Southwestern Michigan.

Erin Cuprinka- Erin Cuprinka is a Penn State Extension Field and Forage Crops Educator based at the Mercer County Office. Erin grew up on a dairy farm and currently resides with her husband and three children on their crop farm. She has a BS in Biology from Penn State University and an MS in Agricultural and Extension Education from West Virginia University. In her previous employment, Erin worked extensively with start-up agricultural enterprises, conservation practices, and nutrient management. She is dedicated to promoting agriculture in the region and working to ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of the region’s many viable farming operations.

Justin Brackenrich- Justin grew up in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, where he was involved in beef, sheep, and poultry production. Justin’s draw to agriculture came from his parents' work with the WV USDA NRCS and his involvement in his local FFA. After graduating from high school, he attended Potomac State College of West Virginia University, where he studied Animal and Nutritional Sciences and Agribusiness Management. He received his Bachelors of Science in Agriculture at West Virginia University in Animal and Nutritional Sciences. He then continued to receive a Master’s of Science in Plant and Soil Science with a focus on phosphorus management. Justin spent three years as a graduate student and researcher at WVU before joining Penn State in 2017.

Photo credit: Gordon Harkins

Hello everyone! Welcome to another episode of The Market Minute with Mattie! These episodes are smaller segments of the Barnyard Broadcast. It will give listeners an overview of the late July numbers and insights into the current markets. If you want to access the reports referenced in this episode, please visit the links below! As always, please get in touch with your local Penn State Extension Livestock educator or head over to our website at extension.psu.edu. Thank you for joining me for this month’s instalment of the Market Minute with Mattie!

Updated reports can be found on the USDA Market News website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain

This week's reports:

7/13/2025 – 7/19/2025 Pennsylvania Weekly Cattle Auction Summary: PA weekly cattle auction summary july 21.pdf

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Livestock Futures Settlement: CME report July 25th.pdf

New Holland Sheep and Goat Auction 7/22/2025- New Holland sheep and goat auction july 22.pdf

New Holland Slaughter Hog Auction 7/24/2025- New Holland hog auction july 24.pdf

National Daily Hog and Pork Summary 7/24/2025- National swine summary July 24.pdf

National Sheep Summary - please reach out to Mattie Horchler (msh5697@psu.edu) for copies of reports

Hello, everyone! Thank you for tuning into the Barnyard Broadcast! Today, we are taking a look at the world of Manure and Odor Management. When we are running our operations, this management might not be at the top of the list. But this episode's guests bed to differ! We are delighted to have on the podcast Dr. Bob Mikesell, Dr. Robb Meinen, and Brady Seely! Please check out their bios below! As always, if you have any questions about manure or odor management or any other livestock topic, please reach out to your local livestock educator or visit extension.psu.edu. I will also link some of the resources that are available that were referenced in the episode!

DEP Clean Water Academy - https://pacleanwateracademy.remote-learner.net/

State Conservation Commission - https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/water/bwrnsm/nonpoint-source/conservation-district-support/state-conservation-commission

Find your County Conservation District - https://pacd.org/?page_id=59

What are the 4 Rs - https://www.tfi.org/insights/nutrient-stewardship/what-are-the-4rs/

Penn State Agronomy Guide - https://extension.psu.edu/the-penn-state-agronomy-guide

Please keep an eye out for our next episode!

Guest Bios

Dr. Bob Mikesell- Dr. Bob Mikesell serves as a Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator in Penn State's Animal Science Department. He also serves as a technical consultant for Pennsylvania's Odor Management Program, training certified odor management planners. Bob and his wife Capri raise Maine Anjou beef cattle and Quarter Horses on their mountain-top Cambria County farm.

Dr. Robb Meinen- Robb Meinen is the Director of the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Education Program. He holds a unique combination of a Soil Science PhD, an Animal Science MS, and an Agricultural Systems Management BS. While these degrees are from different disciplines and departments within the Penn State College of Agriculture, Robb currently resides in a fourth department, Plant Sciences, as an Assistant Research Professor. Robb strives to simultaneously advance agricultural production and the environment. For 25 years he his university role has been funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide certification to Nutrient Management Planners and Commercial Manure Haulers/Brokers. He has twice been recognized with the highest environmental award in Pennsylvania, plus the highest environmental award in the swine industry. He co-instructs Penn State’s Nutrient Management course and is involved with national efforts such as the North American Manure Expo, Waste to Worth Conference, and Manureshed Research.

Brady Seeley- Brady Seeley is the Director of the Nutrient Management, Odor Management, and Manure Hauler and Broker Programs with the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Brady has worked for the State Conservation Commission for 5 years in various roles within the Nutrient and Odor Management Programs. Prior to his work with the SCC, he worked for the Cumberland County Conservation District as their Chesapeake Bay Technician. Brady holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Resource Management and was raised on a small family dairy farm in Bradford County, PA.

Photo credit: Mike Houtz

Welcome back, everyone! Thank you for tuning into the Barnyard Broadcast! In this episode, we will be talking about the many aspects of biosecurity. We talk about animals, people, and everything in between. If you have ever wanted a look into what biosecurity is all about, this episode is for you! We are delighted to have on the podcast Genevieve Christ, Hannah Walters, and Craig Williams! Please check out their bios below! As always, if you have any questions about biosecurity or any other livestock topic, please reach out to your local livestock educator or visit extension.psu.edu. I will also link some of the resources that are available that outline more about biosecurity and biosecurity planning!

Secure Beef Supply: https://www.securebeef.org/

Secure Lamb and Wool: https://securesheepwool.org/

PA Beef Quality Assurance: https://www.pa-bqa.org/

PA Center for Livestock and Poultry Excellence: https://www.poultryandlivestockexcellence.org/

PA Center for Beef Excellence: https://www.beefexcellence.com/

Please keep an eye out for our next episode, which airs July 2nd!

Guest Bios

Genevieve Christ- Genevieve Christ is an extension educator for The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training at Penn State Extension. She received her B.S. from Penn State in Agricultural Science with minors in Agronomy and Animal Science and an M.S. from Iowa State in Agronomy. Her work experience has been a mix of Conservation and Extension Education. She grew up on a small farm in western Pennsylvania and has been deeply connected to agriculture her whole life.

Hannah Walters- Hannah Walters is the Director of Producer Education and Engagement for the Pennsylvania Beef Council, as well as the State Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator. She has organized several hands-on biosecurity workshops for producers throughout the state and currently serves on the National Secure Beef Supply Advisory Committee. Hannah is passionate about helping producers achieve their operational goals. She and her husband, along with their two boys, live on her family's farm in Western Pennsylvania, where they maintain a small cow/calf herd.

J. Craig Williams- J. Craig Williams graduated from Penn State University in 1986 and has worked most of his career there since 1990. J. Craig Williams has been an educator for 35 years, teaching youth and adult programs on Agriculture and livestock education. Craig has coordinated the Tioga County Dairy 4-H Programs and Adult educational events. Craig conducts on-farm research and demonstration programs, including corn and soybean variety trials, calf growth programs, and dairy barn ventilation programs. He has led the dairy risk management and farm bill education programs for the PSU dairy team. Craig also leads and serves as a mortality composting educator, securing USDA-APHIS grants for training. He has served 8 years on the committee for the International Symposium on Animal Mortality Management. Craig is actively involved in the Pennsylvania and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. He has served as the National President.

Hello everyone! Welcome to another episode of The Market Minute with Mattie! These episodes are smaller segments of the Barnyard Broadcast. It will give listeners an overview of the beginning of June numbers and insights into the current markets. If you want to access the reports referenced in this episode, please visit the links below! As always, please get in touch with your local Penn State Extension Livestock educator or head over to our website at extension.psu.edu. Thank you for joining me for this month’s instalment of the Market Minute with Mattie!

Updated reports can be found on the USDA Market News website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/livestock-poultry-grain

This week's reports:

5/18/2025 – 5/24/2025 Pennsylvania Weekly Cattle Auction Summary: PA cattle report May 24.pdf

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Livestock Futures Settlement: CME report May 27th.pdf

New Holland Sheep and Goat Auction 5/26/2025- NH Goat Report end of May.pdf

Greencastle Sheep and Goat Auction 5/19/2025- greencastle sheep report May 20.pdf

New Holland Slaughter Hog Auction 5/22/2025- NH Swine Report end of May.pdf

National Daily Hog and Pork Summary 5/23/2025- National swine summary May 23rd.pdf

National Sheep Summary - please reach out to Mattie Horchler (msh5697@psu.edu) for copies of reports

Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Barnyard Broadcast! Today's episode focuses on parasites, which can be a large problem within our small ruminant herds. I am excited to have in this episode three professionals who have years of experience in parasitology! We are delighted to have on the podcast Melanie Barkley, Dr. Scott Bowdrige, and Dr. Robert Van Saun! Please check out their bios below! As always, if you have any questions about parasites or any other livestock topic, please reach out to your local livestock educator or visit extension.psu.edu.

For more parasite-specific information, please visit wormx.info

Please keep an eye out for our next episode, which airs June 4th!

Guest Bios

Melanie Barkley- Melanie Barkley is an educator for Penn State Extension, based in Bedford County. She began her career in Extension as a youth educator and has covered many program areas in agriculture over a 34-year career. Her current position focuses on livestock production, which includes serving as chair of the state Livestock Team. She mostly works with sheep and meat goat producers to help them analyze their operations to improve sustainability. She also works with small ruminant producers to manage internal parasites within their flocks or herds and trains producers to use FAMACHA. She received her B.S. from Penn State in Animal Production in 1986 and M.Ed. in Extension Education from Penn State in 1992. Melanie has a lifetime of experience raising sheep and beef cattle, including 30 years raising Dorset, Tunis, and Border Leicester sheep. Her interests focus on livestock performance and managing livestock on pasture.

Dr. Robert Van Saun- Dr. Robert Van Saun is a Professor of Veterinary Science and Extension Veterinarian with the Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences at Penn State University. He has been on faculty since 2000 and has taught a parasitology class for undergraduate students. He has clinical practice experience and is interested in the role of nutrition and disease.

Dr. Scott Bowdridge- Dr. Bowdridge’s research interests are centered around improving small ruminant production. His basic research program is focused on identifying immune mechanisms necessary to clear helminth parasite infection using parasite-resistant St. Croix sheep as a model. Additionally, Dr. Bowdridge works with a team of faculty across the School of Food and Agriculture to evaluate grazing practices that will reduce the impact of gastrointestinal parasitism of grazing livestock.