Contents
February
From the Editor
6
From Farmers Hot Line: sharing the stories and solutions that help farmers and ranchers thrive.
2026
Volume 52 • Number 2
Livestock
Texas A & M AgriLife’ s Livestock Guardian Dog Program blends research and ranch experience to support effective, non-lethal predator management.
16
Feature
10
The Australian Shepherd’ s origins, working approach and adaptability explain its continued role as a reliable cattle dog and wellrounded farm companion.
The Dirt
A monthly breakdown of ag news, policy shifts and rural realities.
20
departments
Product Spotlight ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Dealers ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27 Classifieds ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29
on the cover
Dedicated
to Serving the US Market
Catalyst Communications Network 2025. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recorded or otherwise without the prior written permission of Catalyst Communications Network.
F L
The information and advertising set forth herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Catalyst Communications Network(“ Publisher”) however, does not warrant complete accuracy of such information and assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use thereof or reliance thereon. Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement or space reservation at any time without notice and for any reason. Publisher shall not be liable for any costs or damages if for any reason it fails to publish an advertisement. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their respective advertisements appearing in this publication and Publisher is not responsible or liable in any manner for inaccuracies, false statements or any material in such advertisement infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others. Advertisements appearing in this publication are not necessarily the views or opinions expressed by Publisher.
Articles that appear in this, and / or any Farmers Hot Line publication, are not necessarily the views and opinions expressed by the Farmers Hot Line staff and / or Catalyst Communications Network.
Circulation: Farmers Hot Line publication is sent to farmers and ranchers who are actively involved in farming along with bulk issues distributed to farm equipment dealers, supply and elevators.
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4 | 800-247-2000 | 515-955-1600 | February 2026