K-State beef experts offer advice for managing calves prior to weaning

MANHATTAN, Kan. — As college kids leave home for the first time, it is important that they transition with a plan that includes being current on immunizations, following good study habits, establishing self-control at the buffet counter and having financial support in place so they have the greatest chance for success in their new environment. In much the same way, calves are most successful in transitioning off the farm when they’ve had good…

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Hay: Weigh, Test and Sample Before You Buy

Hay: Weigh, Test and Sample Before You Buy Three hay-buying tips. by Linda Geist, University of Missouri Extension Weigh, test and sample hay before buying or selling, says University of Missouri (MU) Extension Livestock Specialist Eldon Cole. Beef producers rely on good-quality hay to boost profits. “Unfortunately, our hay production is not always the greatest quality,” Cole says. “The category we excel in is ‘other grass hay’ — specifically, cool-season grass or mostly…

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K-State research among first to analyze safety of industrial hemp as cattle feed

MANHATTAN — A pair of studies at Kansas State University is bringing new insight to farmers and producers seeking to incorporate industrial hemp in cattle feed. After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production in the U.S., interest has grown in industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity, including as feed for animals. FDA approval, however, through the Association of American Feed Control Officials would be required before hemp could be fed to livestock or…

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Trump, Biden Outline Agricultural Priorities

A new look into the priorities for rural America of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden is revealed in responses to a questionnaire distributed by the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF asked the Republican and Democratic candidates to respond with their stances on several topics directly affecting America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities, including trade, labor, regulatory reform and sustainability. “The views of Farm Bureau members are as diverse as…

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Don’t risk abortions this winter: Double check your cow herd vitamin A supplementation plans

Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist This year, cow liver stores of vitamin A going into winter in areas affected by drought, may not be sufficient to meet the cow’s needs. Photo credit Troy Walz. Pasture mature and brown early due to drought? If so, then don’t forget to make sure you are supplementing enough Vitamin A. Green grass has a lot of vitamin A. In fact, cows typically build up stores…

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Overgrazing Pastures

Brad Schick, Nebraska Extension Educator Make sure to monitor pastures and have back-up plans if pasture condition begins to decline. Photo credit Troy Walz. Fully utilizing a pasture doesn’t mean it should look like a golf course. If good grass is seen in the pasture when moving to another pasture, that is usually a good thing; that’s proper management. Even during drought or drier years, management can be done well. Trying to push…

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Selecting Replacement Heifers Based on Birth Date and Age of Dam

Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Photo credit Aaron Berger. Two research studies at the University of Nebraska by Dr. Rick Funston, beef reproductive physiologist at the West Central Research and Extension Center, suggest that the key information needed to identify heifers most likely to be successful as replacements is known the day the heifers are born. The 2012 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report “Effect of Calving Period on Heifer Progeny” (PDF 140KB) and…

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Selecting and Developing Replacement Heifers

Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Bred heifers are valuable and represent the future of your herd. Photo credit Aaron Berger. Fall is the time of year when many cow-calf producers make their replacement heifer selections and begin planning for the development of those heifers into bred females. The following are tips for selecting and developing replacement heifers. Selection The following are suggestions for replacement heifer selection from Dr. Jim Gosey, Beef Specialist…

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