Kansas dairy industry is growing despite fewer farms

Kansas has twice the number of dairy cows it had 20 years ago, but the number of dairy farms is shrinking. | Download this photo. Dairy cow numbers increase but growth limited by lack of processing facilities EMPORIA, Kan. – Kansas is well known for beef production, but the state’s dairy industry has grown significantly over the past 20 years and Kansas State University’s Mike Brouk expects that trend to continue. Brouk, an animal…

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Mineral imbalances need to be considered in cattle deaths

Texas A&M AgriLife offers expertise, assistance in livestock mineral toxicity, testing Ranchers need to keep in mind that the wrong quantities of minerals can be dangerous or even deadly to cattle, said experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. What works for one livestock operation will not always work for a neighbor when it comes to mineral supplements. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can help producers test for their needs. (Texas A&M AgriLife…

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Cattle Chat: Managing thin cows in winter

K-State experts offer advice on optimizing body condition scores in the herd before calving MANHATTAN, Kan. — In the midst of the holiday season and the increased access to sweets, many people may be observing a less than ideal change in their personal body conditions. While people may strive for a skinnier physique, holding a thin body condition over the winter may create deficits for cattle heading into calving season, said the experts…

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Recipe: INSTANT POT BRISKET BAKED GRILLED CHEESE

For best results use Certified Angus Beef ® brand SERVES 4 Share your great taste! This recipe takes the classic and beloved grilled cheese sandwich, and elevates it with big, beefy flavor. Tender, juicy brisket is seared, then cooked in an instant pot with chipotle peppers, red onion and garlic. The meaty mixture is then added to toasted sourdough bread and topped with cheese. Perfection! INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® brisket flat, cut into 2-inch cubes2 teaspoons…

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Coaching vs. Evaluations To Improve Ag Employee Performance

Tracey Erickson SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist One of the most difficult things farm managers have to master is coaching employees. Coaching enables employers to optimize the performance they desire. Once mastered you will see employees that understand goals and expectations more clearly, are more motivated, taking ownership of their work, showing greater responsibility, along with maximizing their potential, talents and problem-solving ability. What you as an employer receive is more productivity, lower…

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Late Gestation Planning Prior to Calving

Olivia Amundson SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist For most, weaning is in the books and pregnancy detection is complete or soon to be underway. Now is the time to pay attention to those pregnant cows out on crop residue or grass. While these females may be the last thing on your mind, this time is critical for her success the following year. Annual Cow Cycle Cow calf operations are more profitable when cows…

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Yard work for the birds? Procrastination has its benefits

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Gardeners who have been slacking on their landscaping chores lately have a loophole. No time to rake the leaves or clear out the flower beds? No problem. The landscape can go to the birds – literally – in the fall. David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist, said wild birds are grateful for the lack of upkeep. “This is the time of year when tidy gardeners are raking…

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Women Managing the Farm conference slated Feb. 10-12

Popular event supports women in agriculture MANHATTAN, Kan. – A yearly conference that provides knowledge and support to women in agriculture has announced that its 2021 event will be held online. Women Managing the Farm will be held virtually Feb. 10-12. Organizers say the format – like many other events brought about by the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic – will continue to offer a supportive setting for women to develop the skills,…

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K-State team eyes facial recognition technology for cattle

K-State team eyes facial recognition technology for cattle https://youtu.be/9gRNf8W-yN8 New technology being developed at Kansas State University will capitalize on the power of artificial intelligence to build a database of facial recognition technology for the cattle industry. Just like humans, each cow in a herd has a set of unique facial features that modern technology can scan and later use to track the animal throughout its life. In this video, K-State animal scientist…

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Registration Open for American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention, Featuring Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford

The American Farm Bureau Federation opened registration for the 2021 American Farm Bureau Virtual Convention and unveiled the lineup of featured speakers including Mike Rowe, Rorke Denver and Beth Ford. The AFB Virtual Convention will be held Jan. 10-13, 2021, and for the first time ever, registration fees are being waived to give all Farm Bureau members and anyone interested in agriculture the opportunity to experience one of agriculture’s premier events from the comfort…

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