With proper planning, beef producers can make the weaning process easier for calves MANHATTAN, Kan. — Just as college students may feel anxious when they leave their homes and return to campus, fall is also a time when spring-born calves are separated from their mothers and stress ensues. To minimize the stress felt by calves, the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute offered several management strategies for producers to implement. Discussed…

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Angus members’ efforts make Angus Genetics Inc. milestone possible. Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), a subsidiary of the American Angus Association, has reached its 1 millionth mark in Angus genotypes. This was a monumental accomplishment for the Angus breed, says Kelli Retallick-Riley, AGI president. "It has taken just a little over a decade for Angus breeders to reach this impressive milestone," Retallick-Riley says. "This is a testament to the pioneer mindset Angus breeders have…

Culling open cows, adding replacement females are strategies for maximizing herd reproductive efficiency  MANHATTAN, Kan. — In any successful business, decision-makers are always adjusting to outside influences. In the cattle business, culling decisions sometimes are made on reproductive status and feed availability. Culling and biosecurity were two topics of discussion on a recent Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast. Culling Time “Oftentimes producers cull cows in the fall, but mid- to…

For best results use Certified Angus Beef ® brand SOUTHWESTERN STEAK, BLACK BEANS & RICE SERVES 6 CUISINE: MEXICAN CATEGORY: STEAKS, PASTA & RICE DISHES, 30 MINUTES OR LESS Share your great taste! Tantalize the taste buds with tender, juicy steak topped black beans and rice with bold southwestern flavor. A hearty, delicious meal to make for any occasion. PREP TIME 20 mins OTHER TIME 5 mins COOK TIME 10 mins TOTAL TIME 35 mins INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds Certified…

By Alisa Boswell-Gore STILLWATER, Okla. – The Oklahoma Water Resources Center has contracted with the Hydraulic Engineering Research Unit to participate in a five-year research grant to update tools and guidelines regarding flood control structures. The project is in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. The HERU, a one-of-a-kind research laboratory under the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, is located downstream of Lake Carl Blackwell and focuses on the development…

Kenny Burdine, Livestock Marketing Specialist, University of Kentucky I decided to shift gears a bit this week and dive into a topic that often comes up when I visit with producers in extension settings. I am often asked whether I think it pays for a cow-calf operator to castrate bulls and sell steers. Castration is not without cost as it requires time and facilities and does stress calves for a period of time.…

Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky It is hard to believe that it is near that time of year when corn will start to be harvested for silage. We have been fortunate in many areas of the region to receive timely precipitation providing for good corn stands. As the price of corn is still over $6/bushel on the spot market and the futures prices is in the mid 5’s, folks are…

 Kirsten Nickles, Graduate Research Associate and Anthony J. Parker, Associate Chair and Associate Professor. Department of Animal Sciences, Ohio State University Weaning strategy should be designed to reduce stress in order to avoid BRD (photo credit: http://www.angusbeefbulletin.com/extra/2014/05may14/0514hn_sm-pneumonia.html#.YP7ekOhKiUk) Weaning is the start of an independent life for the beef calf. Though weaning can be a stressful time for the calf, beef cattle producers can minimize the stress at weaning by using science based weaning…

By Gail Ellis   STILLWATER, Okla. – July is National Grilling Month, and outdoor events are in full swing. As people step outside to cook those favorite summer dishes, smart food safety habits are critical to their health.  “Food safety isn’t just for food manufacturing plants. It’s important for consumers to be mindful of food safety in the home and wherever they prepare meals,” said Ravi Jadeja, a food safety specialist with the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products…