Consider Using Prescribed Fire in the Fall

By Will Moseley, Wildlife and Fisheries Consultantand Russell Stevens, Strategic Consultation Manager and Wildlife and Range Consultant Prescribed burning in the southern Great Plains is typically conducted during the dormant season. Recently, there has been more interest and application of fire during the growing season. These fires are typically conducted in July and August. Extending the burning season into the fall (September through first frost) can help producers accomplish their goals and create opportunities to…

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Ripening tomatoes indoors extends fresh flavor longer

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – There is nothing quite like the taste of a tomato picked fresh off the vine. But with the season quickly coming to a close, some gardeners may feel a little sad knowing that vine-fresh taste is fleeting. Fortunately, gardeners do have the ability to extend the flavor of summer just a little longer, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist. “We’re just now starting to feel the…

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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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