USDA grant supports new K-State hotline for diagnosing toxic animal emergencies

Researchers in the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine will use a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create impactful and innovative outreach tools to help veterinarians address toxicology problems in food animal livestock. MANHATTAN — Rapid response to animal health emergencies has prompted the creation of a new veterinary toxicology training program at Kansas State University. A $248,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant will enhance the ability of researchers…

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Cattle Chat: Planning for upcoming pregnancies

Caring for cows well in mid-pregnancy influences future breeding success Kansas State beef cattle experts share fall cow management tips for spring calvers MANHATTAN, Kan. — Most would agree that planning ahead is one of the best ways to meet a goal and that is true of the cow herd as well, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White shared…

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Prepare farm and ranch equipment for winter storage

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – With colder weather just around the corner, many farmers and ranchers are preparing to store machinery for the winter. Rodents will be eyeing that same machinery for another reason – as a cozy place to shelter for a few months. “There are dozens of nooks and crannies under the hood of a piece of farm machinery that are attractive to many rodent species,” said Kevin Shelton, Oklahoma State…

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Cattle Chat: Maintaining cow efficiency

Many factors influence the efficiency of the cow herd. Beef cattle experts share the factors that influence the well-being of the cow herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — Efficiency is something many strive for, whether it is spending money wisely or making the most of the time dedicated to a project. And for the beef producer, developing an efficient cow herd has financial implications, according to beef cattle experts who recently spoke on a Kansas…

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Five Tips to Keeping Livestock Vaccines Viable on Farm

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Vaccines are crucial to keeping livestock healthy and productive. While vaccines do not provide absolute protection, the “added insurance” helps stimulate the animal’s immune system and increases its ability to fight off an infection or lessen the impact of disease if it should occur. However, with timing, labor constraints and the necessity for boosters, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Veterinarian and State Public Health Veterinarian Russ Daly says there are several factors…

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Where is Value being created in your Ranch Operation?

Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Identifying where value is being created and costs are occurring can show where opportunities exist to change and improve the profitability of the ranch business. Photo credit Troy Walz. For many ranch operations multiple enterprises are a part of the overall business.  In addition to the cow-calf enterprise, land is owned, replacement heifers are developed, hay is harvested, and often, yearlings are wintered and grazed through the…

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Preparing for Cattle Transport Saves Time, Money and Stress

Jesse Fulton, Extension Educator, Director of Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance There are several important factors that should be considered when cattle are being transported. Photo credit Troy Walz. With fall upon us, many producers are beginning to plan shipment of this year’s calf crop or moving cattle from summer pasture to crop residues, fall/winter pastures, or to a dry lot. Each and every year, millions of head of cattle are transported from point…

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