Exercise Caution when Grazing Cattle on Drought Stressed Cornstalks

Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef EducatorMary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Cattle prefer and will select the grain as well as leaves and husk first which tend to be lower in nitrates. Photo credit Troy Walz. Cornstalk residue is a tremendous resource for fall and winter grazing; however, this year care needs to be taken in grazing drought stressed cornstalks due to the potential of high nitrates in the feed. Cattle prefer…

Continue ReadingExercise Caution when Grazing Cattle on Drought Stressed Cornstalks

Developing Heifers to Fit Their Production Environment

Determining the most cost-effective system to develop heifers in a given production environment is critical to keeping those females in the herd long-term. Photo credit Troy Walz. This article was originally featured in Progressive Cattle. As producers begin selecting replacement heifers, a commonly asked question is, “What is the best method for developing heifers?” Considering the expenses involved in developing replacements, determining the most cost-effective system for a specific production environment is important…

Continue ReadingDeveloping Heifers to Fit Their Production Environment

Cattle Chat: Bull care between breeding seasons

K-State experts discuss health considerations for herds calving in spring and fall MANHATTAN, Kan. — While many beef producers only calve once per year, there are some who maintain both a fall and spring calving system with the same set of bulls. And with this herd management plan, special care needs to be given to the bulls, said veterinarians with the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University. “In large operations that follow…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Bull care between breeding seasons

When All Else Fails, Read the Feeding Instructions

Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, PAS, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky This is the time of year when calves are starting to come to market. Backgrounders and fall stocker programs are buying lightweight feeders for their operations. Some operations in consultation with their veterinarians may obtained a veterinary feed directive (VFD) for medicated feed to help in the prevention or treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Medicated feeds are a tool in the toolbox and…

Continue ReadingWhen All Else Fails, Read the Feeding Instructions

Marketing as Part of the Plan

Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension (originally published in The Ohio Cattleman Early Fall, 2021 edition) Plan now to make the most of your spring calf crop While summer is winding down there is no shortage of things to keep a beef producer busy this time of year. Depending on the calving season of choice, we are either approaching fall calving or wrapping up the breeding season for some spring calving herds. There…

Continue ReadingMarketing as Part of the Plan

Cattle Chat: Knowing when to retreat an illness

Providing comfort care and understanding when to intervene are keys to wellness MANHATTAN, Kan. — Strep throat, and ear and sinus infections are just a few bacterial illnesses that might lead a physician to prescribe an antibiotic. Oftentimes relief soon follows. But when the sickness lingers, sometimes it is necessary to retreat the infection. This can be true in cattle as well. Treatment intervals and comfort care were two topics of discussion on…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Knowing when to retreat an illness

K-State vet shares tips for handling vaccinations, maintaining effectiveness

Vaccines are less effective if not kept within accepted temperature range By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news writer MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University veterinarian is reminding producers that properly handling bottles containing livestock vaccinations is crucial so that it remains effective for the animal. Gregg Hanzlicek, director of the Production Animal Field Investigations at K-State, said that keeping the vaccination bottles between 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit and out of UV…

Continue ReadingK-State vet shares tips for handling vaccinations, maintaining effectiveness

Consider Growing-season Burns to Manage Rangeland

Consider Growing-season Burns to Manage Rangeland Research supports value of prescribed fire outside of traditional time frames. by Cassie Wandersee, Kansas Forest Service While most prescribed fires in the Plains are conducted during the dormant season — typically March through April — researchers and fire managers suggest growing-season burns done between July and September can provide benefits for land managers and public safety. Dennis Carlson, an assistant state fire management officer with the…

Continue ReadingConsider Growing-season Burns to Manage Rangeland

K-State: Risk associated with leasing land

By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news writer MANHATTAN, Kan.-- Leasing land is important for landlords and tenants, but there are risks when it comes to leasing, said a Kansas State University graduate student who is conducting research on the topic. Agricultural economics student Chelsea Arnold said 3,600 Kansas landowners recently completed a survey to gauge what their leases look like, risk preferences and attitudes towards young producers. The average Kansas landowner…

Continue ReadingK-State: Risk associated with leasing land