BCI News: Fall Versus Spring Calving, Immunity Research
https://ksubci.org/2020/03/06/when-to-calve-deciding-to-treat-top-4-criteria-for-deciding-when-to-treat-genetics-and-health/
OSU to celebrate meat sciences at annual event
By Brian Brus STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State University is celebrating 100 years of meat science during the annual Animal Sciences Weekend in early April. The weekend will kick off with a scholarship banquet April 3 at the Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development and run through April 5 with the Cowboy Classic production sale at the Purebred Beef Center. Highlights will include tours of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural…
K-State researchers test fertilizers for best results in Kansas, other soils
Liquid fertilizers are best in calcareous soils, they say MANHATTAN, Kan. – Ganga Hettiarachchi knows that farmers want to be good stewards of the environment. And as a soil scientist at Kansas State University, she is in a good position to help them along the way. Hettiarachchi and former doctoral student Jay Weeks recently completed a study of how phosphorus – an important nutrient for growing farm crops – reacts in alkaline farmland,…
USDA Improving Services to Provide More SNAP Participants the Dignity of Work
New rule encourages more robust services and opportunities to gain skills for today’s job market (Washington, D.C., March 5, 2020) – In light of President Trump’s historic economic expansion - with a 3.6% unemployment rate and 6.4 million job openings across the nation - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced a proposed rule that will strengthen the way states serve SNAP recipients through Employment and Training. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants…
State Veterinarian Encourages Vaccination Against Anthrax
The State Veterinarian of Texas encourages livestock owners to have their animals vaccinated against anthrax this spring. “Following last year’s outbreak in southwest Texas, we encourage livestock owners in the previously affected and surrounding area to consult with their veterinarian about vaccinating animals before warmer weather arrives.” said Andy Schwartz, Texas state veterinarian and executive director. “The anthrax vaccine is dependable and proven to protect livestock from the disease.” To be effective, the…
Cattlemen’s Day highlights new advances in beef industry
More than 600 attend 107th annual event at K-State MANHATTAN, Kan. – A leading official for one of the United States’ leading providers of cattle genetics told producers Friday that the future is very bright for their industry. Lorna Marshall, vice president of beef programs for Select Sires of Plain City, Ohio, gave a lively, one-hour talk during the 107th annual Cattlemen’s Day, held at Kansas State University. Officials said there were more…
Fire season returns to Kansas
Kansas Forest Service, K-State Mesonet advise Kansans to prep for potentially active fire season MANHATTAN, Kan. – Rising temperatures and breezy conditions are quickly drying fuels across the state, increasing concerns for an active fire season in Kansas. “Despite recent moisture, Kansas's primary fuel – grass -- is abundant due to last year's above normal precipitation,” said Chip Redmond, Kansas State University assistant meteorologist. The timing of future precipitation between dry frontal passages…
K-State experts offer advice on beef cattle breeding
Success in cattle breeding starts with cycling females in good body condition MANHATTAN, Kan. – Creating a great cake starts with quality ingredients mixed together by a talented baker. The same can be said of cattle breeding, only in this case the ingredients include cycling females, quality bull semen and a knowledgeable producer who can plan for a timed breeding through artificial insemination or natural exposure. In a recent podcast from Kansas State…
Prune during the dormant season to protect oak trees
Prevent the spread of oak wilt, a fatal disease to oak trees, by pruning now MANHATTAN, Kan. – Oak wilt, a fatal disease spread by a fungus, has been found in a few sites in the eastern third of Kansas over the last decade. While the spread is often slow and sporadic, Kansans should be mindful of the fungus to prevent the spread of the fatal disease. If infected, rapid death can come…
Don’t Let Your Cows Eat the Profit
By Robert Wells, Ph.D.Livestock Consultant Intentional beef producers will develop a winter feeding strategy and calving season that reduces the cost of winter feed. The bulk of the cost of cow ownership typically occurs during the winter when additional supplementation is required. University and industry data indicate that annual cow costs range from $500 to $600. Nutritional supplementation makes up 40-60% of this total annual cost; thus, ranging from $200 to $360 per…