Study: White-tailed deer favor crops high in crude protein

White-tailed deer prefer plants high in crude protein and digestibility, according to a recent study. Outdoor enthusiasts get new clues on designing successful food plots MANHATTAN, Kan. – A study of plants preferred by white-tailed deer is providing important information to outdoor enthusiasts who design food plots to encourage hunting or viewing opportunities. Charlie Lee, who recently retired as the wildlife specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said the study from Mississippi State University indicates…

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Research hints at role for spring wheat in Kansas

Kansas farmers prefer to grow hard red winter wheat, but recent research indicates spring wheat could also have a role in the state's farm economy. Yields are low, but protein content high for spring wheat grown in state COLBY, Kan. – Ongoing research trials on growing spring wheat in Kansas continue to indicate that producers can expect reduced yields compared to the more popularly grown hard red winter varieties in the state. But…

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Extension Meat Specialist Offers Workshops to Tackle Meat Industry Labor Challenges

A hands-on opportunity to learn about food animal processing. When COVID-19 hit the US meat industry in early 2020, many disruptions quickly surfaced impacting our livestock and meat industries. As large-scale meat plants were in the process of slowing their operations, and in some cases even stopping, local meat processors were looked at to relieve the pressures brought forth by COVID-19. As local meat processors stepped up to fill these needs, significant stresses…

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Resource Kit Available for Those Exploring a Meat Processing Business

This “Tool Kit” is designed to be intuitive as entrepreneurs move through the business planning process. A team of Ohio State business and meat science specialists have compiled a Meat Processing Business Tool Kit for people who are exploring the meat processing business. Designed as a decision making aid for people exploring investing in or expanding a meat processing facility, this online tool kit can help entrepreneurs evaluate the business and navigate business planning. The…

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Hay Quality; What a difference a year makes, or does it?

Ted Wiseman, OSU Extension, Perry County (originally published in Farm and Dairy) We can certainly say this past year has had its challenges. However, quality of forages made in 2020 was much better for most compared to the previous two years.  Weather conditions were more favorable especially for first cutting. The late frost in May set our forages back and for many first cutting forage yields were extremely low. Second, third and four…

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Recipe: INSTANT POT TAMALES

The best beef tamales made in a fraction of the time with an Instant Pot. Follow this step-by-step recipe for an authentic Mexican dish your family will love. INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 - 3 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® boneless chuck roast, cut into 2-inch cubes16 corn husks3 teaspoons adobo seasoning1 teaspoon canola oil4 dried guajillo chilies, seeded, stems removed and torn apart3 bay leaves1 cinnamon stick2 teaspoons coco powder2 teaspoons coffee2 teaspoons dried oregano1 teaspoon garlic…

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Managing Cow/Calf Pairs With Excess Spring Moisture

Olivia Amundson SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Written collaboratively by Taylor Grussing, former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist and Olivia Amundson. Rain, snow and warming temperatures are making their way again this winter as future forecasts indicate another wet spring. However, with last year’s flooding we’re a little wiser on how to tackle the predicted flooding. Last year’s flooding, blizzard conditions and excess snow wreaked havoc on livestock producers in South Dakota. While…

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Dealing With Spring Mud and Flooding

Warren Rusche SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate Winter in South Dakota is often not for the faint of heart, especially for livestock producers. The good news is that eventually there will be some signs of spring. The bad news is we there are often significant challenges to overcome. As the snow melts, we are going to be left to deal with mud at a minimum and extensive flooding as a possible worst-case…

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How Often Should You Check Cows During Calving Season?

Russ Daly Professor, SDSU Extension Veterinarian, State Public Health Veterinarian The routine “calving check” is one of the most important tasks on the list of beef cattle producers during calving season. Most producers have their own plan for how often they give their calving herd the once-over, but some may have not considered how their animals’ physiology should guide this schedule. Incredible advances in technology have made it easier for producers to perform…

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Winter Cow Supplementation and Cold Stress

Adele Harty SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Cold temperatures coupled with wind chill and precipitation make it challenging to meet a cow’s nutrient requirements during the winter months. A Polar Vortex is set to bring below normal temperatures to much of the country for the next week. With these below normal temperatures come challenges of ensuring adequate nutrition and protection for livestock, including being prepared to provide additional feed and shelter. There are…

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