Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist, OSU Extension (originally published in Farm & Dairy) A good mineral program is just as important as good forages in a successful grazing program. The grass is getting greener by the day and the grazing season is within sight. In previous editions of this column my colleagues have covered a variety of topics to consider before turning livestock out to pasture this spring. While checking fences, watering…
K-State's Lollato gives update on Kansas wheat condition K-State Research and Extension wheat specialist Romulo Lollato talks about the condition of the 2021 Kansas wheat crop. Lollato says that spring moisture has made the prospects of a good wheat crop very promising, in part due to approximately 4-6 inches of precipitation received across Kansas since March 12. "From now until heading is when the crop needs the largest amount of water," said Lollato…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – Baby chicks are popular gifts in the spring, but it is important to remember that even birds that look healthy can transmit Salmonella, said Oklahoma State University Extension specialists. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention final update on the 2020 Salmonella outbreak associated with backyard poultry indicated there were a total of 1,722 cases of Salmonella infections in people in the United States. More than 3,300 people were hospitalized with the disease…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – The cool, wet weather of recent weeks has been favorable for the Oklahoma wheat crop, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently rated as being 62% in good to excellent condition. “In spite of extremely cold weather that hit Oklahoma in February, we didn’t see much of an impact except for those areas that didn’t have much snow cover to insulate and protect the crop,” said Amanda…
Kansas State weed scientist suggests steps to keep weeds from cropping up MANHATTAN, Kan. — The sights and sounds signs of spring are all around — warm temperatures, chirping birds, blooming tulips, sprigs of green grass popping up and, for some, the unwelcome view of weeds. Weed management strategies for cattle grazing pastures was a recent topic on the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the team of beef experts…
MANHATTAN, KAN. – The 2021 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention program is now confirmed. This year’s event will be hosted in person June 22-25 in Des Moines, Iowa. The BIF Symposium features two and a half days of educational programming and a full day of tours. The first general session — “Beef Industry: Where is it going?” — will feature presentations by Michael Uetz, Midan Marketing; Jim Pillen, Pillen Family Farms;…
By Gail Ellis STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahomans are familiar with tornado warnings, but what about bird warnings? New research conducted by Oklahoma State University scientists and published in the “Journal of Applied Ecology” indicates weather radars are effective tools for not only predicting weather but also bird collisions. As many as 1 billion birds die each year from colliding with windows or buildings, but the casualties are not those of pigeons or other invasive species most commonly found…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – An orphan foal still needs another mare or a person to provide milk and care, especially during the first vital days of life. “The most immediate need for foals orphaned at birth is getting the animal colostrum within 24 hours after birth,” said Kris Hiney, Oklahoma State University Extension equine specialist. “Since antibody transfer normally occurs when a foal nurses on its dam’s colostrum, another source must be found.” …
Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Karla H. Wilke, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management A good mineral program does not have to be expensive, nor is cost correlated with effectiveness. Photo credit Karla Wilke. Managing cows in a drylot can be a way to maintain the herd when forage production is reduced due to drought or as a part of a system when pasture is unavailable for other reasons. When cattle…
Joslyn Beard, Livestock Specialist, University of Arizona Kacie McCarthy, UNL Cow-Calf Specialist Travis Mulliniks, UNL Beef Cattle Nutritionist, Range Production Systems Each decision or change in management in a livestock production system results in multiple changes or outcomes downstream of the resulting change. Photo credit Troy Walz. Decisions in livestock production are never simple, but rather complex. Each decision or change in management results in multiple changes or outcomes downstream of the resulting…