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…

Continue ReadingManaging Cow/Calf Pairs With Excess Spring Moisture

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…

Continue ReadingDealing With Spring Mud and Flooding

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…

Continue ReadingHow Often Should You Check Cows During Calving Season?

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…

Continue ReadingWinter Cow Supplementation and Cold Stress

New prescribed burning findings are part of upcoming K-State Cattlemen’s Day research reports

Kansas State University is involved in a six-year study to compare the effects of prescribed burning of the Flint Hills later in the summer versus the traditional early spring burning. | Download this photo. March 5 event will be online this year MANHATTAN, Kan. – Two years into a sweeping six-year study on prescribed burning in the Flint Hills, Kansas State University researchers already have take-home messages about cattle performance and plant response when…

Continue ReadingNew prescribed burning findings are part of upcoming K-State Cattlemen’s Day research reports

Kansas net farm income climbed in 2020 despite COVID-19; 2021 looks promising

Economists give early estimate and projections for 2021 MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas farms appear to be moving out of the shadow of the global pandemic, according to two Kansas State University agricultural economists. Ad hoc government payments made because of the pandemic and higher than expected grain prices since last summer boosted average estimates for 2020 Kansas net farm income to $137,000, a 7% increase over $128,000 the previous year. Even though 2020…

Continue ReadingKansas net farm income climbed in 2020 despite COVID-19; 2021 looks promising

Cattle needs rise as temperatures drop

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Cattle producers need to follow recommended livestock-care checklists to mitigate significant dangers that arctic blasts bring to animal health and production, said Oklahoma State University experts.  Ranchers might not typically think about frozen water sources during a mild winter, for example.  So it’s important to remember that cattle in southern Great Plains states are relatively naïve when it comes to the presence of ice in the field,…

Continue ReadingCattle needs rise as temperatures drop

Horse owners need to be watchful for signs of colic

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Horse owners need to take steps to ensure colic does not become a problem for their animals as temperatures drop, said Oklahoma State University experts.  “Horses need more feed to replace energy loss brought about by harsher wintertime weather conditions,” said Kris Hiney, OSU Extension equine specialist with the university’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences. “A good first step is to maximize forage intake. Give them as…

Continue ReadingHorse owners need to be watchful for signs of colic

Take steps to maximize available hay in cattle operations

By Donald Stotts  STILLWATER, Okla. – Cattle producers are only halfway through the hay feeding season, so it’s a good time to double-check they’re not wasting that precious resource, said experts with Oklahoma State University’s Department of Animal and Food Sciences.  “Management of input costs can mean the difference between operational profit or loss,” said David Lalman, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist and holder of the university’s Harrington Endowed Chair in Animal Science. “Costs…

Continue ReadingTake steps to maximize available hay in cattle operations

Recipe: TOASTY GRILLED BEEF AND CHEESE

For best results use Certified Angus Beef ® brand TOASTY GRILLED BEEF AND CHEESE SERVES 4 Share your great taste! Can't decide between a cheeseburger and grilled cheese? Make this toasty grilled beef and cheese sandwich to have the best of both. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound Certified Angus Beef ® ground chuck1 cup chopped mushrooms1/2 small onion, finely chopped1 clove garlic, minced4 teaspoons butter8 slices white bread8 slices Swiss cheese INSTRUCTIONS: Brown ground chuck in medium frying pan with mushrooms,…

Continue ReadingRecipe: TOASTY GRILLED BEEF AND CHEESE