Karla H. Wilke, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Because feed resources have likely been tight this winter, now is a good time to assess BCS of the cows and send feed samples to a commercial laboratory for nutrient analysis. Photo credit Troy Walz. The 2020 drought across the Great Plains has made hay scarce for many producers. Additionally, the pandemic has affected oil prices which in turn has impacted ethanol production and…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – A review of the stages of parturition can help lessen anxieties of cow-calf operators and protect producer investment in their animals during the upcoming calving season, said Oklahoma State University Extension experts. There are three stages to parturition. It is not unusual for stage one – the dilation of the cervix – to occur completely unnoticed, but stage two – delivery of the newborn – and stage…
WASHINGTON, February 5, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup period, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12, 2021. USDA will continue to accept offers as it takes this opportunity for the incoming Administration to evaluate ways to increase enrollment. Under the previous Administration, incentives and rental payment rates were reduced resulting in an enrollment shortfall of over 4 million…
Source: Charles Ellis, 636-528-4613 COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Finding Common Ground in Cover Crops” is the theme of the 2021 Midwest Cover Crops Council Conference. The virtual conference, Feb. 23-25, kicks off with updates from cover crop specialists in the council’s 12 Midwestern states and Ontario, Canada, says Charles Ellis, University of Missouri Extension agricultural engineering specialist and a member of the council’s board. Attendees will learn how cover crops improve cash flow and…
Steve Boyles, OSU Extension Beef Specialist (this originally appeared in the Ohio Farmer on-line) Genetics and cow type must match the available feed resources and herd management style Type differences exist due to size, milk production, suitability to the environment and desirability of different types for profit. All these factors affect the amount of nutrients required by the individual. The nutrient requirements of the various types can determine different management schemes. There are several…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – The approaching calving season has more than a few cattle producers cautiously looking for colostrum or colostrum replacers, given what they already know about Johne’s Disease, said Oklahoma State University experts. In many cases, it works like a game of connect-the-dots: Cow-calf operators realize they may have the opportunity to obtain natural colostrum from newly freshened dairy cows. Expert recommendations are to avoid getting the colostrum from dairies…
Bozeman, MT — Simmental and SimGenetic enthusiasts attended ASA’s 53rd Annual Meeting and Reception virtually. The ASA Board of Trustees met January 28-29, to highlight each committee's work from the previous year, most notably, the increase in whole birth group phenotypes and genotypes into the IGS Genetic Evaluation from the Calf Crop Genomics research project, members’ unfailing support of the 2020 National Classic in Brookings, SD, the membership relief package, and a myriad of other…
Preliminary agenda of sessions and speakers available February 1, 2021 – Registration is now open for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2021 Virtual Summit, themed Obstacles to Opportunities. Celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the event, the Alliance’s Stakeholders Summit brings together thought leaders in the industry to discuss hot-button issues and out-of-the-box ideas to connect everyone along the food chain, engage influencers and protect the future of animal agriculture. The 2021 event is set primarily…
By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Gardeners are counting the days until they can get back to tending their landscapes without the need for hot chocolate breaks. While Oklahoma still has a few cold weeks until gardening season traditionally takes off, gardeners can keep themselves busy building raised garden beds. The idea behind raised bed gardening isn’t complicated: It’s an area that is elevated anywhere from a few inches up to 2 or 3…
K-State researchers have studied cuts of beef to better understand how each needs to be managed in order to provide the most tender products to consumers. K-State meat scientists studied three beef cuts to see how fat content, connective tissue characteristics and muscle structure influence tenderness MANHATTAN, Kan. — There is nothing like biting into a nice juicy steak where the savory flavors burst in your mouth, but if that meat is tough…