Beef Production Almost Equal to Last Year

David P. Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service After all 2020’s curve balls, here we are with 4 weeks left in the year and total beef production is almost the same amount as last year at this time. Through the week ending December 5th, 25.08 billion pounds of beef have been produced compared to 25.2 billion pounds last year. That difference will likely be made up in the next…

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Little Mouse, Big Problems!

Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension (This article was originally published by Progressive Forage magazine) Mice can find any number of comfortable places to nest! Photo: Keegan Gelley The damage that a little mouse can do to electrical systems may have great impacts on the functionality of farm equipment. Before putting equipment in storage for winter, do routine maintenance, including preventing mice from taking up residence in your…

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Employment Outlook is Promising for New College Graduates in Agriculture

This is a joint press release with Purdue University College of Agriculture. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., December 9, 2020 – A new report, released today by USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Purdue University, shows a strong job demand for new college graduates with degrees in agricultural programs. U.S. college graduates can expect approximately 59,400 job opportunities annually between 2020 and 2025. This reflects a 2.6 percent growth from the previous five…

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Kansas dairy industry is growing despite fewer farms

Kansas has twice the number of dairy cows it had 20 years ago, but the number of dairy farms is shrinking. | Download this photo. Dairy cow numbers increase but growth limited by lack of processing facilities EMPORIA, Kan. – Kansas is well known for beef production, but the state’s dairy industry has grown significantly over the past 20 years and Kansas State University’s Mike Brouk expects that trend to continue. Brouk, an animal…

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Mineral imbalances need to be considered in cattle deaths

Texas A&M AgriLife offers expertise, assistance in livestock mineral toxicity, testing Ranchers need to keep in mind that the wrong quantities of minerals can be dangerous or even deadly to cattle, said experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. What works for one livestock operation will not always work for a neighbor when it comes to mineral supplements. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service can help producers test for their needs. (Texas A&M AgriLife…

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Cattle Chat: Managing thin cows in winter

K-State experts offer advice on optimizing body condition scores in the herd before calving MANHATTAN, Kan. — In the midst of the holiday season and the increased access to sweets, many people may be observing a less than ideal change in their personal body conditions. While people may strive for a skinnier physique, holding a thin body condition over the winter may create deficits for cattle heading into calving season, said the experts…

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Recipe: INSTANT POT BRISKET BAKED GRILLED CHEESE

For best results use Certified Angus Beef ® brand SERVES 4 Share your great taste! This recipe takes the classic and beloved grilled cheese sandwich, and elevates it with big, beefy flavor. Tender, juicy brisket is seared, then cooked in an instant pot with chipotle peppers, red onion and garlic. The meaty mixture is then added to toasted sourdough bread and topped with cheese. Perfection! INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® brisket flat, cut into 2-inch cubes2 teaspoons…

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Coaching vs. Evaluations To Improve Ag Employee Performance

Tracey Erickson SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist One of the most difficult things farm managers have to master is coaching employees. Coaching enables employers to optimize the performance they desire. Once mastered you will see employees that understand goals and expectations more clearly, are more motivated, taking ownership of their work, showing greater responsibility, along with maximizing their potential, talents and problem-solving ability. What you as an employer receive is more productivity, lower…

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Late Gestation Planning Prior to Calving

Olivia Amundson SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist For most, weaning is in the books and pregnancy detection is complete or soon to be underway. Now is the time to pay attention to those pregnant cows out on crop residue or grass. While these females may be the last thing on your mind, this time is critical for her success the following year. Annual Cow Cycle Cow calf operations are more profitable when cows…

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