Effect of Energy and Protein Supplementation on Body Condition Score and Reproduction

Steve Boyles, OSU Beef Extension Specialist Feeding a balanced diet to beef females in the last trimester of pregnancy through the breeding season is critical. Nutritional demands increase from early gestation to lactation. Reproduction has low priority among partitioning of nutrients for the subsequent pregnancy. Consequently, thin cows at calving typically remain thin because excess energy in the diet is directed to milk production first. The common theme is, at least for spring-calving…

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Research on late summer, early fall controlled rangeland burning looks convincing

Kansas State University research looking into the efficacy of alternative prescribed burning dates of the Flint Hills looks promising. | Download this photo. K-State scientist: ‘We have only begun to tap the potential’ MANHATTAN, Kan. – For years, ranchers on the High Plains have used controlled burning, traditionally during the spring, to impede the growth of invasive plants on rangelands. In many ways, it’s been effective. The practice helps control weedy plants that rob…

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Cattle Chat: Using crop residue as a beef cattle feed source

K-State experts say grazing cattle on crop residue is option for winter feeding MANHATTAN, Kan. — Most cattle producers will agree that hauling feed and delivering hay to the cattle in the winter can be labor intensive and expensive. Experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute point to grazing crop residues as one option to reduce feed expenses and minimize daily labor with proper planning and regular monitoring. “Many producers have…

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Food, energy, water: Researchers look for ways to combine natural resources to benefit rural towns

Five year study is funded by the National Science Foundation MANHATTAN, Kan. – Researchers at four U.S. universities have embarked on a five-year study that capitalizes on one of the Central Plains’ most abundant natural resources – wind – to store energy in ammonia. They say their work – which is funded by the National Science Foundation – could help stunt the population drain that is common in many rural communities by tying…

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Researchers aim to mitigate COVID-19 in meat and poultry processing facilities

Kansas State University researchers are involved in a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded project to protect meat plant workers and their surrounding communities from the spread of COVID-19. In this video, animal sciences professor Randy Phebus talks about the work that includes key partnerships between faculty in the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Primarily we are focusing our efforts on giving the meat and poultry processing industry tools and knowledge that…

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Family Fun: Kansas Christmas tree farms hope for busy year

Christmas tree farms provide an opportunity for family bonding -- as well as a hunt for the 'perfect' tree. Buying a live tree supports local economies, good for the environment MANHATTAN, Kan. – During a year when many activities are limited or prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, shopping for a Christmas tree is not one of them. In fact, David Bruton – the utilization and marketing forester with the Kansas Forest Service – said…

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Recipe: GAME DAY STEAK CHILI

For best results use Certified Angus Beef ® brand GAME DAY STEAK CHILI SERVES 8 - 10 Share your great taste! Hearty slow cooker steak chili is perfect for game day or a comforting meal on a cold day. Bottom round roast makes it a budget-friendly meal. INGREDIENTS: 3 pounds Certified Angus Beef ® bottom round roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper1/4 cup canola oil3 large onions, diced4 cloves garlic, minced2…

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Plan Now to Control Weeds With Grazing Next Season

Pete Bauman SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist South Dakota Invasive Plants Canada goldenrod is a native flowering plant in South Dakota, but it is generally considered as a grazing ‘increaser’ and is relatively undesirable by landowners at high densities. Canada thistle and perennial sow thistle are both common noxious weeds in South Dakota requiring that managers control the production and spread of seed. S.D. DISTRIBUTION MAPS: Canada thistle, S.D. Department of AgriculturePerennial sow thistle, S.D. Department of…

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USDA Forest Service Announces Key Changes to NEPA Procedures

The USDA Forest Service today announced the publication of a final rule implementing key changes to its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. The changes include new tools and flexibilities to tackle critical land management challenges as part of a broader agency effort to better serve the American people through timely, high-quality management decisions affecting infrastructure, permitting and restoration of natural resources on their national forests and grasslands. “These changes will ensure we…

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Fall Grazing Thoughts

Chris Penrose, Extension Educator, Morgan County (originally published in Farm and Dairy) Would placing water in strategic locations improve your pasture management? Well, the growing season may be over but the grazing season may not. My whole career I have heard many talking about how long the grazing rotation should be: maybe 14 days in the spring or 60 in late summer during dry weather. I have also heard the discussion over which is…

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