Shutdown of Oklahoma State Fair will be felt economically, but public health of primary concern

By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – The coronavirus pandemic has caused economic disruptions at every level of American life, and the cancellation of the Oklahoma State Fair will be having a major effect on the collective wallet of Oklahoma City and the entire state. According to the published 2019 Oklahoma City CVB Report, the Oklahoma State Fair generated more than $103.9 million in direct spending. “The Oklahoma State Fair obviously has a greater…

Continue ReadingShutdown of Oklahoma State Fair will be felt economically, but public health of primary concern

NCBA Welcomes Forward Progress On FMD Vaccine Bank

WASHINGTON (July 8, 2020) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association's (NCBA) today released the following statement in response to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) securing contracts worth $27.1 million to provide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines for the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank (NAVVCB) that was created in the 2018 Farm Bill at the request of NCBA: "We are pleased to see USDA is moving forward with creating a supply of FMD vaccines in the…

Continue ReadingNCBA Welcomes Forward Progress On FMD Vaccine Bank

Gelbvieh Convention Registration Opens Soon

Registration for the 50th Annual AGA National Convention opens Monday, July 20, 2020, on Gelbvieh.org. This year's convention will be held December 2-4 at the Sheraton Oklahoma City Downtown Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The AGA hopes to see you at the AGA's golden anniversary celebration! Additional details will be released in the near future, including specifics on special events and more information on the American Gelbvieh Foundation's history book that will be unveiled at…

Continue ReadingGelbvieh Convention Registration Opens Soon

Mechanical injury to trees can cause irreversible damage

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – On a hot summer day, spending the afternoon bathed in the shade of a tree is a great escape from the heat. While homeowners do their best to make the landscape an inviting space, some of the needed equipment to do so could put those trees in jeopardy. David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Extension consumer horticulturist, said trees are an important aspect of any landscape. “Trees add a lot…

Continue ReadingMechanical injury to trees can cause irreversible damage

Beef cattle experts outline ‘pillars’ for sustainable ranches

Environmental considerations important, but so are social, economic matters MANHATTAN, Kan. — In agriculture, the word sustainability is often associated with environmental topics, but a senior official with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said it also has economic and social ties. “The three pillars of sustainability are economic, environmental and social, and there are ways that cattle ranchers can impact each of these on a local level,” said Myriah Johnson, NCBA’s senior director…

Continue ReadingBeef cattle experts outline ‘pillars’ for sustainable ranches

Summertime water requirements for the cow herd

by Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension animal scientist During hot summer months, the water needed for a cow herd often determines several other management decisions.  To best assess the adequacy of water quantities in surface water or from wells or “rural water” supplies, it first is necessary to have an idea of the amount needed for cattle of different sizes and stages of production that you may have during the summer…

Continue ReadingSummertime water requirements for the cow herd

Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Nominations Accepted Until Aug. 20

Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2021 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest, with support from Purina. This is the third year of the contest, which celebrates farm dogs that work alongside farmers and ranchers to produce nutritious food for families and their pets across America. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina dog food and $5,000…

Continue ReadingFarm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year Nominations Accepted Until Aug. 20

Managing Cows through Dry Conditions

Karla H. Wilke, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management There are several options cattle producers may want to consider to conserve grass in dry areas of the state. Photo credit Troy Walz. Hot, dry conditions in early summer have taken a toll on grass growth in much of the Great Plains this year. There are several options cattle producers may want to consider to conserve grass in these dry areas. Every producer should…

Continue ReadingManaging Cows through Dry Conditions

Pinkeye in Cattle

Brent Plugge, Nebraska Extension EducatorBrian Vander Ley, DVM Epidemiologist, Great Plains Veterinary Education Center Efforts to prevent pinkeye are directed at reducing transmission and minimizing irritation. Photo credit Dave Boxler. Driving or riding through a pen or pasture of cattle is a favorite chore for many producers.  Making sure our cattle have plenty of clean water, access to feed or forage and monitoring herd health are important aspects of daily care.  When examining…

Continue ReadingPinkeye in Cattle

Creep Feeding Calves

Steve Niemeyer, Nebraska Extension EducatorTravis Mulliniks, UNL Beef Cattle Nutritionist, Range Production Systems The cost of the gain from creep feeding has to be less than the value of the gain to be a profitable nutritional strategy. Photo credit Steve Niemeyer. Keeping a tight grip on feed costs is a priority for every beef producer. Creep feeding calves can be a good return on investments in certain situations. Maintaining the calf’s efficiency at…

Continue ReadingCreep Feeding Calves