Remove cool-season grass seed heads before they emerge

WEST PLAINS, Mo. – “Missouri livestock producers have some options to manage tall fescue seed head development and the toxic endophyte issues we have in Missouri,” says Tim Schnakenberg, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agronomy. Seed heads emerge in tall fescue grass pastures by mid-May across most of Missouri. Sarah Kenyon, MU Extension field specialist in agronomy, says it is important to know how forage grows to understand the effect seed…

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CHB Recipe: Country Fried Steak

Country-fried steak will be a family-favorite for years to come. This version is made with Certified Hereford Beef cubed steak and pairs well with mashed potatoes and gravy. Ingredients: 1 4 Certified Hereford Beef cubed steaks (about 4 ounces each) 1 egg1 tablespoon water1/2 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs2 tablespoons olive oil1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with herbsShredded Parmesan cheese (optional) Beat egg and water in shallow dish until blended. Place bread…

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App helps researchers learn about gamebird reproduction

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – Wildlife biologists in Oklahoma have some new insights into the annual reproduction of gamebirds, thanks to a smartphone app that was developed last year. Oklahoma State University wildlife specialists, along with experts from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, created the Gamebird Brood Observation app to help gain a better understanding of gamebird reproduction, said Dwayne Elmore, OSU Extension wildlife specialist and Bollenbach Chair in the university’s…

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Crop Residue, Cover Crops Impact on Soil Health Parameters

David Karki SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist Additional Authors: Anthony Bly Written collaboratively by David Karki, Anthony Bly, Sandeep Kumar and Shannon Osborne. Interest in no-till and cover crops has been on the rise among South Dakota (S.D.) crop producers. In 2019, half of S.D. crop ground was under no-till management and about 900,000 acres were planted to cover crops (U S.D.S-NRCS). Growers have indicated that improvement in soil health is one of…

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Protein Supplementation Options With Grazing Cattle

Adele Harty SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Additional Authors: Ken Olson COVID-19 and the energy economy has had a dramatic negative impact on the ethanol industry, resulting in limited availability of corn distiller’s grains. This has changed availability and pricing of protein feeds. As cow/calf producers consider how this affects their feed purchases currently and into the future, there are some key points to consider and evaluate. In South Dakota grazing operations, many…

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Bottleneck in beef industry pushes producers into making key decisions

K-State beef team outlines feeding options during online workshop MANHATTAN, Kan. – Several members of Kansas State University’s extension beef team hosted an online workshop Thursday to help producers with looming decisions on managing their herds in light of unique challenges in the market. The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed Kansas’ beef supply chain to as much as 40 percent capacity, though the state has rebounded in recent days, according to K-State agricultural economist…

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Minimizing Synchronization Costs

Olivia Amundson SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist With the word, “uncertainty” looming in many of our heads, it’s a prime time to consider strategic management approaches to maintain an operation’s bottom line. With calving season quickly coming to an end and breeding season right around the corner, it’s time to look at how money can be invested intelligently and outcomes can be beneficial. Consider Lower Input Estrus Synchronization Protocols With the rising costs…

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Management Strategies for Minimizing Early Pregnancy Loss

Sydney O'Daniel, Nebraska Exension Beef EducatorRick Funston, Nebraska Extension Beef Cattle Reproductive Physiologist Managing cows and heifers to be on a positive plane of nutrition at the time of breeding is essential for the establishment of pregnancy. Photo credit Troy Walz. As we approach the breeding season, cows and heifers are faced with a variety of stressors from the metabolic pressure of providing for a calf to changes in environment. Stress during early…

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Flies on Pastured Cattle

Dave Boxler, Nebraska Extension Educator As cattle producers plan for the grazing season, a very important consideration should be what type of flies will impact their pastured cattle, and what method of fly control will work best for their management system. Photo credit Troy Walz. As livestock producers prepare for another grazing season, thoughts are often directed towards grass conditions, animal conditioning, and fence repair. An additional very important consideration should include what…

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Think Before Putting Fish, Plants, Water and More in a Pond

By Mike PorterSenior Wildlife and Fisheries Consultant People unintentionally harm pond environments by releasing inappropriate fish, dumping aquarium organisms, transferring water from a river or using contaminated equipment. Inappropriate organisms, or the microscopic hitchhikers on them, in associated water or on equipment can create havoc in a pond, such as harming desired fish populations, introducing diseases or establishing invasive species. Know Your Source Sources of fish or aquatic plants should be carefully evaluated…

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