K-State makes move to developing canola hybrids

Kansas State University canola breeders have begun developing hybrids that will be well suited for conditions in the southern Great Plains. | Download this photo. New varieties will be suited to the southern Great Plains MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University is hoping to give a boost to growing canola in the southern Great Plains as it embarks on developing hybrid varieties that are specific for the region. “We’ve traditionally developed open pollinated varieties,”…

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Net Wrap Removal Made Easy

Olivia Amundson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist I was approached by a cattle producer about efficiently removing net wrap. As many of you know, net wrap has its advantages as well as disadvantages, but is largely used as a hay binding material. Current research being conducted at the Cottonwood Field Station is looking at the impact of net wrap accumulation in the rumen when hay is ground with net wrap. The large question…

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Rotational Grazing Improves Stocking Capacity and Ranch Profitability

Tong Wang, SDSU Extension Advanced Production Specialist Livestock stocking rate is considered as one of the most important decisions that ranchers can make, as heavy stocking rate causes grassland degradation and adversely impact the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services. However, only maintaining proper stocking rate is not enough, as inappropriate grazing management strategies will also cause rangeland degradation. Continuous Grazing vs. Rotational Grazing Currently, continuous grazing is the dominant practice in the U.S.…

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FAA Proposal Would Ground Drones for Many Farmers, Ranchers

  Credit: Mauricio Lima / CC BY 2.0    Share This Article The Federal Aviation Administration should revamp its drone proposal to provide flexibility to allow farmers and ranchers who cannot access the internet to continue using drones, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. America’s farmers and ranchers embrace technology that allows them to be more efficient, economical and environmentally aware. Drones are an important precision agriculture tool they use to manage their…

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Using Increased Longevity to Reduce Annual Cow Cost

Julie Walker , Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist When evaluating annual cow cost, feed rises to the top of the list. Feed cost is an important area to consider; however, have you evaluated the cost of incorporating replacement heifers into the cowherd? Cost of developing a pregnant replacement heifer will vary by operation. However, most producers would agree that this cost could be over $1,000. When figuring the specific development costs, here…

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K-State veterinarian: No evidence that livestock can transmit COVID-19 to humans

Foods from farm animals also are considered safe from the virus MANHATTAN, Kan. – The director of a Kansas State University veterinary laboratory that responds to animal health issues across the state says that while coronavirus is a disease familiar to livestock producers, it is not the same strain of the virus that is grabbing headlines across the globe. The novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, is transmitted through humans. There is no evidence…

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Training Session Prepares Farmers Union Members to Respond to Farm Stress

SAVANNAH – As part of the organization’s broader initiative to address a growing farm stress crisis, National Farmers Union (NFU) last week hosted a two-day, in-person session to train community mental health advocates across the country. More than 30 Farmers Union members from 19 states completed the training, which was held in conjunction with NFU’s 118th Anniversary Convention in Savannah, Georgia. The program’s curriculum ­– established in collaboration with American Farm Bureau Federation,…

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Trump Administration Takes Major Step to Improve Implementation of the Endangered Species Act

WASHINGTON (March 12, 2020) — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new method for conducting biological evaluations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to assure that pesticide registration review actions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) do not jeopardize endangered species. The updated method ensures that—when available—the agency will use high-quality historical data that reflects where and how certain pesticides are used. “Responsible pesticide use is an essential tool…

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Minimizing antibiotic resistance in beef cattle

Using the appropriate antibiotics is best for both livestock and people, say veterinarians at Kansas State University. K-State experts discuss proper use of antibiotics in a treatment protocol MANHATTAN, Kan. – Remember going to the doctor when you were a kid and you left after receiving a shot to cure your ailments? Contrast that to today when patients often are told that it is just a virus and they leave the office with…

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Semen/Nitrogen Tank Care

Dean Kreager, Licking County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Handle with care. The inner container is only attached to the outer container at the neck and a crack in this connection will cause the tank to quickly fail! It is almost time to start breeding for the 2021 calf crop. Last week I talked about proper semen handling so this week I thought it was worth providing some information on care and handling…

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