Knowing the signs and mitigation strategies will aid in cattle performance over the summer MANHATTAN, Kan. — On a hot summer day, people often dress in light clothing, drink more water than normal and seek shade to minimize the impacts on the body from heat and humidity. Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts said cattle need many of those same strategies for maximum performance over the summer. Talking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast,…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s quarterly agricultural trade forecast, released, projects fiscal year 2021 U.S. farm exports at $164 billion – the highest total on record. This represents an increase of $28 billion, or 21 percent, from last fiscal year’s total, and a $7-billion increase from USDA’s previous FY 2021 forecast published in February. The annual export record of $152.3 billion was set in FY 2014. “U.S. agricultural trade has proven extraordinarily resilient…
Buy local firewood to protect Kansas trees MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Memorial Day weekend marks the return of camping for many outdoor lovers. No campout -- whether it’s in your back yard or in one of the Kansas state parks -- is complete without a campfire. However, Kansas Forest Service officials caution that invasive pests and diseases may be lurking in firewood, including the devastating emerald ash borer. To monitor the potential spread of EAB, KFS…
Proposals for CRP Climate Change Mitigation Assessment Initiative Due July 2 WASHINGTON, May 25, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced an initiative to quantify the climate benefits of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts. This multi-year effort will enable USDA to better target CRP toward climate outcomes and improve existing models and conservation planning tools while supporting USDA’s goal of putting American agriculture and forestry at the…
Hay Barn Fires are a Real Hazard | Agronomic Crops Network (osu.edu)
J. Neil Orth By INDUSTRY PRESS RELEASE June 7, 2021 Officials of the Kentucky State Fair Board recently announced that J. Neil Orth has been selected as the 2021 Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery inductee. The portrait gallery serves as the livestock industry’s hall of fame. The Saddle and Sirloin award is one of the highest honors awarded to individuals in the livestock industry. The award is presented by the Saddle and Sirloin Award Committee…
Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension Hay making requires a balance between nutritional value and when yield is maximized. Hay season is officially underway! In the years since I began working in Noble County there have been two years where conditions were right for making dry hay in May- 2020 and 2021. The smell of mowed hay drying in the warm sun and the sight of fresh round…
Dean Kreager, Ohio State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Licking County (originally published in Ohio Farmer on-line) Teat or udder problems are just one reason for considering culling a cow. As cattle producers we often look at ways to improve our bottom line. Where can we profit the most from our production? Is it from sales of feeder calves, breeding stock, finished cattle, freezer beef or some combination? This decision may change…
By Donald Stotts STILLWATER, Okla. – As horned cattle become less common in the industry, livestock producers need to practice recommended dehorning techniques to ensure their animals’ well-being, said Oklahoma State University experts. “A successful dehorning plan can improve operational efficiency; it involves the use of a written protocol and skilled personnel,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, OSU Extension veterinarian and director of continuing education for the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Industry experts and veterinarians typically recommend…