Cattle Chat: Monitoring bulls in breeding season

K-State veterinarians caution that most injuries happen in the first three weeks MANHATTAN, Kan. — At any sporting event, it is easy to spot the trainers and medical personnel hovering on the side watching for a potential athletic injury. In much the same way Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White advise that producers need to closely monitor their bulls at the beginning of breeding season. “Just like…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Monitoring bulls in breeding season

Kansas net farm income climbed in 2020, boosted by rising grain prices, government payments

2020 Kansas Farm Management Association data released MANHATTAN, Kan. – Early concerns for a tough year on Kansas farms linked to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 were ultimately alleviated by strong crop yields, dramatically improved grain prices and COVID-19-related government payments, according to the Kansas Farm Management Association. Net farm income for KFMA members climbed to $167,894 last year, up from $108,960 the previous year and the five-year average of $98,282. The data…

Continue ReadingKansas net farm income climbed in 2020, boosted by rising grain prices, government payments

Angus Genetics Inc. Announces Updates

The number of genotyped animals within the American Angus Association database has increased more during the last four years than it previously ever had. Such growth means the “single-step machine” is ready for maintenance as computing times get slower, according to Andre Garcia, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). Regular maintenance of models, genetic parameters and algorithms helps ensure the data systems are accurate, efficient and up to date. On May 28, AGI will run…

Continue ReadingAngus Genetics Inc. Announces Updates

Rural areas of Kansas are ‘mental health deserts’

K-State team offers programs on mental health, connects Kansans with resources MANHATTAN, Kan. – Fluctuating commodity prices, weather challenges and other factors mean farmers are used to a certain amount of stress. But the pandemic in the past year added that much more, according to a Kansas State University behavioral health specialist. “Farming is difficult in the best of circumstances, and to add a layer of stress such as the pandemic makes it…

Continue ReadingRural areas of Kansas are ‘mental health deserts’

Reusable totes can carry health risks with groceries

By Trisha Gedon STILLWATER, Okla. – While many people use cloth or mesh tote bags at the grocery store in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, they may not realize they could be putting their family at risk for foodborne illnesses. There are several steps consumers can take to help ensure proper food safety, said Barbara Brown, Oklahoma State University Extension food specialist. The simplest is to compartmentalize. “While grocery shopping, place meat, poultry…

Continue ReadingReusable totes can carry health risks with groceries

Where are your priorities and How does your operation stack-up to the competition (Benchmarking)?

Matt Stockton, Nebraska Extension Ag Economics Specialist Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Educator This summary looked at 31 commercial beef cow-calf operations with 100 or more cows. Photo credit Troy Walz. Benchmarking a cow-calf operation by comparing it to other similar operations provides producers a tool to look at ways they can improve their businesses. This summary looks at 31 commercial beef cow-calf operations with 100 or more cows. The information comes from the…

Continue ReadingWhere are your priorities and How does your operation stack-up to the competition (Benchmarking)?

Cattle Chat: Understanding generic drug development

Generic drugs are an option for consideration when making animal health decisions. Kansas State beef cattle veterinarians discuss the process of creating generic drugs and their use in food animals MANHATTAN, Kan. — When going to the pharmacy, consumers are often faced with a choice to select the brand name drug for their ailment or opt for the less expensive generic product. Just as with humans, cattle producers and their veterinary partners make…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Understanding generic drug development

Pasture and Forage Minute: The Right Stocking Rate

Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Educator Proper stocking depends on two factors, animal intake and pasture productivity. Photo credit Troy Walz. Stocking pastures with the right number of animals is one of the cornerstones of proper grazing management.  It’s tempting to take the easy route and keep using the same rate year after year.  After all, if it’s not broke, why fix it?  But over time, could this approach do more harm than good? …

Continue ReadingPasture and Forage Minute: The Right Stocking Rate

Controlling Horn Flies on Pastured Cattle

Dave Boxler, Nebraska Extension Educator Understanding the horn fly’s habits, life cycle, impact control methods and products will help design an effective control program. Photo credit Dave Boxler. With temperatures starting to warm, fly season is not far away, and now is the time to evaluate your 2021 horn fly management plan. Was your fly management program successful last year? If the answer is no, what were possible factors that might have directed…

Continue ReadingControlling Horn Flies on Pastured Cattle