Preparation is key to successful calving season

K-State veterinarian reviews steps for cattle producers before and after calving By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said being prepared ahead of calving season is the best way for producers to assure they will bring home the newborn calves successfully. “We're approaching the end of the second trimester and moving into the third trimester which means the metabolic demands of that cow…

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Cattle Chat: Long-term gestational impacts

K-State beef cattle experts discuss how nutrition and stress in utero impact animals for a lifetime MANHATTAN, Kan. — During pregnancy, regular checkups are key for mother and baby to maintain good health. The same is true for beef cattle, according to the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. “In the case of replacement heifers, research has shown that if their diet was restricted when they were in utero, there can be…

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Windbreaks in decline; state forester says program will help Kansas farmers, ranchers

55% of Kansas windbreaks are in fair to poor condition, according to the most recent data provided through the Great Plains Initiative 2. Great Plains Initiative indicates more than half of state’s windbreaks are in fair to poor condition MANHATTAN, Kan. – A state forest official said an initiative to support windbreaks and other green infrastructure on Kansas farms is much-needed in light of recent data indicating that more than half of windbreaks…

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Cattle Chat: Record keeping priorities

Record keeping is an important part of beef cattle management. K-State beef cattle experts offer up the most important records to keep on the herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — Deciding what to keep or get rid of can be a challenge when sorting out clothes in a closet or clearing out relics from childhood because often there is an emotional factor influencing the decision. Emotional decision-making can also influence the beef cattle herd where…

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K-State plans sessions to help farmers better understand risk management tools

Volatility in markets hastens need for risk management strategies  MANHATTAN, Kan. – Registration is now open for a four-part workshop being held at three dozen locations in Kansas to help farmers and ranchers deal with the uncertainty of fluctuating grain and input prices.  Kansas State University officials said the program, Risk Management Skills for Kansas Women in Agriculture, will focus on numerous topics, including:  Determining costs of production. Utilizing crop insurance. Crop marketing plans. Government farm programs.  LaVell Winsor,…

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Cattle Chat: Vaccine handling tips

K-State beef cattle veterinarian shares best practices for vaccine management   MANHATTAN, Kan. — One of the many lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of handling vaccines properly. That is true not only for this vaccine, but for all biologic products in both human and animal medicine, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast.   Many factors can interfere with a vaccine’s efficacy, according…

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Coyote populations continue to grow throughout U.S.

K-State expert says trapping is best way to resolve interactions with livestock MANHATTAN, Kan. – If it seems like there are a lot more coyotes mingling in human spaces these days, it’s because…well, there are. “When we look at abundance trends, the population of coyotes has increased three-fold since the fur market crashed in the late 1980s,” said Drew Ricketts, a wildlife management specialist with K-State Research and Extension. Depending on time of…

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Autonomous pest control to benefit farmers economically, environmentally

Researchers are using small, robotic vehicles -- similar to the one shown above -- to identify and treat pest infestations in farm fields. K-State researcher says robotic vehicles could stop a localized infestation before it spreads By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Autonomous pest control vehicles could become a valuable asset to farmers in the future as they create an opportunity for new intelligence and a way of…

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K-State researchers seeking best ways to grow cotton in Kansas

Crop may have a place in areas where water is less available  MANHATTAN, Kan. – Is there room for cotton in Kansas…the Wheat State?  There certainly is, said Kansas State University water resources engineer Jonathan Aguilar, who is currently studying the best ways to grow a crop that is traditionally grown in warmer climates.  “One of the reasons we are looking at cotton is because it is drought resistant, or at least doesn't…

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