Insecticidal ear tags can help protect cattle producer’s profits

https://youtu.be/dFSf_3RQjOc Insecticidal ear tags can help protect cattle producer’s profits In this video, Kansas State University veterinary entomologist Cassandra Olds explains the importance of insecticidal ear tags for fly control in cattle herds. She notes two common pests for cattle: horn flies and face flies. Insecticidal ear tags, she explains, work by releasing a small amount of insecticide on the cow’s hair as the animal moves. Then, the natural oils in the hair…

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Simple steps now can make recovering from emergencies easier

K-State specialist shares tech tips HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- With spring comes awareness of severe weather – plus the need to plan ahead – and this year is no exception, said Jan Steen, community vitality specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “We have insurance on our crops, vehicles and homes should disaster strike, but how are we protecting our important data? Digital photos and videos, documents, and spreadsheets can be gone in a blink…

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Study: Land values, irrigation needs increase when ethanol plant opens

Irrigation needs within a 30 mile radius often increase when an ethanol plant opens, a study from Kansas State University shows. (File photo) K-State agricultural economists take a look at 15 years of data MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University agricultural economists have found that the growth of ethanol plants in the state over the past 20 years has had an impact on irrigation and land values. Gabe Sampson, an agricultural economist with…

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Cattle Chat: How does BVD impact the herd?

Kansas State beef cattle veterinarians explain Bovine Viral Diarrhea MANHATTAN, Kan. — Calves with respiratory problems, cows that naturally abort their calves, deformed calves and scours in the herd are just a few of the signs that a cow-calf producer may have Bovine Viral Diarrhea circulating among the cattle, according to Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White. Talking on a recent BCI Cattle Chat podcast, Larson said though diarrhea…

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Fike Awarded 2021 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award

Dr. Karol Fike, Kansas State University teaching associate professor, has been awarded the prestigious 2021 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award.  Fike completed her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences at Iowa State University in 1991. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning her master’s and doctorate, studying reproductive physiology in beef cattle.  With a passion for teaching and working with students, Fike first taught courses in Anatomy…

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K-State’s Lollato gives update on Kansas wheat condition

K-State's Lollato gives update on Kansas wheat condition K-State Research and Extension wheat specialist Romulo Lollato talks about the condition of the 2021 Kansas wheat crop. Lollato says that spring moisture has made the prospects of a good wheat crop very promising, in part due to approximately 4-6 inches of precipitation received across Kansas since March 12. "From now until heading is when the crop needs the largest amount of water," said Lollato…

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Cattle Chat: Experts discuss strategies for springtime weed pasture management

Kansas State weed scientist suggests steps to keep weeds from cropping up MANHATTAN, Kan. — The sights and sounds signs of spring are all around — warm temperatures, chirping birds, blooming tulips, sprigs of green grass popping up and, for some, the unwelcome view of weeds. Weed management strategies for cattle grazing pastures was a recent topic on the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the team of beef experts…

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Kansas State beef cattle experts offer considerations for using AI in the herd

Good body condition and calving early in the season are keys to success with an AI synchronization protocol for cows. | Download this photo. Cattle Chat: Breeding cows with artificial insemination Kansas State beef cattle experts offer considerations for using AI in the herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — Many beef producers ascribe to the belief that the main job of a cow on the ranch is to annually raise a healthy calf. To do that she…

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Cattle Chat: Managing to prevent grass tetany in cattle

Spring calving cows grazing on cool season grasses are prone to this disease if not nutritionally managed MANHATTAN, Kan. — Spring-calving cow-calf pairs grazing on green pastures is often a sign that spring has arrived. However, it is also a time that cattle producers need to be watchful for cows experiencing grass tetany, according to Kansas State University beef cattle experts. On a recent Cattle Chat podcast, Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians Brad White and…

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Cattle Chat: Evaluating bulls for breeding soundness

Veterinarians routinely perform breeding soundness exams to assure bulls are ready for the season ahead MANHATTAN, Kan. — In high level sports, coaches not only train their athletes to perform on the field, they also make sure players are in top condition by offering them strength training and managing their diet to make sure they are ready for peak performance at the time of the competition. In much the same way, veterinarians and…

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