Cattlemen’s Day Program Transitions Online

Kansas State University’s Animal Sciences and Industry Department will host Cattlemen’s Day 2021 on Friday, March 5 using the Zoom platform. Mike Day, KSU ASI department head, will kick off the morning at 9:30 a.m.   “We’re excited to host the 108th KSU Cattlemen’s Day,” says Ken Odde, K-State professor and Cattlemen’s Day co-chairman. “Although COVID-19 restrictions have led us to transition this year’s event online, we are excited about the lineup of speakers and…

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Cattle Chat: Readying replacement heifers

With good nutritional care, replacement heifers reach puberty around 12 months of age. | Download this photo. K-State experts offer advice on getting heifers prepared for their first breeding season MANHATTAN, Kan. — Anyone who has lived with teenagers can attest that their food consumption can be high as they are rapidly growing to their adult size. In much the same way, growing beef herd replacement heifers also need to have their nutritional needs…

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K-State plans junior swine, meat goat events

K-State's Youth Livestock Program will host the Junior Swine Producer and Junior Meat Goat Producer weeks on Feb. 15-20 and March 15-20. 4-H and FFA youth encouraged to join the virtual series MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University officials have announced they will offer two junior producer weeks virtually this year. The Junior Swine Producer Week is scheduled for Feb. 15-20, and the Junior Meat Goat Producer Week is set for March 15-20.…

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K-State rodeo cancelled

The K-State rodeo, scheduled for mid-February, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The annual event has drawn up to 10,000 spectators and more than 400 contestants from 18 college and universities. (File photo courtesy of K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry) K-State rodeo cancelled Facilities not available due to COVID-19 restrictions MANHATTAN, Kan. – Officials with Kansas State University’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry have announced the 2021 K-State rodeo, scheduled…

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K-State’s Winter Ranch Management Series Set for Late January and February

The seminar series will focus on management, nutrition and vaccine management for beef producers and allow producers to ask questions of their local, district and state extension specialists. MANHATTAN, Kan. – Vaccine management and storage will be one of the topics for the 2021 Kansas State University Winter Ranch Management Seminar Series. Hosted by three areas across the state of Kansas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by extension educators to enhance…

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K-State launches Finances and the Farm: An online class to enhance farm management skills

Self-paced course for ag producers can fulfill FSA borrower requirements MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University has launched a new self-paced online course, Finances and the Farm, now available to Kansans and others. “It is important, especially during these challenging times, to be proactive with your farm financial management,” said LaVell Winsor, agricultural economist with the K-State Research and Extension Farm Analyst Program. “Making this training online and self-paced means individual producers or…

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Cattle Chat: Recognizing hoof issues in cattle

K-State experts share treatment options for common foot issues in beef herds MANHATTAN, Kan. — Anyone who has ever walked barefoot through the yard can attest to how painful it is when the foot accidently gets cut on a rock or stick. In much the same way, cattle crossing the rocky terrain of the Flint Hills can experience hoof issues from time to time. Recognizing common hoof ailments and treatment protocols was the…

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Livestock producers have more risk management possibilities

K-State’s Jenny Ifft says insurance choices, coverage are better than in years past MANHATTAN, Kan. – The use of crop insurance by farmers is pretty common across the United States. Livestock insurance, not so much. A Kansas State University agricultural economist believes, however, that recent improvements in risk management products for livestock producers by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency may make them worth a second look. “We like to say the federal crop insurance program…

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Kansas dairy industry is growing despite fewer farms

Kansas has twice the number of dairy cows it had 20 years ago, but the number of dairy farms is shrinking. | Download this photo. Dairy cow numbers increase but growth limited by lack of processing facilities EMPORIA, Kan. – Kansas is well known for beef production, but the state’s dairy industry has grown significantly over the past 20 years and Kansas State University’s Mike Brouk expects that trend to continue. Brouk, an animal…

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Cattle Chat: Managing thin cows in winter

K-State experts offer advice on optimizing body condition scores in the herd before calving MANHATTAN, Kan. — In the midst of the holiday season and the increased access to sweets, many people may be observing a less than ideal change in their personal body conditions. While people may strive for a skinnier physique, holding a thin body condition over the winter may create deficits for cattle heading into calving season, said the experts…

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