Kansas net farm income climbed in 2020 despite COVID-19; 2021 looks promising

Economists give early estimate and projections for 2021 MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas farms appear to be moving out of the shadow of the global pandemic, according to two Kansas State University agricultural economists. Ad hoc government payments made because of the pandemic and higher than expected grain prices since last summer boosted average estimates for 2020 Kansas net farm income to $137,000, a 7% increase over $128,000 the previous year. Even though 2020…

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Cattle Chat: Managing mother’s milk

K-State beef cattle experts say the first 24 hours after birth is an important time for calves to absorb colostrum. | Download this photo. K-State veterinarians discuss the importance of a calf nursing in the first 24 hours of its life MANHATTAN, Kan. — The old phrase “Milk Does A Body Good” is an advertising slogan from the 1980s but still rings true today not only for people but for cattle as well. And…

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Beef tenderness research identifies factors influencing eating quality

K-State researchers have studied cuts of beef to better understand how each needs to be managed in order to provide the most tender products to consumers. K-State meat scientists studied three beef cuts to see how fat content, connective tissue characteristics and muscle structure influence tenderness MANHATTAN, Kan. — There is nothing like biting into a nice juicy steak where the savory flavors burst in your mouth, but if that meat is tough…

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K-State beef cattle expert cautions against cold stress

Cattle are "robust creatures," says K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner. Nonetheless, producers should consistently monitor their condition during cold periods. | Download this photo. Late winter storms can cause challenges for cattle producers MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University beef cattle specialist is urging the state’s producers to continue monitoring their cattle’s condition, especially during periods when Mother Nature sends her winter chill. Justin Waggoner, a beef systems specialist with K-State Research…

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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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