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…
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…
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…
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…
Popular event supports women in agriculture MANHATTAN, Kan. – A yearly conference that provides knowledge and support to women in agriculture has announced that its 2021 event will be held online. Women Managing the Farm will be held virtually Feb. 10-12. Organizers say the format – like many other events brought about by the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic – will continue to offer a supportive setting for women to develop the skills,…
K-State team eyes facial recognition technology for cattle https://youtu.be/9gRNf8W-yN8 New technology being developed at Kansas State University will capitalize on the power of artificial intelligence to build a database of facial recognition technology for the cattle industry. Just like humans, each cow in a herd has a set of unique facial features that modern technology can scan and later use to track the animal throughout its life. In this video, K-State animal scientist…
K-State to host four events around Kansas focused on providing tips to help producer prepare for calving season. MANHATTAN, Kan. – In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools throughout the month of January. The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations.…
Cattle producers should understand their objective for having cattle in order to make a profit for the business. (K-State Research and Extension file photo) K-State beef cattle expert discuss factors for business success MANHATTAN, Kan. -- If a business wants to keep its doors open, it has to make a profit. Similarly, cattle operations must turn a profit, according to the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute. To that point, agricultural…
Kansas State University research looking into the efficacy of alternative prescribed burning dates of the Flint Hills looks promising. | Download this photo. K-State scientist: ‘We have only begun to tap the potential’ MANHATTAN, Kan. – For years, ranchers on the High Plains have used controlled burning, traditionally during the spring, to impede the growth of invasive plants on rangelands. In many ways, it’s been effective. The practice helps control weedy plants that rob…
Five year study is funded by the National Science Foundation MANHATTAN, Kan. – Researchers at four U.S. universities have embarked on a five-year study that capitalizes on one of the Central Plains’ most abundant natural resources – wind – to store energy in ammonia. They say their work – which is funded by the National Science Foundation – could help stunt the population drain that is common in many rural communities by tying…