Smartphone app could boost biosecurity for the beef industry MANHATTAN, Kan. – If you’ve stared one cow in the face, you’ve seen them all … right? New technology being developed at Kansas State University is likely to debunk that thought, capitalizing on the power of artificial intelligence to build a database of facial recognition technology for the cattle industry. In other words, just like humans, each cow in the herd has a set…
Beef cattle experts suggest factors for consideration when feeding co-products MANHATTAN, Kan. — Feed cost is often one of the most expensive inputs when trying to balance the beef cattle budget. To help reduce that expense, midwestern producers will sometimes look to alternative feed products such as wet corn gluten, corn dried distillers’ grain with solubles (DDGS) or soy hulls, to name a few. “Often alternative feeds are a by-product of some other…
In a different approach, agricultural economists use ‘cause of loss’ crop insurance data MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University agricultural economists have taken a different approach than most to determine the risk farmers face in growing crops under increasingly higher average temperatures. The results indicate that yield risk will increase in response to warmer weather, with a 1 degree Celsius increase associated with yield risk increasing by approximately 32% for corn and 11%…
MANHATTAN, Kan. — As college kids leave home for the first time, it is important that they transition with a plan that includes being current on immunizations, following good study habits, establishing self-control at the buffet counter and having financial support in place so they have the greatest chance for success in their new environment. In much the same way, calves are most successful in transitioning off the farm when they’ve had good…
MANHATTAN — A pair of studies at Kansas State University is bringing new insight to farmers and producers seeking to incorporate industrial hemp in cattle feed. After the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production in the U.S., interest has grown in industrial hemp as an agricultural commodity, including as feed for animals. FDA approval, however, through the Association of American Feed Control Officials would be required before hemp could be fed to livestock or…
Wheat names, average yields and test weights by county are included MANHATTAN, Kan. – With the next winter wheat crop planting just days away, Kansas farmers can be armed with information about how different varieties fared across the state in the last growing season. K-State Research and Extension has made available the 2020 results of its Winter Wheat Performance Tests for the crop harvested this summer, showing county by county yield, moisture, height, test weight…
It is important to make plans now so that cattle are able to graze late into the fall. | Download this photo. The time is now to plan ahead for fall grazing in the beef herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — Cool crisp mornings and school activities filling the calendar are two signs that fall is on the horizon. Just as families make plans, cattle producers need to be looking into their fall grazing options, according to…
K-State wildlife specialist shares tips on keeping rats out of the home MANHATTAN, Kan. – A study released in July by researchers at three universities indicates that the number of people reporting rat sightings has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Charlie Lee, a wildlife management specialist at Kansas State University, says the increased contacts between human and rodents could be a result of people staying in place more often where…
This year's Stocker Field Day moves to virtual event. MANHATTAN, Kan. – Making alternative ration ingredient changes work, beef cattle market outlook and nutrition, management, and economic aspects of limit feeding are among topics planned for the 2020 Kansas State University Beef Stocker Virtual Field Day on Thursday, Oct. 1. The conference will be hosted on the Zoom webinar platform. "Due to increasing concerns around this evolving situation and standing by our commitment…
Community engagement, food production, distribution and security among highlights OLATHE, Kan. – An educational opportunity focused on growing food for and in urban areas will be held Wednesdays in October this year. The 2020 Urban Food Systems Symposium will be online, with sessions planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT every Wednesday in October. The event typically draws community leaders, urban planners and growers, not-for-profit administrators and educators, researchers, students and anyone interested in…