K-State beef cattle experts join effort to help reproductive success of heifers, young cows

Yearling heifers need extra care to help prepare them for breeding. When trouble arises the Heifer CONSULT tool may serve as a resource. Heifer CONSULT is an online resource for cow-calf producers MANHATTAN, Kan. – Many veterinarians say that getting to the bottom of an animal health challenge often involves deducing a series of clues. To help beef producers solve the mystery of why their cattle conception rates aren’t where they’d hoped, Kansas…

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Ag economists warn against overreaction to meat industry structure in face of COVID-19

Disruptions in the meat supply chain linked to the COVID-19 pandemic has cut industry processing capacity by 40%. Now is not the time, however, to make sweeping changes to the industry structure itself, K-State agricultural economists say. Ag economists warn against overreaction to meat industry structure in face of COVID-19 ‘Be cognizant of how we got here,’ one specialist says MANHATTAN, Kan. – Tumultuous times in the meatpacking industry linked to the current…

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BCI: Beef Prices Up, Cattle Prices Down, Grazing Management and Pasture Turnout, Top Recommendations for Transitioning Cows to Grass, Grass Tetany

https://ksubci.org/2020/04/17/beef-prices-up-cattle-prices-down-grazing-management-and-pasture-turnout-top-recommendations-for-transitioning-cows-to-grass-grass-tetany/

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Swine producers adjust to meet challenges created by pandemic

DeRouchey says plant closings have put a time crunch on industry MANHATTAN, Kan. – The recent closing of meat packing plants and processing facilities in the Midwest and other parts of the U.S. due to the global pandemic  is having a trickle-down effect on swine producers, says Kansas State University livestock specialist Joel DeRouchey. “Plants and processing facilities closing or cutting back on the number of shifts they are running is putting pressure…

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Spring grazing management for beef cattle

Experts offer ways for producers to best prepare pastures ahead of spring grazing   MANHATTAN, Kan. – Beef cattle grazing on lush, green pastures is a common sight when driving through the Kansas Flint Hills in the late spring. Experts from Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute discussed steps for managing the spring grazing season recently on the weekly podcast Cattle Chat. K-State beef cattle extension specialist Bob Weaber advised producers to begin…

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K-State plant expert outlines best way to control moles in home lawns

Rows of raised ground are a sign of problems MANHATTAN, Kan. – They may spend much of their time underground, but it’s the tell-tale signs that moles leave above the ground that irks many homeowners. Known to be efficient foragers, moles make meandering paths of upheaved soil on home lawns as they hunt for earthworms and other sub-surface delicacies. The tunnels serve as a travel lane for a period of time, but once…

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K-State researcher looking at ways to boost soybean quality

Kansas State University agronomist Ignacio Ciampitti is leading a project that involves seven U.S. universities that are aiming to maintain the protein in soybeans even as yields increase. | File photo Project aims to maintain protein as yields go up MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University researcher is on the hunt for ways to improve the quality of soybean seeds so that the crop continues to maintain high levels of protein as…

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K-State researchers adapt to keep agricultural studies moving forward

Important university research has been slowed, but not stopped, by COVID-19 MANHATTAN, Kan. – While much of the world has hit pause due to the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, Kansas State University researchers are being tested to keep important agricultural studies moving forward. “Let’s just say that there have been challenges,” said Marty Draper, the associate dean for research in the College of Agriculture and associate director of K-State Research…

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Patience needed to eliminate henbit, chickweed from lawns

K-State plant expert says herbicides won’t work this time of year MANHATTAN, Kan. – If homeowners hoping for a lush green lawn are now starting to see little purple or white flowers in their yard, there’s bad news: there’s not a whole lot you can do about it. K-State Research and Extension horticulture specialist Ward Upham says the nemesis is either henbit (purple flowers) or chickweed (white), a couple of winter annuals that…

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