Gardiner Angus Ranch: Questions and answers about Curly Calf Syndrome

Gardiner Angus Ranch: Questions and answers about Curly Calf Syndrome

We have been asked many questions and attempted to respond to the concerns of our fellow beef producers who may be affected by the recent information released by the American Angus Association regarding Curly Calf Syndrome (CCS). In an effort to continue an open line of communication with our customers, we are providing responses to the questions most commonly asked by those contacting us.

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Timely Tips For Maximizing Production

Timely Tips For Maximizing Production

Southern Livestock.com

With high feed, seed, fuel and fertilizer costs, beef producers need to consider alternative approaches to feeding and managing their herds, said a Purdue University expert.

“They need to make sure they have a feeding and management plan in place to minimize feed costs, optimize herd performance and maximize profit,” said Ron Lemenager, Purdue Extension beef management specialist.

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Beef Cowherd Expansion Decisions: Is Bigger Always Better?

Beef Cowherd Expansion Decisions: Is Bigger Always Better?

Iowa Beef Center

While a traditional cowherd strategy for expansion such as buying cows will work for many producers, there are alternatives that may be more appropriate for some people. In this chapter we will discuss three options for expanding the cattle enterprise: buying or raising heifers, leasing breeding stock, and retaining ownership of calves.

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This Year Test the Forage Before You Cut!

This Year Test the Forage Before You Cut!

Dr. Glenn Selk, Extension Cattle Specialist, Oklahoma State University

      In some areas of Oklahoma, the summer annuals (usually forage sorghums) are being cut for the second or third cutting this fall. Warm, dry summer weather brings about heat and drought stress on summer annuals. Stressed plants such as the forage sorghums can occasionally accumulate dangerous concentrations of nitrates. These high nitrate plants, either standing in the field, or fed as hay, can cause abortion in pregnant cattle, or death if consumed in great enough quantities.

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Q&A: What does a pre-breeding MLV with Vib/Lepto shot really do for you?

Q&A:   What does a pre-breeding MLV with Vib/Lepto shot really do for you?

Dr. Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science, Animal Science, University of Nebraska

A:   Pre-breeding vaccination programs help protect against devastating losses if cattle are challenged by disease pathogens. Commonly a pre-breeding vaccination program includes modified-live vaccines against BVDV, IBR, and leptospirosis and vibrio bacterins because these pathogens are of high consequence to pregnant cows. Losses include sickness or death of the cattle, and abortion of unborn calves.

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Baxter Black: MULE BUSINESS

Baxter Black:  MULE BUSINESS

There is a recurring condition in the life of the cowboy when bravado, belligerence and bent judgment overcomes the normal human self-protective instinct.

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Stocker Cattle: Prussic Acid Poisoning

Stocker Cattle: Prussic Acid Poisoning

cattlenetwork.com

As fall approaches, stocker operators should consider the risk of prussic acid poisoning. According to Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist, prussic acid poisoning was discovered in the early 1900s and occurs when sorghum plant species undergo a light frost that stresses the plant, but doesn’t necessarily kill it. The sorghum plants release hydrocyanic acid (“prussic acid”) that when ingested by cattle, is absorbed by the blood stream and prevents the animal’s cells from utilizing oxygen. As a result, according to Selk, cattle can die from asphyxiation at the cellular level.

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Steve Schultz Joins Ultimate Genetics

Steve Schultz Joins Ultimate Genetics

Cattle Today

Wheelock, Texas – Dr. Steve Schultz of Franklin, Texas has joined Ultimate Genetics as the lead embryologist at their Franklin location.

“Dr. Schultz will be a great addition to our staff because of his extensive experience and cutting edge knowledge of the cattle industry,” said Mark Cowan, President of Ultimate Genetics.

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Credit crisis prods cattle prices: CBW EXCLUSIVE

Credit crisis prods cattle prices: CBW EXCLUSIVE

Steve Kay

MEATPOULTRY.com

The U.S. financial crisis has had its most direct impact yet on the cattle market. Panic on Wall Street has spilled over to the commodity futures pits. Live cattle futures have fallen by their daily limit. Packers are offering sharply lower prices for live cattle. Fearful that prices will go even lower, cattle feeders started selling Monday $2-3 per cwt. live lower than the previous week. The bulk of the trade is expected to occur Wednesday (Oct. 15) at prices $4 live and $5-6 dressed lower. This is despite the fact that supplies of market-ready cattle will shortly be the tightest of the year.

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Beef Exports Strong in August

Beef Exports Strong in August

KTIC

U.S. beef and pork exports performed extremely well in August, despite growing concerns about global financial conditions and an upward surge for the U.S. dollar that has diminished the purchasing power of some major trading partners’ currencies.

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MN Beef Expo returns to Warner Coliseum Oct. 16-19

MN Beef Expo returns to Warner Coliseum Oct. 16-19

Minnesota Farm Guide

Minnesota Beef Expo, the annual event that celebrates and promotes the beef industry, returns to the Warner Coliseum Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

New this year, “Getting Started in the Beef Business” has been added to Thursday’s workshop schedule for Minnesota Youth Beef Experience participants. Minnesota Youth Beef Experience challenges youth to raise, breed, and maintain records on a heifer calf awarded to them.

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Residual feed intake studies improve herd profits

Residual feed intake studies improve herd profits

Delta Farm Press

Cattle producers attending the recent Beef Day at the University of Missouri South Farm learned new words that may help them improve efficiency and add profits from their herds.

Residual feed intake (RFI) is being measured in two barns at the MU Beef Research and Teaching Farm, south of Columbia, Mo., site of the annual field day to show research and extension programs.

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Niman Ranch Applauds The Oprah Winfrey Show for Highlighting Humanely Raised Meats From U.S. Family Farms and Ranches

Niman Ranch Applauds The Oprah Winfrey Show for Highlighting Humanely Raised Meats From U.S. Family Farms and Ranches

PR Newswire.com

Niman Ranch applauds The Oprah Winfrey Show for highlighting humanely, sustainably raised meats on today’s show, broadcast nationwide. Today’s program was prompted by an upcoming vote on a California ballot measure dealing with farm animal treatment, and addressed the important question, “Where does our food come from,” including a close look at how we treat animals raised for food.

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Vegan cattle rancher criticizes factory farms

Vegan cattle rancher criticizes factory farms

Raelene Willis

The Orion

Cannibalism isn’t something a normal person would consider. In fact, most people find it horrifying.

But while most of society turns its head at the idea, it is being practiced in the factory farms today, said Howard Lyman, vegan and author of “Mad Cowboy: Plain Truth from the Cattle Rancher Who Won’t Eat Meat.” Not only do cows eat grass and grain, but without realizing it, they often eat their own species.

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Stocker Cattle: Custom Grazing Strategies In Today’s Market

Stocker Cattle: Custom Grazing Strategies In Today’s Market

cattlenetwork.com

Market signals over the past year have increasingly pointed to a narrowing price slide, with heavier feeder cattle gaining value relative to lighter calves.

Mississippi State University Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Justin Rhinehart notes that the trend, and the incentive for producers to keep cattle on forage longer, might provide opportunities for land owners or managers to offer custom grazing services.

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