Do we HAVE to cull genetic defect cattle? Science says no
Jared E. Decker
BEEF
Several years ago, I authored an article for BEEF Cow-Calf Weekly that spelled out my perspective on how the beef industry should manage genetic defects rather than immediately eliminate all carriers. One could assume that is simply the opinion of an academic. However, there are data to back up the view that harsh approaches to eliminate genetic defects have a negative impact on the beef industry.
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Is It Residual or Is It Residue?
Jim Gerrish
On Pasture
A lot of people in grazing circles seem to use these terms interchangeably, but in grazing science they mean two very different things. Residual is the living plant material left behind after a grazing event. For clarity we often say ‘post-grazing residual’. Residue is dead plant material left on the soil surface. It is synonymous with litter or duff.
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Producers monitor lameness, costs
Caitlin Ellingson
Iowa Farmer Today
To address lameness in cow herds, prevention is better than treatment. J.K. Shearer, a professor of veterinary medicine at Iowa State University, spoke at the Driftless Region Beef Conference here Feb. 4-5, about the common causes of lameness cattle. He said producers should know the signs in order to run a more efficient operation.
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Two Beef Production Management Workshops Scheduled for early March
Iowa Beef Center
Beef producers who want to hone their management practices are invited to attend one of two workshops set for early March in north central Iowa. Iowa State University Extension program specialist Russ Euken said these “Sharpening Your Beef Cattle Management Skills” events will focus on cow-calf and feedlot management topics.
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Converting Crops to Grass
Kay Ledbetter
Angus Beef Bulletin
A growing interest in shifting out of crop production and into a forage-based system in the Rolling Plains has Stan Bevers, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in Vernon, consulting his crystal ball. He has some advice for those who are contemplating the move: “Have a multi-year plan and have a chunk of equity, because you can’t borrow your way through this.”
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Heifer development: Rebreeding 1st calf heifers
George Perry, Taylor Grussing
Drovers
According to the USDA-NASS Cattle Inventory Report that was recently released, beef producers across the country are expected to calve 106% more beef heifers than last year. With this in mind, producers will also be breeding more 2-year old females this year.
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Canada invests in genomic technologies for cattle sector
Food In Canada
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay has announced a $1-million government investment to increase adoption of genomic technologies in Canada’s cattle sector.
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