What can be done to help newborn calf survival?

What can be done to help newborn calf survival?

Kindra Gordon

Hereford World

Producers recognize that losing a newborn calf is costly. But just how costly? Frank Garry, a veterinarian and coordinator for Colorado State University’s Integrated Livestock Management, offers this estimate: For every calf that dies that would have been sold at 550 lb., you would need to increase weaning weight of the next 11 calves by 50 lb. each to make up the income loss difference.

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September is the Time for Stockpiling

September is the Time for Stockpiling

Dr. Gary Bates

University of Tennessee

There are a few things I do very consistently. I wear a hat on sunny days, shave on Saturday night, and write an article about stockpiling tall fescue every fall. The hat prevents sunburn, the shaving is for church, and the stockpiling article is to promote one of the most economical recommendations we have.

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How should I treat a soft lump on a cow’s body?

How should I treat a soft lump on a cow’s body?

Dr. Ken McMillan

DTN/The Progressive Farmer

Think carefully before opting to lance a swollen area on a cow. If it’s a hernia you could be making a fatal mistake.

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Relationship with vet vital in transition to new rules

Relationship with vet vital in transition to new rules

Russ Daly

Tri State Neighbor

By now, livestock producers are becoming aware of imminent changes in how feed-grade antibiotics will be used under the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Producers using feed-grade medications such as chlortetracycline and tylosin will need to obtain a prescription-like VFD form from a veterinarian before they’re able to buy and feed those medications.

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Improved Genetics are Helping Improve Meat Quality

Improved Genetics are Helping Improve Meat Quality

Rae Price

Western Livestock Journal

Meeting consumer demands for a quality and consistent meat product has been the goal of cattle producers for many years, and meeting that demand is often traced back to cattle genetics. Changes to the genetics of herds by using expected progeny differences (EPDs) have played a role in commercial herds since the 1990s to help produce a product that consumers are willing to pay for and enjoy eating.

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What ails the US cattle market?

What ails the US cattle market?

Steve Kay

Beef Central

Livestock and meat markets generally move in relation to supply and demand fundamentals. Tight supplies of cattle in the US, in the aftermath of the most severe and widespread drought in the US from 2010 to 2012 eventually pushed live cattle prices to a record high of US$171.38/cwt at the end of November 2014.

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University of Arkansas professor outlines a 300-day grazing plan.

University of Arkansas professor outlines a 300-day grazing plan.

Austin Black

Angus Beef Bulletin

Imagine feeding hay for only 65 days each year. Not only does the scenario save time and money, it’s a lot easier to do than people think. Professors from the University of Arkansas Animal Science Department have developed a plan to do it.

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“Form and Function” in the Cow Herd

“Form and Function” in the Cow Herd

Dr. Roy Burris

Ohio Beef Cattle Letter

Replacement heifers are critical to the success of your herd. Open (non-pregnant), unsound, aged cows or animals that die need to be replaced annually to maintain herd size. Since it can be difficult to find a source of mature cows that are problem-free, many producers direct their efforts toward producing or purchasing yearling replacement heifers.

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Negative impacts of EPA’s WOTUS rule

Negative impacts of EPA’s WOTUS rule

Rep. Mike Conaway

Morning AG Clips

Farmers, ranchers and foresters take great pride in their stewardship of the land. They are the original conservationists. And while it may be popular among some to blame farmers and ranchers for any and every environmental concern that crops up, I know that nobody cares more for the environment than those who work the land every day.

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The value of wheat hay

The value of wheat hay

Ken Olson, Adele Harty

Drovers

This year has posed some significant challenges for wheat producers in different parts of the country. In some areas the wheat is not making grain due to various issues including drought and diseases, such as rust. In addition to production being compromised, wheat prices have been steadily declining.

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