Caring for cows in winter

Caring for cows in winter

Farm Progress

Caring for cow herds during the winter can be challenging when it becomes bitterly cold. In general, cows are cold-tolerant and are comfortable down to 20 degrees F. Most cows are managed outside even under extreme conditions and can benefit from extra care when the effective temperature, ambient temperature and wind chill, drops below zero.

Full Story

Colostrum 101

Colostrum 101

Lindsay Waechter-Mead

Progressive Cattle

Colostrum management is a topic that comes around each calving season, and cattle producers should understand the importance of getting proper colostrum intake.

Full Story

How Valuabull?

How Valuabull?

Aaron Berger

University of Nebraska

The spring bull sale season is underway.  Catalogs are being studied, EPDs and individual animal performance numbers are being compared, and choices are being made as to which bulls will be the next herd sires. One of the primary drivers in the choice of which bull will be bought is the bull’s price.

Full Story

Beef tenderness research identifies factors influencing eating quality

Beef tenderness research identifies factors influencing eating quality

Feedstuffs

K-State meat scientists studied to see how fat content, connective tissue and muscle structure influence tenderness. There is nothing like biting into a nice juicy steak where the savory flavors burst in your mouth, but if that meat is tough to chew, the experience may be a disappointment. In the case of beef, all cuts are not created equal in terms of tenderness.

Full Story

Calving cameras can pay off

Calving cameras can pay off

Karen Briere

The Western Producer

Greg Kornfeld says calving cameras do pay off. He figures he spent about $8,000 on his current camera system three years ago. It includes eight cameras, one outside on a yard light pole and the rest inside different buildings.

Full Story

‘We are facing extinction’: Black farmers in steep decline

‘We are facing extinction’: Black farmers in steep decline

ROXANA HEGEMAN

Intermountain Farm and Ranch

After Gil Alexander’s death left no active Black farmers in a historic Kansas community once home to hundreds, Alexander’s nephew and his wife gave up their jobs in Arizona to try and save the family farm.

Full Story

Keep Biosecurity Simple and Realistic

Keep Biosecurity Simple and Realistic

Jaclyn Krymowski.

American Cattlemen

The Oxford dictionary definition of “biosecurity” is procedures intended to protect humans or animals against disease or other biological agents. A broad term, it brings many different ideas to mind for different people. Often it is associated with visitors or surgical and treatment precautions. While these are all part of the picture, biosecurity is a mindset that should go right down to the daily tasks undertaken by everyone on your operation.

Full Story

 

 

Management Impacts Spring Forage Regrowth and Fertility

Management Impacts Spring Forage Regrowth and Fertility

Victor Shelton

Ohio Beef Cattle Letter

It might be early February, but I’m already thinking about new spring forage growth and I guarantee the livestock are also. In the past, we’ve discussed the impact of fall management on the next spring growth and production, but how much impact does it really have?

Full Story

Should you be feeding high-magnesium mineral?

Should you be feeding high-magnesium mineral?

Dr. Katie Mason

University of Tennessee

Minerals are a crucial part of beef cattle nutrition. It is important to provide a complete mineral package to your cattle to make up for deficiencies in the diet. While mineral programs may look a little bit different for each farm, there is one mineral that is on many minds this time of year: magnesium (Mg). Magnesium is essential for optimal growth, reproduction, and development, and is found in bones, teeth, and soft tissues.

Full Story

Tagging Calves

Tagging Calves

Dr. Ken McMillan

DTN

We are in the registered Hereford business. We tag, collect birthweights and udder score the dam as soon as we find a calf. This is common in most registered herds. Our cows are incredibly gentle, and proper identification is critical. That said, I know this can be more difficult, and at times less important, in some commercial operations. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember each operation is different, and you have to do what’s best for you.

Full Story