MANAGEMENT...
Fight Frostbite
When winter is at its ugliest, wind chill temperatures of –20°, –30° and even –40° F are not unheard of. That is when the risk of frostbite becomes a serious concern for people and livestock.
Fortunately, with proper preparation, frostbite and hypothermia can be prevented. Read more.
Save Money, Conserve Nitrogen
How can you conserve more of the valuable nitrogen from your cattle feedlot or confinement facility? Do you want to learn more about manure management strategies to conserve nitrogen for beneficial reuse?
The nationwide eXtension network of more than 70 universities is hosting a web cast Feb. 20 featuring presentations on nitrogen conservation in open feedlots and confined animal housing units as well as feeding strategies that allow for more nitrogen to be retained in stored manure. Click here to learn more.
Kris Ringwall
Beef Talk
Buying the right bull means checking his grades.
The commonsense process of buying bulls has not changed much. The requirements are simple. The bull needs four decent legs, a bit of appropriate muscle indicative of the product and a functioning reproductive system.
Cost usually determines which bull one brings home. The opportunity to buy a bull that offers a greater probability of producing profit-generating progeny is available, and the evaluation process is simple. Read more.
Persuading a Heifer to Mother Her Calf
If a first-time mother is confused or aggressively attacking her calf, a trick that often works is to lightly tranquilize her and give her a painkiller the first day. Ron Skinner, veterinarian and cattle breeder near Hall, Mont., has found this very effective with non-motherly heifers or cows he is trying to graft an orphan onto. Read more.
Short-term and Supplemental Forages
Beef cattle producers may look to short-term or temporary forages to stretch production on fewer acres.
Nearly all short-term forage choices are fast-growing annual crops. Traditionally, the sorghums and millets have been planted for summer forage. Increasingly, cereal grains and forage “brassicas”are being planted for more fall, winter or spring forage. Think through what your needs are as you consider the various alternatives. Read more.
Ron Torell
Back to Basics
Matching hay quality to cow needs
Feeding range cattle through the winter is the most costly aspect of many livestock operations. However, if hay quality is matched to the nutritional demands of cattle, the purchase of supplements can be reduced and herd production can be increased. This can be accomplished by simply planning the sequence of hay feeding.
Read more.
Creating Your Ranch Legacy
Successfully passing a ranch from one generation to the next not only requires transferring financial assets, but management responsibilities as well. Read more.
Angus Advisor
Click here for January herd management tips from cattle experts across the nation. Advice separated by region.