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Priorities First

Click here to view "Priorities First: Identifying Practices in the Commercial Cow-Calf Business" by Tom Field, sponsored by the American Angus Association.®

 

2009 Ultrasound Technicians list

 

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Topics of Interest

Dealing With Drought

Resource for producers across the country who are affected by drought.


Applied Reproductive
Strategies in Beef Cattle


Beef Improvement
Federation Annual Meeting


Range Beef
Cow Symposium

 

Instruction Manual for Coproduct Storage
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has introduced an online manual to assist producers in evaluating the economics of storing ethanol coproducts for extended periods of time for inclusion in cattle rations. The resource addresses potential opportunities to store coproducts and describes a spreadsheet to analyze associated costs. Click here to access the manual. Click here.

Angus Productions Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 22, 2009


MANAGEMENT...

cow/calf pair

Factors Underlying a Successful Synchronization and AI Program

Estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) rank high among technologies for genetic improvement of beef breeding herds. However, according to University of Missouri (MU) animal scientist Mike Smith, the development and application of synchronizing estrus and ovulation depends on an understanding of the physiological and hormonal mechanisms controlling the estrous cycle. Smith discussed the underlying physiological principles during the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) workshop, which was in conjunction with the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas.

"It is essential to pay attention to details throughout an estrus synchronization and artificial insemination program," Smith warned. "Success hinges on many factors and a fault in one area cannot be made up by success in another." Read more.

For additional coverage of the ARSBC workshop, click here.


Ron Torell
Ron Torell

Back to Basics

Calving heifers: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Most of our first-calf heifer stories are similar in nature, whether we calve out one heifer or 700. Take, for example, the breached deliveries, the 95-pound (lb.) calves out of "calving ease sires," or the pinched sciatic nerves and paralyzed heifers. There is always the story of the wild heifer that tore up the barn and mucked out the help, the swollen noses and tongues, and the slow-to-get-up and hypothermic calves. And let's not forget the stories of poor mothering ability. Perhaps the most common calving story is the one involving sleep deprivation on the caretaker's part.

In this month's edition of "Back to Basics," let's interview a few Northeastern Nevada owners/managers of large cow-calf operations. They advise an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Let's hear what that ounce of prevention is. In an accompanying story, "Cowboy Midwives: Tips from the Pros," let's interview veteran midwife cowboys who calve out hundreds of heifers per year on these large Nevada cow-calf operations. Read more.


Vomitoxin Worries

Don't rely on chemical treatments to reduce vomitoxin contamination of corn.

Ohio growers may be concerned about moldy grain and vomitoxin development in storage, but they shouldn't rely on chemical treatments to prevent any further contamination, says an Ohio State University Extension plant pathologist.

"I've fielded questions from growers as to whether or not vomitoxin will increase in storage over time, if vomitoxin levels can be reduced and if treatments they are looking at are authentic and effective against vomitoxin development," Pierce Paul said. "In answer to those questions, yes, vomitoxin can increase in storage if environmental conditions are suitable, vomitoxin won't be reduced because it's stable, and I know of no fungicide or other chemical treatment that has been used effectively to reduce vomitoxin in stored grain." Read more.


Igenity® Profile for Angus Goes HD

AGI now accepting samples for high-accuracy genomic profile.

Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) is now processing samples for the new high-accuracy Igenity® profile for Angus. This profile, derived from a high-density whole-genome scan with 50,000 markers, provides cattle producers access to genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) with an even higher level of accuracy for making genetic selection decisions.

The new high-accuracy GE-EPDs incorporate the Association pedigree, carcass and ultrasound performance data with genomic profile results to produce EPDs for carcass merit. These GE-EPDs can be used by both Angus seedstock and commercial producers to make the most informed selection decisions. Read more.

 


Kris Ringwall
Kris Ringwall

Beef Talk

Genomics lead to a better beef business.

Today's beef cattle are the result of selection processes that have been refined for centuries. Producers have developed a strong genetic base and are designing cattle to meet the production criteria needed to fit their individual environments.

Producers simply do not round up rogue cows and calves, select a calf for harvest and then invite the neighbors over for supper. Selection processes allow producers to get a feel for the genes a bull carries without having to gamble on the bull's outward appearance. Read more.


Utilizing Carcass Traits in a Breeding Program

"The ultimate goal for beef producers should be to produce beef that creates a great dining experience, because that's where the money comes from." That was the message Larry Corah shared as he addressed attendees at the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) workshop hosted in conjunction with the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas. Corah is vice president of Certified Angus Beef LLC (CAB).

Value-added comes when the consumer is willing to pay more money for a product, he explained. "The message is pretty clear: Consumers want a positive beef eating experience."

Corah emphasized that genetics and management are essential tools for achieving that goal of giving consumers a high-quality eating experience. With specific regard to artificial insemination (AI), Corah pointed out that AI is often used to generate better replacement females or seedstock bulls. Read more.

For additional coverage of the ARSBC workshop, click here.


Profitable Forage Management Strategies

Producers encouraged to consider their stocking rates.

It's OK if your cost of production goes up, claims Texas AgriLife Extension Forage Specialist Larry Redmon, as long as your profit margin increases accordingly. However, too many producers are seeing their profits decline or disappear.

At a 2010 Cattle Industry Convention Cattlemen's College® session, Redmon said a primary reason for reduced profitability is that many ranches are overstocked.

"If a rancher is feeding hay in July, it's not a good sign. But I see that happening, particularly in drought-stricken areas," Redmon said. "I would argue that the most important aspect of a forage-based livestock operation is stocking rate." Read more.

For additional coverage of the Cattlemen's College and other Cattle Industry Convention highlights, click here.


Kent Andersen

Scientists at the Forage and Range Research Laboratory in Logan, Utah, have developed Hycrest II crested wheatgrass. This new drought-tolerant cultivar competes with annual weeds when seeded on rangelands after wildfires, soil erosion, and other disturbances.

Reviving Western Rangelands

Researchers develop Hycrest II crested wheatgrass and Vavilov II, a Siberian wheatgrass cultivar.

For more than two decades, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have been developing new grasses and forages that can hold their own on the rugged rangelands of the western United States. As a result of that work, the scientists have released many improved plant varieties that help restore vegetation communities struggling for survival in the face of extreme weather conditions, wildfires, soil erosion, invasive plant species and other challenges. Read more.


New Products

Industry affiliates provide a wide array of products and services to assist you on the farm and ranch. Here's an assortment of new products to hit the market in the last few months.

Trace mineral injectable

Dual-action antibiotic and anti-inflammatory

Metabolic plant stimulant

Herbicide for broadleaf control

Hay and forage probes

Handheld windrow hay moisture tester

Low-profile loaders


Angus Advisor