MANAGEMENT...

Evaluate Your Stand

Assess spring alfalfa stands and manage winter-injured stands.

The most important question alfalfa growers deal with each year is whether an alfalfa stand is good enough to keep for one more year. While this process is best done in the fall, it often ends up being put off until spring. The key springtime evaluation process is to walk fields thoroughly to determine the extent of winter kill and winter injury.

The following are tips on assessing alfalfa stands and the extent of damage to the crop. Remember to always wait until the plant is growing to do an assessment of the stand. You'll need the following few tools: a tile spade or shovel, a sharp knife, an alfalfa square and a notepad. Read more.

Ron Torell with his wife, Jackie

Cow Camp Chatter

Taking care of business.

Is it any wonder that those individuals who are highly motivated and self-disciplined with good time-management and organizational skills are usually the most productive and successful in their chosen field? These people have the heart and passion for what they do. They are usually self-starters who know how to prioritize and multitask in order to get the job done.

These are the people we search out to do business with. They can be counted on in every situation. They are dependable and good to their word. In every walk of life there are those who have a natural sense for taking care of business and those who don't. Although many of these traits may not come naturally to some folks, the good news is they can be developed and fine-tuned over time. Read more.

Tips to Prevent Cattle Theft

With cattle prices at historical highs and many families struggling economically, cattle theft has the potential to increase, warns LSU AgCenter Extension beef specialist Allen Nipper. The loss of a few head could offset much of the profit a producer might expect to make in an entire year.

"Many law enforcement personnel say small-scale producers seem to be the most likely targets of cattle thieves because of lack of surveillance and ease of getting access to the cattle," Nipper said. "However, everyone should be aware of the potential." Read more.

Stay Up With New Tax Law

New tax law extends incentives for machinery, equipment purchases.

Farmers, ranchers and small-business operators can elect to take additional deductions in the first year for machinery and equipment purchases in 2011. These elections were extended under the recent tax law changes, according to Texas AgriLife Extension Service economists. With rising commodity prices and some rain, many farmers and ranchers will likely see a boost in gross income for 2011. Some will be looking to replace aging machinery or purchase new equipment for their operations, the economists said.

"Before finalizing any purchase deals, however, be sure you understand the tax options available," said Jose Pena, AgriLife Extension economist in Uvalde. "As always, it's a good idea to consult with your tax advisor to see how this will impact your financial situation before making a decision." Read more.

Set Calves Up for a Stress-free Transition

If the video above isn't visible, click here to link to a video (1 minute, 23 seconds) featuring Irsik & Doll Feedyard managers Mark Sebranek and Jerry Jackson with some tips for ranchers on how to set calves up for a stress-free transition to the feedlot.

— Video news release by Certified Angus Beef LLC.

Kris Ringwall

Beef Talk

Where is the grass?

The basis of a good grazing system is the dependability of grass, so understanding grazing systems and grass management is critical to the cattle operation.

One does need to ask where the grass is. As of this writing, the snow still covers the ground, at least in southwestern North Dakota. Although livestock producers may question spring turnout dates and slightly modify grazing plans, this is one case where the cows outshine the wheat.

The cow business is a grass business, and despite the wide range in highs and lows, grass seems to adjust quite well. In fact, the basis of a good grazing system is the dependability of grass, so understanding grazing systems and grass management is critical to the cattle operation. Cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses are distinctly different, but both are required to have an effective grazing program. 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 recently.

Angus Advisor

Click here for May herd management tips from cattle experts across the nation. Advice separated by region.

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