Prepare for the Worst

Tips offered to prepare for many types of natural disaster.

She didn’t set out to be a disaster expert, but indoctrination by fire several times unintentionally created one. Christine Navarre left clinical veterinary practice to become an Extension veterinarian with Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. However, she started this new gig three days after Hurricane Katrina hit. Three weeks later, Hurricane Rita hit.

Living along the Gulf Coast means there are plenty of weather-related disasters from which to learn, and Navarre has a treasure trove of experience. She offers tips to better prepare for natural disasters, no matter your location.

Tagging Systems 1.0

Readers share tips for tagging calves.

Whether you are trying to communicate to your spouse which baby needs doctoring or trying to match pairs to move pastures, having a system to help identify cows and calves can be a great asset in managing your herd.

In mid-January we asked our Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA subscribers for input on what kind of identification (ID) system(s) they use when tagging calves. The response was overwhelming. Within a week we received 170 email replies, with input from people from four different countries.

As you might expect, ideas offered were as diversified as the beef industry.

Prevent Weed Explosion

Use sound grazing practices to reduce overgrazing and weeds.

Weed problems may explode this year thanks to the drought of 2018 and residual problems associated with overgrazing in parched pastures, says University of Missouri (MU) Extension agronomist Valerie Tate.

Last year’s extreme weather conditions created a forage shortage. As a result, many pastures were overgrazed.

Don’t Buy Bull-oney

University experts discuss three key tools when selecting a bull for your breeding program.

Factors considered when selecting a bull change almost by the minute, specifically because the environment dictates the breeds available when building a profitable system. University experts suggest consideration of expected progeny differences (EPDs), selection indexes and crossbreeding when finding a bull to build an ideal program for each operation.

Labor Guide Available

Free farm labor guide helps farmers hire and keep the right workers.

Like farm machinery and methods, hiring farmworkers has changed in recent years, says University of Missouri (MU) Extension agricultural economist Ryan Milhollin. MU Extension’s Missouri Farm Labor Guide can help.

Stimulating Calf Immunity

The timing of calf vaccination can affect later performance.

A cow in a natural environment may not become exposed to very many disease-causing organisms, but many cattle are confined part of the year in corrals, small pens or pastures that have been contaminated by heavy cattle use — with more chance of disease spread. With vaccination and natural exposure to various pathogens, the cow develops many antibodies and strong immunity. During the last part of pregnancy she puts these antibodies into the colostrum she produces, so her calf can have instant immunity right after it suckles.

Keeping Phosphorus Out of Waterways

Research on phosphorus filters finding ways to keep water sources clean.

In a pit about 3 feet underground lies one possible solution to reducing a large amount of the phosphorus draining from some of Ohio’s agricultural fields.

At two locations in the state, researchers with the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) are testing phosphorus filters that have removed up to 75% of the phosphorus running through them. Phosphorus can be found in commercial fertilizers and animal manure.

Gizmos & Gadgets

Companies offer advancements in marketing, health, reproduction and putting up hay.

Learn more about assessing feeder-calf value, a tool to predict an animal’s optimum end point, hay equipment, pinkeye control and new advances in reproductive technology.

Angus Advisor

Our team of Angus advisors offer regional tips for herd management for the spring season.