Innovative Cover Crops for Grazing

Interseeding corn with other forages may provide a more complete winter feed source for dry cows.

Cover crops were traditionally planted between other crops rather than leaving the field fallow; having roots in the ground reduces erosion from wind and water, holds soil moisture, and improves soil health. The cover crop would then be plowed under to add more organic matter and fertility before planting the next cash crop.

The Smallest Details Make the Biggest Difference

Ensure proper levels of trace minerals to improve herd performance.

Cattle care happens at all levels, and producers know even the smallest action can make the biggest difference in herd health. Ensuring livestock receive the proper amounts of trace mineral will help to ensure a cow is performing at peak level.

Kevin Cain, director of technical services for MultiMin, lists four trace minerals as major players in terms of reproduction — copper, manganese, selenium and zinc.

Angus Proud: Stephen Shiner

Idaho operation rotates pastures in summer and raises crops for winter.

Shiner Ranch, owned and operated by Stephen Shiner and his two nephews, has about 800 mama cows that they rotate between Idaho pastures to make sure the herd has enough forages.

“We have about 400 acres of hay ground that they graze on in the wintertime,” Shiner says. “Then we summer them on the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) property.”

Perilla Mint: A Toxic Threat to Livestock

Learn to identify the toxic weed that causes deadly atypical interstitial pneumonia.

Perilla mint is highly toxic when consumed by cattle, other ruminants and horses. The entirety of the plant is toxic, with the flowering structures being especially potent. Perilla mint is more likely to be consumed in the fall, because of a seasonal decrease in forage availability.

Ways to Avoid Pasture Bloat

Staying ahead of bloat with anti-bloat products is the best prevention method.

Bloat is always a risk on certain pastures. If cattle can’t expel the extra gas produced by rumen microbes during digestion, bloat occurs. Nearly any pasture that is high in protein content and low in structural fiber — such as when plants are immature and lush — can be a risk under certain conditions, according to Bill Pinchak, beef cattle nutritionist and professor, Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Vernon, Texas.

Five Ways to Prevent Trich

With a recent trich outbreak, understand the risks and implement these tips to protect your cattle.

Trichomoniasis, most commonly known as trich, is a devastating disease affecting cattle. It causes infertility and early embryonic death, leading to a high percentage of open and/or late-bred cows. The enormous cost of open cows, the veterinary and laboratory costs for investigation and diagnosis, and the costs of culling and replacing animals can lead to considerable economic strain.