Maximizing Profits Under Drought Conditions, Higher Input Costs and National Herd Liquidation

Factors to consider include herd liquidation, rebuilding, payoffs and more.

Cow-calf producers have not faced this confluence of competing factors in the last 40 years. Some factors indicate cow-calf producers should continue herd liquidation, while other factors indicate there should be greater retention. What we do know from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service January 2022 Cattle Inventory report is that beef cows are down 2%, heifers held back for beef cow replacements are down 3%, and heifers expected to calve this year are down 3% year over year.

Are You Disposing of Pesticide Safely?

Pesticide disposal is one of those inconvenient tasks that often takes a back seat to the urgent items in our daily workloads.

Sometimes you inadvertently run out of area to spray, or the season ends, leaving you with excess chemical. Some producers switch technology, making last season’s product obsolete. Whatever the reason you find excess pesticides in stock, store them in an impermeable secondary container in a locked location. Follow all disposal instructions on the pesticide label. Do not dump down a drain, gutter, toilet or on the ground!

Gizmos & Gadgets

Products for use on farms, ranches or feedlots.

You never know what a day on the farm or ranch is going to look like, so being prepared for everything from disasters to cold weather is important. This month we look at a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a welding helmet and cold-weather gear.

Four Ways to Stay Safe When Working Cattle

Veterinarian gives safety considerations for before and while working cattle.

Large animals and unpredictable situations can certainly lead to accidents. Accidents happen, but it pays to think ahead and avoid putting yourself into a risky situation.

Most cattle herds are gathered and worked for branding, vaccinating, pregnancy testing, weaning and other necessary management tasks. Many cattle are put through the chute twice or more annually. It is important to make sure these cattle-working tasks are accomplished smoothly and safely for the cattle and for the safety of the crew.

Mental Health in Rural Communities

Bridge the gap between rural communities and access to mental health services.

Rural communities often face limited access to health care and sometimes face even less access to mental health care. However, there are always mental health resources available, no matter where one lives.

Students Create Award-winning Safety Videos

UMASH partnered with University of Minnesota ag communications to create safety education for all.

The Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) partnered with the University of Minnesota’s Agricultural Communications Advanced Video class to create public service announcements on a number of topics in agricultural safety and health. This project was part of the class curriculum, and the videos were entered into a UMASH-sponsored contest.