Objective: The objective of our experiment was to determine if prescribed fire applied in April, August, or October influenced stocker growth performance or plant community characteristics in the Kansas Flint Hills over a 6-year period. Continue reading “Long-Term Effects of April, August, or October Prescribed Fire on Yearling Stocker Cattle Performance and Native Rangeland Plant Composition in the Kansas Flint Hills”
Author: Sandy Johnson
K-State Hosts 30-hour OSHA Course for Agriculture Workers
Agriculture is a high-risk industry, where “near misses”, accidents and even fatalities unfortunately occur. Many agriculture employers believe they are exempt from OSHA regulations and standards. However, agriculture falls within the scope of OSHA per the “General Duty Clause” (Section 5.a.1., OSHA 1910) which states that “Each employer shall furnish to each of his/her employees employment and place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his/her employees”. K-State will be hosting an OSHA-30-hour course for agriculture workers this spring in Garden City, KS. I would highly encourage anyone who is not familiar with OSHA and your role and responsibilities as an employer or supervisor to take an OSHA course.
For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu
Reducing Tick Populations Through Prescribed Burning
Objective: Explore the effect of prescribed fire on tick population dynamics in the Kansas Flint Hills. Continue reading “Reducing Tick Populations Through Prescribed Burning”
A Novel Approach of Using Electrostatic Field to Reduce Thawing Time and Improve Frozen Beef Quality
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of applying an electrostatic field (EF) on thawing characteristics, such as thawing speed and purge loss, as well as its impact on quality attributes during subsequent aging and retail display of beef. Continue reading “A Novel Approach of Using Electrostatic Field to Reduce Thawing Time and Improve Frozen Beef Quality”
GreatO+ Supplementation Leads to Greater Proportions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Small Intestines of Holstein Steers
Objective: This study aimed to determine if supplementation of GreatO+, an extruded blend of flaxseed and microalgae (NBO3, Manhattan, KS), in Holstein steers would lead to greater amounts of fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, in the small intestines. Continue reading “GreatO+ Supplementation Leads to Greater Proportions of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Small Intestines of Holstein Steers”
Practice Good Habits to Ensure Safety When Handling Liquid Nitrogen Tanks
Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby
Breeding season is still a ways off but those that use artificial insemination (that’s AI in my world) may be busy delivering or picking up semen stored in a liquid nitrogen tank. Unfortunately, many of the people involved with moving these tanks may be unaware of the safety precautions they should be taking when doing so. Understanding more about liquid nitrogen and its properties will reduce complacency and help prevent accidents. Continue reading “Practice Good Habits to Ensure Safety When Handling Liquid Nitrogen Tanks”
Managing Feeder Cattle Price Risk
By Jennifer Ifft, agricultural policy extension specialist, Flinchbaugh Agricultural Policy Chair
For producers that will have calves to sell in fall 2024 or early 2025, futures prices have rallied to around nearly $265-270/cwt. However, weather, global conflict, or other factors could negatively impact the 2024 market. Prices were relatively high throughout 2014 in response to a drought-induced decline in cow numbers, but during the fall of 2015 prices declined rapidly. While market fundamentals may currently be stronger in 2024 than 2015, markets remain volatile and high prices have never lasted forever. Continue reading “Managing Feeder Cattle Price Risk”
Calving Schools Planned
K-State to host four events around Kansas focused on providing tips to help producer prepare for calving season.
MANHATTAN, Kan. -In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools in January.
The program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State extension beef veterinarian, explains the goals of the event are to increase knowledge, practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born if they need assistance. Continue reading “Calving Schools Planned”
Preparing for Winter Weather Extremes
Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby
It is hard to prepare for extreme winter weather when December in Kansas may be one of the warmest on record. However, variability seems to be a characteristic of our weather lately and a drop in temperature with or without above normal precipitation could create some very stressful conditions for livestock. Animals adapt to colder weather as we go through the fall into winter, but if there is an abrupt change, without acclimation, the stress is compounded. Planning ahead can lessen some of the challenges. Continue reading “Preparing for Winter Weather Extremes”
Considerations for Hauling Water to Cattle
Jaymelynn Farney, beef systems specialist, Parsons, KS
Historically hauling water has primarily been used for cattle grazing croplands; however, with severe droughts through most of Kansas hauling water has become more common even for summer grazing. This guide is offered to provide some information as to whether hauling water can be an option for your operation. Continue reading “Considerations for Hauling Water to Cattle”
