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Beef Tips

Author: Sandy Johnson

Practice Good Habits to Ensure Safety When Handling Liquid Nitrogen Tanks

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

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

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

 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

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

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

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

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

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

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” →

Coping with Rascally Raccoons

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

 Drew Ricketts, wildlife management and control specialist

Raccoons are very intelligent, resourceful animals that often live around farmyards in hollow trees, holes created by other animals, brush piles, abandoned vehicles and farm machinery, and buildings. Raccoons are omnivorous, meaning that their diet is very diverse and can include plant material such as fruits and nuts, animal matter from earthworms and insects to reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and birds. While raccoons are fascinating animals, their broad diet, intelligence, and willingness to live close to humans can lead to conflicts with people and pets and the need for some form of control. Continue reading “Coping with Rascally Raccoons” →

Share/Lease Agreements for Cow-Calf Operations

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

Individuals may look to enter into a share or lease agreement for cows for several reasons.  For example, a cow owner may wish to transfer ownership over time or to retain income without the labor of cow care.  Advantages to the operator may include a way to get started in cow/calf production or to utilize available labor more fully. Trust between parties is the foundation of any agreement followed by clear communication. Continue reading “Share/Lease Agreements for Cow-Calf Operations” →

Upcoming learning opportunities

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

We hope you will take advantage of various opportunities to engage K-State Research and Extension Beef Specialists, county and district agents and other professionals at the meetings planned in the coming months. KSUBeef.org is one source of those details in addition to county/district websites and social media outlets. For programs hosted by KSU Ag Economics department and various county/district meetings see the upcoming events at AgManager.info.

Feeding Cows in a Drought
Jan. 3 – Yates Center
Jan. 10 – Severy

Calving Schools
Jan. 4 – Stafford County Annex, St. John
Jan. 9 – Haskell County Fairgrounds, Sublette
Jan. 11 – Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, Holton
Jan. 18 – West Elk School, Howard

Hoxie Calving Clinic
Jan. 10

Check back at KSUBeef.org as more information becomes available for meetings Jan. 10th in Hays, Jan 29th in Larned, Feb. 5th in Seneca, Feb. 6th in the Post Rock District and Feb. 20th in Eureka.

Grid Pricing Improves Fed Cattle Profits and Consumer Beef

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Katy Doumit, graduate research assistant and Ted Schroeder, agricultural economist

Premiums and discounts for US fed cattle have evolved over time in response to changing consumer demand for beef. Cattle producers have benefitted from grid pricing by receiving elevated prices for higher quality beef. Consumers have benefitted from having exceptional beef quality they prefer. Grid pricing refers to valuing a lot of cattle based on carcass merit, including premiums or discounts for traits such as quality grade, yield grade, preferred weight, special branded programs, and more. Continue reading “Grid Pricing Improves Fed Cattle Profits and Consumer Beef” →

Disease Concerns with New Herd Introductions

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

AJ Tarpoff, DVM, Extension Veterinarian

Most Kansas producers have been impacted in one way or another by the drought over the past few years. With El Nino on its way, many producers are weighing the ins and outs of restocking as forage conditions allow. Anytime new additions are brought in from an outside source, disease introduction potential control should be a key part of any rebuilding plan. Continue reading “Disease Concerns with New Herd Introductions” →