By Sandy Johnson, Extension Beef Specialist, Colby, and AJ Tarpoff, DVM, Extension Veterinarian
The checklist below is designed to help you plan and prepare to improve the success of your calving season and weaned calf crop. Continue reading “Preparing for the calving season”
by A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, Beef Extension Veterinarian
Neonatal calf scours (diarrhea) is a multifactorial issue. The risk and occurrence can change year to year based on many different factors. Typically, early spring calving due to the cold, wet and windy weather, creates some unique challenges in combating calf scours for cattle producers. Continue reading “Management tips to reduce the impact of calf scours- Part 1 – Causes, signs, treatment”
by A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS, Beef Extension Veterinarian
Neonatal calf scours (diarrhea) is a multifactorial issue. Regardless of the pathogen(s) involved, there are some basic management strategies to reduce the risk of developing an outbreak. Four key areas to concentrate on are biosecurity, supporting proper immune function, environmental management, and hygiene. Continue reading “Management tips to reduce the impact of calf scours- Part 2 – Prevention”
by Zach Duncan, doctoral student and Dale Blasi, stocker, forages, nutrition and management specialist
Previous research conducted at the KSU Beef Stocker Unit with limit fed high-energy corn and corn co-products has established that feed efficiency is improved with a reduction in manure production in growing calves. One aspect of limit-feeding growing calves is the concern of insuring that sufficient bunk space is available to allow all calves the opportunity to gain access to feed when offered. Continue reading “Bunk space requirements for limit-fed growing beef cattle are not as large as initially thought”
Bull management will be one of the topics for the 2022 Kansas State University Winter Ranch Management Series. Hosted at four locations across the state of Kansas, the meetings will feature presentations and comments by extension educators to strengthen the management strategies employed by cow-calf producers. Continue reading “K-State’s Winter Ranch Management Series Set for February”
By: Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City
The increased commodity prices we are experiencing have many cattle producers considering the costs associated with their feeding and management programs. Here are a few tips that might aid cost conscientious producers. Continue reading “Tips to Aid Cost Conscientious Producers on Commodity Prices”
By: Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City
Have you ever given any thought to what your organization, farm, feedlot or operation is really about? Do you have a mission statement, a set of core values that you believe your organization or operation embodies? Previously, I used to think that mission statements and core value statements were idealistic and a waste of thought. However, my attitude has changed. These statements provide the organization with a foundation, a clear objective that serves to guide the organization as it makes decisions that hopefully move the organization forward into the future. Regardless of the size of the enterprise, putting some thought into what an organization or business is really about has value. These statements do not have to be long or dramatic. I recently visited a family livestock operation in which the sign on the front lawn (along a major highway) simply said “Our Family Feeding Yours”. This simple statement tells everyone that drives by that this is a family operation that is foremost engaged in the process of sustaining not only themselves but other people. So, challenge yourself a bit and ask yourself “Why do you (or your business) do what you do?”
For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.