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Beef Tips

Category: January 2023

Want More Forage? Kill Some Cedars

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

By Keith Harmoney, range scientist, Hays

Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is the only evergreen tree native to Kansas, and it was originally found from eastern Canada, south to parts of Florida, and westward to eastern Texas and North Dakota.  Before European settlement of the plains, it was believed to be found mainly in eastern Kansas on bluffs, ridges, and extremely steep slopes, or basically places that were difficult for fires to reach and travel through as prairie fires helped form the dominant grassland regions of Kansas. Continue reading “Want More Forage? Kill Some Cedars” →

The Importance of Colostrum: Do We Really Need to Talk About This Again?

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

By Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

At the beginning of every calving season, we find ourselves discussing the importance of colostrum (first milk) in cow-calf herds. We discuss this topic so often; it makes one wonder if we shouldn’t move on to other topics? The short answer to that question is NO because of the great importance of this single dietary ingredient to calf health and growth. Continue reading “The Importance of Colostrum: Do We Really Need to Talk About This Again?” →

Is Newer Better? The 7 & 7 Synch Protocol

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

By Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

Twenty plus years ago, when ovulation synchronization protocols first produced industry acceptable pregnancy rates from a single fixed time insemination there was concern if the three handlings needed would still be viewed as too much hassle. The 2017 NAHMS survey shows use of AI trending up compared to earlier surveys, especially in herds sizes of 200 or more and in the Central region. Now after years of good success, would a protocol with an additional handling be worth it? The level of “hassle” for an AI program differs for each operation based on several factors but includes facilities and labor and perhaps attitude towards working cows. This article reviews data from synchronization protocols using 3 or 4 handlings. Continue reading “Is Newer Better? The 7 & 7 Synch Protocol” →

Finding the Best Deals for Feed and Forage

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

By Dale Blasi, stocker, forages, nutrition and management specialist and Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

In Kansas, drought conditions are a common occurrence and livestock producers consequently plan for the worst and hope for the best. Complicating matters this year is the extent to which drought is impacting areas of the U.S., the dramatic increase in feed cost and transportation cost for purchased feed. How does a producer adapt to the current situation without affecting cowherd productivity, while also keeping feed costs from breaking the bank? Continue reading “Finding the Best Deals for Feed and Forage” →

2023 Tri-State Cow Calf Symposium Planned for Jan. 27th

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

 

BIRD CITY, KS – The 2023 Tri-State Cow Calf Symposium will be Friday, January 27th in Bird City, Kansas. This event is produced by K-State Research and Extension, Nebraska Extension, and Colorado State University Extension and rotates between the three states. The symposium will focus on adapting in times of uncertainty and more specifically consider the strains that drought has put on producers in the tri-state area. Continue reading “2023 Tri-State Cow Calf Symposium Planned for Jan. 27th” →

K-State’s Cattlemen’s Day Scheduled for March 3

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

K-State’s 110th Annual Cattlemen’s Day will feature discussion on carbon credits and an economic outlook.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University’s Animal Sciences and Industry Department will host Cattlemen’s Day 2023 on Friday, March 3 at Weber Hall in Manhattan. A highlight of this year’s event will be Jason Sawyer, East Foundation chief science officer, who will discuss Navigating the U.S. Carbon Market. Continue reading “K-State’s Cattlemen’s Day Scheduled for March 3” →