Beef Tips

Tag: KSUBeef.org

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

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”

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”

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”

Coping with Rascally Raccoons

 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

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”