UK College of Agriculture Weather Center Issues Cold Stress Advisory

After near-record high temperatures in the mid to upper 60s today across much of Kentucky, an approaching winter storm system will drag an arctic cold front through the Ohio Valley this weekend. University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture Meteorologist Keys Arnold said that by Sunday morning, temperatures will be near 30 degrees with wind speeds around 20 mph.

“These conditions will cause livestock cold stress to reach dangerous levels,” he said. “By Monday morning behind the frontal boundary, the coldest temperatures of the season will be in place over the state.”

Monday morning lows could drop into the single digits. Combine these temperatures with wind speeds in the mid to upper teens, wind chill values potentially will drop below zero. These conditions will cause livestock cold stress to reach emergency levels. Livestock producers and pet owners should take precautions and make sure animals have adequate food, water and shelter to make it through this time.

U.S. Cattle on Feed Down 6%

Cattle and calves on feed for slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.3 million head on Dec. 1, 2008. The inventory was 6% below Dec. 1, 2007 and 5% below Dec. 1, 2006.

Placements in feedlots during November totaled 2.02 million, 5% below 2007 but 7% above 2006.  Net placements were 1.95 million head.

During November, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds (lb.) were 565,000, 600-699 lbs. were 630,000, 700-799 lbs. were 450,000, and 800 lb. and greater were 370,000.

Marketings of fed cattle during November totaled 1.58 million, 9% below 2007 and 12% below 2006. This is the second-lowest fed cattle marketings for the month of November since the series began in 1996.

Other disappearance totaled 67,000 during November, 18% above 2007 and 19% below 2006.

Two Labs Announce Testing

Igenity. Merial announced this morning that the Igenity® profile now includes an option to evaluate cattle for the presence of arthrogryposis multiplex (AM). Samples will be processed beginning Dec. 19. The company reports that due to the tremendous demand for AM testing, results may initially take longer than the standard 10-15 business days. Priority will be given to current Igenity customers and new customers requesting the Igenity profile with the AM test.

Igenity is accepting blood and semen for immediate processing. As capacity is expanded, other sample types will be analyzed as well. For more information, visit the company web site, www.igenity.com/beef.

Pfizer test. Pfizer Animal Genetics shares that it has completed internal validation of a commercial test for AM. Pfizer is currently in the process of validating test results with Jon Beever at the University of Illinois. Commercial testing of customer samples is expected to commence Monday, Dec. 22. A holiday work schedule is in place to expedite testing, and additional resources are being deployed to expand testing volume. Pricing information will be made available early next week.

Pfizer will accept a variety of samples for DNA testing, including hair, semen, blood cards and whole blood tubes. For more information visit the company web site, www.pfizeranimalgenetics.com, or call customer service at 1-877-BEEF-DNA.

For more information about AM and the most current list of available labs, visit www.angus.org.

Kansas Hay and Grazing Conference

The 2009 Kansas Hay and Grazing Conference (KHGC) will be Wed., Jan. 14 at the Kansas Farm Bureau building in Manhattan. The conference is sponsored by Kansas State University (K-State) Research and Extension and the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council.

Noble Foundation forage researcher, Andy Hopkins will give the keynote address “Where Are We Headed with Forage Research?”

The event, which starts with registration from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., is for anyone interested in livestock grazing, hay production and utilization or the buying and selling of Kansas grass and hay products, organizers said. In addition to breakout sessions, the event will feature educational displays and commercial exhibits.

An awards luncheon will feature a presentation by Greg Krissek, director of government affairs at ICM, Inc. Krissek will speak on “Colwich Ethanol Plant Producing Cellulosic Biofuels in Kansas.”

Presentations on a variety of topics will include: Liability in the Hay Business; Pasture, Rangeland, Forage — Vegetation Plan of Insurance; Cool Season Grass Fertilization; Clean Water Farms Project; and Patch Burn Grazing of the Tallgrass Prairie.

More topics to be covered include: Rangeland Management with a Cow Herd; Proper Burning Technique for Rangeland and CRP; Grass-Fed Beef Update; Using Byproduct Supplements; A “Watch List” for Invasive Plants in Kansas; Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Animal Identification Update; and Improved Forages for the Southern Plains.

The pre-registration fee of $40, payable by Jan. 8, covers a 2009 membership in the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, a 2009 KFGC Discount Coupon Book, conference lunch and breaks, and conference proceedings. The registration fee after Jan. 8 and at the door is $60.

Registration and further information is available by calling 620-431-1530 or email kwalters@oznet.ksu.edu.

— Releases provided by K-State Research and Extension

— compiled by Mathew Elliott, Assistant Editor, Angus Productions Inc.