News Update
March 29, 2011

K-State to Host Cattle Feeders College In Larned and Sublette

Kansas State University (K-State) Research and Extension will host the K-State Cattle Feeders College May 4 in Larned and May 5 in Sublette. The event is sponsored by Intervet-Schering Plough Animal Health, Walco and Lallemand Animal Nutrition and begins with registration at 4:30 p.m.

The Larned program is at the Pawnee County Fairgrounds, 400 E. 18th St. in Larned on May 4, and the Sublette program will be at the Haskell County Fairgrounds, 503 S. Fairgrounds Rd., in Sublette on May 5.

The schedule is the same at both locations, so attendees can choose the date and location most convenient for them.

The program will begin at 5 p.m., and feature a presentation, "Modernizing our Industry," by Bill Mies, professor emeritus, Texas A&M University.

The K-State Cattle Feeders College will offer three breakout sessions, and Spanish translation will be offered in Sublette. The sessions at both locations will include:

Managers and Human Resources Session:

• Feedyard Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Solutions — Tom McDonald, vice president, environmental affairs, JBS Five Rivers Cattle Feeding;
• Managing People and Building Leaders in Your Organization — Panel discussion led by Chris Reinhardt, K-State Research and Extension feedlot specialist;

Cattle Crew Session:

• Horsemanship (live demonstration) — Scott Daily, Daily Horse Training, Ark City, Kan.;
• Everyday Stockmanship — Kip Lukasiewicz, Sandhills Cattle Consulting, Ainsworth, Neb.;

Mill and Maintenance Crew Session:

• Feed Truck Mixing Technology — Mark Cooksey, Roto-Mix LLC, Dodge City, Kan.; and
• Welding Tips, Tricks and Safety — Kurt Wenzel, Garden City Community College welding program.

"Top Hand Awards" will also be presented. Cattle feeding organizations may nominate employees for a "Top Hand Award" by submitting a 100-word-or-less nomination to K-State Research and Extension livestock specialist Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu or Justin Waggoner, K-State Extension beef systems specialist, 4500 E. Mary St., Garden City, KS 67846. Top hands will be recognized in both the cattle and milling/maintenance divisions. The award recipient must be present to accept the award.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required by April 29. To register, contact Rodney Wallace at 620-285-6901 or rwallace@ksu.edu; Lacey Noterman, 620-675-2261 or lnote@ksu.edu; or Justin Waggoner, 620-275-9164 or jwaggon@ksu.edu.

— Release by K-State Research & Extension News.

Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab Confirms Anthrax Case

Sample tissue submitted to the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) has tested positive for anthrax in a central Texas beef cattle herd, according to agency officials. The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) confirmed the anthrax case on a ranch in Hill County near Whitney, 30 miles north of Waco. A veterinarian submitted the tissue samples to the diagnostic laboratory in College Station.

"It's not unheard of, but somewhat unusual [for anthrax to be discovered in Central Texas]," said Amy Swinford, head of diagnostic bacteriology for the TVMDL.

The laboratory conducted a series of tests to confirm the identity of the bacteria isolated from the cow's spleen, Swinford said.

"While the organism can be cultured from infected tissues, the preferred specimen is a blood sample, which can be collected without opening the carcass and potentially contaminating the surrounding soil," she said.

Through the years, the laboratory has confirmed cases of anthrax as early as March and as late as December, although the disease typically is discovered during summertime in the state, according to Swinford. Most recent cases have been primarily in Southwest Texas, which is the endemic area for anthrax in the state.

Animals will be restricted from movement and vaccinated, according to animal health officials.

The anthrax spores live in the soil and can continue to be a threat to livestock if not vaccinated, Swinford said. Recent dry, warm weather likely created a favorable environment for the spores to form.

"Also, when you have a heavy rain, spores that may have been deep within the soil can float to the surface," Swinford said. "They are then more easily ingested by livestock as animals graze the forage; the spores enter into their systems, germinate and cause disease."

For more information on anthrax or the TVMDL, visit http://tvmdl.tamu.edu/. Information about anthrax is also available on the TAHC's website at http://www.tahc.state.tx.us or call 1-800-550-8242.

— Release written by Blair Fannin provided by Texas A&M AgriLife Communications.

New Online Resource for MSU Extension Information Now Available

Farmers and others interested in agriculture now have access to the newest information and research from Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) in one convenient, online location. MSU Extension News for Agriculture is a farmer's go-to source for the most recent and relevant information from MSUE educators throughout the state and at Michigan State University.

"Even though we may have a livestock specialist in central Michigan, someone in northern Michigan might need their expertise," said Wendy Powers, director, agriculture and agribusiness for MSU Extension. "By having educators contribute articles and share their knowledge on the Internet, MSU Extension can make sure that all farmers in the state have access immediately to information that is of vital importance to the success of their operations."

MSU Extension News features pertinent articles from more than 160 MSUE expert contributors throughout the state, submitted in a variety of categories, including animal agriculture, plant-based agriculture, the bio-economy, business, home and garden, and organic agriculture.

"It's hard for us as educators to make sure everyone across the state has access to the knowledge that we have in our respective specialties," said Elizabeth Ferry, swine educator in Cass County. "I think it's really great to have an online tool like this where I can provide information to anyone, even if they're not in my own county or region."

— Release by MSU Extension.

Public Lands Council Kicks Off Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

The Public Lands Council (PLC) kicked off its annual legislative conference yesterday, March 28, 2011, in Washington, D.C. In addition to meeting with their U.S. representatives and senators about a variety of issues affecting public lands ranchers, PLC members will hear from administration officials and other multiple-use industry representatives. PLC President John Falen said PLC members will focus on issues like the Department of the Interior's Secretarial Order 3310 (the Order) regarding wild lands designations that pose a serious threat to the sustainability of public lands ranching across the Western United States.

"Leaders within our industry took time away from their operations to make their voices heard in Washington, D.C., this week. The wild lands order will have far-reaching negative effects not only on multiple-use activities like livestock grazing, but also on the communities relying on a thriving livestock industry," Falen said. "We're here to tell the administration how this severely flawed proposal would impact our livelihoods and to urge members of Congress to oppose the Order."

First thing Monday morning, PLC members passed an interim policy resolution to oppose the Order and call for its repeal.

While the Order will continue to be a major topic of discussion during the PLC legislative conference, it is not the only issue PLC members will focus on this week. Falen said they will share concerns regarding the U.S. Forest Service's draft planning rule and regarding Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar's draft management plan for the wild horse and burro program. PLC members will also urge members of Congress to reform the Equal Access to Justice Act and to support legislation to bring transparency to the national monument designation process.

"Officials in this administration and leaders on Capitol Hill sometimes need a reminder that in addition to caring for our livestock, public lands ranchers also manage natural resources for the public, provide wildlife habitat on the land and manage noxious weeds and wildfire risks," Falen said. "It is important for us to tell our story and work to improve conditions in our industry to ensure future generations are able to make a living raising livestock across the West."

— Release by the Public Lands Council.

— Compiled by Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, Angus Productions Inc.