News Update
April 1, 2015
Missouri Senate Sends
Ag Omnibus to Governor
The Missouri Senate showed overwhelming support May 31 for an agriculture omnibus bill (S.B. 12) sponsored by Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-18). The legislation contains many provisions relating to agriculture, including three priorities of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA). The legislation passed the senate with no opposition.
The bill would increase the livestock hauling limits from 80,000 pounds (lb.) to 85,500 lb. on Missouri highways. The bill also provides grain farmers with higher hauling limits during the harvest season. The legislation also enables beef producers the opportunity to vote whether or not to establish a state beef checkoff program. According to MCA President Janet Akers, the provision regarding livestock liability will benefit every segment of the beef cattle industry.
“This provision extends the current equine liability waiver to all livestock. This means all cattlemen, livestock markets, youth livestock shows and more that post a sign in accordance with the state statute will have added protection from frivolous lawsuits,” said Akers. “For example, if I invite visitors to my farm and someone is injured because of a decision they made, I am not liable for that decision or the resulting injury.”
Akers said the legislation is similar to the omnibus bill vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon a year ago but does not include language that reportedly triggered the veto. Akers is confident Governor Nixon will sign the legislation, which is supported by nearly every agricultural organization in the state.
For more information, please view the full release.
Scout Weekly for Alfalfa Weevils
Scout alfalfa now for alfalfa weevils, says a University of Missouri (MU) Extension entomologist. Weevil larvae defoliate plants and reduce the quality and quantity of hay.
Producers in southern Missouri counties should begin scouting fields weekly now and continue through first harvest, says Wayne Bailey. Growers in central and northern counties need to be on the lookout by mid-April. Eggs are hatching in southern and central Missouri fields where alfalfa is growing.
Scout early and often, Bailey says. Look for weevil larvae, which feed on leaf tissue and may completely defoliate the alfalfa plants.
Alfalfa weevil adults lay eggs when temperatures go above 60° F for a few days during fall, winter and spring. Eggs hatch in May and June. Signs of infestation — leaf defoliation and the presence of larvae — show first on warm, south-facing slopes of fields.
Each female lays up to 500 eggs. Each egg produces a small larva that initially hides in, and eats, the growing tips of emerging alfalfa. As larvae grow, they move to plant surfaces to feed on foliage.
Bailey advises growers to prepare to spray or cut hay early. MU Extension research shows that alfalfa weevil larvae numbers drop about 95% when sprayed or cut and 90% when grazed by cattle.
Green grazing creates risk of bloat in cattle, and cattle can trample wet fields.
Spray fields before harvest. Some fields, especially those in southern Missouri, may require two or more applications of insecticide to control the weevil pest.
Bailey demonstrates techniques for scouting alfalfa for pests in a video at http://youtu.be/65v2YqSBcdg.
He gives spray recommendations in this article.
Equine Welfare Training Short Course
Planned for May at Sidney
An Equine Welfare Training short course is planned for Sidney, Neb., in May, hosted by the Nebraska Horse Council and Nebraska Extension.
The course will take place May 14 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. To register, go to the website www.horse.unl.edu. The cost is $50 per person.
This short course is designed to prepare law enforcement personnel for conducting investigations concerning neglected and abused horses and laws pertaining to livestock abuse and neglect. The focus will be on the management and treatment of debilitated horses and recognition of grossly inadequate feeding programs, health practices, facilities and management techniques. The class is for both novices and seasoned professionals.
Lectures and hands-on training will cover these topics:
· Nebraska Law and the Equine Investigation: Criminal procedures, advanced investigative techniques, case studies documentation, search warrants, mandatory reporting and more.
· Veterinarians’ role in equine cruelty and neglect: Euthanasia and disposal, assessing hydration, TPR, basic health check, teeth age check and more.
· Documenting the condition of horses using the HorseBCS app.
· Standards of care: Basics of housing, shelter, feed, water.
· Is the available feed acceptable or not? Assessing feed, pastures, space needs.
Presenters include Kristie Biodrowski, Nebraska Humane Society; Kathy Anderson, Nebraska Extension horse specialist; Jay Ferris, Nebraska Farm Bureau; Gary Stauffer, Extension educator; Monte Stauffer, Extension educator; Doug Anderson, Extension educator; and Steve White, DVM.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
Grass-fed Beef Conference Scheduled
May 28-29 in College Station
With consumer interest heightening about where food comes from, grass-fed beef producers will have the opportunity to learn more about marketing opportunities and production trends during a May 28-29 conference in College Station, Texas.
Rick Machen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in Uvalde, said producers can learn about all aspects of grass-fed beef production techniques at the conference, which will take place at the Rosenthal Meat Science Building on the Texas A&M University campus.
“One of the highlights will be Monte Rouquette, Texas A&M AgriLife Research forage agronomist from Overton,” Machen said. “Monte has clearly demonstrated how to produce forage-finished beef in East Texas. He’s among the best forage agronomists in the southern U.S. and has years of experience.”
Given the ongoing drought across much of the South Central United States, sustainable forage production is at the top of everyone’s items of interest list, Machen said.
“As always, a significant emphasis in this year’s conference will be the importance of a sustainable forage supply in both quantity and quality, perhaps the most difficult part of a grass-fed beef production system.”
The conference will cover a broad range of important topics pertaining to grass-fed beef production and is open to both beef producers and consumers.
The following topics will be discussed: overview of the beef industry; defining natural, grass-fed and organic beef; forage-growing fundamentals; cattle types suited for grass-fed beef; forage-based nutrition for cattle; preventive herd health; handling cattle for wholesome beef; carcass fabrication; consumers and their expectations; marketing a unique product; and economics and sustainability.
A live carcass fabrication demonstration will be a second day highlight.
For more information, please view the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events here.
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