News Update
May 26, 2016
Maintain Pastures
to Increase Production
The arrival of May means now is the time to ensure cattle-feeding sites are properly managed and kept clean. Excess manure can cause a multitude of issues, ranging from increased fly populations to dirty water.
Joel DeRouchey, professor in the Kansas State University (K-State) Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, said that from a sanitation standpoint, any manure that is lying around could end up downstream, especially during times of heavy spring rains.
Manure that gets caught in spring rains and ends up downstream could spell trouble, including for cattle, he said.
“We know the environmental consequence, even from small sites, of a lot of manure that builds up,” said DeRouchey, a livestock nutrition and environmental management specialist for K-State Research and Extension. “From a phosphorus, nitrogen and bacterial standpoint, that could run off into our surface water, oftentimes in the same area where we expect those cattle to be drinking.”
To read more, access the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Genomic Price Rebate
Producers who use CIDRz,®s for estrus synchronization can now take advantage of a special offering that pairs reproductive with genomic technology. Zoetis is offering a rebate on all GeneMax™ Advantage tests for those using Eazi-Breed™ CIDRs.
“For those producers that use CIDRs for estrus synchronization, they will be given the opportunity then to have a rebate for their CIDR purchases applicable toward GeneMax Advantage,” said Zoetis Associate Director of Beef Genetics Kent Andersen. “The beauty of the marriage between the estrus synchronization and use of CIDR, as well as the genetics, is that we can take advantage of the best and most elite Angus genetics possible to mate heifers in a complementary way based on knowledge of pedigree, knowledge of strengths and weaknesses across the maternal, feedyard and carcass traits.”
Learn more on this week’s episode of The Angus Report. You can also catch the show at 1:30 p.m. CST Saturday and 7:30 a.m. CST each Monday morning on RFD-TV.
Old World Bluestem, Real World Concerns
Old World bluestem is a plant that is becoming increasingly prevalent in native grasslands commonly used for cattle grazing, particularly in drier regions. The grass that was brought to the United States as a soil-stabilizing plant has come under fire due to how it affects the surrounding ecosystem.
Because Old World bluestem can become invasive and reduce the growth and vigor of other grasses that are more nutritious and palatable for livestock, the plant can negatively affect plant biodiversity, insects and wildlife.
“As temperatures warm up, we will start to see more Old World bluestem,” said Keith Harmoney, range scientist at the Kansas State Agricultural Research Center–Hays, one of four units in the Western Kansas Agricultural Research Centers. “In western Kansas, Old World bluestem will begin to grow later than native grasses; they are not as cold-tolerant.”
The plant is easily distinguishable because its color is typically pale with a yellowish-green tint. The seedheads can be seen from a distance due to their pinkish or purplish tint.
To read more, access the Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Recordkeeping, Cost Management Influence Profits
Profitability in cow-calf production can vary widely, so knowing what practices help support your operation can be crucial for a beef producer.
Dustin Pendell, Kansas State University (K-State) livestock economist and co-author of the Analysis of 2010-2014 Kansas Farm Management Association Cow-Calf Enterprise, along with co-authors Youngjune Kim and Kevin Herbel, analyzed the differences between low-, medium- and high-profit cow-calf producers.
The report was written as an update to a similar publication that analyzed cow-calf enterprises from 2008-2012, and data were compiled from available information about revenue and expenses from producers enrolled in the Kansas Farm Management Association (KFMA).
Keeping thorough records of your costs and revenue is one of the best ways to control your profitability, the analysis found.
Read more in the complete Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA article online.
Alltech Young Scientist Winners Announced
Two university students received awards in the 11th annual Alltech Young Scientist program, the largest global contest of its kind focused on rewarding scientific genius. Now in its 32nd year, the annual international conference gathered more than 3,000 attendees from 71 countries to network and discuss world-changing ideas about business, science and agriculture.
The global undergraduate winner was Alonna Danielle Wright, who attends the University of Kentucky in the U.S. Wright was offered a fully funded doctoral position and $5,000. The global graduate winner was Richard Lally, who attends the Institute of Technology in Carlow, Ireland. Lally was offered a fully funded post-doctorate position and $10,000.
For more information, view the Alltech news release online.
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