Month: December 2015

A Seasonal Reminder

– John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator

Several parts of the country have been experiencing harsh weather conditions as we move from fall into the early stages of winter. Here in Ohio, recent weather patterns can easily be classified as wet and mild. Don’t let the recent run of 50 – 70 degree temperatures lull you into a false sense of security. As sure as the holiday season is winding down and we get set to turn the calendar over to 2016, more traditional winter weather will be here soon enough.

Most cow-calf producers understand that winter weather can pose challenges for them to meet the nutritional needs the cow herd. Changes in temperatures and moisture (rain, sleet, snow, ice, etc.) can significantly impact the Continue reading A Seasonal Reminder →

Safety in Working and Handling Livestock

– Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension Educator, Wayne County

During the holiday season it can be easy to think about holiday plans and preparations and lose some focus when working with livestock, or perhaps you will have some non-farm family members or friends visiting and “helping” with livestock chores. This is just a reminder that injuries around livestock most often occur when we let our guard down, become complacent or distracted or are unaware of animal behavior and some of the risks involved with handling livestock. Some common human injuries due to livestock result from being stepped on by large animals, being knocked down, kicked, pinned between the animal and a hard surface or being bitten. About a month ago a work colleague was out feeding some of her sows and turned her back on a mother sow, who for whatever reason, rushed Continue reading Safety in Working and Handling Livestock →

Hogs and Pigs Report Shares Some Insight

– David P. Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

USDA’s Hogs and Pigs report was released on December 23rd. In the Cattle Markets is normally devoted to cattle market analysis, but this report holds some important information on competing meats for the coming year. While the number of all hogs and pigs and the breeding herd were Continue reading Hogs and Pigs Report Shares Some Insight →

Hypocrisy is All Around Us

– John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator

Hypocrisy can be defined as the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one’s own behavior does not conform. In other words, a hypocrite says one thing and does another. I’m sure all of you reading this article can think of examples of hypocrisy in our everyday lives. I will offer a few examples that tend to hit a nerve with me.

Hypocrisy in Society
1. The general public complains frequently and loudly about legislation and other policies enacted by local, state, and national government. However, Continue reading Hypocrisy is All Around Us →

Preventing Neonatal Calf Diarrhea or “Calf Scours”

– Michelle Arnold, DVM (UK Ruminant Veterinarian)

“Neonatal” calf diarrhea is defined as scours occurring within the first 3 weeks of a calf’s life. Bacteria, viruses and parasites can attack the lining of the calf’s intestine and cause diarrhea. The decrease in absorption of essential nutrients from milk leads to weight loss and dehydration. If the disease level is severe, calves often die but even calves that survive will perform poorly for the remainder of their lives when compared to healthy calves. Preventing calf scours involves Continue reading Preventing Neonatal Calf Diarrhea or “Calf Scours” →

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Cattle On Feed

– Brenda Boetel, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA, NASS) released their monthly Cattle on Feed report on Friday December 18, 2015. The latest numbers released by the USDA were bullish in total numbers of cattle on feed, placements and marketings, compared to trade expectations. Total cattle on feed on December 1, 2015 numbered Continue reading Cattle On Feed →

2016, the Year of the Marketer and Risk Manager?!

– Stan Smith, PA, Fairfield County OSU Extension

A year ago I suggested that 2015 might just turn out to be “The year of the grass manager?!” For those who had grass to manage, and converted it to lean muscle in the form of beef or perhaps lamb, indeed it has been a profitable year . . . especially for cattlemen who sold early! Will 2016 become the year of the marketer and risk manager?

Despite the plunge in prices during the past few months, margins, particularly for those who utilize grass as the basis of their feeding program, remain good. Consider the Continue reading 2016, the Year of the Marketer and Risk Manager?! →

Heart of America Grazing Conference

– Dr. Ray Smith, Forage Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

The 2016 Heart of America Grazing Conference will be held at the Downtown Hilton in Lexington, KY on January 25-26, 2016. Monday evening’s program will include “History of Forage Research, Extension and Teaching in Kentucky” by Dr. Ray Smith and “Gratitude: A Personal Prospective” from Dr. Garry Lacefield. Tuesday will include: Continue reading Heart of America Grazing Conference →

Kentucky Beef Cattle Marketing Update

– Dr. Kenny Burdine and Dr. Greg Halich, University of Kentucky

As I write this article for December, there seems to be as much frustration among cattle producers as I have seen in years – not so much about the overall market, but how quickly things have changed. Less than 12 months ago, the cattle market was shrugging off all negative news. Now, it seems that anything that can be construed as negative sends the board limit-down and continues to feed the market pessimism that exists. In November, Continue reading Kentucky Beef Cattle Marketing Update →