Month: March 2016

What are the Long-Term Impacts of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination?

– Cliff Lamb, University of Florida – North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, FL

2015 summer undergraduate research intern in Animal Sciences, Katie O'Dell, works with Dr. Cliff Lamb at the NFREC in Quincy, Florida on Friday, July 10th.

A uniform set of calves at the University of Florida NFREC ready for market. They are the result of a disciplined estrus synchronization and artificial insemination program. Photo credit: Tyler Jones

Estrous synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination (AI) are reproductive management tools that have been available to beef producers for over 50 years.  Synchronization of the estrous cycle has the potential to shorten the calving season, increase calf uniformity, and enhance the Continue reading →

Thinking about Stockyards

– Dr. Roy Burris, Beef Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

Stockyards (sale barns) have long been a part of our heritage, I suppose, ever since they replaced the old “court days” and livestock were traded or sold when folks came to town when court was in session. A recent survey in the southeast indicated that 65% of cattle are sold in sale barns.

Sale barns/stockyards could offer some structure to livestock marketing – more Continue reading →

Seedstock Improvement Bull Sale Features Seven Different Breeds

– John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association is hosting this year’s Seedstock Improvement Bull Sale on Saturday, April 9 at the Union Stock Yards Company in Hillsboro. The sale starts at Noon.  This sale offers an opportunity to buy bulls from multiple breeds in one location and on one day. Buyers have the assurance of buying bulls that have successfully passed a breeding soundness Continue reading →

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Price Risk Management and LRP

– Kate Brooks, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Every operation should develop and maintain a marketing plan. The plans can be very simple to very complex, depending on your situation and level of detail. These plans need to be flexible and updated as things change.   Price risk management is one piece of this marketing plan that we will discuss in further detail.

Many producers may have grown complacent with managing market risk because they may not have found it beneficial due to Continue reading →

How Much is Too Much?

– John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator (this article first appeared in the March 2016 issue of The Ohio Farmer Magazine)

The onset of the 2016 calving season has provided a backdrop for one of the most frequently debated topics amongst cow-calf producers today.  These discussions are taking place in coffee shops, at local auction markets, and in the pasture.  While there are various ways to pose the question, many producers are debating the subject of whether the cow-calf industry has placed too much emphasis on calving ease in the breeding herd.

The beef industry has a vast array of breeds to utilize in herds located in a wide variety of environmental conditions across the country.  Your own personal production and marketing goals combined with Continue reading →

Tube Feeding Colostrum – an Essential Skill for All Producers

– Michelle Arnold, DVM, UK Ruminant Veterinarian

“Failure of passive transfer” of immunity occurs when a calf does not absorb enough good quality immunoglobulin before closure of the intestine that occurs at approximately 24 hours after birth. This failure leads to increased calf sickness and death. If the calf survives, it will have a slower growth rate and use feed less efficiently. It is estimated that of the calf deaths occurring in the first 3 weeks of life, approximately a third are due to inadequate colostrum intake. Early and adequate consumption of high quality colostrum is considered the single most important management factor in determining health and survival of a newborn calf. Four key factors (the 4 Q’s) contribute to the goal of successful Continue reading →

Posted by at Posted in Health

Lessons Learned from the 2014 and 2015 Cattle Markets

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

The last couple of years have been nothing short of a roller coaster ride for beef cattle producers. We saw prices rise to record levels and then fall as sharply as we have ever seen. A combination of factors such as cattle inventory, production of competing meats, increasing slaughter weights, and international trade were all at play in the market. At the same time, producers were making management decisions in a rapidly changing environment. If the old adage is right and history repeats itself, it’s worth taking a look back to reflect on Continue reading →

Placements Jump in Latest COF Report

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

The latest Cattle on Feed report, released March 18th, was an interesting one, especially for placements.  Placements have been, arguably, the most interesting number for many months.

First, the basics of the report.  Marketings were up 5 percent, largely due to the effects of an extra day in February from leap year.  Placements were up 10 percent compared to February 2015.  The combination resulted in Continue reading →

Options for Improving Damaged Pastures

– Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension Educator, Wayne County and Stan Smith, OSU Extension PA, Fairfield County

Late spring through mid-summer of 2015 was one of the wettest years in recent years for many parts of Ohio causing pastures to suffer from excessive traffic and trampling. To add insult to injury or maybe just more injury on top of injury, in many parts of the state when the rains finally stopped, it turned drier than average until late fall. The result was that many pastures struggled to recover and a number of pastures were overgrazed going in to the winter. There is no doubt that some pasture and hayfield stands will be reduced as they come out of dormancy. This spring, one key decision facing managers will be Continue reading →

Pasture and Grazing Management Programs are Scheduled

With spring turnout just around the corner, forage and grazing management is something that’s on many of our minds. That being said, several pasture management programs have been scheduled for yet this spring around Ohio. Find a listing of those programs along with contact information in the EVENTS/PROGRAMS link on the OSU Extension Beef Team website.