Production

Cull Cow Evaluation Clinic Explores “Right Way, Right Time” to Optimize Value

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Could she be managed in a way to optimize cull value?

Fed cattle and feeder calf prices have reached historical highs. But then, so have cull cow values. Knowing that culling is a necessary part of herd management and that when managed correctly the income resulting from cull cows in a beef herd can exceed 20% of the beef cattle farm’s annual income, today, with careful management culling could be an area for experiencing even greater profit.

Presently at a time when culls can vary in value by as much as a dollar a pound, it’s time to carefully consider employing a strategic culling plan that optimizes the income resulting from culls that reach the market place in proper condition, adequately muscled and free of defects.

To dig deeper into optimizing cull cow income with a “right way, right time” approach, join OSU Extension for a Continue reading Cull Cow Evaluation Clinic Explores “Right Way, Right Time” to Optimize Value →

Beef cattle and livestock economic outlook! FCCA hosted an evening with Kenny Burdine

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It’s no secret going into 2025 prices of all classes of beef cattle are at record highs! Can it continue? How long will the consumer continue to support these price levels? Is it too late to consider expansion?

Last week the Fairfield county Cattlemen hosted University of Kentucky Extension livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine in the Ag Center as he addressed those questions and more during the first session of the 2025 Ohio Virtual Beef School. In case you missed it or just want to review it, find Dr. Burdine’s presentation embedded below:

Thanks from the Fairfield County Cattlemen Association

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Thanks for your support during the recent 174th edition of the Fairfield County Fair! As always,  the Steak Trailer was open throughout the event collectively serving more than a ton (2,000 lbs) of beef to hungry fairgoers. Proceeds from sales in the Steak Trailer allowed the Cattlemen to support the Jr. Fair Livestock Auction through the purchase of 6 steers, plus two steers purchased in cooperation with Rushcreek Feed & Supply. And will also help to fund our youth scholarship program.

The Cattlemen also provided 27 pizzas for the Jr. Beef Exhibitor meeting on Saturday evening after move-in to the Fair, and 10 dozen donuts for the youth on beef show day.

It’s also notable that mulch bedding was provided for each junior beef exhibitor in the Brick L Barn by the 2024 Jr. Beef Barn sponsors, FCCA members Horn Farms of Pleasantville. And the FCCA, also sponsored a PeeWee Shomanship class for 25 young beef children who wanted to lead a calf around the ring!

Mark your calendars now for the Post Fair Beef Exhibitor Meeting slated for Wednesday, November 20.  Details to follow!!

Thirty years later, the mission of the Fairfield County Cattlemen’s Association continues to be to focus their efforts on beef education, promotion and encouraging youth and adults in beef cattle management and production

Source:   Stan Smith, OSU Extension – Fairfield County

Hay Making Season Is Here!

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Good Hay Weather!

Hay season is officially underway!  The trade off between quality and quantity can be a delicate compromise.

Dry conditions are expected for the next couple weeks in our area. Haymakers, take advantage of this extended window of opportunity for harvest! After first cutting, consider applying some fertilizer to give grass a good boost for second cutting. Nitrogen in the form of urea will require at least a half inch of rainfall within four days to become active in the soil and reduce the risk of nitrogen volatilization. So, wait for rain to be in the forecast before you apply urea. Also, watch for problematic weeds that tend to show up around this time and cause issues for second cutting.

Making hay in May and early June is worthy of celebration because the most influential factor on forage quality is plant maturity. As grasses and legumes emerge from the soil Continue reading Hay Making Season Is Here! →

Hay Quality is Poor!

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A forage probe for sampling hay might be the most valuable tool you can use in 2019!

To suggest that it’s been challenging to get quality hay made this year is an understatement. Much like last year, until near the end of June it was nearly impossible to find enough days in a row that allowed for the harvest of dry hay. In fact, the National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) has estimated that only 60% of Ohio’s first cutting hay harvest was completed by the first of July.

To further confirm concerns for the quality of much of the hay that’s been harvested, a recent forage analysis on some Fairfield County mixed grass hay that was mowed on June 25th and baled on June 29 – after also getting lightly rained on once – came back showing 6.85% protein and 38.02% TDN (total digestible nutrients) on a dry matter basis. The ADF (acid detergent fiber) was 51.63% and the NDF (neutral detergent fiber) was 65.51%.

While that level of protein might be tolerable for a dry cow in mid-gestation, the other quality factors indicated by this sample of hay – TDN, ADF and NDF – indicate that when fed as long stem hay, even when offered in unlimited amounts, it simply won’t satisfy the total nutritional requirements of a cow at any time during the year. That includes Continue reading Hay Quality is Poor! →