Month: November 2021

Livestock News

| Nanette Neal

Beef Cattle

Six new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1269 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

This week, Garth Ruff introduces a unique and new opportunity for Ohio Cattlemen that we hope allows us to better help you. Look over the Ohio Cow-Calf Assessment and please plan to participate as your time allows.

Articles this week include:

  • Ohio Cow-Calf Assessment – What We Do and Why?
  • Falling Leaves Poison with Ease
  • Forage Focus: Holiday Leftovers for Your Livestock?
  • Corn silage inclusion level in feedlot diets
  • Ninth Annual OCA Replacement Female Sale this Friday
  • Summary of November Cattle on Feed Report

Small Ruminant

December Ohio Maple Days & Grading Workshop

| jagger.6
 

Don’t forget to register for the Ohio Maple Days meeting scheduled for December 11 in Ashland.  We have a limited number of seats, so don’t delay too much in getting in those registrations.

We are also excited to host a syrup grading workshop on Friday, December 10th.  Please consider making a couple days of it to participate in both the workshop and the main event on Saturday.  Registration for the syrup grading workshop is on the Woodland Stewards website.

See you there!

Farm Office Live

| Nanette Neal

We will again host two sessions of Farm Office Live this week. Our first session is Wednesday evening from 7:00 – 8:30 pm and it will be repeated live on Friday from 10:00 – 11:30 am.

This month’s topics include:

  • Introducing Margaret Jodlowski, new Ag Economist, and the work she is doing in AEDE
  • Update on the Build Back Better Act
  • State and Federal Legislative Updates
  • Federal Farm Program Update
  • Farm Business Analysis Report

If you are already registered, you will receive a reminder email prior to the sessions. Click here to register if you’ve not yet attended.

Livestock News

| Nanette Neal

Beef Cattle

Throughout the years of looking at soil test reports, it’s become apparent that when fertilizer is in short supply and expensive, for many, one of the first places we look to economize is the hayfield. Unfortunately, this is seldom a viable solution. Much like with the cattle we manage, we can’t starve profit into a hayfield. This week we dig deeper into managing the hayfield in times of expensive or limited supplies of fertilizer.

Articles week of November 17 include:

  • Can I afford to fertilize my hay?
  • Reduce Forage Losses During Winter Feeding
  • A Basic Approach to Winter Supplementation of the Beef Cow Herd
  • Interpretation and Use of Expected Progeny Differences
  • Rising Food Prices and Beef Demand

Optimism is growing that the tighter supply of cattle and calves and continued strong demand will take markets to higher levels in the coming months. This week we take a closer look at alternatives for how those who share that optimism might capture some of that anticipated market gain. And, with Thanksgiving approaching, Christine Gelley digs deeper into her daughter’s “Gratitude Scavenger Hunt”

Articles week of November 10 include:

  • Observing an Attitude of Gratitude
  • Fall Grazing Thoughts
  • Punch your feed ticket
  • Expected Progeny Differences and their Accuracy
  • The Decision to Retain at Weaning During the Fall Calf Run
  • Fed Cattle Market Dynamics Appear to be Changing

Sheep News

Pond Harvest & Winter Prep

| Nanette Neal

You are invited to watch/participate in a pond harvest at Millcreek Perch Farm in Marysville, OH next Thursday (11/11/21). Broodstock perch will be moved into a new pond and fathead minnows will be moved as well. We will also be talking about prepping for winter. The workshop is free to attend, but we do require registration as Milllcreek will be purchasing lunch for attendees.

Right now, the weather is looking like lows in mid-40s and highs of mid-50s with a 40% chance of rain. Unless it’s raining extremely hard (or lightning) we will be out there! Bundle up and come see other farmers and Extension in person. Do note that we will be outside the entire time except for when we are in the barn. The large sliding barn door will remain open to allow fresh air in.

Don’t have a pond operation, but purchase pond-reared fish for your indoor operation? It’s still good to learn about pond-based systems.