K-State Research and Extension - Livestock, Meat Production and Marketing

Range and pasture management specialist Walt Fick...

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State range and pasture management specialist Walt Fick advises grazing managers to keep following their drought management plans as summer comes on, even though rains in some parts of the state have improved grass conditions.

K-State Research and Extension Names Summer Interns

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

K-State Research and Extension has named 13 students as 2013 summer interns. The interns will assist extension professionals in planning and implementing educational programs for Kansas residents.

Livestock economist Lee Schulz...

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Livestock economist Lee Schulz of Iowa State University provides this week's insight on the cattle markets: he goes over the implications of the USDA's latest cattle-on-feed report, and comments on the increasing relevance of corn planting progress to the cattle trade.

K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner...

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner looks at some of the day-to-day management challenges at cattle feedlots, as were discussed at the recent K-State Cattle Feeders College...he also announces the winners of the Top Hand Awards for feedlot employees.

K-State Animal Sciences Faculty Member Honored

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Kansas State University faculty member, Terry Houser, has been named a recipient of the American Meat Science Association’s Distinguished Achievement Award. He will be honored at the AMSA’s Reciprocal Meat Conference June 18 in Auburn, Ala.

HAY HARVEST REMINDERS...

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As the first harvest of hay for the year approaches, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk urges producers to exercise caution when baling – making sure the forage is not too wet, which can cause heating and decrease protein and carbohydrates. He also encourages producers to review their crop insurance to make sure they have adequate coverage.

K-State Recognizes ‘Top Hands’ at 2013 Cattle Feeders College

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Kansas State University, in cooperation with Merck Animal Health, recognized Jesus (Jessie) Ramirez, Dean Patterson and Scott Plankenhorn as recipients of the “Top Hand” awards at the 2013 K-State Cattle Feeders College held May 9 in Scott City, Kansas.

Upcoming K-State Research and Extension Events

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

K-State Research and Extension is offering these events, available to all interested persons. For more information about these, as well as more localized events, check with your local K-State Research and Extension office.

Kansas Profile - Now That's Rural - Butler County

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

“Twenty Rural Counties to Call Home,” the cover of the national magazine proclaims. Inside, the magazine describes desirable rural locations in 20 states, including one in the heart of Kansas, which is the subject of today’s Kansas Profile.

Environmental quality agronomist Peter Tomlinson...

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State environmental quality agronomist Peter Tomlinson talks about a just-announced research initiative, aimed at sustaining beef cattle grazing in the central and southern plains in the midst of climate extremes...the USDA has granted over $9 million to K-State and other area universities in support of this project.

K-State livestock economist Glynn Tonsor...

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State livestock economist Glynn Tonsor offers this week's cattle market analysis: he shares his latest beef demand index calculations, which show a favorable beef consumption trend, and looks at central and northern plains pasture conditions and the potential impact on cattle numbers

K-State livestock economist Glynn Tonsor...

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

CALF REARING BENCHMARKS...

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Dairy producers can improve their operation by tracking deaths and disease within their herd. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) says there are benchmarks for both mortality and morbidity and that tracking animals for the first year will improve the health of the herd and increase milk production.

K-State cow-calf specialist Bob Weaber...

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State cow-calf specialist Bob Weaber discusses numerous things for the herd manager to monitor during the spring breeding season, in terms of both bull fertility and cow heat cycles...a mis-step in either case can end up very costly to the producer.

Eastern Kansas Grazing School Planned Sept. 11-12

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Rotational grazing is one way in which cattle producers can use rangeland and forages as efficiently as possible. That’s among the topics to be discussed at the third annual Eastern Kansas Grazing School planned for Sept. 11-12 in Ottawa, Kan.

K-State beef veterinarian Larry Hollis...

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State beef veterinarian Larry Hollis discusses mineral supplementation for the cow-calf herd now, or soon to be, on summer grass...and why producers should consider using a custom mineral blend to avoid the mineral deficiency problems that arose from last year's poor pasture conditions.

Livestock economist Derrell Peel...

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Livestock economist Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University offers his insight on the cattle market trends, pointing to a landmark achieved by the boxed beef market last week, and what that suggests about domestic beef demand as the summer comes on.

K-State veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek...

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek looks at fly control for the cow-calf herd going to grass...why rotating among different kinds of insecticidal ear tags is important, and the duration of control that the producer can reasonably expect from those tags.

POLLED BULLS IN THE DAIRY HERD...

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Horned cattle pose an injury risk for humans and other cattle. As a result, dairy cattle are often dehorned. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) says genetic advances may make dehorning a thing of the past. He explains that genetic companies are already identifying polled bulls for the dairy industry and that many producers are using them in their herds.

K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner...

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In today's agricultural news, K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner looks ahead to the K-State Cattle Feeders College next Thursday in Scott City, with the registration deadline coming up tomorrow.

Agricultural news...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In today's agricultural news, K-State agronomist Jim Shroyer provides the first report from the Wheat Quality Council's Kansas wheat tour, which began early this morning. And, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk has this week's Milk Lines.

Livestock economist Kate Brooks...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Livestock economist Kate Brooks of the University of Nebraska provides this week's cattle market commentary: she talks about the impressive rise in cattle futures prices last week, and remarks about the reports of increasing U.S. beef sales in Japan.

K-State animal scientist Lindsey Hulbert...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State animal scientist Lindsey Hulbert talks about livestock industry efforts to counter the baseless attacks on livestock production from animal rights and other activist groups, and what her research experience suggests will help sway the public positively toward animal agriculture.

MILKING PARLOR MAINTENANCE...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Many dairy farms in Kansas milk six-to-eight hours a day – with some milking more than 22 hours a day. The wear and tear on the equipment requires regular maintenance. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says producers should set up the regular maintenance schedule based on how many hours the parlor is actually used. He says it’s also important to address any milking parlor problems that surface before the next scheduled maintenance.

KARL Training Ends on High Point in More Ways than One

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A month after reaching the Andean mountaintop village of Patabamba, Peru at 15,000 feet and Machu Picchu at 8,000 feet – a class of 30 agriculture leaders hit another milestone – graduation.

K-State beef cattle specialist Dale Blasi...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State beef cattle specialist Dale Blasi talks about the slow green- up of native pastures this year, and what cow herd managers can do to maintain the nutrition level of the herd until there's grass available, given the acute shortage of harvested forages remaining.

LMIC director Jim Robb...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The director of the Livestock Marketing Information Center, Jim Robb, discusses the unexpected results of last Friday's USDA cattle-on-feed report, and analyzes the latest U.S. meat export numbers from the USDA, as the lead topics in this week's cattle market commentary.

EVAPORATIVE COOLING FOR COWS...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A recent tour of dairy farms on the eastern side of the Midwest by K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk revealed some common problems with cooling cows. Some dairy operations lacked fans or had fans that were poorly positioned, feed line soakers were absent or improperly installed and there were too many systems that simply moved hot air over hot cows. Brouk thinks producers have forgotten the magic of putting water over the cow’s back to keep them cool. He discusses the benefits of evaporative cooling.

Cattle Feeders College Planned May 9 in Scott City

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Kansas State University will host its K-State Cattle Feeders College May 9 at the Scott County Fairgrounds William Carpenter 4-H Building in Scott City, Kan.

K-State poultry specialist Scott Beyer...

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State poultry specialist Scott Beyer discusses the effort to attract large-scale commercial poultry production to Kansas, which he believes could be a boon to struggling rural communities, as well as agricultural producers looking for an added income source...he's been serving as a technical adviser to state officials on this.

Kansas Profile - Now That's Rural - Greg Peterson - Peterson Brothers

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

FOX News television studio, New York City. Today’s guests are an unlikely trio: Three young farm boys from rural Kansas. They are making national news, thanks to a parody music video which they created about agriculture. Today, in the conclusion of our two-part series, we’ll learn about these creative young men and their advocacy for agriculture and rural Kansas. Thanks to the Kansas State Agriculturist magazine at Kansas State University and writer Amanda Spoo, whose article provided a source for this feature.

NRCS resource conservationist Chad Volkman...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A resource conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Chad Volkman, covers two new opportunities for Kansas landowners to obtain drought-related cost-share assistance: the Water Quantity and Drought Pilot program, which targets sediment removal from farm ponds, and the Drought Recovery Initiative, which addresses a broader array of grazing lands and livestock water concerns.

Agribusiness Offers Leadership Opportunities for Women

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A Kansas State University agricultural economist is optimistic about agriculture, which, he claims, “is the only business that will not go out of business.”

Iowa State University livestock economist Lee Schulz...

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Iowa State University livestock economist Lee Schulz provides this week's cattle market commentary: he looks back on last week's USDA beef production projections, and talks about the ISU livestock "crush margin" information he compiles, and how cattle producers can use that to their operations' benefit.

2013 KANSAS DAIRY OF THE YEAR...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Kansas State University and Kansas Farmer Magazine, sponsors of the annual Kansas Distinguished Dairyman of the Year award, has announced the recipient for 2013. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk highlights some of the many accomplishments this successful family dairy operation has achieved over the last 25 years.

K-State Master of Agribusiness Program Now Available Tailored for Animal Health Professionals

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Kansas State University’s award-winning Master of Agribusiness (MAB) distance degree program is now offering an MAB tailored to individuals working in the animal health industry.

K-State beef cattle scientist John Jaeger...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State beef cattle scientist John Jaeger has the rundown on the 99th annual Beef Research Roundup, at K-State's Agricultural Research Center at Hays, set for next Thursday, April 18th...he'll preview the presentations there on distillers dried grain management and pre-conditioning and weaning programs for beef calves, among other topics.

Kansas Profile - Now That's Rural - Derek Klingenberg - Klingenberg Farms Studios

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

What is your creative outlet? Playing piano? Singing in the shower? Doodling on a napkin? Today we’ll meet a young Kansas farmer who found a creative outlet in creating music videos to post on the Internet. In doing so, he is helping communicate about agriculture and rural life.

K-State veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek discusses an all-too-common problem that turned up in this latest beef calving season: an apparent vitamin A deficiency in cows, leading to stillborn or deformed calves...he talks about the situations that led to that.

K-State sheep and meat goat specialist Brian Faris...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State sheep and meat goat specialist Brian Faris previews the 2013 Spring Production Tour for sheep and goat producers, taking place this Friday in the Manhattan area.

livestock nutritionist E.R. Orskov...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A guest speaker at K-State yesterday, world-renowned livestock nutritionist E.R. Orskov, offers thoughts on livestock nutrition management on a global scale, to meet the food needs of a rapidly growing population over the next few decades.

K-State beef veterinarian Larry Hollis...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State beef veterinarian Larry Hollis urges cow-calf producers to have a management contingency plan in place before turning the herd out on grass this spring, emphasizing the need for calf early-weaning and pre-conditioning strategies, even this early on.

K-State meat scientist John Unruh...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State meat scientist John Unruh reports on findings from a beef checkoff-sponsored research project, which tested two beef cuts for their potential as a premium ground beef product...the chuck roll and the knuckle...and how ground beef from these rates in shelf life and consumer preference.

K-State livestock economist Glynn Tonsor...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State livestock economist Glynn Tonsor provides this week's cattle market analysis: he goes over his latest feedlot cattle profit projections, which suggest positive returns for cattle feeders by late summer.

K-State beef cattle specialist Dale Blasi...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State beef cattle specialist Dale Blasi tells of a new study he oversaw last year, evaluating the impact of using insecticidal ear tags on the growth performance of stocker calves on native grass.

PREPARE FOR SUMMER NOW...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Although spring has been relatively cool, hot summer weather isn’t far off. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says there are several things dairy producers can do now to help avoid summer slump in milk production. He covers several of the steps that can be taken before the summer heat arrives.

Beef Cattle and Forage Crops Field Day Planned May 2 near Mound Valley

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Pasture management following drought and bull selection tools are among the topics at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle and Forage Crops Field Day on Thursday, May 2.

Kansas Profile - Now That's Rural - Nick Gerety - Gerety Tractor

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A tractor rolls across a field. That’s a common sight in rural Kansas, where tractors and farm equipment are a significant part of daily life and the rural economy. Today in Kansas Profile, we’ll meet a rural entrepreneur whose interest in tractors is helping build an equipment-trading business – with a little help from modern technology.

Managing Money is the Topic of April 16 Lecture at K-State Union

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Rachel Cruze, the daughter of financial commentator and expert Dave Ramsey, will speak at Kansas State University at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in Forum Hall at the K-State Student Union. The lecture is the sixth installment of the Upson Lecture Series, organized by the K-State student and alumni group, Food for Thought.

Southern Plains Drought Summit...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Further remarks on putting together a drought management plan for pastures, as shared at K-State's Southern Plains Drought Summit last week: K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner talks about options for supplemental feeding cattle on summer grass, and K-State beef cattle scientist John Jaeger stresses the importance of monitoring the body condition scores of the grazing cow herd this year.

K-State animal scientist K.C. Olson...

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State animal scientist K.C. Olson comments on making grazing management decisions this year, with the understanding that the drought has already hampered this year's grass production...he advises grazing managers to lighten up significantly on stocking rates.

Livestock economist Derrell Peel...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Livestock economist Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University provides this week's cattle market analysis: he comments on the spillover effect of the USDA's surprising grain stocks report last week on the cattle complex, and how supportive the resulting drop in feedgrain prices could be for cattle prices in the longer term.

K-State range scientist Keith Harmoney...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From the Southern Plains Drought Summit last week, K-State range scientist Keith Harmoney talks about planning cattle stocking programs for this grazing season with the drought impacts in mind:
he compares the current situation to past droughts in Kansas, and what history tells us about managing those stocking rates.

LOWERING SOMATIC CELL COUNTS...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Dairy producers, including those in Kansas and the region, have been steadily making progress in increasing milk quality by reducing bulk tank somatic cell counts. This can be difficult, but it can also be financially rewarding. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) says somatic cell counts under 100,000 have been achieved – and he wonders how low they can go?

Bovine reproductive physiologist Jeff Stevenson...

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State bovine reproductive physiologist Jeff Stevenson talks about an alternate means of preg-checking beef and dairy cows...a chemical pregnancy test, which he believes is an important advance for cattle producers.

Veterinary scientist Scott McVey...

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A veterinary scientist with the USDA's Center for Grain and Animal Health Research in Manhattan, Scott McVey, talks about several insect-borne livestock disease issues that he and his staff are currently researching, including a tandem of diseases carried by midges that could threaten cattle herds: blue tongue and E-H-D.

LMIC director Jim Robb...

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The director of the Livestock Marketing Information Center, Jim Robb, comments on the surprisingly bullish USDA cattle-on-feed report released last Friday, and on the outlook for red meat exports for the remainder of 2013, as he provides this week's analysis of the cattle markets.

ALFALFA WEEVIL MANAGEMENT...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Alfalfa is an expensive crop and dairy producers who raise their own alfalfa can help control feed costs. However, alfalfa weevils can damage the crop and reduce profitability. As a result, producers should be scouting fields for early signs of alfalfa weevils. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says researchers at K-State have developed an equation that calculates growing degree days for alfalfa weevils.

K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner...

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State beef systems specialist Justin Waggoner previews the Southern Plains Drought Summit being hosted by K-State next Wednesday in Pratt...a comprehensive program for crop and livestock producers, covering several angles on contending with the ongoing drought.

K-State livestock economist Glynn Tonsor...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State livestock economist Glynn Tonsor provides this week's insight on the cattle markets: in addition to his analysis of last week's price trends, he comments on the USDA's proposed revision of the mandatory country-of-origin labeling rule, tying it back to the in-depth study he previously conducted on the market impact of MCOOL.

SOMATIC CELL COUNTS INCREASE...

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It’s common for dairy producers to see a slight increase in somatic cell counts in the herd as we transition from winter to spring. The increase in somatic cell counts can usually be traced to the cold weather and moisture. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says providing good bedding, a clean environment and changing dips will help protect the dairy herd from teat damage.

Livestock economist Derrell Peel...

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Livestock economist Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University provides this week's insight on the cattle markets: he comments on the demand for grass calves and bred cows in the weeks ahead, and offers his thoughts on the federal budget cuts to the meat inspection program and the possible impact on the cattle trades.

KANSAS MILK PRODUCTION INCREASING...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

According to dairy industry numbers for 2012, Kansas ranks 16th in the nation in total milk production. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says milk production in Kansas increased 5.6% in 2012 – and nearly 25% since 2007. He says this is occurring while many states to the south, including Missouri and Arkansas, are seeing a decline in milk production.

K-State veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek...

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek provides his monthly segment on cattle health management: this time, he focuses on dealing with hypothermia in beef calves, which he stresses can be a threat well beyond the newborn stage.

K-State dairy specialist Luis Mendonca...

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

In today's agricultural news, K-State Radio Network agriculture director Eric Atkinson talks with new K-State dairy specialist Luis Mendonca about the dairy health management initiatives he'll be developing and promoting for Kansas dairy producers. Plus, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk has this week's Milk Lines.

Jim Robb, director of the LMIC...

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The director of the Livestock Marketing Information Center, Jim Robb, provides this week's cattle market commentary: in addition to remarking on last week's big rally in the fed cattle market, he offers thoughts on what the sequester-forced cutback on federal meat inspection would mean to the beef marketplace.

Animal Science professor emeritus Miles McKee...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

From Cattlemen's Day at Kansas State University, K-State animal science professor emeritus Miles McKee reflects on past Cattlemen's Days and the history of the department.

Former animal science department head Jack Riley...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Former K-State animal science department head jack Riley discusses his years spent coordinating Cattlemen's Day...and the decision to move it from May to March to allow more people to attend the annual event.

The Stanley Stout Livestock Center...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State animal scientist Dave Nichols talks about the dedication of the brand new Stanley Stout Livestock Center at Kansas State taking place as part of Cattlemen's Day.

KEEP THE BUDGET FOR 2013 CURRENT...

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Many dairy producers have been working with their lenders to set a budget for 2013. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) says some expenses will remain relatively stable, while others may fluctuate wildly. Feed, fuel and labor costs will probably have the biggest impact on the budget. However, the world economy could also have an impact on a dairy operation’s budget because nearly 15-percent of the U.S. milk supply is exported. As a result, Brouk encourages dairy producers to keep their budgets current throughout the year.

K-State sheep and meat goat specialist Brian Faris...

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

K-State sheep and meat goat specialist Brian Faris looks at the state of sheep and meat goat production in Kansas and the effect of the drought, as a prelude to the 2013 K-State Sheep Producer Day coming up this Saturday on the campus.

Livestock economist Derrell Peel...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Livestock economist Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University provides this week's cattle market commentary: he reviews the USDA's monthly cattle-on-feed report, and talks about the USDA's Agricultural Outlook Forum projection on corn prices, and what that means for the beef cattle sector.

MANAGING FINANCIAL MINEFIELDS...

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

With the financial books closed for 2012, dairy producers should be thinking about potential minefields they may encounter in 2013. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages producers to analyze each part of their operation to see how each one affects the overall financial picture of the dairy. This should include analyzing feed costs, culling decisions, costs associated with raising young stock and whether heat abatement systems should be improved to increase summer milk production.

Upcoming Horticultural and Agricultural Events

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

K-State Research and Extension and/or its Extension Master Gardeners are participating in the following area and statewide horticultural events, available to all interested persons. For more information about these, as well as more localized events, check with your local K-State Research and Extension office.