The time of day when females are fed can influence when they go into labor. Writing about elements of calving, Kacie McCarthy, PhD, said producers can shift their feeding time to between 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., two to three weeks before calving and females will give birth more often during the daytime. She writes several studies have shown this can shift calving time to between … [Read more...]
2023 CATTLE U event moves to Manhattan, KS
If you service cattle producers in the 300-mile radius of Manhattan, Kansas ,this is an opportunity for them to listen to industry experts and network with other producers. High Plains Journal's CATTLE U is a free, educational event now in its fifth year. It will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan, Kansas, on July 11th. The event includes a full day of … [Read more...]
The never-ending parasite dilemma
John Gillam, DVM, discusses parasites in ungulates including types, life cycles, treatments, testing and slowing down resistance. . . . understanding parasite treatment and the worms that can plague cattle is critical to developing healthy herds.” - John Gilliam, DVM Source: High Plains Journal, December 2, 2020. Link. “We actually select those parasite populations for … [Read more...]
Who’s watching the kids?
Commentary Two articles and Thanksgiving experiences prompt this post. Whether rural, urban or suburban, parents are taxed. The effects of changing school schedules, daycare limitations, restrictions on gatherings and physical distancing play out in family lives and at work. Virtual care helps, but only goes so far. Even with optimum resources, parents are stressed to know … [Read more...]
STD Awareness Month applies to more than humans
Sexually Transmitted Disease Awareness Month, better known as April, will be over soon. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cut a calf crop in half. Infected animals show no outward signs; it is a lifelong infection and there is no treatment. There is still time to have conversations to help producers understand the disease and work with a veterinarian to … [Read more...]
Battling bacteria with their natural enemy: a virus
Not all viruses create pandemic consequences. Lacey Newlin shares the progress on using bacteriophages to attack bacteria and the possibility of phages as antibiotic alternatives. . . . about half of the bacteria on this planet are killed by bacteriophages every two days.” - Hari Shankar Kotturi, PhD. Source: High Plains Journal, March 20, 2020. Link. Divya Jaroni, PhD, whose … [Read more...]
Vaccination key to managing BRD
Multiple factors contribute to bovine respiratory disease and no single management plan works for all operations. History of the cattle, how they are handled, nutrition and vaccination are critical to keep BRD in check. So are testing and parasite management. DVMs Oliver Irons and Daniel Cummings offer a thorough review of how to prevent BRD and how to treat it, if … [Read more...]
5 Kansas BQA trainings scheduled
Five advanced beef cattle care and health training sessions in February and March will offer Kansas beef producers the latest ways to improve animal welfare and food safety. Kansas State University veterinarians Dan Thomson and A.J. Tarpoff will lead the trainings. Source: High Plains Journal, January 23, 2019. Link. Dates and locations are Feb. 4 at Anderson County Sales … [Read more...]
There are 3 occasions when it is okay to cuss
Cursing. It’s a temptation that’s gotten the better of most us more than once. It is likely none of those utterances fit the straightforward guidelines in this piece. Jenni Latzke takes on salty language and the very few times it is worth considering. Source: High Plains Journal, July 16, 2018. Link. Look, there’s a reason curse words are called “salty language.” It’s … [Read more...]
New checklist helps kids stay safe on the farm
It’s natural that parents and grandparents want to protect their children. Because each agricultural setting is unique, as is each child, addressing child safety requires an individual approach. The new Child/Youth Agricultural Safety Checklist from the National Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety helps parents perform customized safety checks. It is free and … [Read more...]
Treat burned cattle properly
Upwards of 300,000 acres have been burned by recent Oklahoma wildfires. As AHD reported during the Kansas wildfires last year, getting burned cows and calves healthy again can be tough. The advice from Kansas State Research and Extension is as worthwhile this spring as last spring. Sources: High Plains Journal, March 20, 2017. (Link) For calves, heifers and bulls, there can … [Read more...]
Touch birds. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
2017 was a record year for salmonella infections in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We’ve mentioned it several times in the Bulletin, but it the message to wash one’s hands after handling backyard birds needs repeating more than ever, according to Craig Coufal, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension poultry specialist. Source: High Plains … [Read more...]
The next crises in rural America may be mental health
Mental illness isn’t confined within city limits. One in five residents of nonmetropolitan counties in the U.S. had some form of mental illness in 2015, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. Plus, 1.4 million non-metro residents had serious thoughts of suicide in the same year. Increased opioid addiction and prescription drug abuse are just two … [Read more...]
DVM offers advice for cattle that survived wildfires
Recent wildfires in the High Plains burned hundreds of acres of land, destroyed outbuildings and homes. Cattle weren’t spared. For those not killed or euthanized, the road back to health may be tough. Randall Kowalik and Dr. A. J. Tarpoff with Kansas State Research and Extension offers some burn and orphan care tips. Source: High Plains Journal, March 20, 2017. Regardless … [Read more...]
Worst day of my life
We mention the wildfires in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas elsewhere in this week’s update. Kylene Scott’s firsthand perspective brings bitter reality to that post. Source: High Plains Journal, March 7, 2017. A family friend alerted him to the fire in Clark County very near the Scott farm after we’d returned home from burying my dad yesterday. . . One cow is bawling … [Read more...]
I love you – the farm/ranch way
“I love you” may not be heard a lot by farm or ranch kids. Jenni Latzke with the High Plains Journal demonstrates why in her latest column. Source: High Plains Journal, February 20, 2017. To be fair, there’s not a lot of time for flowery words and overt display of affection. No one pauses mid-3 a.m. calf-pulling to look over at his spouse and say, "Margaret, you sure look … [Read more...]
Pay attention to the 3 stages of parturition
Experienced cow producers and veterinarians can benefit from reviewing basic information as spring calving season nears. The more we understand about the physiology of the process, the more likely we are to make sound decisions about when and if to provide assistance. Source: High Plains Journal, January 17, 2017. Parturition or “calving” is generally considered to occur … [Read more...]
Cattle eat weird things and it is OK
Consumers may be surprised to learn that cattle are able to eat many things that are considered waste and not allowed in the human consumption market. When foods begin to spoil, they cannot be sold for human consumption but some of them can be used in cattle feed. Source: High Plains Journal, January 30, 2017. Pumpkins, potatoes, oranges, sugar beets, and pinto beans can … [Read more...]
Triclosan flows through streams, crops
Triclosan is a common antibacterial agent in antibacterial soaps, detergents, carpets, paints, toys and toothpaste. It is effective against bad and good bacteria. Monica Mendez, associate professor, Department of Biology and Chemistry at Texas A&M International University is interested in triclosan-contaminated streams and rivers. These streams often serve as the water … [Read more...]
A veterinarian’s secret life
Kudos to High Plains Journal for this well-rounded, fact-filled look at what it takes to be a veterinarian. HPJ readership includes 49,000 paid and audited subscribers plus another 70,840 persons in pass-along readership. It is likely your customers will have seen this frank depiction of veterinarians. Source: High Plains Journal, February 15, 2016. Going to vet school is … [Read more...]
Gender-sorted semen can improve beef herd
The next level of sophistication in herds that use artificial insemination (AI) is the selective use of gender-sorted semen. Dairy producers have experienced the benefits of limiting male calf production as males have little value. Justin Rhinehart with the University of Tennessee Extension, discusses the advantages and challenges of using gender-sorted technology in building … [Read more...]
Free winter travel app is chillin’
If you travel across wintry landscapes, this app’s for you. Learn how the Winter Survival Kit smartphone app can help during risky winter driving conditions. Source: High Plains Journal, January 9, 2016. “The Winter Survival Kit app can be as critical as a physical winter survival kit if you find yourself stuck or stranded in severe winter weather conditions,” said Mary … [Read more...]
It’s go time for newborn calves
Scientists continue to learn more about the importance of colostrum in newborn calves. The first 24 hours of life remain the most critical period for them to ingest colostrum. Beyond the well-known, lifetime benefits linking colostrum and immune system function, ongoing research indicates colostrum helps develop other organs after birth. Source: High Plains Journal, January … [Read more...]
Editorial – There are no food activists in blizzards
Jennifer Latzke occasionally sounds off in her editorials and blogs. This post is one of those. You’ll appreciate the pragmatic view she presents. Source: High Plains Journal, February 1, 2016. If photos of empty grocery shelves in towns up and down the East Coast are any proof, there must not be that many food activists in blizzards. Empty milk cases, naked produce … [Read more...]