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NEWS

⚕️Holistic Health in Beef Cattle

⚕️ Holistic Health in Beef Cattle - Dr. John Groves, a veteran in beef cattle health, emphasizes a "systems thinking" approach to managing bovine respiratory disease (BRD). He advocates for holistic strategies, such as extending bull coverage and optimizing heifer management, to enhance herd quality. Groves also stresses the importance of reverse quarantining and proper penning to reduce BRD risks, along with early detection and comprehensive management plans to address underlying issues and improve cattle health.

🕷️ Tech Tackles Ticks - Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife are developing a $600,000 interactive tool to improve cattle fever tick eradication. By integrating historical and real-time data, this platform will help predict and prevent tick infestations, addressing challenges like climate change, land use, and tick resistance. The tool aims to support field staff in making informed decisions to protect U.S. cattle and enhance eradication efforts.

🌾 Hay Quality Questions - Ruminants thrive on forage, primarily pasture and hay. When buying hay, it's important to check its nutrient content rather than just visual cues. Key factors include moisture (ideal at 10-20%), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). ADF measures fiber, with higher values indicating less digestible forage, while TDN assesses energy. Quality forage results from good growing, harvesting, and handling practices. Testing hay for these nutrients helps ensure optimal livestock performance.

💸 Cow-Calf Cost Control - At the 2024 Beef Improvement Federation Symposium, Dave Lalman emphasized that controlling costs is crucial for cow-calf profitability, more so than just increasing production. He highlighted that cow costs influence 60-65% of profitability, while production factors affect 35-40%.

🛫 High-Flying Innovations - Farm Journal attended Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems 2024 Field Day, featuring the Pyka Pelican Spray drone and a new UAS Test Range approved by the FAA. This autonomous, electric-powered drone can spray 150-220 acres per hour, carrying 620 pounds of chemicals. It operates with GPS and LiDAR and can apply at night, though U.S. regulations limit this. The drone, costing over $500,000, highlights advancements in drone technology amid ongoing U.S. debates on restrictions.

🚊 Rumbles on the Rails - On August 22, 10,000 Canadian rail workers struck after failed contract negotiations with Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroads. The strike disrupts Canadian operations and threatens North American supply chains, particularly agriculture. Canadian Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has ordered arbitration to resume rail services, which is crucial for transporting fertilizers and other agricultural inputs. Industry leaders warn of significant delays and economic impacts affecting both U.S. and Canadian agriculture.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Creep Grazing vs. Creep Feeding

As fall approaches, cattle producers consider strategies like creep feeding and creep grazing to boost calf weights before weaning. In Season 7, Episode 34 of the Casual Cattle Conversations Podcast, Mark Johnson from Oklahoma State University compares these methods. Creep feeding uses grain and a separate feeder, while creep grazing involves high-quality forage in a fenced area with a creep gate. Creep grazing is often more cost-effective, reducing feed waste and spoilage, but requires additional infrastructure. Producers should evaluate their calves’ needs and consult experts to decide if creep grazing is a suitable option.

Kicked at Work? Know How to use Cold, Heat or Cream

Struggling with pain or an injury? Learn how to optimize relief with the right treatment techniques. Discover when to use cold therapy—ideal within the first 72 hours to reduce swelling and pain—and how to apply it safely. After this initial period, explore the benefits of heat therapy for muscle relaxation and stiffness. Plus, get tips on using topical creams effectively and safely. This guide offers practical advice on applying cold, heat, and topical treatments to help you recover more effectively.

Late Breds, Now What?

With the U.S. cattle herd at its lowest since 2014, prices are stable but low. To capitalize on this, producers can extend the bull coverage to increase late-bred cows’ value and manage heifers for better revenue. Selling high-quality bred females and trading for superior replacements can enhance herd quality. Strategic expansion and careful cost management are key to navigating this period effectively.

RANCHING AROUND THE WORLD RECAP

🇨🇦 CMC, CPC say rail strike could cause untenable damage to Canada’s meat industry [BEEF Magazine]

🇦🇺 Beef City’s new bioenergy system will remove 34,000t of CO2 emissions annually [Beef Central]

CATTLE COMMUNITY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS

Skeptical

• “They have been in office for 12 of the 16 years, why didn't they do things before? As soon as the election is done and fooling the masses yet again, they will go back to taking away everyone's livelihood and freedom.”

• “Price controls will be handed down to the calf producer, like usual. Packer power will still wield high profits for them, squeezing cow calf and feeder segments.”

Opposed

• “It seems shortsighted. The steak bought in the store is the end product. If you don’t go all the way to the beginning and start with operating expenses and processing expenses, how will the ranch prevent from losing money?”

• “I don't view all government regulations as bad, but I don't see this being beneficial in the long run.”