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NEWS

📈 U.S. Ag's Rises and Falls

📈 Rises and Falls - The 2022 Census of Agriculture, recently released by USDA NASS, illuminates significant transformations within the agricultural sector since 2017. It reveals a notable decline in the total number of farms, acreage, and operators, coupled with a substantial increase in production expenses. However, despite these challenges, the census underscores a positive trend of increased product value, resulting in nearly double the average net farm income per operation. It showed a shift towards more diversified decision-making structures, conservation efforts and commitments to environmental stewardship, as well as a rise in off-farm operators, although a fall in total operators, and a growing involvement of younger individuals in farm management, despite the rising average producer age. 

🦠 Scour Solutions - Cow-calf producers are no strangers to scours, the calf sickness that stems from environmental contamination due to pathogens accumulating in calving and nursing areas, even if cows show no symptoms. As calves are born, they are exposed to these pathogens, which multiply rapidly, leading to overwhelming pathogen loads and scours outbreaks. To mitigate this risk, strategies such as implementing the Sandhills Calving Method or its variations, reduce stress during calving with shelters and proper management, and conduct tests for accurate diagnosis. 

🩺 Timely Intervention - Understanding the three stages of bovine parturition is crucial for determining when to intervene during calving. Stage 1 being dilation of the cervix, characterized by signs like mucus discharge and behavioral changes in cows.; Stage 2 marking the delivery of the calf, initiated by the appearance of the water bag at the vulva; and finally, the delivery of the placenta. It's essential to assess cues, such as contractions and the emergence of the calf's front feet and nose, to decide whether assistance is needed. Timely intervention, typically within 30 to 60 minutes after the start of Stage 2, can ensure the health of both cow and calf. 

💰 The Pressure's On - In early February, USDA's Economic Research Service projected lower returns for the farm sector in 2024, notably in the cattle industry, due to lower traded volume offsetting higher prices and continued high feeder animal expenditures. High interest expenses are expected to persist despite potentially lower interest rates. January proved steady increases in annual prices for feeder livestock and grazing fee rates, particularly in states like Nebraska, South Dakota, and Kansas, but the potential for lower input prices in 2024 could alleviate some cost pressures.

🟤 Calving Conditions - Mud in calving areas poses health risks for cows and calves, increasing the likelihood of hypothermia in newborns and affecting the mother's condition. To mitigate these risks, providing separate areas for calves can help minimize exposure to pathogens,  monitoring regularly and providing clean bedding are essential to prevent disease spread. Additionally, attention to navel care and timely colostrum consumption are crucial for calf health.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Record-Keeping Success

CattleMax founder Terrell Miller compiled a list of 10 ways to boost your success in the record-keeping arena. From useful tools to constructive conversations, check out this resource to ensure you're up to the task this year. 

Bovine Coccidiosis

As some producers are encountering the disease this spring calving season, it's important to know and understand what it is, why it's present and how you can prevent Bovine Coccidiosis. 

CATTLE COMMUNITY

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