As I drive to and from work this week, I have begun to see a green tint in the road ditches and in the draws of pastures. Here in western South Dakota, we have already had a number of days in the 50’s and 60’s and even a few over 70 degrees. While we can sure use more moisture, there is enough in the ground to start some cool season grasses. Several long range forecasts have predicted that the upper plains should see a good deal of moisture in March. Either way, grass tetany season is about to start…
5 questions about VFDs and beef production
Cattle feeding will be changing in 2017. Starting Jan 1, 2017, all livestock producers will need a veterinary feed directive (VFD) in order to utilize antibiotics in the feed. Trying to wade through all the regulations can be a nightmare, so I’ve pulled out 5 things you need to know to be ready for 2017.
40,000 cows - 4 days - 5 CRYSTALYX feeder meetings
We realize there are many information sources that livestock producers can seek out and are honored that many producers find CRYSTALYX® activities as a reliable and trusted source for information.
What does biodegradable or ACE have to do with beef cow supplements?
We have always been aware that whether it is more of a confined feeding situation or pasture type environment, respecting the landscape and surrounding resources where cattle are raised is important for future sustainability.
Magnesium and the rumen: What you need to know to prevent grass tetany
El Niño weather patterns have created perfect conditions for grass tetany in many parts of the country. As a result many have already started high magnesium supplementation in the Southeast to help reduce risk. We all know to feed magnesium to our cattle to help prevent tetany but have you ever wondered why it works? Or why some cattle are more susceptible than others? This blog will cover some of the basics of tetany and what factors make cattle most susceptible.
Self-fed supplement intake variation
Building off of Jon Albro’s blog from last week, I too had some interesting observations from the NCBA Cattleman’s College. One Researcher provided some information on the intake variation of self-fed, as well as hand-fed supplements. Most notably it was stated that the percent of non-consumers of hand-fed supplements was probably around 5%.
Winter supplementation in a spring calving herd
Winter supplementation in a spring calving herd; If you’re supplementing now, you’re applying a lot of research.
Snow as a winter grazing water source
When you live in the northern US and Canada, this time of year means cold temperatures and snow. They go hand in hand with iced over and frozen waterers. This can lead some to look at the snow covered range and wonder if the snow can be used as a water source.
Longer days and increasing nutrient demand of the cow calf herd in late gestation
It has been a relatively mild winter in many areas except for the last few weeks with severe cold temperatures in many parts of the country. It is relatively easy to understand the need for extra feed and/or nutrition during these times of low temperatures.
Dealing with flooded pastures
Winter Storm Goliath has packed a wallop across most of the country between blizzard conditions in some areas and massive rain and flooding in others. And with forecasters predicting one of the strongest El Niños on record, excessive rain and flooding may well be the rule instead of the exception this year. Below are some tips and considerations in dealing with flooded pastures and fields:
