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Just because we have received some recent rains, don't rule out the possibility of elevated nitrate levels in forage plants. Forages often accumulate nitrates when environmentally stressed, with buildup also influenced by soil conditions and plant...

Leafy spurge is in full bloom and very easily noticed right now. It's gotten a good, early start and will really take advantage of the recent rains. Leafy Spurge is one of the most serious weeds in this several-state area. And, this seems to be a...

The main goal in a commercial cow-calf operation is to optimize pounds of calf produced per cow as economically as possible. Part of this is a heavy percentage of calves weaned as compared to the number of cows exposed to the bull. There are, of...

As we move into early summer, cattle producers may be noticing increased numbers of flies on their cattle. Horn flies are very common on beef cattle in Montana and annual losses in production and control costs exceed $780 million in the U.S. alone. W...

As field peas approach bloom, producers need to be thinking about potential diseases and management tools available. Ascochyta/Mycosphaerella blight can be an economically important disease when cool, wet weather occurs during bloom and pod-fill....

It seems that every few years we see varying degrees of plant damage appearing in patches in crested wheatgrass, and this is one of them years. The insect causing the damage is called the “Black Grass Bug”. The black grass bug can cause considerable...

Each spring I like to remind families of the dangers associated with ATV's. We simply can't be too careful when we are operating them. And, I certainly hope that everyone is adhering to the age limitations when it comes to allowing young people to...

After calving, cows go through a period of temporary infertility known as postpartum anestrus. Cows will not experience estrous cycles during this time. Another common term associated with this phenomenon is postpartum interval, which is the time...

Range Forage is one of the most important resources in the production of red meat. If we are going to economically and yet profitably produce red meat then it is essential that we properly manage our range forages. If we are to manage a resource, it...

Grazing lease rates are always a topic of discussion. What's the magic number that should be paid/charged? Obviously there is no “magic number” for rental rates. Determining rental rates is not an exact science. Local demand and supply con...

According to Dr. Gerald Stokka, NDSU Extension Veterinarian, calves that are chilled prior to nursing during and following spring storms may need to be removed from the dam and provided external heat to reach normal body temperatures. Providing...

Late winter and early spring is the most challenging time of the year for the nutrition of spring-calving beef cows. Unless cool season grasses are available, this is a season where maintaining or gaining body condition on spring calving cows is...

Well, it seems Old Man Winter just won't give it up. As a result, hay and feed supplies continue to dwindle – a hay supply that in most cases had no surplus when feeding started earlier than normal last fall. Bring on the green grass, huh? That looks...

Infectious causes of calf scours can be generated into 4 categories: bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and yeasts/molds. Non-infectious factors may contribute to scours outbreaks, including inadequate pre-calving nutrition of the dam and a poor...

This time of year gardeners start getting excited about gardening, but realize it's a bit early to get out and dig in the dirt. Indoor gardening and working with houseplants are options for the restless gardener. Here are some tips on propagating...

Biological control is the use of beneficial organisms to help control pest organisms. These beneficial organisms are often referred to as “biocontrol agents” or “natural enemies.” Weeds, pest insects, and plant diseases are some of the frequent targe...

It's good for those of us in rural areas to remind ourselves of the seriousness of rabies and the necessary awareness of how to handle an outbreak of the disease should one occur. From time-to-time rabies outbreaks do occur some place in the...

Coping With High Inputs As a result of high input costs, farmers and ranchers are having to spend a larger share of their working capital on production costs. Therefore, when more working capital goes towards production expenses, less can be...

Transferring the Farm or Ranch to the Next Generation During tax prep time, discussions about transferring the farm or ranch sometimes arise. This is an important topic, and one that is never too early to consider. Transferring your farm or ranch to...

The Three Stages of Parturition As the spring calving season approaches, an increased understanding of the parturition process is helpful. The more we understand about the physiology of the process, the more likely we are to make sound decisions...

Before starting a discussion on pre-calving vaccines, it is strongly recommended to consult with your local veterinarian about what types of pathogens are common in your area and for recommendations about what type of vaccine to use. The most...

Ken M. Nelson, County Extension Agent Winter Series Don't forget Extension Winter Series scheduled for Monday, January 16th from 4:00 to 7:30 PM at the Fairgrounds in Circle. Topics to be included are: Tree and Shelterbelt Recovery Following...

Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside...

News Column Ken M. Nelson, County Extension Agent 12-26-22 Beef Reproductive Management What a producer does between fall freeze-up and the start of the next calving season, especially regarding nutrition, will significantly impact the reproductive...