Anyone can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the pairie
Anyone can love the mountains, but it takes a soul to love the pairie
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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 vigor. While commonly seen in such feeds as oats, barley, and corn as forages, other forages such as wheat, sudangrass, sorghum-sudan hybrids, turnips, and pearl millet can also accumulate excessive nitrates. If producers are considering utilizing some of these crops as livestock forage, they should...
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 good year for it (again). Leafy Spurge is a deep-rooted perennial weed that spreads by seeds and underground roots. The seeds are produced in three-celled capsules, which explode when ripe, and spread the seeds 12 to 15 feet in each direction. The seeds are carried down draws by water and can be...
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 course, a number of things that influence conception rates – many of which we can manage to our advantage. Nutrition, both before and after calving, has an effect on pregnancy rates. Nutrition that leads to thin cows at calving, results in delays in the onset of estrual activity after calving. Level o...
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. When horn flies are abundant, cattle experience pain and annoyance from fly bites, which interfere with normal activities such as grazing and resting. Cattle infested with horn flies may exhibit decreased milk production, reduced weight gain, and poor feed efficiency. Horn flies are external blood fe...
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. The disease is widespread throughout the growing region and spores can travel long distances, which can place even new fields at risk. The pathogens causing Ascochyta/Mycosphaerella blight overwinter on crop residues and produce aerial spores in the spring. This disease complex causes dark necrotic...
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 damage to wheatgrasses and in some cases wheat. The primary host of the black grass bug in crested wheatgrass. As nymphs develop they will move out of crested wheatgrass and into adjoining areas of other wheatgrasses or wheat. Wheat fields are seldom severely infected except for borders that adjoin...
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 use an ATV. ATV ownership has greatly increased in recent years. ATV's have replaced the horse on many cattle operations. Farmers are using ATVs for many different chores and tasks all over the farm. Homeowners have ATVs for work and play as well. We all know ATVs can be fun as well as helpful with...
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 from calving to the subsequent conception. Postpartum interval plays an important role in determining a cow's calving interval, or the number of days from calving date in one year to calving date the next year. To maintain a 365 day calving interval, a cow must have a postpartum interval of 80 – 85 d...
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 is imperative that we have at least basic knowledge of that resource. In range management that means we need to know about plants and how they respond to being grazed. Good range management starts early in the season when plants begin spring growth. We need to base our grazing management on how the...
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 conditions, anticipated market conditions, and even long standing working relationships can have a bearing on rental rate negotiations. It is in the best interest of both land owners and renters to establish and record rental agreements that are equitable. The success of the lease depends on meeting the nee...
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 colostrum from the dam or frozen colostrum or colostrum replacement products is critical to reduce the risk of illness and death in chilled newborn calves. In most cases where the calf has been removed, warmed and fed, and then returned to the dam, the mother cow is able to recognize and re-bond with...
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 really quite difficult. Warm season grasses have not yet to begin to grow. Dormant grass (what little is left) is low quality feed. Cows cannot, or will not, consume a large amount of standing dormant grass at this time of year. If the only supplement being fed is a self-fed, self-limited protein...
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 to be a ways off looking out the window today, and with it will come other concerns. Turning out at the first sign of grass growth has consequences. Plants need the opportunity to establish a good root base. Grazing plants too early and too often can deplete root reserves and result in poor pasture...
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 environment for the newborn (wet weather, contaminated lots, etc.). Control of non-infectious factors is critical to preventing scours. Bacterial causes of calf scours include Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens. Most newborn calves are exposed to E. coli from the environment. Calves as...
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 houseplants that I am sure will be of interest to some readers. Most people simply place cuttings in water and hope for the best. While the shoots of species such as the lipstick plant or creeping Charlie will root in water, many species won't. Even when a shoot roots in water, they must be repotted...
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 targets of biological control in agriculture. Natural enemies can themselves be predatory/parasitic insects (targeting pest insects), herbivorous (plant-feeding) insects (targeting weeds), or diseases (pathogens) of pest insects, weeds, or even other harmful plant pathogens. Classical biocontrol is the i...
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 country. A year-round awareness of rabies is necessary to help reduce our chances of exposure. Rabies suspect animals need to be handled properly. Contact your veterinarian for proper handling precautions. The chance of exposure to rabies increases for humans and their pets as they spend more time outdoors...
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 utilized for expansion and investing in the growth of your operation, or even to the simple things we like to enjoy in life. Before making any decisions on how to reduce production costs, it is important to study and understand the effects that any changes may have on your operation. Before purchasing...
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 next generation can be a complex web of economic, legal, and family social decisions. Transfer planning includes the legal and economic decisions involved in turning over the ownership of the business, land, and other property to the next generation. Succession planning includes the family...
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 about providing assistance. Parturition or “calving” is generally considered to occur in three stages. The first stage of parturition is dilation of the cervix. Cervical dilation begins some 2 to 24 hours before the completion of parturition (2 to 6 hours are most common). This first stage is lik...
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 comprehensive pre-calving vaccines include rotavirus, coronavirus, Clostridium perfringens type C, and K99 Escherichia coli. A primary goal of pre-calving vaccinations is to allow the cow to build antibodies that will be passed along to her calf through colostrum. As their names indicate, coronavirus and...
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 Drought; Nutrition for the Cow Herd; and Re-thinking our Approach to Forage Nitrate Toxicity. A free-will supper will be served during the event. All are welcome! Hay Wastage A lot of expense and many long hours go into harvesting, storing, and feeding the winter hay supply. It is obviously a foolish thing...
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 each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home. For the best protection, smoke alarms...
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 performance and efficiency of that cow herd next spring. Through the years, research data has shown that now is the time to begin work on reproductive performance, not at the start of the calving or breeding season. Waiting until then will probably be too late, because damage from herd health,...
