Land and Livestock Post

February February 2017 2017 —— Issue Issue 2

By the

Numbers

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News From the General Manager

I

f the mail runs on time, you should be reading this just before Valentine’s Day. For all you guys out there, let this be your reminder. Chances are, you will be reading this the day before Valentine’s Day, and if this is the first you’re hearing of it then you may be in trouble.

At this point, you can forget about getting a reservation at any restaurant that doesn’t have a Happy Meal on the menu. There is still time for flowers and chocolate, but you’re going to pay through the nose. Anything else would require an actual

shopping trip to a mall or some other busy retail location, which never is fun.

JESSE WRIGHT

Fear not, for I am here to save the day. Here is the perfect way to tell your significant other how truly special

they are on this Valentine’s day: Cook steak.

It seems simple and, yes, you can drink beer while you do it, if you wish. But what better romantic gesture is there than sharing the food you love with the person you love? Now, don’t go get one of those heartshaped steaks. I’ve seen them, they exist, but all I think of when I see one is “what happened to the delicious meat they trimmed to make it?”. If they should ask, just tell the one you love that they deserve the entire steak, not one that’s been disfigured.

Now that I’ve saved your relationship, you can get on to this issue of the Land & Livestock Post. We have a lot of good stuff in here, starting with our cover story on collecting and maintaining data on your cattle operation.

We also have news from Texas A&M AgriLife, including a story about a concept to turn dairy farms into selfsustaining, gas-producing systems — which I guess isn’t new if you’re lactose intolerant. We have news and information from across the ag industry as well as information about upcom-

ing sales and events. Hope you enjoy it, and as always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

• For more information about content or advertising,contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@theeagle. com.

Modest cattle market projected

By BLAIR FANNIN Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

CAMERON — With outdoor temperatures struggling to stay above 20 degrees, the cold weather didn’t deter more than 140 beef cattle producers from hearing more about a modest cattle market outlook at the recent Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic in Cameron.

The clinic was hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Bell, Burleson, Falls, Milam, Robertson and Williamson counties. The day-long program featured numerous presentations and demonstrations, plus an order-buyer evaluation from cattle market experts.

“It’s amazing the value of cattle now versus 18 months ago,” said Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in College Station. “Two years ago if I told you that you would get an extra $20 by spending $1 on a growth implant, you’d probably say ‘heck, what’s $20 when I’m get-

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Jason Johnson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist, Stephenville, said at the Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic in Cameron that more beef in the system is putting pressure on prices. ting $1,500 for my calves?’ Now things have changed. It’s the little things that are low cost, such as

The Land & Livestock Post



castrating calves, that can add

See MARKET, Page 5

February 2017 — Issue 2

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News Use exclusion cages to manage cattle stocking rates better

By RoB Cook The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Developing a proper stocking rate is among the most important practices a manager can accomplish. No fertilization plan, brush management plan, rotational grazing plan or herd genetic selection can overcome overgrazing from a continually high stocking rate.

While short-term financial gains might be seen from overstocking pastures, long-term financial and ecological sustainability is not feasible while overgrazing.

Stocking rates are developed by balancing livestock numbers with the forage available for the animals to consume.

There are several ways this is accomplished. A range and pasture consultant will use production estimates from clip sampling forages, the soil’s production potential, species composition, plant health and vigor, and grazeable acres in each pasture to determine the amount of forage available in addition to animal demand to estimate an initial stocking rate.

This estimated stocking rate is based on the current health of the grazing land and a normal year of rainfall.

It attempts to balance animal demand with the forecasted forage production for the upcoming growing season.

As you can imagine, this forecast is dependent on the weather and thus dynamic.

The stocking rate also will need to be dynamic. Adjustments will need to be made to match the actual forage production. Implementing a monitoring plan gives grazing mangers the information they need to make timely decisions on stocking rates. Timely decision-making is a trait shared by the most successful grazing managers.

Grazing exclusion cages are just one component of an effective monitoring plan.

A monitoring plan gives timely

4

Photo Courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Grazing exclusion cages are one of the most effective tools for observing grazing utilization within a monitoring plan.

information to manage a grazing plan and also helps the grazing manager learn how vegetation, grazing animals and rainfall interact with one another, and what changes those interactions will cause across the landscape.

Mangers must monitor and document changes to ensure management is not causing damage to soil and plant communities and to evaluate whether or not past actions are producing desired results.

Managers who are dedicated to improving the quality of their pastures will ultimately see results in profitability, with economic and environmental changes that benefit the sustainability of their business.

Monitoring tool

Grazing exclusion cages are one of the most effective tools for observing grazing utilization within a monitoring plan.

See CAGES, Page 8

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Market, from Page 3 value to your calves so that you can receive extra dollars.”

“We are starting to see more beef in the system every year and that’s putting pressure on prices,” said Jason Johnson, AgriLife Extension economist in Stephenville. “Why did prices fall so fast?

Historically, there’s been a wide spread between feeder calves and slaughter steers. Part of the reason for the drastic fall in prices was the reduction in a (traditional) large spread between feeder and fed cattle prices. Back when prices were high, feedlots were paying premiums to keep their operations going. They paid $2.20 a pound and didn’t make a lot of money when prices started coming down.

“In 2016 and into 2017, there’s much more of a normal spread between feeder calves and slaughter steers. A bulk of that gain price has already taken

place. Don’t hold your breath on those high prices in 2014 and 2015 to return. Hopefully you took those windfalls you received during those historically high prices and invested it back into your operations. Overall, there will be more calves every year and that’s going to put downward pressure on prices.”

Johnson said projections of flat to net returns per calf can be expected looking forward.

“That’s more normal, but pretty depressing when you consider it was $500 a head a few years ago,” he said. “I suspect there’s been some holding off of marketing calves the past two months.

We’ve seen a nice rally since the election in November. There’s the potential that a lot of these calves have been held back and there will be a temporary backup flow that could bring prices down. Take advantage of the rally in prices and market those calves if you haven’t already

done so.”

Johnson said that over time, “hopefully we will move some of this out of the system,” referring to large export market countries such as Canada and Mexico.

He also noted drought monitor conditions do not pose a threat to forage availability.

“The three-month outlook from January through March calls for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation,” he said. “The April, May, June period calls for above normal temperatures and average precipitation.”

Record corn production will not pose a threat for downward bidding on the calf market, Johnson said.

“As a cattle producer, this is what we want to see,” he said.

“We are looking at $4.08 a bushel all the way through 2020. Sub$4.25 corn is very manageable.”

Johnson advised cattle producers to focus on efficiency and

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Joe Paschal,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service livestock specialist, Corpus Christi, provided a calf working demonstration at the Central Texas Cow-Calf Clinic in Cameron. production.

“The 4- to 10-year-old cows are most productive,” he said. “Look at your herd’s age and see what it is going to be in two years. Secondly, look at feed costs. You can’t short your female cattle on nutrition. You’ve got to keep them bred and keep them at a body condition score of 5 to have acceptable

rates of getting them bred.”

Johnson also recommended castrating and dehorning to add value to calves that are marketed.

He also advised to watch stocking levels.

“If we have another drought like 2011 and you try to feed your way out of it, you are going to lose a lot of money.”

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February 2017 — Issue 2

www.circlexbrangus.com 5

News Wildfire dangers increase with high winds despite recent moisture large grass fires.”

McCollum said conditions are right for wildfires to start with any ignition source if the available fuel is dry and the winds are high in the coming weeks. Primary ignition sources include motorists who throw cigarettes out along the highway or drag chains that cause sparks, and swinging

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

AMARILLO — High winds and drying grass and brush should prompt homeowners and landowners alike to take time to prepare before wildfires spark across the state, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist.

“Folks might think the recent rains will keep things from burning, but these winds will dry things out very quickly,” said Ted McCollum, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in Amarillo.

“It might even be time to get the mower out to knock down any dry grass around homes and outbuildings, and ranchers will need to be checking their water supplies and fire suppression equipment,” McCollum said.

The National Weather Service

Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Kay Ledbetter

Conditions are right for wildfires across much of the state. has issued a number of fire dan- ing and activities that cause open ger warnings for regions of the sparks or flames are discouraged state due to high winds and low … weather conditions will be fahumidity, stating “outdoor burn- vorable for the development of

electrical lines.

Ranchers and landowners bordering any roadway, particularly, need to tend to fire breaks along fence lines and check water tanks and other firefighting equipment to make sure they are in working order, he said.

See FIRE, Page 16

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

At Simplot, we produce cattle too.

Let us help you maximize your land’s production.

GROWER SOLUTIONS

A GREAT HERD STARTS FROM THE GROUND UP THREE WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HERD: 1 Proper forage

Every piece of land is different, so why should all your forage be the same?

Our trusted Crop Advisors can provide the right solution for your operation based on time of year and soil type.

2 Fertilizer

Utilizing the right fertilizer at the right time can significantly increase the productivity of your land, allowing you to graze more cattle per acre.

3 Timely pest control

Stopping weeds and insects to ensure optimal grazing conditions while maximizing your profitability.

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February 2017 — Issue 2

7

News sonal forage production to forecasted production to make timely decisions to balance forage production and animal demand. The ungrazed/unsampled forage inside the cage after frost is the total production for the growing season.

Compare total yearly production to the expected production and to production from previous years, relative to rainfall amounts, to help determine if

Rural Land Loans Country Home Loans Farm & Ranch Loans Photo Courtesy of The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Exclusion cages can help producers utilize their pastures better for forage throughout the year.

Cages, from Page 4 The cages exclude grazing animals from a small representative area so that grazed vegetation outside the cage can be compared to ungrazed vegetation inside.

Why use cages?

Cages give timely and intuitive information on grazing use that can be used to adjust stocking rates or make changes to a rotational grazing plan. Overutilization is an indication that a pasture could be overstocked.

For more in-depth monitoring, forage production can be measured inside the cage and compared to production outside.

How to construct

The cages can be constructed by bending welded wire cattle panels at 90 degree angles and combining two panels to form a square. A T-post can be driven at all four corners and attached to the panels to anchor them in place. For a simpler cage, one panel also could be bent around on itself and a T-post used as an anchor where the two ends meet with another post on the opposite side of the ring. This will result in a teardrop shape.

8

Cage size

Cages should be large enough that forage production measurements can be collected at multiple times during the growing season and then again after frost. A 2-meter-by-2-meter cage will give enough room to sample at least four times during the year.

Where to place cages

Cages should be placed on key sites that are representative of the entire pasture. Make sure they are not in high-use areas or so far away from water that use

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What to observe

Visually monitor the cages periodically to determine grazing utilization.

In native rangeland pastures, no more than 50 percent of the leaf area of plants available for grazing should be consumed, stomped down, urinated on or otherwise utilized.

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley Livestock Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Jan. 24 sale.

Head: 615 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $164$190; 300-400 lbs., $145-$184; 400-500 lbs., $144-$176; 500600 lbs., $132-159; 600-700 lbs., $124-145; 700-800 lbs., $120-$126.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $135$165; 300-400 lbs., $129-$157; 400-500 lbs., $124-$145; 500-600 lbs., $120-$135; 600700 lbs.,$100-$124; 700-800 lbs.,$94-$112.

Buffalo Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s Jan. 21 sale.

Head: 919 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $150$232; 200-300 lbs., $145-$200; 300-400 lbs., $140-$190; 400-

500 lbs., $135-177; 500-600 lbs., $125-$160; 600-700 lbs., $120-$146; 700-800 lbs., $110$129.

Heifers: 150-200 lbs., $135$200; 200-300 lbs., $130-$180; 300-400 lbs., $120-$175; 400-500 lbs., $110-$156; 500-600 lbs., $100-$138; 600700 lbs.,$95-$120; 700-800 lbs.,$85-$110.

Slaughter bulls: $65-$95.

Slaughter cows: $35-$69.

Bred cows: $950-$1,575.

Cow/calf pairs: $975-$1,780.

Caldwell Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s Jan. 26 sale.

Head: 501 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $185$230; 300-400 lbs., $165-$190; 400-500 lbs., $150-$175; 500600 lbs., $140-$163; 600-700 lbs., $130-$136; 700-800 lbs.,

$115-$122.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $160$177; 300-400 lbs., $140-$160; 400-500 lbs., $135-$165; 500600 lbs., $126-$240; 600-700 lbs., $112-$122; 700-800 lbs., N/A. Slaughter bulls: $65-$83.

Slaughter cows: $45-$72.

Bred cows: $525-$1,130.

Cow/calf pairs: $775-1,500.

Groesbeck

Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s Jan. 26 sale.

Head: 681 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $150$187.5; 400-500 lbs., $145$185; 500-600 lbs., $125-$165; 600-700 lbs., $120-$144; 800900 lbs., $90-$110.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $140$180; 400-500 lbs., $135-$168; 500-600 lbs., $127-$144; 600700 lbs., $112-$106; 800-900

lbs., N/A. Slaughter bulls: $72-$89.

Slaughter cows: $48-$69.

Bred cows: $700-$1,600.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,000$1,500.

Jordan Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s Jan. 26 sale.

Head: 5,632 Steers: Under 200 lbs., $185$212.5; 200-300 lbs., $185$200; 300-400 lbs., $170-$190; 400-500 lbs., $155-$182.5; 500-600 lbs., $140-$168; 600700 lbs., $125-$153; 700-800 lbs., $115-$129.5.

Heifers: Under 200 lbs., $150-$200; 200-300 lbs., $150-$187.5; 300-400 lbs., $140-$187.5; 400-500 lbs., $125-$168; 500-600 lbs., $120$177.5; 600-700 lbs., $115$170; 700-800 lbs., $110-$175.

Mar. 8

Mar. 16

Feb. 4

Feb. 25

Houston All Breeds Registered Range Bull Sale, Houston, TX

Feb. 25

International Brahman Sale, Houston, TX

MARCH Mar. 1

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering Cattleman’s Kind Simmentals, San Saba, TX

Southwestern Exposition Invitational 30th Annual Commercial Heifer Sale, Fort Worth, TX

Feb. 4

Jackson Co. Cattle Raisers Assoc.

Premium Bull & Replacement Female Sale, Edna, TX

Feb. 4

Southwestern Expo Select Breeders Quarter Horse Sale, Fort Worth, TX

Feb. 4

South Texas Hereford Assn. Sale, Beeville, TX

Feb. 11

South Texas BBA Rose Classic Sale, San Antonio, TX

Feb. 11

Bradley 3 Ranch Ltd. Bull Sale, Estelline, TX

44 Farms Angus Bull Sale, Cameron, TX

Jordan Cattle Auction Early Spring Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX The Oaks Farms Range Ready Brangus Bull Sale, Navasota, TX

Thomas Charolais Inc. Spring Bull Sale, Raymondville, TX

Mar. 2

Jordan Cattle Auction Stocker-Feeder & Premium Weaned Sale, San Saba, TX

Mar. 4

Foundation Angus Alliance Sale, Luling, TX

Mar. 9

Mar. 10

Houston Magic Beefmaster Sale, Houston, TX

Mar. 10

Houston International Simmental/ Simbrah Sale, Houston, TX

Mar. 7

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX McKellar Angus Bull Sale, Mt. Pleasant, TX

Mar. 18

44 Farms Angus Bull Sale, Abilene, TX

Mar. 18

Tested by Time Brangus Sale at Mound Creek Ranch Leona, TX

Mar. 18

ABBA National F1 Female & Brahman Sale, Caldwell, TX

Mar. 18

SE TX ICA Bull & Female Sale, Beaumont, TX

Mar. 10

Mar. 23

Mar. 4

Feb. 16

— Special to The Post

South Texas Beefmaster Breeders Assn.

Sale, Houston, TX

Genetic Development Center Best of the Test Brangus Cattle Sale, Navasota, TX

South TX Cattle Marketing Female Sale, Nixon, TX

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull

Mar. 8

Mar. 4

Feb. 15

All Breeds Bull & Commercial Female Sale, San Antonio, TX

Houston All Breeds Commercial Female Sale, Houston, TX

Mid Coast Santa Gertrudis Sale, Houston, TX

W4 Hereford Ranch Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Morgan, TX

Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s Jan. 21 sale.

Head: 613 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $100$200; 300-400 lbs., $110-$180; 400-500 lbs., $100-$172.5; 500600 lbs., $100-$155; 600-700 lbs., $95-$134.

Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $100$170; 300-400 lbs., $90-$152.5; 400-500 lbs., $90-$145; 500600 lbs., $90-$135; 600-700 lbs., $85-$125.

Slaughter bulls: $60-$74.

Slaughter cows: $40-$60.

Bred cows: $1,000-$1,600.

Cow/calf pairs: $700-$1,125.

Mar. 16

Offering Martin-Bruni Cattle Co., San Saba, TX

Feb. 25

Navasota

Mar. 8

FEBRUARY Feb. 2

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Stocker & Feeder Sale, San Saba, TX

Slaughter bulls: $78-$90.

Slaughter cows: $50-$68.5.

Bred cows: $860-$2,375 Cow/calf pairs: $950-$2,700.

Mar. 11

Mar. 11

Evans Angus Female Sale, Proctor, TX

Mar. 11

Genetic Edge Brangus Sale, Houston, TX

Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering JE Red Angus Ranch, San Saba, TX

Mar. 25

Bluebonnet Classic Santa Gertrudis Sale, Hallettsville, TX

Mar. 25

Cavender and Sturgess Double Charolais Bull & Female Sale, Jacksonville, TX

Do you have a sale or event you’d like listed? Call Jesse Wright (979) 731-4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com

The Land & Livestock Post

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Monarch butterfly a national priority Special to The Post

The monarch butterfly is a new national priority species of Working Lands for Wildlife, a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Populations of monarchs, a pollinator species cherished across North America, have declined significantly

during the past two decades. This collaboration aims to help the species recover by working with agricultural producers to make wildlife-friendly improvements on their farms, ranches and forests.

“Producers can make simple and inexpensive tweaks on working lands

See MONARCH, Page 17

Brazos Valley Livestock Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, Inc. Commission, Inc.

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The Land & Livestock Post

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February 2017 — Issue 2

11

News

Numbers game

Collect data for a profitable outcome

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Eagle

W

e constantly are told that we should collect and maintain accurate production and business data on our beef cattle operations, but it is a hard habit to develop. Difficulties arise from not knowing what data to collect, how to collect it, when to collect it, and how to use it.

Suggestions on how to address these questions were given by Brad Wright of Ranch Hand Analytics during last year’s Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.

Wright said, “Statistical analysis of collected data can lead to more accurate management decisions by both registered and commercial operations. As our customers continue to want more and more information, those producers who can meet their expectations will make the most money at sale time.

“Too many of us collect data points because a breed association, marketing program or public perception demanded it, but we never actually use the data to make our products and programs better.”

“There are various ways to keep accurate records and it is important that the selected method matches your skills and abilities,” said Jason Banta of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “If you don’t feel comfortable in using a computer, you probably should not keep records in a software program or on an electronic spread sheet. A ledger

12

Photo by Robert Fears

Above, Collecting and recording production and financial data is necessary keeping an operation profitable. On the cover: Weaning dates and weights are two of the data points that should be recorded.

and some sharp pencils may be a better option. If you are proficient in computer use, a variety of software programs are available for most skill levels.”

“A prerequisite for collecting production data is consistently identifying all animals using the same methodology,” Wright said. “Remove auction lot tags before you or your ranch hands get used to them. Apply your identification system to all pur-

chased animals. If Identification devices are not legible and displayed in a manner where they can be quickly and easily read, records begin to suffer. Try to avoid duplicate IDs, because they are the primary reasons for incorrect records.”

Herd inventories

Individual animal IDs aid in maintenance of herd inventories. Cattle are our most important asset and we

February 2017 — Issue 2

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should keep track of them. Depending on individual producer needs, a single inventory is maintained for the entire ranch or separate inventories are kept for different groups sorted by age, body condition, calving, or breed.

Banta records herd inventories for his family’s ranch on an Excel spreadsheet in three vertical columns, which are repeated across

See RECORDS, Page 13

The Land & Livestock Post

News Records, from Page 12 the page. The date cattle are counted is entered in the first column, the head count is written in the second column and the last column is left for notes. The notes column is for recording observations that may require action or monitoring such as a lame cow or one that is losing body condition. It is also used to list sales, purchases or deaths of animals to explain why the inventory numbers change.

Most good managers require that cattle be checked regularly so that sick, injured or stolen cattle can be noted within a reasonable period after the occurrence.

Banta said that inventory records are helpful when de-

Figure 1. Example of a herd weaning and calving spreadsheet Calving Season

Date Bulls Date Bulls Turned In Removed

Length of Breeding

Start Calving

Spring 2011

4/15/10 7/15/10

91

Spring 2012 Spring 2013

End Calving

Cows Exposed

Cows Open

Abortions

Died at Birth

Died Between Birth & Weaning

Cows Pregnant

Calves Weaned

% Pregnant

% Weaned

1/25/11 5/12/11 129

14

2

4

0

115

109

89

84

4/12/11 7/13/11 92

1/22/12 4/23/12 135

13

3

2

2

122

115

90

85

4/14/12 7/14/12 91

1/24/13 4/25/13 131

9

1

0

0

122

121

93

92

Jason Banta, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

termining average number of cows on the ranch for the year and calculating expenses per cow per year or for a season.

Additionally, they can be useful when applying for animal loss reimbursements under the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Livestock Indemnity Program.

Breeding and calving records

Breeding and calving records are an important part of record keeping because they measure cow production. The format used by Banta to record herd breeding and calving information is shown in Figure 1.

“If more than one breeding method is employed,

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then record how each cow is bred (embryo transfer, artificial insemination or natural service). Artificial insemination and embryo transfer dates should be noted,” Wright said.

“Record when bulls are put with the cows and when they are removed. Identify and record which bulls are put with each herd. This is

important even in multi-sire groups.”

“A cow should have a calf every year,” said Bruce Carpenter of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

“That is a very straight forward and simple statement, but it takes effort, planning and management to make this happen. One way to

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News Numbers, from Page 13 achieve this goal is to establish well-defined breeding and calving seasons. When the calving season is too long, management is more difficult and many cows will not calve every year.

Shorter, controlled calving seasons make the bottom line better because both herd management expenses and marketing income can be better controlled.”

“Palpating cows after breeding provides a prime opportunity to cull underproducing females and get them off the feed bill at the earliest possible time,” Wright said. “Define culling procedures and with them to keep herd production levels progressing. Culling criteria

14

to consider are number of years you will tolerate an open cow, udder quality, soundness of feet and legs, and body condition.”

For pregnant cows, maintain records on pregnancy length which will allow culling of cows who deliver outside the desired calving period.

Data to collect at calving includes birth date, birth weight and calving ease.

From the birth date, calculate calving interval which is the days between the current and previous calving.

Calving intervals are used to track each cow’s calving pattern over her life in the herd. A form recommended

by Steven Williams, Blaine County Extension Agent in

Montana, for recording calving history of each individual cow is shown in Figure 2.

“Birth weight is moderately heritable and high birth weight is the cause of most calving difficulties,” said Williams. “Calving ease data is an alternate on ranches where it is difficult to weigh each calf, or can be combined with birth weight information.

“Calving ease is also moderately heritable. By recording assistance given to a cow during birth, you can use cows which do not have calving difficulty as replacements. Calving ease records can supplement other selection tools such as pelvic measurement on heifers.

“Many producers sell

calves by weight at weaning,” Williams said. “Knowing the weaning weight of individual calves can help in selecting replacements and in culling cows that consistently wean light calves.”

Weaning calves normally occurs around 205 days after birth and is another data collection point. Various

February 2017 — Issue 2



weaning calculations used to tract cow and calf performance are shown in Figure 3.

“Cow percent body weight weaned combined with cow weight and body condition score can really pinpoint which cows are the most efficient,” Wright said. “A

See DOCUMENT, Page 21

The Land & Livestock Post

News

Learn about lumps on the heads of your cattle

By Dr. MereDyth Jones Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital rom time to time, lumps and bumps will show up on cattle, often occurring on the head. Some of these have little significance, while others indicate a more serious problem needing attention.

There are four main causes of discrete swellings on the heads of cattle: feed impaction, abscess, lumpy jaw and wooden tongue.

Here is how to recognize these causes and determine how to intervene.

(more on this later).

This list would not be complete without mentioning rabies, one of the signs of which can be impaired swallowing. For this reason, always use gloved hands during attempts to determine the nature of a feed impaction.

Feed impaction

Abscess

F

Cattle spend about 40 percent of their day ruminating: chewing feed, swallowing it, returning it to the mouth, rechewing and swallowing again. As this happens, feed can move into the space between the teeth and cheek, appearing as an outpouching of the skin of the cheek.

The vast majority of the time, this will disappear within minutes, a normal part of the rumination cycle.

When feed is held in the cheek for a prolonged period or is associated with weight loss or impaired appetite, however, it may indicate interference with proper chewing or swallowing and veterinary examination is warranted.

The more common conditions that hinder chewing and swallowing include teeth abnormalities preventing the feed from being properly ground; listeriosis, a bacterial disease of the nervous system that can paralyze portions of the head and inhibit proper chewing and swallowing; and wooden tongue, a bacterial disease that stiffens the tongue

Vet’s Voice

Abscesses may appear anywhere on or in the body, with those appearing on the surface of the body typically caused by a break in the skin that allows bacteria to invade the tissue beneath.

The immune system then reacts by sending white blood cells to kill the bacteria, resulting in the formation of a pocket filled with pus.

“Young” abscesses feel soft and fluctuant, while older abscesses develop a thick capsule of scar tissue.

Abscesses should be treated early in the process before this thick capsule develops, which impairs adequate drainage and healing. Antibiotics typically are not effective in the treatment of abscesses because the infection rapidly becomes “walled off,” keeping the drugs from being delivered to the area.

Treatment of abscesses typically is done by drainage and flushing of the pocket.

A couple of things make abscesses on the head different from abscesses on the rest of the body. First, some actually may originate from inside the mouth and so

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

examination of the mouth is required to determine if additional treatment is required.

Second, the head is a concentrated area of important nerves and large blood vessels that are superficial, often right below the skin.

For this reason, draining an abscess on the head takes more planning and care than is required on other areas of the body to avoid serious complications. Consult your veterinarian before attempting to drain an abscess on or around the head and neck.

Lumpy jaw

Lumpy jaw, or actinomycosis, is a bacterial disease

caused by invasion of the jaw by Actinomyces bovis.

This bacteria exploits damage to the inside of the mouth caused by stemmy feed, twigs, or other sharp objects and invades the bone of the skull, most commonly the lower jaw, causing severe infection.

Distortion and excess bone formation are the responses of bone to infection, regardless of location on the body.

Typically, only one side of the jaw is affected, but the distortion and swelling can be dramatic.

In the accompanying photo, the upper specimen is the normal mandible (lower jaw) of a bovine. The lower specimen is a mandible affected by lumpy jaw. This

distortion interferes with jaw movement and chewing and affected animals lose weight rapidly. The swelling will be as hard as bone, considerably different from the soft, fluid feel of an abscess.

Early treatment of lumpy jaw is critical, as it is difficult to access bone with antibiotics. Initiation of treatment early in the process helps ensure more complete control of the infection and prevention of severe distortion.

Bone distortion and proliferation are permanent changes that will limit the animal’s productivity in the short and long terms. Your veterinarian may recom-

See LUMPS, Page 16

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15

News Lumps, from Page 15 mend treatment with an antibiotic in addition to a product called sodium iodide.

The sodium iodide may improve antibiotic delivery into the bone.

The label of sodium iodide states that it should not be used in pregnant cattle and it should only be administered by a veterinarian as it must be given in the vein and any drug that accidentally escapes the vein may cause serious side effects.

If the affected animal has a good appetite, iodine can be supplemented in the feed to support these primary treatments.

Wooden tongue

Wooden tongue, or actinobacillosis, is another bacterial disease that takes advantage of injuries caused by feeds or other items injuring the interior of the mouth.

While the name would imply that this disease only affects the tongue, the other soft tissue of the head also can be infected (gums, skin of the lips, and cheeks).

The swelling can be anywhere on the face and, if the tongue is involved, it may hang out of the mouth because it loses its flexibility and ability to move.

Fire, from Page 6 Some other specific precautions homeowners and landowners can take now are: • Develop an escape or evacuation plan. The evacuation plan should include how to transport animals and livestock that may be in danger.

• Place fire extinguishers in all barns, vehicles and tractors.

Check extinguishers periodically for charge. Discard damaged or used fire extinguishers.

• Keep barns and buildings clean of trash and other combustible materials such as hay, lumber and empty feed sacks.

Keep outside areas clear of high

16

Photo courtesy of Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital

Lumpy jaw, or actinomycosis,is a bacterial disease caused by invasion of the jaw by Actinomyces bovis.

The term “wooden” is a bit of an overstatement about the texture of the infected tissue: It will be firm, but will not be hard like lumpy jaw. It also generally will not have the feeling of being filled with fluid like an abscess. Wooden tongue impairs the ability to eat and weight loss ensues.

Treatment of wooden tongue is similar to lumpy jaw, but animals typically recover more rapidly and completely from wooden tongue.

Feeding of hay with lower digestibility or that contains twigs and hard stems means an increase in feed impactions, abscesses, lumpy jaw and wooden tongue at this time of year.

A trace mineral supplement should be available at all times and one containing an organic iodine can be particularly helpful to cattle this time of year.

When driving through cattle, be on the lookout for swellings on the head and face, and be sure to get proper advice and treatment before the disease becomes chronic and body condition suffers. grass, weeds and other debris.

• Make sure your farm has an adequate water supply, such as an irrigation ditch, water tank or pond.

• Park tractors and implements away from combustible materials such as hay stacks and fuel storage containers.

• Keep aboveground fuel storage tanks at least 40 feet from

buildings.

McCollum said when the higher winds start whipping power lines and electrical sources above heavy growths of grass and brush, conditions are such that any spark could start a wildfire.

Any locations where an electrical source is present, such as oil and gas well pumps, should be checked to ensure the lines can-

not swing into contact with one another and create a spark, he said.

For a complete list of wildfire-

related documents concerning preparation, mitigation and recovery, go to texashelp.tamu. edu/004-natural/fires.php.

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Monarch, from Page 11 that provide monumental benefits to monarch butterflies and a variety of other insects and wildlife,” said Natural Resources Conservation Service chief Jason Weller. “By adding the monarch to Working Lands for Wildlife, we can accelerate conservation for the species at the heart of its migration corridor.”

The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service recently completed a conference report that explains how conservation practices can help the eastern monarch population, a species known for its remarkable annual, multi-generational migration between central Mexico and the United States and Canada. This report is an initial step toward adding the monarch to Working Lands for Wildlife, which uses a science-based, targeted approach to help a variety of at-risk species.

“We need to make every effort to help ensure monarchs don’t become endangered now and in the long term,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius.

TE PRIVA Y T A E TR

rk A n a l C

“Conservation efforts on agricultural lands across the nation can have a significant positive impact on monarchs as well as many other pollinator insects and birds. Working with farmers and other private landowners, we can ensure a future filled with monarchs.”

The monarch butterfly joins an array of wildlife species across the country already part of Working Lands for Wildlife, including the greater sage-grouse and New England cottontail, two recent successes in species conservation. The Fish and Wildlife Service determined in 2015 that the two species didn’t warrant protections under the Endangered Species Act because of voluntary conservation efforts underway to restore habitat.

Through Working Lands for Wildlife, the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical and financial assistance to help producers adopt conservation practices that benefit the monarch. Meanwhile, through the conference report, the Fish and Wildlife Service provides producers with regu-

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February 2017 — Issue 2

17

News Prepare a ‘calving kit’ before spring calving season begins

By Glenn Selk Oklahoma State University

Before the hustle and bustle of the spring calving season, now is a good time to put together the supplies and equipment that will be needed to assist heifers and cows that need help at calving time.

Before calving season starts, do a “walk-through” of pens, chutes, and calving stalls. Make sure that all are clean, dry, strong, safe, and functioning correctly. This is a lot easier to do on a sunny afternoon than a dark night when you need them.

• Protocol — Before calving season starts, develop a plan of what to do, when to do it, who to call for help (along with phone numbers), and how to know when you need help. Make sure all family members or helpers are familiar with the plan. It may help to write it out and post copies in convenient places. Talk to your local veterinarian about your protocol and incorporate his or her suggestions.

Below is an example of a “Calving Protocol” that could be laminated and hung in the barn or calving shed. Note: this is just an example. You may wish to include other important steps in the protocol.

Encourage everyone who will be watching and helping cows and heifers this calving season to read Oklahoma State University Extension Circular E-1006, “Calving Time Management for Beef Cows and Heifers.”

• Lubrication — Many lubricants have been used and one of the best lubricants is probably the simplest: non detergent soap and warm water.

• Supplies — Stockmen always should have in their medicine chest the following: disposable obstetrical sleeves, non-irritant antiseptic, lubricant, obstetrical chains (60 inch and/or two 30 inch chains), two obstetrical handles, mechanical calf pullers and injectable antibiotics. Also

18

have a tincture of iodine solution that can be used to treat navels of newborns shortly after birth.

Don’t forget the simple things such as a good flashlight and extra batteries and some old towels or a roll of paper towels.

It may be helpful for you to have all these things and other items you may want to include packed into a 5 gallon bucket to make up a “calving kit” so you can grab everything at once. Place that bucket in a location that can be found and reached by everyone in the operation.

Calving Protocol • Who to call: Countryside Large Animal Clinic: 405-xxx-xxxx Dr. Jones cell phone: 405-xxx-xxxx Dad’s cell phone; 405-xxx-xxxx Billy Ray’s cell phone ; 405-xxx-xxxx • Watch heifers 1 hour after water bag or baby calf feet appear.

• Watch cows 30 min after water bag or baby calf feet appear.

• Find calving kit on north wall of calving barn.

• Use plenty of lube or soap and water.

• Determine that cervix is dilated and calf is coming head and both front feet first. Call for help if something is unusual.

• Don’t pull until cervix is dilated completely.

• Apply ¼ turn as hips go through pelvic bone.

• Backwards calf must be delivered within 4 minutes after calf’s tail appears.

• Briskly tickle nostril of calf with stiff straw to start breathing.

• Clean chains and handles and replace calving kit.

February 2017 — Issue 2

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February 2017 — Issue 2

19

News

Sign up for the

Special to The Post

Populations of monarchs, a pollinator species cherished across North America, have declined significantly during the past two decades.

Butterfly, from Page 17 latory predictability should the monarch become listed under the Endangered Species Act. Predictability provides landowners with peace of mind — no matter the legal status of a species under the Endangered Species Act — that they can keep their working lands working with Natural Resources Conservation Service conservation systems in place.

Work through Working Lands for Wildlife centers on 10 states in the Midwest and southern Great Plains that are considered the core of the monarch’s migration route and breeding habitat.

Much of this work will focus on planting and enhancing stands of milkweed and other high-value nectar plants for monarchs. Assistance is available to producers in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has committed significant funding—$20millionoverfiveyears— to support monarch conservation efforts. Additionally, the Fish and Wildlife Service is working with partners, including the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Wildlife Federation and the Mexican and Canadian governments to leverage resources and investments to support and implement conservation actions across the continent.

20

During the past two years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has made available $6 million through a variety of Farm Bill conservation programs for monarch conservation in the 10 states.

Additionally, the service is working with partners, including The Xerces Society and General Mills, to increase staffing capacity to help producers design customized conservation strategies for working lands.

The two agencies’ efforts contribute to a multi-agency, international strategy to reverse the monarch’s population decline in North America, estimated to have decreased from one billion butterflies in 1995 to an estimated 34 million today. Through the National Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators, the United States has a goal of increasing the eastern population of monarchs back to 225 million by 2020.

Producers interested in Natural Resources Conservation Service assistance should contact their local USDA service center to learn more. The Natural Resources Conservation Service accepts landowner enrollment applications on a continuous basis. The service offers more than three dozen conservation practices that can provide benefits to monarchs as well as a variety of other pollinators.

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Document, from Page 14 great performance indicator to be compared from year to year is pounds weaned per cow exposed. Remember to consider calf age and management to compare apples to apples. Weaning rate ratio shows percent difference from contemporary group

average to easily identify high performing or underperforming individuals.

“Yearling data is taken at one year of age plus or minus 45 days,” Wright said. “Weights are recorded and post weaning gain is calculated. Average daily gain also is calculated by the

following formula: Average daily gain = (yearling weight – weaning weight) ÷ (yearling date – weaning date) Depending upon marketing strategies, producers may ultrasound yearlings and record carcass data such as rib eye area, intramuscular fat and back fat. Harvest data can be obtained on truck load lots from the processor on carcass weight, rib eye area, marbling score, back fat, yield grade and quality grade.”

Financial records

In addition to monitoring animal performance, maintaining accurate, upto-date financial records are important for generating profit from a beef cattle operation. Banta keeps his family ranch expenses on an Excel spreadsheet (Figure 4), which he uses to prepare income tax returns as well

as track expenses against budget. The first column on his spreadsheet, titled, “Remarks,” is where the vendor or source of purchase is listed. Examples are Tractor Supply, Joe’s Gas and Diesel, and Mud Creek Vet Clinic.

The next column is for the date of purchase and the remaining columns are titled with some of the expense categories from the Schedule F income tax form.

Banta’s expense record has a line for category totals at the bottom of the sheet and the computer calculates these totals as new entries are made. Additionally, the

spreadsheet is designed for calculation of the grand total at the bottom of the first column as new entries are made. He uses a similar spreadsheet to record ranch income. The expense and income records together are used to prepare financial documents such as balance sheets and cash flow statements in addition to income tax returns.

Record keeping is as important as feeding cattle or maintaining a herd health plan, so make it a routine ranch management practice.

There are plenty of people who can help you start.

Figure 4. Example of expense records1 Remarks

Date

Feed Store

1/12/12

Joe’s Gas/Diesel

2/5/12

Jordan Cattle

3/5/12

Livestock

Equipment Hire

Fuel

4/5/12

Joe’s Fertilizer

4/6/12

Hay

Feed

Fertilizer

Veterinary (Medicine)

Repairs & Maintenance

10/5/12

Mud Creek Vet

10/12/12

Category Total

Supplies

$12,000.00 $325.00 $982.66 $4,250.00 $385.26

8/15/12

Tractor Supply

Seeds and Plants

$150.55

Winfield Solutions 4/15/12 Joe’s Fertilizer

Herbicide

$255.00

Joe’s Cat. Hauling 3/5/12 John Deere

Custom

$825.14 $120.00 $346.22

$12,000.00

$0.00

$255.00

$325.00

$0.00

$150.55

$4,250.00

$385.26

$346.22

$982.66

$825.14

$120.00

Grand Total $19,639.83 1

Jason Banta, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

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February 2017 — Issue 2

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