Land and Livestock Post by The Eagle Advertising Department

July 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Issue II

COOL DOWN It is critical to protect cattle from the heat. PAGE 4

FLY AWAY Keep fighting flies in the herd. PAGE 8

FIRE ANTS

South Korea turns to AgriLife to learn how to combat pests. PAGE 21

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL Children need to be safe around water. PAGE 23

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July 2018 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News From the General Manager

his time of year, it seems it rains just enough to make my lawn grow. I have to mow at least once a week or it gets out of hand. Just the other day, the grass was pretty thick, and my dog was getting after something. I was just about to mow, and I was getting the lawn mower JESSE WRIGHT ready when I noticed he seemed more excited than normal. In order to further delay having to mow, I decided to encourage the dog and see what he found. I moved a tub, and scooted some things around, and then I saw a red, black and yellow snake. I jumped about 10 feet in the air, looked around to make sure no one saw me jump, then quickly tried to remember the rhyme that tells

Red touch black, safe for Jack. Red touches yellow, kills a fellow. me if this snake is poisonous or not. All this was happening while I was yelling at the dog to get back. Once I realized that this snake was in fact an “OK Jack,” I let the dog have a go at him. I did not expect to have to do any more acrobatics, after my initial fright. But the next thing I knew, I was leaning and jumping and dodging a snake that I suddenly found flying through the air at me. Apparently, my dog’s attack strategy was to grab the snake in his teeth and fling it at me. After my second snakedodge, I decided that was enough and put the dog inside the house. The snake was dazed but not dead, and I scooped it up with a stick and gave

it one last fling into the empty lot next door, Then, after all that, I realized I still had to mow. I left the dog inside though, because I didn’t think I could handle the heat, mowing and ducking airborne reptiles, all at the same time. My dog managed to make the mundane task of mowing particularly stressful. When you are working cattle, stress is the last thing you need for yourself and especially for the cattle. In our cover story, we take a look at cattle-handling equipment, and how certain equipment can help you maintain a low-stress environment when working your cows. In this issue we have our Vet’s Voice

feature, dealing with heat stress. We also have news from all around the cattle industry as well as information on upcoming events. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading. ’Til next time,

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

Beef market, weather outlook to be featured at Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

The outlook for consumer beef demand as well as price forecasts for the cattle market will be featured during the general session of the 64th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Aug. 6-8 at Texas A&M University in College Station. The general session, set for Aug. 6, will feature Randy Blach, CEO of CattleFax, who will give a beef cattle market outlook. “Everyone is wanting to know the trends and how this will affect marketing cattle for the remainder of the year,” said Jason Cleere, short course coordinator and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station. “Attendees will have the opportunity to hear a comprehensive overview of price trends and outlook so they can plan accordingly with their operations.”

Ron Gill, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist in College Station, will discuss hot issues in the cattle industry, including animal diseases traceability, clean meat and exports. Cleere and Kelley Sullivan, coowner of Santa Rosa Ranch near Houston, will provide a look at the China beef market — present and future. Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, AgriLife Extension law specialist in Amarillo, will discuss landowner issues affecting ranchers, and Brian Bledsoe, Southern Livestock Standard meteorologist in Pueblo, Colorado, will provide an extended weather outlook. The short course is the largest beef cattle educational event in the country and attracts more than 1,800 beef cattle producers from Texas and abroad, according to organizers. The short course is hosted by AgriLife Extension and the department of animal science at Texas A&M.

The Land & Livestock Post

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The short course features 22 sessions covering basic practices, new technologies and other important industry topics. These sessions provide participants an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch. “Concurrent workshops will feature information on forage and beef cattle management, health, nutrition and reproduction, record-keeping, genetics, purebred cattle and much more,” Cleere said. In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the program’s demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 8, he said. “There will be demonstrations on live cattle handling, chuteside calf working, brush management, fence building, tractor safety and beef carcass value determination,” Cleere said.

See COURSE, Page 5

July 2018 — Issue 2

News

It is important to help your cattle keep their cool BRANDON J. DOmiNguez Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences

ummer is upon us with the heat that is always expected in July into August. It is an important time of year to keep a close watch on your herd to ensure there are few problems. Heat stress in cattle may be recognized by increased breathing, to include open-mouth breathing. The primary way for cattle to cool themselves is through respiration. As the need to cool off increases, slobbering may be noticed as cattle are breathing too much to swallow the saliva they produce to help their digestion. This in turn could have other complicating effects, however, as the stress intensifies, cattle begin to stumble and have incoordination. It is important to identify heat-stressed cattle at the earliest sign and alleviate the stress. When the heat index is over 75 for three days or over 84 for two days, animals are likely to be experiencing heat stress. The core temperature of cattle peaks approximately two hours after the hottest part of the day. The rumen of a cow is basically a large fermentation vat, a process that produces a lot of heat as well. Because of their ruminal fermentation, a cow’s core body heat also will peak 4-6 hours after eating. Feeding cattle in the evening during the hot times of the year allows them to recover from the hottest part of the day and their heat from fermentation to dissipate as the night cools down. A 1,000-pound cow needs at least 1.5 gallons of water per hour. It is important that cattle have easy access to fresh, clean sources of water throughout the day in order to stay hy-

Vet’s Voice drated and cool. Availability of shade also is important, with cows needing approximately 2040 square feet. Shade that is at least 8 feet high allows for cooling breezes to dissipate heat. If your breeding season is during the hottest part of the year, cows may experience a greater pregnancy loss early in their pregnancies as their bodies cannot manage the stress of pregnancy and heat. Bulls need to be examined carefully for fertility one to two months after a heat stress event, especially if they being readied for a fall breeding season, as heat stress can have negative impacts on semen quality. Managing a 60-90 day breeding season is helpful in avoiding some of these heat effects on the herd’s productivity. If you must work cattle, do so in the early morning hours and use low-stress handling techniques. Closely consider what procedures need to be done at this time and contemplate the ability to perform those tasks during the fall or spring working. Internal parasites at this

Photo courtesy of the Nobel Research Institute

Providing adequate shade and water is critical to help your herd avoid heat stress during the hot summer months. time of year are less active, trying to survive the heat themselves, so the greatest effect from your dewormers will come in the fall and spring when things are generally cooler, wetter, and the grass is growing. Good fly control through fly tags, sprays, pour-ons, or dusters is important. Cattle are stressed. Immunization through vaccination is lessened when cattle are stressed. One of the most dif-

ficult parts of a herd health program is timing of vaccinations for the best immunization, return on investment, and health of the calf. Strive to provide that protection when cattle are less strained by the environment. Transport of animals should be minimized as much as possible. Load animals early in the

morning and continue driving until the destination is reached. When trailers are not moving, air is not passing through to cool the animals inside. As we are enjoying summer vacations and possibly the chance to be among our cattle, keep in mind their risk of heat stress. Stay cool!

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July 2018 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Course, from Page 3 “The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information needed by beef cattle producers. We have information everyone can take home and apply to their operations.” Participants can earn at least nine Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide continuing education units if they already are licensed, Cleere added. An industry trade show, featuring more than 130 agricultural businesses and service exhibits, also will be held during the event. “And the famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner is always a highlight of the short course,” Cleere said. Registration is $210 and covers all meals, including the prime rib dinner, breaks and printed materials. To register, go to beefcattleshortcourse.com/. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

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July 2018 — Issue 2

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News Avoid itchy bites from spiking seasonal chigger populations By GaBe Saldana Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

DALLAS — Anyone venturing into the great outdoors this summer in Texas should be ready for chiggers. That’s the message from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist Mike Merchant in Dallas. He said reports of chiggers to AgriLife Extension offices have seen a sharp uptick in recent weeks compared with normal seasons over the last 28 years. “If my phone calls are any indication, this appears to be a whopping chigger season,” he said, adding that unseasonably high temperatures and humidity during June have likely produced perfect conditions

for chigger reproduction and higher populations in time for summer. These nearly microscopic mites climb up a person’s legs, leaving red, itchy bites as high as the armpits and usually concentrated near the “sensitive skin areas” around the waistline. Bites are itchy for a few days and take up to two weeks to disappear. “They’re my personal worst nightmare,” Merchant said. “The only good thing I can say about chiggers is that, as far as we know, they don’t carry disease.” Bramble patches, woods and grassy fields are the most common places to encounter chiggers, but the pest can pose a threat even in manicured lawns under the right conditions.

Texas A&M AgriLife photo

Their small size makes chiggers difficult to see as they leave behind itchy red bite marks. “Workers in our turfgrass breeding program have annual problems with chiggers beginning around late May and early June,” Merchant said, referring to research plots at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas. He recomm ends wearing long pants, tucking pant legs into socks, and using a repellent with DEET on shoes and socks. If practical, a quick shower after possible exposure to chiggers can help reduce the number and severity of bites. More information on controlling chiggers is available at citybugs.tamu.edu/chiggerseason.

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July 2018 — Issue 2

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July 2018 — Issue 2

News

Cattle pest control is vital to your herd By EllEn Crawford North Dakota State University Extension Service

Integrated pest management concepts that are commonplace for controlling crop pests also apply to controlling livestock pests, North Dakota State University Extension livestock and pest management specialists say. Those key concepts for controlling pests effectively are using the right type of control at the right time for the right duration. “Many North Dakota livestock producers apply pest control prior to pasture turnout, which may be optimal for control of some pests but not others,” said Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. In a recent survey NDSU Extension conducted, North Dakota livestock producers reported that face and horn flies were the most common and most treated pest on their operations. “Left untreated, these pests can cause significant loss in production,” said Gerald Stokka, NDSU Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. “In the U.S., horn flies are estimated to cause an economic loss of $1 billion annually.”

Horn and face flies Horn flies are grayish and look like small houseflies. Horn flies are biting flies; they spend most of their time on cattle clustered on the animals’ head, shoulders and back. Horn flies also can be found on the cattle’s belly during warm weather. These blood-sucking flies feed up to 30 times per day. This constant biting causes pain and stress, and can reduce weight gains by as much as 20 pounds. When fly counts reach 200 flies per animal, the “economic threshold” has been reached and animals will have significant weight loss. The life cycle of a horn fly ranges from 10 to 20 days, depending on weather conditions. Populations typically peak in midsummer and early fall. Face flies look like large, dark-colored houseflies. Face flies are nonbiting flies that feed on animal secretions, plant nectar and manure liquids. These flies may transmit pathogens responsible for infecting the eye and causing keratoconjunctivitis, or “pinkeye,” in cattle. The life cycle of a face fly is approximately 21 days. Populations tend to peak

Photo courtesy of North Dakota State University

Flies swarm around these cattle as they are being moved. Producers need to determine what pest control method to use and the best time to use it. in late summer. Horn and face flies typically are not present at pasture turnout and do not reach economic thresholds for applying control until midsummer.

Control methods “The first step to determining when to apply control is properly to scout pastures and cattle to determine fly type and fly populations,” said Patrick Beauzay, a research specialist in NDSU’s plant pathology department. “Horn flies typically rest on cattle throughout the day, whereas face flies land on the face of cattle for a meal

and then retreat to nearby structures (forages, fences, etc.). Once threshold populations are achieved, control measures can be implemented.” One control method is ear tags containing insecticides that are released slowly into an animal’s hair by movement. Ear tags should not be applied until fly populations are nearing the economic thresholds (typically from mid-June to July). “Read insecticide container labels carefully because recommendations can vary in the number of tags to apply (one or two), age of cattle that can be tagged and chemical class of active ingredient (pyrethroid, organophosphate or a combination),”

July 2018 — Issue 2

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Beauzay says. To help prevent resistance, he recommends rotating the class of insecticide each year and removing the tags when they no longer are providing effective fly control. Stokka says that to achieve proper fly control, pour-on and sprays must be applied every two to three weeks throughout the fly season. Applying these products only before pasture turnout likely will not be an effective fly control method. “The use of avermectin pour-on or injectable products will have more impact

See PESTS, Page 9

The Land & Livestock Post

News Pests, from Page 8 on internal parasite loads later in the summer, when internal parasite populations are greater,” he said. “Additionally, avermectin products are not labeled for fly control and their use will contribute to resistant fly populations.”

Feed-additive insecticides

“Feed-additive insecticides can be included in mineral formulations that pass through the animals’ digestive system and destroy the developing horn and face fly maggots in the manure,” advises Janna Kincheloe, Extension livestock systems specialist at NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center. “These insecticides are effective in killing 80 to 90 percent of the developing fly larvae in animals that have consumed the product.” Feed additives offered at least one month prior to peak fly populations will diminish overall populations, according to the specialists. However, migration of adult flies from neighboring herds still may present problems.

“Providing enough feeding stations to achieve a more consistent intake is critical to this system’s impact,” Kincheloe says. “A rule of thumb is to provide one mineral feeding station for every 30 to 50 cows.” Back rubbers, dusters and other means of delivering insecticides, as well as nonchemical fly traps, also are available. Another option is natural fly defense mechanisms (dung beetle control of larvae). As with the other control methods, producers should watch for economic thresholds and determine what control measure will work best in their operation. Monitoring populations to see if the product is achieving the desired level of control is important, the specialists say. If a product is not effective, the fly population may have developed a resistance to that type of insecticide, so producers should use another method and/or product. “Pest control can be costly; however, producers can reduce costs by following principles of integrated pest management and applying the appropriate products at the appropriate time for optimum control of pest populations,” Kincheloe said.

Courtesy of the University of Wyoming

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News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Anderson

Results of the Mid Tex Livestock Commission’s June 27 sale. Head: 1,060 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $150-$220; 300-400 lbs., $135-$195; 400-500 lbs., $140-$178; 500-600 lbs., $130-$165; 600-700 lbs., $115$148; 700-800 lbs., $105-$145 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $135$200; 300-400 lbs., $130-$170; 400-500 lbs., $130-$165; 500600 lbs., $120-$150; 600-700 lbs., $110-$137; 700-800 lbs., $105-$130 Slaughter bulls: $60-$84 Slaughter cows: $40-$64 Bred cows: $600-$900 Cow/calf pairs: $750-$1,100

Brazos Valley Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Commission’s June 26 sale. Head: 819 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $165$197.50; 300-400 lbs., $160-$195; 400-500 lbs., $145-$166; 500-600 lbs., $138-$157; 600-700 lbs., $130-$150; 700-800 lbs., $128$133 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $140$165; 300-400 lbs., $130-$166; 400-500 lbs., $130-$154; 500600 lbs., $128-$152; 600-700 lbs., $120-$138; 700-800 lbs., $116-$125 Slaughter bulls: $77-$82 Slaughter cows: $46-$67.50 Bred cows: $675-$1,100 Cow/calf pairs: $750-$1,050

Brenham Results of the Cattleman’s Brenham Livestock Auction’s June 22 sale. Head: 786 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $162-$180; 300-400 lbs., $150-$178; 400-500 lbs., $147-$167; 500-600 lbs., $143-$157; 600-700 lbs., $125$151; 700-800 lbs., $119-$136 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $160-$205 ; 300-400 lbs., $157-$159 ; 400500 lbs., $150-$207; 500-600 lbs., $130-$160; 600-700 lbs., $118$144; 700-800 lbs., $110-$1329

Slaughter bulls: $60-$87 Slaughter cows: $36-$66 Bred cows: $650-$1,200 Cow/calf pairs: $900-$1,350

Buffalo Results of the Buffalo Livestock Commission’s June 23 sale. Head: 1,660 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $160-$220 ; 300-400 lbs., $145-$212 ; 400500 lbs., $140-$170; 500-600 lbs., $135-$162; 600-700 lbs., $125$152; 700-800 lbs., $115-$140 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $130$180; 300-400 lbs., $130-$175; 400-500 lbs., $125-$157; 500600 lbs., $120-$150; 600-700 lbs.,$115-$124; 700-800 lbs., $105-$135 Slaughter bulls: $65-$100 Slaughter cows: $35-$67 Bred cows: $750-$1,600 Cow/calf pairs: $950-$1,600

$170; 400-500 lbs., $125-$165; 500-600 lbs., $120-$145; 600-700 lbs., $110-$135 Slaughter bulls: $76-88 Slaughter cows: $36-$67.50 Bred cows: $900-$1,400 Cow/calf pairs: $1,000-$1,500

Jordan Results of the Jordan Cattle Auction’s June 28 sale. Head: 2,117 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $170-$200; 300-400 lbs., $170-$200; 400-500 lbs., $150-$180; 500-600 lbs., $140-$166; 600-700 lbs., $135$154; 700-800 lbs., $125-$140 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $140$166; 300-400 lbs., $145-$174; 400-500 lbs., $135-$173; 500600 lbs., $125-$151; 600-700 lbs., $118-$155; 700-800 lbs., $110-$123

Slaughter bulls: $72.50-$89 Slaughter cows: $45-$71 Bred cows: $750-$1,125 Cow/calf pairs: $850-$1,450

Navasota Results of the Navasota Livestock Commission’s June 23 sale. Head: 1,186 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $115-$195; 300-400 lbs., $115-$190 ; 400-500 lbs., $115-$165; 500-600 lbs.,

Groesbeck Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Company’s June 28 sale. Head: 787 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $170-$210; 400-500 lbs., $165-$190; 500-600 lbs., $145-$175; 600-700 lbs., $135-$155 Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $135-

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Caldwell Results of the Caldwell Livestock Commission’s June 27 sale. Head: 807 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $175-$195; 300-400 lbs., $163-$190; 400-500 lbs., $150-$161; 500-600 lbs., $142-$155; 600-700 lbs., $135$143; 700-800 lbs., $130-$137 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $150$1680; 300-400 lbs., $142-$1767; 400-500 lbs., $139-$162; 500-600 lbs., $134-$155; 600-700 lbs., $127-$147; 700-800 lbs., $100$122 Slaughter bulls: $65-$94 Slaughter cows: $42-$73 Bred cows: $670-$1,17500 Cow/calf pairs: $790-$1,250

$110-$159; 600-700 lbs., $110$162 Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $115$170; 300-400 lbs., $115-$165; 400-500 lbs., $115-$160; 500600 lbs., $110-$153; 600-700 lbs., $105-$140 Slaughter bulls: $55-$85.50 Slaughter cows: $36-$65 Bred cows: $700-$1,175 Cow/calf pairs: N/A

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July 2018 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Beef producers engage in open discussions at 2018 Live Well By Misty Martin Special to The Post

AUSTIN — Human nutrition experts recently gathered in San Antonio for the 2018 Live Well event hosted by the Texas Beef Council. The two-day workshop, funded by the Texas beef checkoff, provided an opportunity to engage and connect with more than 30 dietitians, physicians, public health leaders, foodservice directors and fitness professionals. “Live Well provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in an open discussion and hear relevant and timely information,” said Austin Brown III, Texas Beef Council board member and cattleman from Beeville. “It also allowed attendees to have an open dialogue with Texas beef producers about production practices.” Attendees heard from some of the nation’s top protein researchers and were able to explore the data and engage di-

Human nutrition experts recently gathered in San Antonio for the 2018 Live Well event hosted by the Texas Beef Council. rectly with the researchers. The workshop also provided helpful tips in communicating and translating the science and research effectively to clients. “Live Well helped bridge the gap between what the science tells us and how health professionals communicate that message,” said Hawley Poinsett, registered dietitian and Texas Beef Council

senior manager of nutrition. “We recognize that even health professionals bring their own personal biases of food to the conversation. “We provided not only the latest research on beef, but also the experts in the field that can teach us how to communicate those benefits with the greatest impact on our patients.”

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July 2018 — Issue 2

Post-event surveys indicated a significant increase in knowledge and affinity for the positive health benefits of beef. Working with influential nutrition and health professionals allows the beef checkoff to have a larger impact and reach. For information on beef checkoff-funded programs, go to TexasBeefCheckoff. com or call 1-800-846-4113.

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News

Well-equipped

Select the right cattle-handling equipment By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

good health program and low-stress handling are essential for producing premium cattle. Unhealthy and stressed feeder calves produce low weight gains prior to weaning and continue to perform poorly in the feed yard. Using the right type and condition of handling equipment is part of lowstress handling. Headgates, squeeze chutes, loading ramps, palpation cages, scales and calf tilt tables all are considered cattle handling equipment.

Squeeze chutes

“It is important to select a squeeze chute that fits the management style of the operation,” said Clyde Lane Jr. of The University of Tennessee Extension. “What type of operation is the unit being purchased for? “For a cow-calf operation, give extra consideration to the available adjustments which allow working of both cows and calves. “How much labor is available when working animals? Limited labor availability may result in the need to purchase a self-catching headgate. “Is the squeeze chute location permanent or is a wheel kit needed to move the chute? Will the chute location have adequate space for all components to work properly?” Lane said, “After evaluating requirements for the chute, consider the costs. There is a considerable range in price from a simple manual chute to a complete hydraulic chute. “After the decision is made on the amount of available money, it is time to start looking at features of avail-

Photo courtesy of Alexander Livestock

The headgate should allow easy access to the animal’s neck area for giving injections. able squeeze chutes. All chutes have the same basic features; however, the ease of use and functionality can vary. Take time to operate all features to determine if they are easy to use.” “Recommendations on squeeze chute features are found in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Beef Quality Assurance guidelines,” said Courtney Dyer of Priefert Ranch Equipment. “Having the right chute makes it easier to perform important management practices, leading to better record-keeping and healthier herds. Selecting a chute with safety in mind results in fewer injuries to animals and people.” “The squeeze chute and headgate should not open into a pasture,” said Tom Troxel of the University of Arkansas. “Enclose the equipment in a pen, so that a group of worked cattle can either be turned out together or moved back into a holding pen. “With an enclosed working area, an animal that escapes the squeeze chute prior to working is not loose in a pasture and is easily maneuvered back into the chute.” “When evaluating squeeze chutes, selection of the type of attached headgate is a major decision. If a producer handles cattle alone, the self-catching headgate is often desirable,” Lane said. “It is important to adjust this type so the animal’s shoulders will cause the gate to close. “If improperly adjusted, there is a

See EQUIPMENT, Page 13

July 2018 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Photo courtesy of Alexander Livestock

Exits on the side of the chute allow for cattle sorting.

Equipment, from Page 12 good chance the gate will catch the animal at the hips instead of the shoulders, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation. “Select a self-catching gate that is easy to adjust. A protected mechanism used to hold the headgate closed is important for preventing the animal from causing it to open. “Construction of the headgate should prevent an animal from putting its feet through a space where they have to be removed prior to opening the gate. “Scissors-type headgates vary in size of the opening when the animal is released. If a producer has large animals, then a fully opening headgate is recommended.”

Major design features

Major design features to consider when purchasing a squeeze chute are the latching system, protruding handles and levers, squeeze system, side exit, general or overall construction, headgate style and options. Many of today’s squeeze chutes and headgates have one or more handles or levers needed to operate the equipment. Placement and operation of handles and levers in a manner to avoid hitting and possibly injuring the operator or bystanders is important. “Handles and levers most likely to cause problems are those located at head and shoulder height and those subject to sudden movement. “Ensure the squeeze mechanism controls are readily acces-

See SQUEEZE, Page 15

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News

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Courtesy of University of Florida

Monitor mineral intake closely during summer By Glenn Selk Oklahoma State University

Summer often becomes a busy time of year for ranchers (especially during haying season). Don’t forget to check the mineral feeders or blocks to be certain that they are supplying the minerals that your cows need. In some cases, medications may be recommended by your veterinarian to be included in the mineral mix. Cow-calf operators will want to monitor mineral consumption closely to be certain that the label-recommended amounts are being consumed by the cattle. A Veterinary Feed Directive will be necessary for antibiotic feeding in mineral supplements. Contact and work with your local large animal veterinarian about the appropriate Veterinary Feed Directive for your operation. Placement of mineral feeders and blocks can aid in achieving optimum mineral intake. Place them in areas where cattle spend a lot of time. Minerals should be placed in loafing areas, near water sources, in shady areas, or any other location that tends be a popular place for the herd to congregate. A rule of thumb is to provide one mineral feeding station for every 30 to 50 cows.

Check feeders at least once a week and keep a clean, fresh supply of minerals present at all times. A good feeder should keep minerals dry, be portable and hold up to abuse and corrosion. Open tubs are not adequate in high rainfall areas. Cattle owners can get additional help with calculating mineral intake with the Oklahoma State University Mineral Calculator and OSU Mineral Consumption Record sheets. To download these aids, go to beefextension. com and click on the appropriate menu items on the right side of the page. Choosing a mineral mix requires understanding of the animal’s requirements and the minerals available in the forages and feedstuffs available to the animals. Mineral needs tend to be area specific and change with soil type, fertilization rates, rainfall and many other factors. Mineral requirements also will depend on animal age and stage of production. An excellent reference source for Oklahoma beef producers about mineral supplementation can be found in the Oklahoma State University Extension Bulletin E-861 “Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Cattle.”

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News Squeeze, from Page 13 sible and allow the squeezing process to take place without excessive effort. They should also allow for easily removed pressure,” Lane said. “Framework holding the sides of the chute should be attached to the headgate in a manner to allow easy access to the neck area for giving injections. Width adjustments on the bottom of the chute sides are desirable for accommodating different sized animals. “Sides of the chute should have bars that are dropped to allow access to animals. Different chutes have different bar systems and different lengths. Before purchase, determine if the bars are too high or too low to allow access of your cattle. Are the bars easy to raise and lower?” “Exits on the side are available on many squeeze chute models and are often quite useful,” University of Arkansas’s Troxel said. “With proper arrangement of fences and pens, a side exit is useful for sorting cattle when they reach the squeeze chute. In addition, the side exit is available for use as an emergency exit or release of downed cattle in the squeeze chute.” “The back gate on chutes come in a variety of forms,” Lane said. “Some drop down behind animals, while some close like a headgate or simply slide closed. A producer should select the type that he or she feel the most comfortable using. “Also consider location of the chute. Is there adequate overhead and side clearance for the back gate to operate? Are the controls accessible and easy to use?” “Options are available with squeeze chutes such as the brisket bar that keeps cows from kneeling and keeps them standing. Almost all chutes have side panels which drop down for examination of feet and legs

and breeding soundness exams on bulls. Some equipment has blinders to prevent visual distraction allowing cattle to enter the chute without baulking,” Troxel said.

Other equipment

“It is possible to purchase squeeze chutes with or without a palpation cage,” Lane said. “It is recommended because the cage provides easy access to the rear of the animals for such practices as castration, pregnancy checking and artificial insemination. “Select a palpation cage large enough to provide easy access to the animal and with a door that swings away from the chute and latches across the alley. This provides protection from the next animal in line while working on the animal in the chute. Consider whether the palpation cage should have doors on both sides to provide easier access.” Scales are an important management tool in the beef operation. Some squeeze chutes are purchased with scales integrated into the system. Having scales attached allows weighing each time an animal is caught. A negative aspect is a combined unit has extra wear and tear on the scales when animals pass over itwhen they are worked. “The easiest way to install scales is to set a portable encaged unit in front of the squeeze chute,” Troxel said. “A third option is to either build a permanent set of scales or place a portable platform scale between the working alley and squeeze chute. “Another option is a tilt table used to immobilize calves on their side for castration, dehorning and other work. Tilt tables are best suited for larger cow-calf and backgrounding operations where a large number of calves are processed. This equipment works well for calves under 550 pounds.”

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“A loading ramp is used to load and unload cattle into the working facilities from a trailer,” Lane said.

Photos courtesy of Alexander Livestock

Top, portable squeeze chutes are available for operators who work cattle at more than one location. Below, selecting an effective headgate is a major decision.

“With widespread use of gooseneck and bumper-pull trailers, many cattle operations can load through their working alley. Other operations that load into large trucks and tractor-trailers need a loading ramp. The loading ramp is often permanent with its own connecting chute. A portable loading ramp is also used in line with the squeeze chute. If a variety of trucks and trailers are used to transport cattle, an adjustable-height loading ramp is necessary,” Lane said. Lane said, “Purchase of a squeeze chute is a large investment for most beef producers. Carefully evaluate all the components and options prior to purchase. Make sure the correct decisions are made before writing the check, since use of the equipment will continue for a long time before replacement.”

July 2018 — Issue 2

News A fowl disease

California outbreak reminds chicken owners of biosecurity issues By AdAm Russell Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

A virus outbreak among backyard chickens in California exemplifies the need for biosecurity diligence year-round, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Craig Coufal, AgriLife Extension poultry specialist in College Station, said officials have been dealing with a month-long outbreak of Virulent Newcastle Disease, formerly known as Exotic Newcastle Disease. Coufal said chickens infected with the disease so far have been isolated to two counties in southern California. This is the same area where the last Virulent Newcastle Disease outbreak occurred in 2003, which eventually led to infections in commercial flocks. There have been no infections reported among commercial flocks in the U.S. with the current outbreak, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “They’ve identified the disease in backyard flocks there in California, and the outbreak has been contained to those areas where the chickens were located,” he said. “This is just a good time to consider flock biosecurity, because this is proof we need to be diligent year-round.” Newcastle disease is a highly contagious and fatal virus affecting the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry, according to the USDA. The disease is so virulent many birds and poultry die without showing any clinical signs. Coufal said when birds do show signs of viral infections, including other diseases such as avian influenza or infectious laryngotracheitis, they typically act abnormally. They stop eating, are lethargic, cough or sneeze, and in the case of laying hens, egg production ceases. No human cases of Newcastle disease have occurred from eating poultry products, Coufal said. Properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat. In rare instances people working directly with sick birds can experience mild symptoms. Coufal said some tips for biosecurity include: • Securing poultry houses against wild birds, pets and livestock.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Steve Byrns

More city dwellers are choosing to raise their own chickens for meat and egg production. Biosecurity should be a top priority for those growers in order to prevent serious outbreaks of avian viral diseases. • Restricting visitors from houses and coops, especially without thorough disinfecting. • Dedicating specific shoes or rubber boots for exclusive use in poultry houses. • Washing and disinfecting any shared equipment such as scales, feeders and drinkers. • Initiating rodent and insect control programs. • Acquiring birds from sources where they have been tested for diseases. For more information about avian influenza and biosecurity practices, go to the

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Poultry Science page at bit.ly/2ttpgDu. “While this outbreak is concentrated to a specific area and officials are sure of its source, this highlights the need to practice

July 2018 — Issue 2

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proactive disease control,” Coufal said. “If you don’t report a disease outbreak and seek help to control its spread, then isolated cases can get out of hand and turn into massive outbreaks.”

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News Yaupon presents problems for range pasture management By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

FRANKLIN—Yaupon,yaupon and more yaupon. The war for ranchers against this perennial seems never to be over, but there are viable control measures, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert, speaking at the recent O.D. Butler Forage Field Day and Camp Cooley Ranch. “It’s a perennial and comes back even when controlling it at the shallow level,” said Vanessa Corriher-Olson, AgriLife Extension forage specialist in Overton. “Perennials can come back even from live root material. “Yaupon is very invasive. You might have an area cleared and think you are done. However, that’s only temporary. It will come back.” Even after using mechanical clearing methods, the battle is far from over. There are several herbicide products on the market that can be used. Corriher-Olson said a 15 percent mix of Remedy Ultra, triclopyr, with 85 percent diesel can be applied to yaupon that has been cut less than an hour after cutting down. “That allows the herbicide to penetrate the remaining green plant cells inside the yaupon preventing it from sprouting new growth,” she said. For stem spray treatments, producers can try a mix of 25 percent Remedy Ultra and 75 percent diesel. This can be applied any time of year but may work best when growing. Corriher-Olson told attendees to avoid applying herbicide during times of high temperatures and heat. “High temperatures will lead to volatilization of herbicide (triclopyr ester) into the canopy of desirable trees that the yaupon

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photos by Blair Fannin

Right, Vanessa Corriher-Olson, AgriLife Extension forage specialist from Overton, discusses brush control at the O.D. Butler Forage Field Day at Camp Cooley Ranch. Below, a mechanical demonstration using a mulching machine to clear away large swaths of yaupon at the ranch. is growing under,” she said. “Mechanical removal is an option, but you will have resprouting, which will require herbicide applications.” She said spray painting or flagging yaupon stems following herbicide treatment will help mark treated areas. Charles Fuchs with CF Mulching Services of Easterly provided a mechanical demonstration using a mulching machine to clear away large swaths of yaupon at the ranch.

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News Stockpiled summer forages as a replacement for fall wheat pasture By Jim Johnson Noble Research Institute

Millions of cropland acres in the Southern Great Plains are planted to dual-purpose or graze-out wheat and other coolseason annuals each year. Forage production on these acres can range from a few hundred pounds of dry matter per acre, such as we experienced during the winter drought of 2017-2018, to about 10,000 pounds of dry matter per acre. However, 4,000 to 6,000 pounds of forage dry matter per acre is probably more typical of small grains in Oklahoma and surrounding areas. What if a portion of that forage could be replaced with something other than wheat in the fall? Is wheat what we should be growing for fall forage? I asked similar questions in an article titled “Changing it up” in the March 2018 issue of Hay & Forage Grower. Some farmers have figured out some possible answers to these questions. Cover crops — in this case more appropriately called multispecies grazing crops — can be planted in the summer and grazed in the fall or stockpiled to provide forage after the first frost. One farmer planted a mix of warm- and cool-season annuals on Aug. 24, 2017. His mix included mungbeans, guar, lentils, sorghum, pearl millet, browntop millet, corn, triticale, turnips, radishes, collards and sunflowers. By Oct. 26, 2017, he had just more than 6,000 pounds of forage dry matter per acre. This farmer had moisture to plant into in late August but felt it was still too early to plant wheat. He had an opportunity and took advantage of it. This field produced more forage and grazing per acre than any of his wheat fields. The same year, other farmers in the area had planted “cover crops” earlier in the summer. Because of favorable growing conditions, many of them had produced 10,000-plus pounds of

Photo courtesy of the Noble Research Institute

Millions of cropland acres in the Southern Great Plains are planted to dual-purpose or graze-out wheat and other cool-season annuals each year. forage dry matter per acre that they needed to deal with before they could plant wheat that fall. Some chose to graze those cover crops. Others chose to terminate them and plant wheat. The ones who planted wheat destroyed more forage than they likely will grow with wheat in two years. I’m not against wheat. However, I think there are opportunities to increase production of some different annual forages on a portion of the acres normally planted to wheat. These cover crops, or multi-species grazing crops, will need to be managed differently

than wheat. But considering the variability and unpredictability of the weather, they are another fall forage source that is worth considering.

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News

55th Stiles Farm Field Day

Farm bill, new crop technologies discussed By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

TAYLOR — Despite tropical weather forcing the 55th Stiles Farm Field Day indoors to nearby Taylor, there was plenty of discussion on farm issues and new technology that drew more than 150 Blacklands-region producers. Joe Outlaw, co-director of the Agricultural and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in College Station, told farmers despite a low-price commodity environment there will be a farm bill — either extending the current program or passing of new legislation. “Either way, you are going to get about the same strong support whether you get a new farm bill or they extend the current one,” Outlaw said. “If they don’t pass a bill, they will extend the current one.” With the Senate recently passing its new version of the $428 billion farm bill and the House having passed its version, time continues to march on toward the expiration of the current farm bill on Sept. 30. Outlaw said he’s “very upbeat” about current farm bill negotiations as mid-cycle elections draw closer in November. He told attendees he knew he wasn’t delivering the brightest of news amid a backdrop of historically low commodity prices and tenuous trade relations with China. “Unfortunately, we can’t do anything about current commodity prices or trade,” he said. “If we lose our China trade market, will the government do something about it? Absolutely.” On another topic, John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wild-

life specialist at the Stiles Farm, discussed tips on successful feral hog trapping. Blackland farmers as well as farmers across the state have sustained millions of dollars in damaged crops and rangeland. “Last year, we saw $125 million worth of damage to small grains crops in Texas,” he said. “To put our Texas feral hog population into context, we have 5.3 million wild hogs. Compare that to 4 million whitetail deer.” Tomecek said Texas’ feral hog population is growing at such an explosive rate that Texans would have to kill two-thirds of the current population just to keep the current population numbers where they are. “People ask ‘Is the current situation under control?’ I say ‘no,’” he said. Trapping can be effective if done properly. Tomecek provided examples of box traps and teardrop-shaped traps designed to catch large numbers of hogs, including the sounder or female hog. He said it’s critical to capture the sounder hog since it can reproduce up to 50 pigs over a two-year span. Gaylon Morgan, AgriLife Extension state cotton specialist from College Station, gave an

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update on new cotton innovations. He said ginners are having problems with getting plastic in their ginned cotton. Additionally, he told farmers to make sure they line up their cotton bales and not place them on standing stalks since they are prone to rip holes in the plastic protective wrap. During the noon program, Macie Scarborough of Bishop received a Stiles Farm Foundation scholarship. Scarborough has been a Nueces County 4-H member for 10 years and will be attending Texas A&M studying agribusiness. Emily Murphy of Cleburne also received a Stiles Farm scholarship. She is a Bosque County 4-H member and will be attending Tarleton State University majoring in the agricultural industries program. Bob Avant, director of corporate relations for Texas A&M AgriLife Research and president of the Williamson County Farm Bureau, presented Terry Poldrack the Producer of the Year Award and Larry Sladek the Agribusiness Award. The annual field day is conducted by the AgriLife Extension in cooperation with AgriLife Research and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M.

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July 2018 — Issue 2

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin

Stiles Farm Manager Ryan Collett moderates the program agenda, which included feral hog control, updates on new cotton technologies and integrated pest management strategies.

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News

Scorpions heading indoors during the summer heat By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

SAN ANTONIO — With rising Texas summer temperatures, humans aren’t the only life forms trying to find a cooler place. “There have been a lot of calls coming into the office recently from residents of San Antonio and from surrounding counties about scorpions,” said Molly Keck, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist in Bexar County. Scorpions don’t seem to like either very cold or very hot temperatures, Keck said. And during hot, dry weather, they may seek out water and/or a more hospitable environment. Scorpions typically can be found under rocks, paving stones, logs or landscaping materials — or hiding in wood piles or inside the home. “We’ve had two or three wetter, more moderate summers in a row, but this year we’re getting more of the weather people tend to expect when they think of summer in southern and central parts of Texas,” Keck said. Scorpions are nocturnal, hiding during the day and becoming active at night, said Wizzie Brown, AgriLife Extension Service entomologist in Travis County, who said she is not surprised by the increase in calls relating to scorpions. “This behavior helps them manage temperature and water balance, which are important functions for survival in dry habitats, Brown said. Scorpions have two pincers, or claws, called pedipalps, which help them hold their prey as they eat, plus a long tail with a stinger on the tip used for defense or to paralyze prey, she said. They also have two eyes on the top of the head and usually two to five pairs of eyes along the head’s front corners. “They do not see well, however,

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Wizzie Brown

There are 18 species of scorpions in Texas, but the most common is the striped bark scorpion, shown here. and must rely on their sense of touch for navigation and detecting prey,” Brown said. “However, scorpions do have a well-developed sense of hearing.” Texas has 18 species of scorpions, but only the striped bark scorpion occurs throughout the state and is the most common species in Central Texas, she said. “This scorpion is yellowishtan with two dark stripes that run along the back,” she said. “Striped bark scorpions can get up to 2½ inches in length.” Brown said while striped bark scorpions are capable of stinging, the sting typically only causes

moderate reactions in most people as their poison has little effect on the nervous system. “Usually it’s sufficient to apply ice packs on the area where the sting occurred to reduce pain and swelling,” she said. “But the severity of the sting is dependent upon the individual scorpion and the person’s reaction to the venom. A person stung by a scorpion should be watched closely for several hours following the incident to ensure an allergic reaction does not manifest. If breathing becomes difficult or hives occur, seek immediate medical attention.” When working outside, wear

leather gloves to avoid being stung, Brown noted. Keck and Brown noted the best defense against scorpions is exclusion and offered the following tips for keeping scorpions from getting into a home: • Keep debris and firewood away from the house. • Prune any trees or shrubs touching or hanging over the house. • Keep grass near or touching the house closely mowed. • Replace weather-stripping around doors and windows as necessary. • Fill weep holes in stone, brick or stucco homes with steel wool, copper mesh or screen wire. • Seal cracks, crevices and areas of pipe penetration in exterior walls with sealant.

• Keep window screens in good repair and make sure they fit tightly into the window frame. • Treat the foundation of the home with a pesticide with ingredients such as permethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, carbaryl or propoxur. If scorpions are found, the entomologists suggest applying pesticides around the foundation of the house and up to one foot above ground level on the exterior walls. They also suggest applying pesticides around doors, windows, eaves and other potential points of entry. Indoor treatments should be directed at potential points of entry as well as corners, cracks and crevices where scorpions can hide. Follow label directions for dosage, mixing and application methods.

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News S. Korea turns to A&M AgriLife for help with fire ant invasion By Steve ByrnS Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

South Korean officials have asked Texas A&M University for help in stopping an alien pest new to their country, but all too familiar to most Texans, Texas A&M AgriLife experts said. “The red imported fire ant has invaded Asia over the last few years, but the South Korean invasion is brand new,” said David Ragsdale, Texas A&M entomology department head in College Station. Ragsdale said entomologists at Texas A&M are world authorities in the management and control of this serious pest, giving South Korea’s inquiry and ongoing collaborative work with Australia as examples. Robert Puckett, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist in urban and structural insects, has been to Australia, where he advised government officials on insecticides and baits to use, when to use them and what level of control to expect, Ragsdale said. Ragsdale said Australia passed a “Biosecurity Act” in 2014, which affects all residents and businesses in Queensland in their quarantine zone. The legislation is part of a 10-year effort by Queensland to beat back the advancing fire ant invasion. If it is successful, offricials will assess the progress and cost to see if total eradication is feasible, he said. “The Australians are a bit behind the curve mobilizing some 13 years after the first detection in 2001,” Ragsdale said. “And now red imported fire ants are common across thousands of square miles of Queensland, where they’ve placed a moratorium on moving soil, mulch, potted plants and anything else that might inadvertently move fire ants.” Unlike Australia, South Korea has mobilized within a matter of weeks, Ragsdale said, and already has reached out for help

Photo by Joan King, Texas A&M University department of entomology

The red imported fire ant has made its way into South Korea, where officials have asked Texas A&M University for assistance. Metal shipping containers are the main way fire ants are transferred worldwide. from Texas A&M’s entomology department. Hojun Song, an associate professor in the department, recently was contacted by researchers at the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, or APQA, an agency equivalent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Plant and Protection and Quarantine. “Apparently, red imported fire ants have been reported from Busan, a port city in the southern part of Korea,” Song said. “However, there are not many fire ant experts in Korea, so they reached out to me for help in identifying

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one or more experts at Texas A&M. “Entomologists from Korea plan to visit our department in September to, among other things, establish a network of experts in the areas of ecology, physiology, integrated pest management and genomics in fire ants to help them deal with the pest proactively. They also want to establish an ongoing international collaboration with our department.” Ragsdale said logistics are being ironed out for the visit, but predicts his department should expect invitations from other countries as the red imported fire

July 2018 — Issue 2

ant expands its territory across the globe. He said it’s no surprise the growing global ant invasion is directly tied to world commerce. “The culprit is container shipping,” he said, referring to the large rectangular metal overseas shipping containers most are familiar with. “These containers are not so

air tight or ant proof, and when these sit in a port waiting for a ship or at a warehouse, colonies of ants can set up shop inside the containers and in a few weeks arrive in Asia or literally anywhere with a port. Currently, only about 2 percent of these containers are actually inspected, so it’s a problem that’s not going away overnight.”

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News

Now is the time to teach your children water safety By Paul SchattenBerg Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

With temperatures hitting triple digits and more children headed to backyard and community swimming pools, lakes and beaches, now is a good time to teach kids about water safety. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional and preventable death in children ages 1-4. Organization data showed children in this age range are more likely to drown in a pool, while children 5 years old and older are more likely to drown in open water, such as a lake, creek or river. Additionally, the risk of drowning in open water increases with age. Brad Urbanczyk, safety officer for Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in College Station, said whether it’s a backyard pool or the ocean, parents can help ensure their children are protected by following these basic water safety tips:

• Always keep children within an arm’s reach. Constantly pay close attention to a child’s whereabouts if near water, and avoid distractions. “It’s difficult not to be distracted, but when there’s a child around water, especially a toddler, bad things can happen in a matter of seconds,” Urbanczyk said. “It’s important to avoid any distractions, especially since a small child can drown in as little as an inch of water.” • Give children swimming lessons as soon as they are ready, depending on age, physical development and the frequency with which they are expected to be around water. “Parents can begin introducing their children to water as early as 6 months old,” he said. • Teach children essential water survival skills, such as floating to treading water, staying close to the shore, being able to return to the surface after getting in water over their head, turning in circles in the

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water to find an exit, and how to properly exit the water. Urbanczyk said it is especially important to teach children to swim with an adult, whether in a pool or open water. He said young people who plan to swim in open water need to be taught about such things as sharp or uneven surfaces, marine life, riptides, currents, undertow and other factors. Mark Carroll, AgriLife Extension specialist and director of the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood, said the center offers both pool and open water activities, making the teaching of water safety a top priority. “Those swimming in open water should only swim in designated areas and should check water and weather conditions before entering,” he said. “Be vigilant and watch the weather as it is not prudent to swim if rains or thunderstorms are expected. And be aware of your surroundings, including boats, other swimmers and

water conditions.” “We suggest young people only use public or community pools that offer adult supervision and have a trained lifeguard on duty,” he said. “Children should be taught how to exit a pool without using the ladder in case it’s essential they exit the pool immediately.” Carroll said in private or public pools as well as some open-water recreation areas, children need to know about the risks of being entangled in or trapped by a drain grate or suction outlet. “Regularly check to make sure drain covers are secure and have no cracks, and replace flat drain covers with domeshaped ones,” he said. “Other protective measures include anti-entrapment drain covers and a safety vacuum release system in the event someone becomes entrapped.” Carroll also noted one of the best things a parent or guardian can do to help protect a child in the event of a water-related emergency is to learn CPR.

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