Land and Livestock Post

August August2014 2014——Issue Issue22

Protecting your investment

Following biosecurity guidelines to critical herd health PAGE 12

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August 2014 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News LIVESTOCK MARKET REPORT Brazos Valley

Results of the Brazos Valley Livestock Market’s July 29 sale: Head: 814 Steers: 200-300 lbs., $329$365; 300-400 lbs., $299-$355; 400-500 lbs., $254-$325; 500600 lbs., $229-$260; 600-700 lbs., $209-$238; 700-800 lbs., $205-$222.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $295$340; 300-400 lbs., $254-$320; 400-500 lbs., $221-$260; 500600 lbs., $204-$235; 600-700 lbs., $194-$219; 700-800 lbs., $195-$206.

Slaughter bulls: $126-$140.

Slaughter cows: $90-$135.

Bred cows: $1,275-$2,250.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,500-$3,000.

Buffalo

Results of the Buffalo Livestock Market’s July 26 sale: Head: 1,365 Steers: 150-200 lbs., $325$385; 200-300 lbs., $300-$355; 300-400 lbs., $285-$350; 400500 lbs., $235-$315; 500-600 lbs., $215-$285; 600-700 lbs., $200-$255; 700-800 lbs., $195$227.

Heifers: 200-300 lbs., $270$340; 300-400 lbs., $265-$330; 400-500 lbs., $235-$282; 500600 lbs., $205-$260; 600-700 lbs., $195-$250; 700-800 lbs., $150-$215.

Slaughter bulls: $110-$153.

Slaughter cows: $65-$133.

Bred cows: $1,150-$2,250.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,100-$2,850.

Groesbeck

Results of the Groesbeck Auction and Livestock Exchange’s July 10 sale: Head: 355 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $230$285; 400-500 lbs., $210-$240; 500-600 lbs., $180-$220; 600700 lbs., $175-$185.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $185$240; 400-500 lbs., $175-$210; 500-600 lbs., $170-$195; 600700 lbs., $170-$185.

Slaughter bulls: $115-$132.

Slaughter cows: $78-$118.

Stocker cows: $1,150-$2,000.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,300-$2,300.

Jordan Results of the Groesbeck Auction & Livestock Co.’s July 31 sale: Head: 560 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $300$375; 400-500 lbs., $275-$335; 500-600 lbs., $225-$290; 600700 lbs., $200-$260.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $285$335; 400-500 lbs., $210-$280; 500-600 lbs., $190-$260; 600700 lbs., $185-$235.

Slaughter bulls: $124-$145.

Slaughter cows: $74-$135.

Stocker cows: $1,400-$3,300.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,800-$3,800.

Milano Results of the Milano Livestock Exchange’s July 29 sale: Head: 423 Steers: 300-400 lbs., $221$317; 400-500 lbs., $247-$299; 500-600 lbs., $217-$255; 600700 lbs., $196-$273.

Heifers: 300-400 lbs., $236$287; 400-500 lbs., $230-$271; 500-600 lbs., $209-$235; 600700 lbs., $193-$215.

Slaughter bulls: $98-$133.

Slaughter cows: $81-$128.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,675-$2,000.

Navasota Results of the Navasota Livestock Auction Co.’s July 26 sale: Head: 1,349 Steers: 150-300 lbs., $200$415; 300-400 lbs., $200-$345; 400-500 lbs., $175-$315; 500600 lbs., $160-$80; 600-700 lbs., $155-$240.

Heifers: 150-300 lbs., $195$350; 300-400 lbs., $185-$280; 400-500 lbs., $175-$260; 500600 lbs., $165-$255; 600-700 lbs., $160-$217.50.

Slaughter bulls: $100-$151.

Slaughter cows: $85-$123.

Stocker cows: $1,200-$1,850.

Cow/calf pairs: $1,500-$2,000.

The Land & Livestock Post

— Special to The Post



From the General Manager

I

revived an old habit this summer. It’s one I had quit cold turkey, and hadn’t looked back and figured I was better off. But, some of my friends were doing it, so I figured, “What the heck? A few hits can’t hurt,” and next thing you know, I’m off the wagon and spending money like crazy just to get my next fix.

That’s right, I started playing golf again.

I’m not good at golf. Every single person who plays golf claims he or she is not good. If you meet people and ask them if they are good at golf, and they say, “I’m a decent player,” or “I’m not JESSE WRIGHT terrible,” or they give any other answer that is not self-deprecating, then they probably have a PGA Tour card.

I myself hardly even keep a scorecard. After eight or nine holes, it gets to depressing and I just stop. It’s more fun that way.

Now, I may not be able to give you tips to improve your golf game, but in this issue we do have

some tips on how to keep your herd safe from disease. In our cover story we look at biosecurity and ways you can keep your ranch and your cattle safe from illness. We also have some news from around the industry along with our regular features.

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.

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August 2014 — Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post

News

Duckweed can choke out a pond and the fish in it

By Sean HuBBard Oklahoma State University

Lemna, common duckweed Courtesy of www,mobot.org

STILLWATER, Oklahoma — Fish need a steady supply of oxygen in the water to survive.

Without it, pond owners may find their pond surfaces littered with dead fish.

Duckweed can choke out a pond — and the fish that live in it.

M a n y p o n d s a n d l a ke s throughout the region can be seen with duckweed growing on the surface. While this plant typically does not cause too many problems, if left uncontrolled, it can cover the whole pond and choke its oxygen supply.

Marley Beem, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist, said you should never let any plant entirely cover the surface of a pond.

“When you do that, you’re preventing light from getting into the water column, preventing photosynthesis, preventing oxygen production and that leads to

fish kills,” he said. “In our typical pond, the wind action is usually enough to keep [vegetation] blown over to the side.”

However, duckweed can become a serious problem for ponds located down in a hollow or com-

See DUCKWEED, Page 6

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August 2014 — Issue 2

located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR 1415 East OSR • Bryan, Texas 77808 Office: (979) 776-5760 • Fax: (979) 776-4818 Website: www.circlexbrangus.com Steve Densmore, Cattle Mgr., (979) 450-0819, cell • (979) 778-1055, home Chris Duewall, Operations Mgr., (979) 777-6803, cell

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News Duckweed, from Page 5 pletely surrounded by trees, protected from the wind.

“It spreads and reproduces rapidly and covers the entire surface of the pond,” Beem said.

Being able to identify the plant and taking some early steps to prevent its spread are essential to the overall health of the pond.

“Get after it early,” Beem said.

“Once it becomes thick and cov-

ers the entire pond to a depth of several inches, you are facing some major labor in trying to thin that out.”

Aquatic-safe herbicide treatments are usually a safe bet in management of pond plants.

However, herbicides used on land can be toxic to aquatic life, so caution should be taken when putting it in the water.

For help, contact your local county Extension educator.

SALE EACH SATURDAY Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University Extension Service Left uncontrolled,duckweed can cover a whole pond and choke its oxygen supply,killing the fish in the pond. It is best to control duckweed and similar plants quickly, before the task becomes too big to manage properly.

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News

Sign up for the Land & Livestock Post

Electronic Newsletter

Ag news you can use, now at the click of a mouse!

AP Photo/Betsy Blaney

Pigweed grows in a cotton field east of Lubbock.The aggressive weed is causing problems in Texas cotton fields and could cost growers much of their harvest.

Aggressive weed brings increasing woe to Texas cotton growers

By BETSY BLANEY Associated Press

LUBBOCK — A fast-spreading weed is causing problems in Texas cotton fields and could cost growers much of their harvest if

TE PRIVA Y T A E TR

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Pigweed, which can grow as tall as 10 feet and overtake crops, is spreading aggressively in the High Plains this year after be-

See PIGWEED, Page 16

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News

Economic challenges persist for cattle producers

By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

CORPUS CHRISTI — Texas cattle producers looking to restock herds may choose to examine all options as financial dynamics have changed due to historic high cattle prices, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economists.

A recent Financial and Risk Management Assistance report outlined several factors for South Texas cattle producers to consider when purchasing replacements. The publication was compiled by Corpus Christi AgriLife Extension economists Mac Young and Levi Russell and Joe Paschal, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist in Corpus Christi.Steven Klose, AgriLife Extension economist in College Station, also served as co-author.

The Financial and Risk Management Assistance program, commonly referred to as FARM Assistance, is a computerized decision support system developed to perfect methods in risk and decisionmaking for farmers, according to AgriLife Extension

Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc. (979) 776-4444 or (800) 299-7355

President - Crystal Dupré .....................................................Ext. 4613 Publisher and Editor- Kelly Brown.........................................Ext. 4656 Advertising Director - Ron Prince ........................................ Ext. 4740 Advertising Sales/General Manager - Jesse Wright ...............Ext. 4721 Financial Director - Rod Armstrong .......................................Ext. 4605 Production Director - Mark Manning.....................................Ext. 4671 Circulation Director - Jack Perkins .......................................Ext. 4752

Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805.

E-mail: thepost@theeagle.com All offices are located at 1729 Briarcrest Drive Bryan,Texas 77802.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eagle, P.O. Box 3000, Bryan,Texas 77805-3000 The Post is printed in part on recycled paper and is fully recyclable.

economists.

The economists used a 200-head herd in South Texas as a case study. Costs and returns on management practices were typical of the area. These can vary by operators. Ten-year averages were used to analyze and compare net cash farm income.

Open heifers, bred heifers, young pairs, old pairs and open cows were evaluated to see which types would generate the most net income.

“As we move forward, higher feeder and replacement cattle prices in 2014 will have a significant impact on the short- and long-term profitability of cattle operations in South Texas,” Young said.

Current cattle prices, including replacements, are averaging 20 percent more when compared to July 2013 prices, the report said.

Availability of young pairs and open cattle will continue to be a challenge for cattle producers looking to rebuild or expand herds, the economists said.

“Depending on the availability and price of quality replacements, more than one stocking strategy may have to be used to rebuild a herd,” Young said. “In fact, it would be wise to revisit these and other options prior to purchase to re-evaluate them as conditions change in the future.”

Based on current 2014 market prices and conditions, restocking with older open cows may be the most profitable strategy at present time, according to the study. Prices for open cows in the past year have not increased in proportion to other replacement females, but availability may be an issue due to previous culling, Young said. Average 10-year cash farm income per cow was $377 for open cows, while older pairs generated $341, young pairs $275, bred heifers $346 and open heifers $209.

“Bred heifers and older pairs also may offer more profitable strategies than young pairs or open heifers,” Young said. “The

The Land & Livestock Post



Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo Current cattle prices, including replacements, are averaging 20 percent more than a year ago, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service study. Availability of young pairs and open cattle will continue to be a challenge for cattle producers looking to rebuild or expand herds. lower the initial capital outlay to repurchase cattle, and the availability of a calf to sell the first year, improves net cash farm income for bred heifers and pairs.

Open heifers may be the least profitable way to replace due to not having a calf to sell in the first year and additional development costs.”

Young said in evaluating these restocking options, the important point to consider is the order or rank in terms of net cash farm income, not the actual value. In previous FARM Assistance studies, bred heifers and older pairs

August 2014 — Issue 2

were more financially profitable than open cows.

Paschal emphasized that restocking considerations need to include more than the age and pregnancy status of the replacements. Additional management costs for extra feed and health, and death and replacement losses need to also be considered.

“In this analysis, open cows are now the most profitable,” Young said.

According to the study, actual results will likely vary by producer, management practices, forage conditions, and cattle

markets. The culling and calving rates used in the study may not reflect actual practices.

“For example, younger females may have been culled too heavily and older females not heavily enough,” Young said. “Additionally, the availability and quality of females by class may be an issue. This analysis should be used only as a guide in evaluating restocking options, and it should be remembered that the best restocking scenario may change from season to season.”

To view the report, go to farmassistance.tamu.edu.

9

News

Cattle herd rebuilding will be a slow process

By DonalD StottS Oklahoma State University

STILLWATER, Okla. — Consumers looking at the price of beef in grocery store meat markets may be lead consumers to wish more cattle were in the food production system to lower the hit on their wallets, but that is not likely to happen anytime soon.

“Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides some indication that herd expansion may be beginning but more clearly shows herd rebuilding will be a long process and a slow one, at least initially,” said Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension livestock marketing specialist.

The July Cattle report shows estimates of herd inventories down in most categories compared to the last report in 2012.

Since no 2013 report is available for comparison, it is not readily evident whether inventories are higher or lower than last year for the various categories.

“It is likely most are lower,” Peel said. “However, it also ap-

pears the beef cow herd is stabilizing and is likely only slightly lower than last year.”

The July 1 estimate of beef replacement heifers was down from July 2012 despite the fact that Jan. 1 estimates of beef replacement heifers increased each of the past three years. The ratio of the July 1 beef replacement heifers to the January inventory of replacement heifers is the lowest since the July estimates began in 1973. This ratio typically rises during herd expansion and decreases during liquidations, “This indication of additional herd liquidation is somewhat in contrast to the heifers on feed in the July report, which is down 4.6 percent from year-earlier levels,” Peel said.

The year-over-year decrease in July 1 heifers on feed is consistent with modest levels of initial herd expansion. Quarterly estimates of heifers on feed have posted year-over-year decreases for the past eight quarters, with an average decrease of 6.8 percent.

Cargill to close Milwaukee beef processing plant due to lack of cattle NEW YORK (AP) — Cargill plans to close a Milwaukee beefprocessing plant which employs about 600 people on Aug. 1 due to a shortage of cattle.

A Midwest drought in 2011 and 2012 hurt cattle levels, said Cargill spokesman Mike Martin.

Now, many herders are breeding the cattle they have and not selling them. The U.S. beef cattle herd is at its lowest level since 1951, Cargill said.

The Milwaukee plant slaughters live cattle and packages beef products. The meat producer bought the plant, which can process as many as 1,400 animals a day, in 2001.

Employees were told about the closure after an 18-month re-

10

view of cattle supply. A separate plant at the site, which produces ground beef and employs about 200 people, will remain open.

Cargill said the 600 people losing their jobs can apply for work at other facilities in the region.

The employees affected will receive 60 days of pay after the plant closes, Martin said.

Privately-held Cargill is based in Minneapolis and has about 143,000 employees around the world.

So far this year, heifer slaughter has declined 7.9 percent, a significantly larger decrease than steer slaughter, which declined 2.9 percent for the year to date.

Beef cow slaughter is down 16.4 percent so far this year compared to the same period last year.

“These decreases in female slaughter strongly suggest herd expansion is beginning,” Peel said. “Aggregate herd balance numbers suggest the capacity for herd expansion is greater than what has been observed to date.”

Analysts have put forth several factors that may be limiting herd expansion in these early stages.

Record-high feeder cattle prices that eventually will stimulate herd expansion may, in the short run, increase the temptation to sell heifers rather than

retain them for breeding. This is particularly true for producers still recovering financially from drought and other economic difficulties.

“Forsomeolderproducerswho are considering retirement, current market prices may provide the incentive to sell out and exit the industry,” Peel said. “While new producers will, in most cases, replace the older producers, there may be a lag in herd growth during the transition.”

Additionally, the record-high prices that cattle sellers currently enjoy also imply high prices for breeding females. This could be a deterrent to expansion, at least initially, for cash-strapped producers.

Regional factors may be moderating herd expansion as well.

Much of the eastern half of the United States has lost pasture and hay acreage as crop production has expanded in recent years, leading many analysts to project less herd rebuilding in this region.

“Drought conditions persist in much of the Great Plains and West regions, where proportionately more herd expansion is likely,” Peel said. “However, herd rebuilding may be moderated for several months to several years to allow recovery of pasture and range.”

Furthermore, the biology of cattle production implies a strict limit on how fast herd expansion can take place. Herd expansion will start slowly from the current low herd base under the best of circumstances.

Questions About Cattle Health?

Ask the Vet! Steve Wikse - Retired DVM Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University

WIKSE

Submit your questions to:

P.O. Box 3000 Bryan, TX 77805 or jesse.wright@theeagle.com

August 2014 — Issue 2

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August 2014 — Issue 2

11

News

Safety first

Biosecurity is important for a beef cattle operation

By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post

A

herd health program for beef cattle operations is not complete without an executed biosecurity plan. Biosecurity management practices are designed to prevent the spread of disease by minimizing the movement of biologic organisms and their vectors such as viruses, bacteria, rodents and flies onto and within your operation.

While developing and maintaining biosecurity is difficult, it is the cheapest and most effective means of disease control available. A disease prevention program will not work without biosecurity.

How disease spreads

In order to establish and maintain an effective biosecurity program in a beef cattle operation, methods of disease spread must be understood. Disease spreads directly — from an infected animal to a susceptible animal — or indirectly — from an infected animal to an object or equipment, and then to a susceptible animal.

For example, feeding a calf with a bottle that has not been properly sterilized can be a way of indirect transmission.

Disease is transmitted in seven primary ways: • Aerosol — Disease pathogens are carried in the air on moisture droplets from sneezing or coughing.

• Direct contact — Disease pathogen contacts an open wound, saliva, blood or mucous membranes, or is passed from nose to nose, by rubbing and biting.

• Oral — Susceptible animals consume disease-causing pathogens in contaminated feed and water or lick or chew contaminated objects.

See BIOSECURITY, Page 13

12

Photos by Robert Fears

A neighbor’s bull can contribute more than the wrong genetics to your herd. Purchsing bulls and cows only from breeders who follow strict health protocols can help ensure the safety of your herd.

On the cover: You can’t have a biosecurity program without good perimeter fences or an effective program to keep areas clean and free from dead carcasses.

August 2014 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Biosecurity, from Page 12 • Reproductive — Disease pathogens are spread during mating or gestation.

• Vehicles — Contaminated objects, such as needles, trailers, trucks or clothing transfer the disease-causing pathogen from an infected animal to a susceptible animal.

• Vector-borne — A living insect, animal or human carries the disease from an infected animal to a susceptible animal.

• Fomites — Diseases are transmitted through contaminated soil, water and food.

Clean up your ranch

A good biosecurity program has to begin at home. Work with your veterinarian to write a health program that will reduce disease incidence and help develop herd immunity against future pathogen exposure. Identify and remove animals that are reservoirs for certain diseases such as Johne’s, trichomoniasis and bovine viral diarrhea. These ani-

mals continue to shed the pathogen and infect other animals.

Jason Cleere, associate professor and Extension beef cattle specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, suggests several general biosecurity practices. He stresses the use of good hygiene practices when working cattle.

“Don’t insert a used vaccination needle back into an open bottle,” Cleere said. “Always use a sterile needle. Use a sterile transfer needle or needle and syringe to reconstitute modified-live vaccines.

“Disinfect syringes with boiling water, not chemical sterilizers. Reusable equipment such as tattooers, implant guns, ear notchers, dehorners and castration knives should be disinfected chemical sterlizers before moving to the next animal,” he said Cleere recommends monitoring herd health by identifying each animal and maintaining up-to-date treatment and production records. Up-to-date records

See HEALTH, Page 21

Photo by Robert Fears

Newly purchased cattle should be placed in quarantine for least three weeks before adding them to the herd.

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Texas A&M AgriLife Research study:

Mesquite is a complementary biofuel feedstock

By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

V

ERNON — As requirements grow for use of cellulosic biofuels to meet the energy needs of the nation, researchers look at potential feedstocks and any effects these alternative sources may have on greenhouse gas emissions.

A recent Texas A&M AgriLife Research study will be published in the BioEnergy Research journal, outlining how mesquite, growing in abundance in some regions of the Southwest, could fit into the overall picture.

The paper is based on the study “Economic and Greenhouse Gas Efficiency of Honey Mesquite Relative to Other Energy Feedstocks for Bioenergy Uses in the Southern Great Plains.”

The AgriLife Research team conducting the study included Seong Park, economist; Tong Wang, a post-doctoral researcher; and Jim Ansley, rangeland ecologist, all in Vernon. They were joined by Steve Amosson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist in Amarillo.

Bioenergy feedstocks have been promoted globally as potential means to offset greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels such as gas and coal, Park said. In the U.S., federal support has played a key role in the biofuel industry.

Examples include the Renewable Fuel Standard, established with the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and later expanded.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 stipulates the annual use of at least 16 billion gallons of cellulosic biofuels and a cap of 15 billion gallons of corn starch ethanol by 2022, Park said.

In addition, biofuels are being examined from the standpoint of lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Despite the initial promise of grainbased biofuels, such as corn, there have been a number of concerns that grainbased biofuel may generate even higher greenhouse gas emissions than fossil

The Land & Livestock Post

Texas A&M AgriLife Research photo by Jim Ansley Brady Surber, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research technician, measures the 7-year-old regrowth height of a mesquite tree. fuels, he said. Planting grain-based species also could accelerate the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer or other scarce water resources.

The AgriLife Research study evaluated the economic and greenhouse gas efficiencies of honey mesquite compared to irrigated and dryland sweet sorghum and dryland switchgrass, Park said.

Despite its higher energy density per pound, mesquite production values on a per-land area basis are lower than other feedstocks observed in this comparison and therefore could not replace them entirely, he said. But, mesquite appears to be suitable as a complementary feedstock to contribute tototal biomass demand.

“Our results suggest that mesquite lagged slightly behind switchgrass when



August 2014 — Issue 2

the biomass and energy efficiency were considered,” Wang said. “However, mesquite appeared superior to all the feedstocks in two categories: greenhouse gas offset efficiency and greenhouse gas use efficiency once land-use change effects were accounted for.”

She said the study results are “pretty robust as they still hold true in the worst scenario proposed for mesquite.”

Park said mesquite has even greater potential if additional benefits such as increased grass production for livestock grazing and reduction in herbicide or mechanical removal costs for mesquite control are considered.

“The biggest negative is lower biomass production per acre per year for mesquite compared to other feedstocks,” he said.

Features such as no fertilizer, irrigation or weed control costs; the unlimited re-harvest potential every 10-12 years; the ability to harvest year round; and a dry moisture content all help costs and improve carbon efficiencies, however.

Additional studies are needed to put mesquite’s potential into perspective, Park said. Future research areas could focus on developing a landscape scale, GIS-based decision support system to determine optimum feedstock harvesting and processing logistics on rangelands.

Other potential studies he outlined could determine the rate of ecosystem restoration, hydrological impact, and ecological and economic sustainability of woody harvest, as well as compare these fuels on regional water use and water use efficiencies.

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Pigweed, from Page 8 coming resistant to the herbicide that once easily eradicated it.

Above-average rainfall also has helped the growth of pigweed in the world’s largest contiguous growing patch, where cotton producers are checking their fields and seeking other herbicides to ensure their crops aren’t affected.

“It just happens so fast,” said Walt Hagood, who farms about 1,600 cotton acres southwest of Lubbock. “If we don’t get on top of them early, it’s just like a baseball game. You get down a few runs and it’s hard to come back.”

Put simply, pigweed is a cottonpicking headache and could cut producers’ yields by as much as 40 percent. While some fields near Lubbock recently looked clear of the weed, pigweed plants dotted

16

cotton rows in other places.

For those areas, eradication gets more difficult if pigweed goes to seed.

One female plant can have as many as 600,000 seeds that are carried by water but not wind.

Above-average rainfall in the High Plains since late May helped flush the seeds to other areas of fields, though they’re light enough to sometimes be blown around.

To overcome the proliferation of pigweed, cotton producers must use different herbicides throughout the growing season.

They can also be hoed manually from fields, though the weed’s thick stems and deep roots make that hard work.

“Its reproductive capacity is

See COTTON, Page 23

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Utilizing EPDs can be easy and beneficial to all cattle operations.

Using EPDs as a primary selection tool makes good economic sense

By RoBeRt Wells Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Surprisingly, I still find that many producers do not use the expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a primary selection tool for their bull.

Many select their next herd bull based only on physical appearance or a perceived ability to perform, or low birth weight.

In other words, does he have a well-balanced body with plenty

of muscling, yet look like he will be easy on calving? Several purebred breeders have said that the only question most of their customers have is: “Is the bull calving ease?” These buyers typically complain that EPDs are confusing to use or that they don’t work.

With some basic knowledge, however, utilizing EPDs can be easy and beneficial to all cattle operations.

See EPDs, Page 18

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News EPDs, from Page 17 Typically, when a producer reports that EPDs don’t work, it is usually because he or she selected a bull with the wrong expectations for a particular EPD. The first thing one must determine is in which direction, higher or lower, a particular trait is desired.

The following is a brief list of some EPD traits and the typical target direction for terminal production systems. Each breed association has numerous other EPDs they measure. The inclusion or exclusion of traits does not necessarily imply significance of a particular trait. The following list is common among most breeds, however, and is important to consider in a terminal production system. A terminal production system does not retain and develop replacement heifers, and typically sells off the ranch to the next segment of the industry or retains ownership

18

through the feeding phase.

Performance traits

• Calving Ease, Calving Ease Direct — A high Calving Ease score will indicate less potential for dystocia or calving problems.

This trait takes into account both calf birth weight and calving score data, which ranges from one to four.

The higher the value, the better. Use this EPD instead of just the birth weight EPD since it takes into account other factors such as frame size of the calf and relative difficulty of the calving process.

• Birth Weight — Lower numbers are more desirable. Birth weight EPD is an indicator trait in pounds of calving ease in heifers. The differences between two bull Birth Weight EPDs is the average expectation of difference in pounds of calf weight. The genetic relationship between birth weight and calving ease is high

(0.76); however, it is not perfect.

This is the reason Calving Ease is a better indicator for calving ease than birth weight.

• Weaning Weight — Typically for most terminal production systems, a higher value is more desirable.

A production system developing and retaining its own replacements typically would want to moderate this trait. This indicator is measured in pounds and is an indication of the sire’s ability to pass on weaning growth to his offspring.

• Yearling Weight — Typically for most terminal production systems, a higher value is more desirable. A production system developing and retaining its own replacements would typically want to moderate this trait, however.

This indicator is measured in pounds and is an indication of the sire’s ability to pass on growth between weaning and a year of age to his offspring.

Carcass EPD Traits

• Marbling — This is the difference between marbling scores of progeny for one sire compared to another. Typically, a higher Marbling EPD value is more desirable in a terminal production system.

• Fat Thickness — This is the measure, in inches, of the 12th rib external fat difference from one sire compared to another.

Typically, a moderate value is

better, depending on the breed of choice.

• Ribeye Area — This trait is measured in square inches and is the difference in ribeye area of a sire’s offspring relative to another sire of the same breed.

Smaller-framed breeds would benefit from larger values, while larger continental breeds will want to moderate this trait but remain above breed average.

See TRAITS, Page 19

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The Land & Livestock Post

News Traits, from Page 18 EPD values are not directly comparable across breeds.

However, across-breed EPD adjustments can be made to compare a particular bull in one breed to another bull in a different breed.

Remember, single trait selec-

tion is dangerous and can have unintended consequences. Furthermore, recognize that selection for extremes in a specific direction for any trait can change mature cow size or production efficiency over time.

Select multiple traits that have economic significance for your operation.

Food writers called in ‘pink slime’ suit

By REGINA GARCIA CANO Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota — Several food writers, including a New York Times reporter, have been subpoenaed by a meat producer as part of its $1.2 billion defamation lawsuit against ABC in regards to coverage of a beef product dubbed “pink slime” by critics.

The subpoenas were issued to five writers — three reporters for the online Food Safety News, Times reporter Michael Moss and

noted food writer Michele Simon — asking each to supply copies of any communications they had with ABC in 2012.

Beef Products Inc. sued ABC in 2012 for the coverage of the meat product the industry calls “lean, finely textured beef,” which critics dubbed “pink slime.”

Beef Products Inc. said ABC’s coverage misled consumers into believing the product was unsafe and led to the closure of three plants and roughly 700 layoffs.

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

The Land & Livestock Post

News Health, from Page 13 help identify carrier animals and aid in culling decisions on animals that exhibit low resistance to pathogens. In addition, watch cattle for adverse health symptoms or behavior such as: • Sudden and unexplained deaths • Large numbers of sick animals • Unusual ticks or maggots • Blisters around an animal’s nose, teats, mouth or hooves • Difficulty rising and walking • A drop in production • A large number of unexplained dead insects, rodents or wildlife also indicate disease presence.

It is a good idea to keep cattle away from recently imported exotic wildlife that may harbor disease.

“To avoid spreading disease from dead animals, develop a carcass disposal plan,” Cleeresaid. “Avoid fecal and urine contamination of feed and water sources. Control pest populations and limit access to feedstuffs.”

Create an emergency contact list of resource people within the community, including your local veterinarian, the county extension agent, and the nearest Texas Animal Health Commission representative.

Post copies of the list near telephones and on bulletin boards.

Have employees enter these numbers into their cell phones.

Control traffic

Controlling disease and pathogen egress onto the ranch is just as important as reducing their presence within your property lines. Good fences are important in an effective biosecurity program because the visiting bull may contribute more than the wrong genetics.

There is always a possibility of stray cattle introducing disease into your herd.

Know your neighbors and their production practices. If they don’t have a sufficient herd health program it may be prudent to install an electric wire inside your boundary fence to deter contact of cattle through the fence.

“Have procedures for handling incoming cattle,” recommends Ron Gill, professor and Extension livestock specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “Almost every ranch eventually must add new breeding animals and some stocker or feedlot operations continuously add cattle.

“Disease can be transported to the ranch with cattle, so minimize this possibility by defining the level of disease risk for the new arrivals. For example, yearling virgin bulls from a seed stock breeder with a strict health protocol may be low risk, while cows from an unknown source may be high risk.”

Gill said, “New animals should be isolated from rest of the herd for at least three weeks, and possibly at a location off the ranch.

“Watch the isolated animals closely for symptoms of illness, such as elevated temperature and abnormal behavior. Consult a local veterinarian to learn the diseases for which the quarantined cattle should be tested. Vaccinate the quarantined cattle according to ranch protocols.

“Unauthorized access to pastures and cattle should be limited,” Gill said. “Visitors may introduce diseases to the ranch, increase the risk of theft and cause liability issues.

“To help prevent unauthorized access, keep doors and gates locked at all times and post ‘No Trespassing’ signs.

Conduct random security checks and look for signs of unauthorized activity or entry.

“As mentioned previously, maintain good perimeter fences and know your neighbors.

The Land & Livestock Post



Part of biosecurity is thoroughly cleaning your trailers between hauls and using fresh needles and clean tools.

Work with your neighbors to organize a crime watch program. Secure water sources and identify alternates in the event one becomes contaminated with pathogens,” Gill said.

Invited guests also can threaten ranch biosecurity.

Ask visitors if they have been around other livestock. Before touring your working facilities and pastures, check their shoes and clothes to ensure they are not coated with manure and dirt.

Biosecurity should not be conducted in a haphazard manner.

Additional biosecurity information can be obtained from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Bulletin L-5506, dated September 2008 and titled Biosecurity for Beef Cattle Operations. The authors are quoted in this article.

The bulletin can be found at www.agrilifebookstore.org/ product-plel-5506.htm and is printed in the 59th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course Proceedings, which was held in August 2013.

August 2014 — Issue 2

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August 2014 — Issue 2



The Land & Livestock Post

News Cotton, from Page 16 tremendous,” said Wayne Keeling, an agronomist with Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Lubbock. “The problem is here now and it needs to be dealt with before it gets worse.”

Pigweed, also known as Palmer amaranth, is a summer annual that’s native to the Sonoran Desert and the Lower Rio Grande Valley and affects all row crops, including vegetables and peanuts. By the late 1990s, pigweed had become a major agricultural weed in the southern Great Plains and remains an issue in the Carolinas and Midwest states such as Iowa and Illinois. Cotton growers in the South already spend about $100 million a year to try to keep it out of their fields.

Growers found that herbicides containing glysophate were successful in killing the weed, though over the years several states had seen it become resistant to the chemical. This year

AP Photo/Betsy Blaney

Cotton growers in the South already spend about $100 million a year to try to keep oigweed out of their fields. that resistance reached the Texas fields, forcing producers to find a mix of other herbicides to combat the problem.

“There’s nothing really new on the horizon,” said Larry Steckel, a weed specialist at the Univer-

The Land & Livestock Post



sity of Tennessee at Knoxville.

But he said using different herbicides, including one containing the chemical glufosinate, have proved effective.

Growers will not have one herbicide in their toolbox after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently denied an emergency exemption applied for

by Texas agriculture officials for a chemical called propazine. The EPA cited drinking water and environmental hazard concerns.

Pete Dotray, a professor of weed science at Texas Tech University, said cotton growers need either to rotate crops or the herbicides they use to stave off pigweed growth. Dotray said agriculture users in the Southeast have had problems with resistance for years because they relied solely on products containing glysophate.

“It seemed like the technology lasted longer here because we were more diversified” in the herbicides, he said.

August 2014 — Issue 2

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August 2014 โ Issue 2

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The Land & Livestock Post