November 2018 – Issue II
A TAXING CHALLENGE New law will make filing taxes more difficult. PAGE 6
ACID CONCERNS Beware of prussic acid after light freezes. PAGE 13
FOOT ROT
Treatment can work, but prevention is better.
PAGE 14
MILK WOES
Chinese tariffs on U.S. dairy products would hurt badly. PAGE 17
PRSRT STD STD PRSRT US POSTAGE POSTAGE US PAID PAID BRYAN, TX TX 77802 77802 BRYAN, PERMIT ## 23 23 PERMIT
SHOT PUT
The proper way to inject your herd PAGE 10
FREE DELIVERY! TRADE-INS WELCOME UP TO 6 YR WARRANTY †† OVER 8 ACRES of TRACTORS RTV’S, ATV’S and MOWERS to CHOOSE FROM
NEW KUBOTA
L3301DT 33 HP† 4WD Tractor – WITH – • Kubota Front End Loader • 5’ Shredder
NEW KUBOTA
L4701DT 47.3 HP† 4WD Tractor – WITH – • Kubota Front End Loader • 6’ Shredder
Cash PriCe
$19,999
Cash PriCe
NEW KUBOTA
L4701HST 47.3 HP† 4WD Tractor – WITH – • Kubota Front End Loader • 6’ Shredder
Cash PriCe
$27,999
$26,599
NEW KUBOTA
MX 5200DT 54.7HP† 4WD Tractor – WITH – • Kubota Front End Loader • 6’ Shredder
Cash PriCe
NormaNgee TracTor & ImplemeNT co.
$28,099
Corner of Hwy 39 @ OSR • Normangee, TX
www.normangeetractor.com 1.800.396.3101 • 936.396.3101 †For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. ††Only terms and conditions of Kubota’s standard Limited Warranty apply. For warranty terms, see us or go to KubotaUSA.com.
2
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
News
W
From the General Manager
hen I became a parent, I knew some day I would have to answer questions that I might or might not know the answers to. I was prepared for the old standbys: Why is the grass green? Why is the sky blue? I also figured that I had Google at my fingertips to help with any question I wasn’t prepared for, thereby keeping my title as Smartest Man Alive — at least in the eyes of my children. What I didn’t foresee was that my children would not ask questions at all, but instead proffer blanket statements that they held as true, therefore putting the burden on me to prove them wrong. Now, I am not out to discredit every idea and hypothesis they form, but I feel certain things should be addressed.
For instance, my son stated that there have never been any female astronauts. I knew this was wrong, and I told him so. He told me I was wrong. I then fell back on Google and showed him picture after picture of female astronauts. He looked at the pictures intently and declared that all JESSE WRIGHT those women were just wearing space suits, but that doesn’t mean they are astronauts. So, I had to scroll through and find a picture of a woman, outside the Earth’s orbit, in a space shuttle, in order to prove my point. Now he knows that there are, indeed, female astronauts. My daughter, who is 4
years old, is even more hardheaded. While clutching her stuffed elephant the other day, she informed me that some elephants have tails, and some do not. My basic general elephant knowledge could only recall that Indian elephants and African elephants have different size ears, but I was honestly unsure about the tails. I probably doubted myself because she sounded so sure of herself, but I was 99 percent sure all elephants had tails. “Sweetie,” I said, “who told you some elephants don’t have tails?” Her response was immediate and confident. “No one told me,” she said,
“I just figured it out because I’m a smart girl.” I conceded to that argument and decided that technically she probably was right. In all the world, there has to be at least an elephant or two that do not have a tail, therefore making her statement technically true. As with most things, there is a right, a wrong and a somewhere in between. In our cover story, we look at injection sites and go over the right ways, the wrong ways, and a few of the things between the two that can keep your cattle healthy and help produce quality beef. In this issue we also have news from around the ag in-
dustry as well as information about upcoming sales and events. Hope you enjoy it and, as always, thanks for reading. ’Til next time,
z For more information about content or advertising, contact Jesse Wright at jesse.wright@theeagle. com.
elivered d s w e n g A t n e rr e most cu Searching for th n up for the ig S ? x o b in il a right to your e-m wsletter e n ic n o tr c le e t s Po Land & Livestock
Brazos Valley Livestock Brazos Valley Livestock Commission, Inc. Commission, Inc.
Sales: Tuesdays @ 12 Noon
To sign up, vis it
6097 East Hwy. 21 • Bryan, TX
(979) 778-0904
The Land & Livestock Post
November 2018 — Issue II
landandlives tockpost.com 3
News A&M’s O’Leary named president of National FFA officer team By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Luke O’Leary, an agricultural leadership and development major at Texas A&M University, has been elected national president of the 2018-19 National FFA officer team. O’Leary graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in California in 2016. He also served as the California FFA president last year. As president of the national FFA, O’Leary will serve the organization in local, state, national and international activities to inform, motivate and inspire members of the FFA and members of the community. Each year at the National FFA Convention and Expo, six students are elected by delegates to represent the organization as national officers. Delegates elect a president, secretary and vice presidents representing the cen-
4
Photo courtesy FFA Luke O’Leary, far left, has been elected national president of the 2018-19 National FFA officer team. tral, southern, eastern and western regions of the country. Also named to the national officer team were: • Layni LeBlanc, an animal science/ science and technology major at Louisiana State University, secretary. • Adrian Schunk, a communications major at Michigan State University, eastern region vice president. • Ridge Hughbanks, an agribusiness major at Oklahoma State University, central region vice president. • Jordan Stowe, an agriscience education major at Auburn University, southern region vice president. • Shea Booster, an agricultural business management major at Oregon State University, western region vice president.
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
We are indeed thankful for our abundance . . . and for those who produce it. Amen.
Serving Agriculture Since 1943
The Land & Livestock Post
ď‚Ť
November 2018 — Issue II
5
News Producers will see major changes under Tax Cuts and Jobs Act By Dan ChilDs Noble Research Institute
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed last December is the largest piece of tax legislation enacted in more than 30 years. It will affect individuals and businesses in significant ways during its expected eightyear life. Some provisions are permanent, but many will expire Dec. 31, 2025. It will be prudent for each taxpayer and business owner to become somewhat familiar with how this legislation will impact their individual and business income and expense reporting.
Provision changes
A couple of the provisions in the new law that garnered much of the media attention were the change in the corporate tax rate and the 199A deduction. The big news for corporations was that the act removed the 15-to-35-percent tax rate range and replaced it with one flat tax of 21 percent. This actually will increase
taxes for a number of smaller corporations that usually were taxed at the lower corporate rates. But it substantially will reduce the tax for larger corporations that were paying tax at the 35 percent rate. In order also to provide some tax relief for businesses that are not corporations, Congress created the 199A deduction. After a couple of attempts, Congress finally settled on the language in the new law. The deduction applies to all pass-through business entities, such as S corporations, limited liability companies taxed as partnerships, and partnerships plus sole proprietorships filing Schedule C’s and F’s. The deduction basically allows an exemption of 20 percent of a business’s qualified business income. Calculating the actual amount of the deduction, however, is far from simple because of several limitations, exclusions and exemptions. Another major change for agricultural producers is in the way a deduction can
See TAXES, Page 7
Photo courtesy of the Noble Research Institute Congress passed a new tax law in December that will impact all business entities and people who will file a tax return for the 2018 tax year.
Brien Water Wells Experts in Water Well Drilling & Irrigation Systems Serving your water needs for 4 generations. PUMP SALES & SERVICE • Pressure Tanks • Home & Farm Pumps & Parts • Submersible & Lineshaft Turbines for Irrigation & Public Systems WATER WELL DRILLING • Agricultural • Residential • Commercial
Brien Water Wells circa 1940s.
Brien Water Wells present day.
Hwy 6 South, Hearne, TX
979-279-2427
Brien Water Wells has the experience and know-how to assist you in all your water needs, call today!
6
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
News
Ag Breakfast
20th Annual Taste of Brazos Valley
Hosted by the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Council featuring food grown, produced & donated locally. Breakfast prepared & served by local farmers.
November 20, 2018 7:00 - 8:30 a.m.
Brazos County Expo ~Admission: $15
Photo courtesy of the Noble Research Institute A major change in tax law for agricultural producers is in the way a deduction can be taken for the expense of a depreciable asset placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017.
Taxes, from Page 6 be taken for the expense of a depreciable asset placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017. Granted, this is a bit of an odd date, but that is the way the legislation is written. The total expense of all business assets placed in service after the September 2017 date and before Jan. 1, 2023, is deducted as bonus depreciation. The 100 percent level is gradually reduced after 2022 in 20 percent increments, winding up at zero after 2026. As in the prior law, bonus depreciation applies unless the taxpayer elects out. A taxpayer can do so by asset class. Another change to bonus depreciation is that it also applies to fruitbearing plants and nuts that are planted or grafted. In addition, previous bonus depreciation rules applied to new property only, but the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allows bonus depreciation of used property if it was acquired in an arm’s length transaction and the taxpayer did not use the asset before the acquisition. For trade-ins, the bonus depreciation only applies to boot paid or the amount in excess of the adjusted basis of the replaced asset. The Section 179 expensing deduction has been popular with business owners for many years. The challenge has been that it has fluctuated from $10,000 to
$500,000, depending on the year. In December 2015, Congress set the deduction at $500,000. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the limit to $1 million for assets placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017. It will continue to be $1 million until Congress acts to change it. Also increased — to $2.5 million — was the phase-out threshold amount, meaning a taxpayer can spend up to $2.5 million to purchase qualifying property before additional purchases will begin to reduce the deduction dollar-for-dollar but not below zero. Keep in mind that a farmer cannot create a farming loss with a Section 179 deduction, but it can be used to offset W-2 wages. One other note about depreciation: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repeals the requirement that farmers use the 150 percent declining balance method and allows use of the 200 percent declining method for assets that depreciated during a time period of 10 years or less. The act also shortens the recovery period from seven years to five years for new machinery purchased and used in a farming business. Assets that you purchased used will continue to depreciate over seven years.
sponsored by
Call (979) 260-5200 or visit www.bcschamber.org to RSVP
Capital gains tax rates
There is a small change in the way the capital gains tax rates
See ACT, Page 9
The Land & Livestock Post
November 2018 — Issue II
7
News Maintain body condition between calving and the breeding season By Glenn Selk Oklahoma State University
On a recent drive through northeast Oklahoma and southeast Kansas, numerous fall-calving cows and calves were observed from the highway. The cows were mostly in good body condition (body condition scores of 5 and 6) and many had adequate quantities of standing warm season forages available to them. Body condition score at calving is the single most important trait determining when a cow resumes heat cycles and therefore when she is likely to re-conceive for the next calf crop. It is also, however, important to avoid condition loss between calving and the breeding season to maintain excellent rebreeding performance. Fall calving cows normally are in good body condition when they calve in September and October. Body condition changes from the time the cow calves until she begins the breeding season can also play a significant role
in the rebreeding success story. This appears to be most important to those cows that calve in the marginal body condition score range of 4 or 5. A two-year Oklahoma State University study shows the impact of losing body condition in the period from calving to the start of the breeding season. This study was conducted with spring-calving cows, but the “lesson-learned” applies to fall calving cows, as well. Seventy-five cows in year 1 and 70 cows in year two were randomly allotted to lose body condition from calving (beginning Feb. 11) until mid April or maintain body condition during the same time frame. Cows were exposed to fertile bulls for 90 days each year starting May 1. Pregnancy rate was determined at 70 days after the breeding season. Cows that were fed to maintain body condition from calving until the beginning of the breeding season averaged 94 percent pregnant, while those that calved in similar body condition but lost nearly one full condition score were 73 percent
NOVEMBER Nov. 30 • Watson Ranch Complete Equipment Dispersal, Mart, TX DECEMBER Dec. 1 • Jordan Cattle Auction December Replacement Female Sale, San Saba, TX Dec. 1 • 44 Farms Abilene Christmas Angus Bull Sale, Abilene, TX Dec. 1 • Stockman Special All Breed Bull & Female Sale, Industry, TX Dec. 1 • Brazos Valley Livestock Fall Replacement Sale, Bryan, TX Dec. 1 • Watson Ranch Complete Cattle Dispersal, Mart, TX Dec. 6 • Jordan Cattle Auction Special Stocker & Feeder Sale, San Saba, TX
rebred. The body condition that was maintained throughout late pregnancy until calving time must be maintained until rebreeding to accomplish high rebreeding rates. By studying the nutrient requirement tables for lactating beef cows, we can learn that an 1,100 pound cow needs about 2.5 pounds of crude protein per day. She should receive approximately 1 pound of protein from the standing grass and/ or grass hay she consumes free choice. Therefore, we need to provide 1.5 pounds of protein via supplements. If we are feeding a high protein cube such as a 40 percent protein supplement, she will need about 3.75 pounds of supplement daily. If the supplement is a 30 percent supplement, then 5 pounds per day will be needed. Maintaining the body condition through the breeding season should be rewarded with a high percentage calf crop the following year.
Published by Bryan-College Station Communications, Inc. (979) 776-4444 or (800) 299-7355
President - Crystal Dupré .....................................................Ext. 4613 Publisher and Editor- Darren Benson ....................................Ext. 4653 Sales and Marketing Director - ........................................... Ext. 4740 Advertising Sales/General Manager - Jesse Wright ...............Ext. 4721 Finance Director - Kathy Brewer...........................................Ext. 4605 Production Director - Jerry Buck...........................................Ext. 4671 Circulation Director - Greg Parker ........................................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.
Dec. 7 • Lone Star Angus Alliance Bull Sale, Hallettsville, TX Dec. 8 • Texas Angus Assn. Performance Tested Bull Sale, College Station, TX Dec. 8 • Taste of Texas Wagyu Sale, Anderson, TX Dec. 10 • Jordan Cattle Auction Special Stocker & Feeder Sale, Mason, TX Dec. 13 • Jordan Cattle Auction Special Bull Offering, San Saba, TX Dec. 15 • Griswold Cattle Classic Angus Female Sale, Stillwater, OK Dec. 28 • Evans Farms Angus Bull Sale, Proctor, TX
Do you have a sale or event you’d like listed? Call Jesse Wright (979) 731-4721 or email jesse.wright@theeagle.com
8
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
News Act, from Page 7 apply for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017. Instead of the capital gains rate being correlated to the income tax rates as in pre-2018, the rate applies to adjusted net capital gain amounts. Therefore, in 2018, the 0 percent capital gains rate applies to capital gains amounts up to $77,200 for joint filers. The 15 percent capital gains tax rate applies to capital gains above the 0 percent amount and up to $479,000. The 20 percent capital gains rate applies to capital gains amounts over $479,000. All of these threshold amounts apply to joint filers. The additional 3.8 percent tax rate on net investment income for adjusted net capital gains amounts over $479,000 is still applicable in 2018. There are many more pro-
visions in the tax legislation passed in December 2017 than what has been discussed here. Many apply to individuals, and many more apply to businesses. Start having a conversation with your tax preparer. The dialogue could prove to be beneficial.
Managing taxes seminar
Congress passed a new tax law in December 2017 that will impact all business entities and people who will file a tax return for the 2018 tax year. Many of the details will be discussed at a Noble Research Institute seminar. • Nov. 29, 1-5 p.m. • Noble Research Institute, Kruse Auditorium, Entry 5 • No registration fee Tax professionals will be available to answer questions.
Photo courtesy of the Noble Research Institute New tax laws could have an effect on many farmers and ranchers. Talk to your tax preparer now to avoid last-minute difficulties.
w.wctractor.com ww
WCTRACTOR 7 5 Ye ars of Service
BRYAN - NAVASOTA - SEALY - BRENHAM
1-888-8TRACTOR YOUR AWARD WINNING KUBOTA DEALER WCTractor- Winner of the 2017 Kubota Circle of Excellence Award -Awarded to the top 15 dealers in the country-
The Land & Livestock Post
November 2018 — Issue II
9
News
Getting to the point Good injections are a major part of Beef Quality Assurance By RoBeRt FeaRs Special to The Post
On the cover, adequately constrain the animal prior to injection. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photo
G
ood producers know the importance of immunizing their herd. Properly administered and recorded injections are important for vaccine effectiveness, carcass quality and beef taste and tenderness. It is also a major part of quality beef production, which is essential for giving the consumer a good, wholesome eating experience in order to grow the market. To promote beef quality, the Texas Beef Quality Producer program was created in 2001 through a collaborative effort of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Beef Council and Texas AgriLife Extension. Mission of the program is to promote good management practices for cattle producers in an effort to strengthen consumer confidence in beef as a wholesome food product. The Beef Quality Assurance system was developed un-
Special to The Post
der the Texas Beef Quality Producer program and encompasses sensible management practices. Voluntary certification in beef quality assurance is achieved by attending either classroom or oneon-one training and then passing an exam. A copy of the Texas Cow-Calf and Stocker Beef Safety and Quality Assurance Handbook is distributed during training. Information on training opportunities is found at
www.bqa.org/certification/texas. Beef quality assurance includes food safety, which is partly achieved by residue avoidance, injection site management and foreign object avoidance. All of these are related to injection of animal health products.
Residue avoidance
“Unacceptable foreign substance residues in beef come from animal health products, pesticides and oth-
er chemicals,” said Tom Hairgrove ofTexas A&M AgriLife Extension. “Residue tolerance levels for various chemicals in beef and other foods are established by the Food and Drug Administration and monitored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service through the national residue program. “One way to avoid unacceptable residues in beef is to develop a working relationship with a veterinarian and cooperatively develop a herd health plan. In the plan, identify the most common health concerns and corresponding preventive measures including management opportunities to improve and maintain herd health,” Hairgrove said. “The plan should contain a biosecurity program and a list of appropriate animal health products that adhere to Beef Quality Assurance guidelines. With each product, list the appropriate withdrawal time, any limitations or restrictions and directions for use, including a dosage guide (Table 1). Animal health products include antibiotics, vaccines, anthelmintics (de-wormers), external parasite treatments, injectable vitamins and any other injectable, oral or topical product.” Beef Quality Assurance requires everyone involved with beef production to follow regulatory guidelines for product use and to use the best management practices outlined in
See INJECTIONS, Page 12
10
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
ATKINSON TOYOTA
NEW 2018 tundra SpECial Edition CrEwMax
$5000 Cash Back2 or 0% aPr for 72 months Plus $2000 SE Cash1
Bryan • 728 n. Earl ruddEr Fwy • 979-776-0404 • 1-877-824-0404 MadisonvillE • 204 i-45 south • 936-349-0909 • 1-877-349-0909
www.atkinsontoyota.com
The Land & Livestock Post
1) 0% annual percentage rates (apr) for 72 months. aVailaBlE to QUaliFiEd CUStoMErS who finance a new 2018 tundra Special Edition (tB package) through toyota Financial Services. Higher rates apply for customers with lower credit ratings. Specific vehicles are subject to availability. apr may not be combined with any other Customer Cash or lease offers. Monthly payment for every $1,000 financed is $16.67. Must take retail delivery from dealer stock. dealer sets final actual price. offer expires 12-3-2018 in ar, la, MS, oK, tx only. Contact participating dealer for details. plUS $2000 Special Edition Customer Cash from tMS, GSt on a new 2018 tundra. Customer Cash is not available with Special apr or lease offers. Must take delivery from dealer stock. dealer sets final price. offer expires 12-3-2018 in ar, la, MS, oK, tx. Contact participating dealer for details. 2) $5000 Customer Cash from tMS, GSt on a new 2018 tundra. Customer Cash is not available with Special apr or lease offers. Must take delivery from dealer stock. dealer sets final price. offer expires 12-03-2018 in ar, la, MS, oK, tx. Contact participating dealer for details.
November 2018 — Issue II
11
News Injections, from Page 10 the quality assurance handbook. The practices for injectable products are: • Calculate dose requirements based on animal weight and condition being treated. • Follow label directions for appropriate dose amount per injection site. If amounts are not specified by the label, never exceed 10cc per injection site. • Do not mix products in the same syringe or container prior to administration. Record treatments on an individual basis if the problem is unique to an individual animal. Treatments can be recorded on a pen basis if individual identity is not maintained within the pen and all the animals receive the same treatment. Animal health product labels are legal documents based on greater than 10 years of research. Use and handling recommendations are written on labels to promote safety to the animal, user and consumer. It is illegal to use these products outside the label unless revised administration procedures are received from a veterinarian. A revised reasonable extended withdrawal time must also be established by the prescribing veterinarian for any extra-label use. “Amount of time required after the last dose for elimination of the drug from an animal or reduction of drug residues below tolerance is referred to as withdrawal period. These periods are usually stated in hours or days,” said Hairgrove. “Withdrawal times may be lengthened
12
Photo by Robert Fears Calculate dose requirements based on animal weight and condition when treated.
when treating animals severely impaired by disease, malnutrition or age.”
Injection site management
Muscle irritation from an injection of a medication or vaccine develops scar tissue. Both economic losses to the beef industry and unfavorable consumer perception result from scar tissue in cuts of meat. “Lesions occur from a cow’s body defense system reacting to the injection. In young stock, lesions can remain through their entire life,” said Kathy Kaufman, coordinator of yhe New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program. “Carcass value is decreased through loss of meat caused by trimming the lesion and resulting increased labor at the packing plant. Injection site lesions and abscesses cost the United States beef industry $4.2 million annually.” “There is a negative relationship between tenderness and injection sites, including injection sites that have no visible lesion. Intramuscular injections may create permanent damage regardless of animal age,” said Glenn Selk, professor of animal science emeritus at Oklahoma State University. “Tenderness is reduced in a threeinch square surrounding the injection site. Moving the injection site to the animal’s neck prevents damage to expensive steak cuts.” “It is important to give injections in the manner
See CATTLE, Page 15
Improve your herd’s productivity
DA L N I T M A R H OW S DS FEE
E
WIX E TL C AT R & OILE R AL E MIN ERS D FEE ONE T R O VIG ER ALS MIN ND A TUB S DER FEE
LIMOUSIN CATTLE
WILL GUARANTEE HALF OF YOUR CALF CROP WITH: s Angu ow N Bulls able Avail
• Calfing Ease - Gentle • Growth and Muscle Means $$$ de • Virgin - Red or Black Bulls A Wi tion c e l • Replacement Heifers Se hoose to C rom! • All w/E.P. D. Papers F • Certified Bangs & TB Free • LimFlex - Limousin Angus Hybrid
C.F.L.X. Ranch 21314 O.S.R. Madisonville, TX 77864
(903) 344-2331
Cell 281-808-5511 or (281) 808-3473
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
News Prussic acid and nitrate poisoning are concerns after a light frost By Glenn Selk Oklahoma State University
It was discovered in the early 1900s that under certain conditions sorghums are capable of releasing hydrocyanic acid, also called prussic acid. Prussic acid when ingested by cattle, is absorbed into the blood stream, and blocks the animal’s cells from utilizing oxygen. Thus, the animal dies from asphyxiation at the cellular level. Animals affected by prussic acid poisoning exhibit a characteristic bright red blood just prior to and during death. Lush young regrowth of sorghum-family plants are prone to accumulate prussic acid, especially when the plants are stressed such as by drought or freeze damage. Light frosts that stress the plant but do not kill it often are associated with prussic acid poisonings. Producers should avoid grazing fields with sorghum type plants fol-
lowing a light frost. The risk of prussic acid poisoning will be reduced if grazing is delayed until at least one week after a “killing freeze.” A hard freeze is a period of at least four consecutive hours of air temperatures that are below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Many plants can survive a brief frost, but very few can survive a hard freeze. As the plants die and the cell walls rupture and the hydrocyanic acid is released as a gas, the amount is greatly reduced in the plants. One never can be absolutely certain that a field of forage sorghum is 100 percent safe to graze. Cattle that must be grazed on forage sorghum pastures during this time of year should be fed another type of hay before being moved to the field, and should be watched closely for the first few hours after being moved. If signs of labored breathing, such as would be found in asphyxiation, are noted, cattle should be removed immediately.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photo Under certain conditions,sorghums are capable of releasing hydrocyanic acid, also called prussic acid. Call your local veterinarian for immediate help for those animals that are affected. Be certain to read OSU Fact Sheet PSS-2904 “Prussic Acid Poisoning” before moving cattle to potentially dangerous fields. Frosts also stress the plant before a hard freeze kills it. Stress from frost will impair a plant’s normal metabolism, and as it continues to take up nitrates from the soil, the plant is inefficient at converting the nitrates to protein. Therefore, nitrate accumulations may reach dangerous levels. Testing the forage before grazing or cutting for hay will provide important knowledge about the safety or danger in the forage. Visit with a county extension office about testing procedures and read OSU Fact Sheet PSS-2903 “Nitrate Toxicity in Livestock”.
for sale
Charolais & Brangus bulls & females The Land & Livestock Post
November 2018 — Issue II
Scott Milligan - Manager
806.683.6435
39606 FM 1736 West • Hempstead
scottm@rioranchtx.com
Raul Montez • 832.331.6800
13
News Foot rot: Prevention and treatment, but prevention is best By Lew StrickLand University Of Tennessee
I received a call concerning a problem that all beef cattle producers battle: foot rot. Anywhere there is moist, wet abrasive environmental conditions; there is a problem with foot rot. The incidence of foot rot varies according to the weather, season of the year and grazing periods. The disease incidence may increase up to 25 percent in high-intensity beef or dairy production units depending on housing systems. Approximately 20 percent of all diagnosed lameness in cattle is actually foot rot.
Causes
Cause of foot rot can vary. Normally, the skin between the hooves protects the interdigital space from the outside world, but an injury of some type — abrasions caused by rough surfaces, rough terrain,
hard stalks, and sharp gravel — occurs and continuous exposure to wet conditions results in infection. This perfect storm, if you will, is the typical cause of entrance points for infectious agents. A quite common bacterium known as Fusobacterium necrophorum is the organism most often isolated from infected hooves. The majority of F. necrophorum isolated belong to one of two types (types A or B) which produce toxins that cause necrosis (death) or decay of the infected tissues. F. necrophorum appears to act cooperatively with other bacteria, such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Truperella pyogenes, thereby decreasing the infective amount of F. necrophorum necessary to cause disease. Regardless of the source, once loss of skin integrity occurs, bacteria gain entrance into subcutaneous tissues and begin rapid multiplication and production of toxins that stimulate further continued bacterial multiplication and penetration
of infection into the deeper structures of the foot.
Clinical Signs
Foot rot occurs in all ages of cattle, with increased case incidence during wet, humid conditions. Focus attention to areas where cattle congregate. These areas often are crowded and extremely wet from urine and feces deposited as cattle gather around hay bales or in small shaded areas during hot weather. The first signs of foot rot, following a growth and development period of the organism for a period of five to seven days, are lameness, acute swelling of interdigital tissues, and swelling evenly distributed around the hairline of both hooves. Eventually the interdigital skin cracks open, revealing a foul-smelling, necrotic, core-like material. Untreated, the swelling may progress up the foot to the fetlock or higher. More importantly, the swelling
may invade the deeper structures of the foot such as the navicular bone, coffin joint, coffin bone, and tendons and result in serious infection.
Diagnosing the problem
Diagnosis of foot rot typically is made by examination of the hoof, looking at the characteristic signs of sudden onset of lameness (usually one limb), swelling between the digits (claws) and separation of the interdigital skin. A potential problem is there are other conditions that can cause lameness in cattle. This easily can be mistaken for foot rot, but would require different treatment. These include interdigital dermatitis, sole ulcers, sole abscesses, sole abrasions, infected corns, fractures, septic arthritis and inflammation or infection of tendons and tendon sheaths. All of which generally only in-
See FOOT ROT, Page 16
Brazos Valley Livestock Commission 21st Annual Fall Replacement Sale
6097 e. Sh 21, Bryan, TX 77808 • Saturday December 1, 2018 • 11:00 AM
Call now to Consign in this speCial sale! If you are lookIng to sell cattle we are Interested In takIng on addItIonal consIgnments of young qualIty replacement females that Include: open heIfers · paIrs · Bred females
All cattle are young and screened for quality. Call us to consign your quality females
REGULAR CATTLE SALES TUESDAYS 12:00 NOON FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (979) 778-0904
Scott Scarmardo Mobile (979) 224-3764 • brazosvalleylivestock@yahoo.com 14
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
News
Courtesy of nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu
Catttle, from Page 12 stated on product labels. Some product labels allow the choice between subcutaneous or SQ (under the skin) and IM (in the muscle). Always use SQ when permitted by the label and administer the injection by tenting the skin,” said Joe Paschal of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. “Grasp a piece of skin between the fingers to make a tent. Slide the needle into the base of the tent under the skin and press the plunger. Check to make sure the vaccine is not coming out the other side of the tent due to the needle being pushed in too far.” Some vaccines may contain irritants that can cause lumps. These lumps blemish the carcass and are
another reason that injections should be given in the animal’s neck. Any lump that occurs in the neck is trimmed off during processing and doesn’t reduce value of the carcass. “IM treatments are required when it is necessary to inject a vaccine or medication deep into the muscle for fast absorption,” Paschal said. “Normally less irritation occurs with this type of injection. Avoid carcass devaluation by injecting deep into the muscle of the neck rather than the muscle mass in the hindquarters. The high price cuts of meat come from the hindquarters.” “Adequately restrain an animal before giving an injection,” said Dr. Jeremy Powell, associate professor and veterinarian at the Uni-
The Land & Livestock Post
versity of Arkansas. “The subject should be kept as still as possible to help prevent broken needles as well as harm to the animal or to the person giving the injection. “Needle movement during administration of an intramuscular injection can cause muscle damage and a significant amount of the injection to be deposited SQ. Likewise, any needle movement during a SQ injection may lead to a significant portion of the material deposited IM,” Powell said. “Administration of a product into a site other than where the label recommends may affect absorption of the drug or vaccine, leading to decreased efficacy.” “Applying a product into a site not mentioned on the label may also affect the withdrawal period,” Hairgrove said. “For example, procaine penicillin is labeled for IM application. If given SQ, the withdrawal period could lengthen substantially.” When administrating more than one injection on the same side of the neck, place the injection sites at least four inches apart. Four inches is approximately the width of a hand. The spacing allows better absorption and less interaction between products.
Foreign objects
Foreign objects that affect beef quality and safety are primarily broken needles and birdshot/buckshot. The Beef Quality Assurance handbook addresses both of these potential problems and the recommendations are discussed in the ensuing
November 2018 — Issue II
paragraphs. Restrain animals properly and adhere to injection site management as outlined in the previous section. Do not straighten bent needles, but replace them immediately. Include a standard operating procedure in the herd health plan for dealing with needles broken off in cattle. The following procedures listed in the Beef Quality Assurance handbook are suggested: • If the needle remains in the animal, mark the location where the needle was inserted. • If a broken needle cannot be removed at the ranch,
contact a veterinarian immediately to have it surgically removed. • If a broken needle cannot be extracted from the tissue, record the animal’s ID to ensure that it is never sold or leaves the ranch. At the end of its productive life, euthanatize the animal and dispose of properly. To alleviate the potential problem with birdshot/ buckshot, work with hunters to make them aware of safety concerns associated with adulterated carcasses. Beef quality assurance is everyone’s job and is essential for the preservation and growth of the beef cattle industry.
SALE EACH SATURDAY
CALDWELL LIVESTOCK COMMISSION REGULAR SALE EVERY
WEDNESDAY, 1:00 PM Carl Herrmann 979.820.5349 Hank Herrmann 979.820.5277 Hwy 36 South, P.O. Box 542, Caldwell, TX 77836 Sale Barn Phone: (979) 567-4119
15
News from their use of this product, and controlled studies have not been conclusive in the efficacy of the vaccine.
Take home message
Foot rot is a costly frustrating condition, which results in extra labor and expense on your operation. Keep in mind that it is necessary to have a break in skin integrity for foot rot to occur,
Rural Land Loans Country Home Loans Farm & Ranch Loans
and early intervention results in quicker response to treatment. The most important preventive measures are centered on the protection of interdigital skin health. Close detail to environmental conditions and feeding a well-balanced dietary program are key in prevention. Consult with your veterinarian or Extension agent on a prevention program for your farm.
CAPITAL
FARM CREDIT
Livestock Loans Equipment Loans
Bryan Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Dr., Ste. 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarmCredit.com
Operating Capital Leasing
Texas’ LargesT ruraL Lender Photo courtesy of Louisiana State University Anywhere there is moist wet abrasive environmental conditions, there is a problem with foot rot.
Foot rot, from Page 14 volve one claw of the foot and not the areas of skin or soft tissues between the toes or claws.
Treatment
Treatment of foot rot is usually successful, especially when instituted early in the disease course. Treatment always should begin with cleaning and examining the foot to establish that lameness is actually due to foot rot. Some very mild cases will respond to topical therapy and supportive care only. Most cases require the use of systemic antimicrobial therapy. I typically recommend a long-acting antibiotic properly to penetrate tissues and lessen trips through the chute. However, consult with your local veterinarian on recommended antibiotics and dosages for each particular situation. Affected animals should be kept in dry areas until healed, if possible. If improvement is not evident within three to four days,
16
it may mean the infection has invaded the deeper tissues. Infections not responding to initial treatments need re-evaluation by your veterinarian in a timely manner. In the more severe cases, management of the animal will be between salvaging for slaughter (following drug withdrawal times), claw amputation or, in valuable animals, clawsalvaging surgical procedures.
Prevention
Those who have been in any of my Master Beef meetings, have heard me say “the best offense is a good defense.” This is the case here as well. Center preventive measures on the prevention of mechanical damage to the foot as caused by sharp gravel, brush and stubble, minimizing the time cattle must spend standing in wet areas. Other preventive measures presently used include the use of footbaths (most often used in confinement beef or dairy operations, 10 percent Zinc Sulfate
— 16 pounds per 20 gallons of water — or 10 percent Copper Sulfate — 16 pounds per 20 gallons of water). Footbaths are not commonly very practical in open pasture as the labor and difficulty of moving cattle through them prohibit their use. When cattle are moderately to severely deficient in dietary zinc and iodine, there may be an increased incidence of foot rot on that operation. Adequate dietary zinc/iodine should be provided in the form of a well-balanced trace mineral nutritional program to help minimize foot rot and other types of lameness. As a word of caution: The required levels of zinc/iodine and the toxic levels are very similar. Adding additional zinc and or iodine above the recommended levels may result in acute or chronic toxicity of cattle. A commercial vaccine approved for use in cattle as a control for foot rot is available. Reported results by producers and veterinarians have been mixed
November 2018 — Issue II
PAY FOR PERFORMANCE, NOT FOR PAINT
Small Farm Innovations 3701 TX-36 S • 979.200.0766 SaleS • Service • PartS
The Land & Livestock Post
News Study examines potential loss of U.S. dairy export market to China By Blair Fannin Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The U.S. dairy industry would suffer a significant blow on a number of products resulting from a proposed 25 percent tariff imposed on dairy products by China, according to a study. Luis Ribera, director of the Center for North American Studies at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist, found a number of issues that could hamper U.S. dairy producers. The study initially examined the impacts on potential retaliatory tariffs on both China and Mexico export dairy markets. Regarding China, the study examined three potential scenarios: using elasticities to measure the potential losses of the China dairy export market; a 42 percent loss of the China dairy export market as seen in exports data for July and August; or total elimination of the China export market. “As a 25 percent tariff was imposed, there was a reduction in imports of U.S. dairy products of 42 percent in July and August compared to last year,” Ribera said. “That’s not just economics, but also politics at play here. That makes sense in China since it’s a centralized decision. The interesting part of this is a combination of economics and politics.” Further, Ribera said the center examined the implications if the China market was eliminated for U.S. dairy exports. “We found that more than
A Cowman’s Best Friend at Calving Time! Now available with digital scale!
Easy and Safe Catching!
Texas A&M AgriLife photo Luis Ribera,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service economist and director of the Center for North American Studies at Texas A&M University in College Station,studied the potentiak costs of China’s tariffs on U.S. dairy products. 16,000 jobs would be eliminated, and it could cost up to $3.4 billion in annual losses,” he said. “That’s a big hit with regards to money turning over in our own national economy, so the implications of these potential scenarios could carry some big weight.” He said the bottom line is producers will take a hit regardless of economics or politics. “We won’t be sending as much product overseas, not selling as much, (and) still losing that important market.” All of the study’s findings have negative implications on the U.S. dairy market, Ribera said. The study is available at bit. ly/2CWUj1T
Designed for Processing Safety... - Enables quick and safe calf catching! - Convenient, step in access of producer! - Holder secures calf for easy processing! - User-friendly inside release of calf to cow! - Move calves easier with cow following! - Less cow stress, mother can see and smell calf! - Reduces danger while working new calves! - Quick Mount/Dismount on both ATV & UTVs!
Safe Release!
Moving Pairs is Easy!
Fits ATV’s and UTV’s!
ONE PERSON
can now SAFELY and EASILY process calves without concern of the protective mother cow!
Allen Lippert, KY - “What a valuable improvement for our operation, not only perfect for banding and tagging great for moving calves. No more lifting calves to get them to shelter. Recommended for one-man operations. Now, no more having to wait on anyone.” Maurice Palmer, NE - “I am 96 years old and really enjoy the calving season, and now the catcher makes it even more so and safe at the same time.” Jim Anderson, DVM, MS - “I use my ATV version with scales almost every day to process my newborn calves. It is as handy as a pocket on a shirt. In the past I have been hurt twice by over protective cows. Buying this product is a lot less painful than a trip to the hospital. I really enjoy using the calf catcher!”
Watch action video at www.SafetyZoneCalfCatchers.com For local dealers or to order, call 877-505-0914 today! DEALER INQUIRY INVITED
The Land & Livestock Post
November 2018 — Issue II
17
To advertise contact: Jesse Wright - 979.731.4721 or jesse.wright@theeagle.com
Agricultural
Insurance Agency, Inc.
Bryan Credit Office 3000 Briarcrest Ste 101 979.775.0404 | 877.775.0404 CapitalFarm Credit.com
Buddy Micklitz
Green Meadows
RANCH
Karl (Buddy) Micklitz Jr. Bryan, TX micklitz@verizon.net (C) 979.218.8674 (H) 979.779.0420
BULLS • Heifers
Specializing in Deer Commercial Ranch Exotics Fencing, Barns, Project Design, Game Fence, Welding, Stalls, Selective Brush Clearing, Commercial Chain Link, Custom Projects
Registered Angus Breeding Bulls Madisonville, TX
936-349-1955
Cattle & Domestic Hog Processing Theiss Sausage Company Normangee, TX 936-396-9300
www.theisssausageco.com
Farmers market horsEs-cattlE ANGUS BULLS: 3 year old bulls. Solid Rock Ranch, Matt Jones, Franklin, TX. 979-777-7571 www.solidrockranch.com CHAROLAIS A+ BULLS: Reg Top Qualilty, Gentle, Polled, Tested. LBW, Fancy Charolais Heifers. Ranch Bred & Raised. Reg Black Angus Bulls. (254)729-8644, (254)747-2701 REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS BULLS: 2 yrs old, E.P.D.’s, 25 yrs of selective breeding for Central Texas, starting at $1800. Wickersham Angus 979-219-0143, 979-220-0316
Saturday Open Houses
Only $19.95!
Call 776-SELL (7355)
18
All Your Agri- Insurance Needs
BULLS FOR SALE Ranch phone- 903-626-5785 Tommy Spillman (cell) 979-331-8660 Ranch located 2 1/2 miles northwest of Jewett, TX on CR 336
Saturday Open Houses
Only $19.95!
3 year old bulls. One breeding season guarantee. AI Sires: Basin Payweight 1682, Connealy Thunder, Connealy Packer 547, C C A Emblazon 702, Koupal Advance 28 and Cole Creek Cedar Ridge 1V.
Matt Jones. Franklin, TX. 979.777.7571 www.solidrockranch.com
All types of structurAl steel & pipe Steel Buildings
979-589-2333 1-866-959-2333 pioneerboys.com
merCHaNDIse
979-324-8746 Travis Cleere www.cleereearthworks.com
Holladay
& Associates, Inc. Steve Schultz • 979-218-8680 Charles Schultz • 979-219-0930
Tax Preparation Payroll Bookkeeping Notary
Bulls
Debbie Holladay 1733 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 110 • Bryan
979-704-6264
Angus ChArolAis hereford sim/Angus
Charolais Bulls, Heifers, and Cows Available!
PAt griswold CAttle Co
Dr. Roy W Hann Jr. (979) 255 - 5709 Tyson Hann (979) 324 - 6659
www.holladayassociates.com
A large selection of two year olds, performance records, range raised and range ready, fertility tested, all virgin. Quality to compare anywhere!
Goldthwaite, Texas Mobile: 817.946.8320
9995 County Road 353 Gause, TX 77857
tyson@svrtx.com
Celebrating 20+ years of Registered Charolais
The most up to date
MIsc For salE
lIVEstocK WaNtED
PastUrEs-stalls
Texas a&M Class of ‘02
Land Clearing • Ponds • Roads • Pads Dozer • Excavator • Scraper • Dump Truck
Angus Bulls
STEEL CULVERTS: 5 ft, 7 ft, 8ft, 9ft & 10ft diameter, veritable lengths, Delivery Available. Call 713-822-8778.
San Saba, TX “Authorized Dealer” • A Large Selection of Trailers in Stock • Custom Ordering Avail. Call (325) 372-5159 www.jordancattle.com
Cleere Earthworks L.L.C.
Solid Rock Ranch
Call 776-SELL (7355)
Jordan Trailer Sales
Bull For sAle
979.776.2697
SPILLMAN & SONS RANCH Tommy and Ruth Spillman Registered Line One Herefords
Angus & BrAngus
STEEL CULVERTS: 7 ft, 8ft, 9ft & 10ft diameter, variable lengths, Delivery Available. Also fuel tanks up to 20K gal. 713-822-8778
For the latest breaking sports news
local news you will find.
PASTURE LEASE(S) Needed, Matt Jones, Franklin, Tx 979-777-7571 www.solidrockranch.com
November 2018 — Issue II
The Land & Livestock Post
News AgriLife Extension training to kick off Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show Nov. 27
Continuing ed units for November offered online By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service ecosystem science and management unit is offering Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units, or CEUs, for private applicators online in November instead of the monthly webinar. Private applicators need 15 CEUs every five years, and a maximum of 10 can be from recorded online courses and/or correspondence courses, said Pete Flores, AgriLife Extension webinar coordinator in Corpus Christi. Five CEUs must come from a live class or webinar in order to meet the Texas Department of Agriculture requirements to recertify, which they typically offer
every other month, Flores said. Of the 15 CEUs, a minimum of two must be laws and regulations, and two must be integrated pest management. These are based on a five-year cycle, according to department regulations. “We have opened up five courses offering one CEU each for the month of November,” he said. The courses, CEU category and presenters will be: • Improved Pasture Weed and Brush Management — one integrated pest management, James Jackson, AgriLife Extension range specialist in Stephenville. • Pesticide Laws and Regulations — one laws and regulations, Greg Baker, Texas Department of Agriculture inspector of Bay City. • Mesquite and Mixed Brush Herbicide Treatments — one
general, Bob Lyons, AgriLife Extension range specialist in Uvalde. • King Ranch and Kleberg Bluestem Management — one integrated pest management, Megan Clayton, AgriLife Extension range specialist in Corpus Christi. • Spray Equipment Setup: Reduce Drift and Save Money — one drift minimization, Josh McGinty, AgriLife Extension agronomist in Corpus Christi. The cost is $10 per CEU and certificates will be issued by midDecember. These webinars and others in the series can be accessed at naturalresourcewebinars.tamu.edu/ archive/. For more information on the webinars, contact Flores at Pete. Flores@ag.tamu.edu.
By Kay LedBetter Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
AMARILLO — The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a day of training during the Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show on Nov. 27. The Panhandle Farm and Ranch Management Symposium will offer six Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units. Registration will be $60 at the door and begins at 8:15 a.m. Topics and speakers will be: • Feed Grain Weed Control — Jourdan Bell, AgriLife Extension agronomist in Amarillo. • Insect ID and Control in Feed Grains — Ed Bynum, AgriLife Extension entomolo-
Subscribe to the award-winning
metal Roofing metal Building supply HAYBARNS CARPORTS STORAGE SHEDS AND MuCH MORE. FOR All YOuR RESIDENTIAl AND AGRICulTRuAl NEEDS lET uS HElP YOu CuSTOMIZE YOuR NEXT METAl PROJECT. DElIVERY AVAIlABlE
gist in Amarillo. • TDA Laws and Regulations — Kyle Thompson, Texas Ag. Department pesticide inspector in Lubbock. • Cotton Insect Management — Kerry Siders, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management agent for Hockley, Cochran and Lamb counties. • Managing Resistant Weeds in a Cotton Rotation — Peter Dotray, Texas A&M AgriLife Research weed scientist in Lubbock. • How to Prevent Herbicide Drift — Blayne Reed, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management agent in Hale County. For more information, contact Danny Nusser at 806-6775600 or d-nusser@tamu.edu.
and receive 24 issues of the latest ag news and information about the issues that affect you!
For only $19.95
q q
New Subscription Address Change
mail or register Online:
c/o Land & Livestock Post P.O. Box 3000 • Bryan, TX 77805 Or www.landandlivestockpost.com and click “subscribe”.
Name: Address: City:_____________________ St: ________ Zip: Phone #: Old Address (if applicable): City: _____________________St: _______Zip: Email Address:
30X60X12 EAVE 1-10X10 FO All GAlVAluME
PAymENt INfOrmAtION
q Check Enclosed (Please make checks payable to The Eagle) q Please Bill my: q Mastercard q VISA q American Express
SAVE MONEY MANuFACTuRER DIRECT
1 2 5 0 3 H W Y 6 N AVA S O TA , T X 7 7 8 6 8 • 9 3 6 . 8 2 5 . 0 5 0 0 w w w. h i l c o s u p p ly . c o m • F O l l O W u S O N
The Land & Livestock Post
November 2018 — Issue II
Account#:_____________________________CIV#:_____________ Name on Card: Amount: _________________________Expiration Date: Signature: Date:
19
Complete Dispersal of
Watson ranCh CATTLE & EQUIPMENT
friday, November 30th and saturday, December 1st
Offering:
• 255-Hereford Pair with J.D. Hudgins sired F-1 Calves • 30-Hereford First-calf Pair with Brangus sired Calves • 206-Hereford Cows Bred to J.D. Hudgins Brahman Bulls • 187-Hereford Heifers Bred to Williams Ranch LBW Brangus Bulls • 48-F-1 Brahman X Hereford Bred heifers • 60-Brangus & Brangus Baldy Bred Heifers • 70-F-1 Brahman X Hereford Open Heifers • 60-Brangus & Brangus Baldy Open Heifers • 21-Brahman Bulls/J.D. Hudgins • 17-Brangus Bulls/Williams Ranch • 49-Spring Calving Crossbred Cows
equipment sale at the ranCh in mart, tX Friday November 30th 10:00 AM Grant & Minchew Equipment Info: 903/388-6002
For Further inFormation contact:
License #15035
Cattle sale at GroesbeCk livestoCk auCtion Saturday December 1st at 12:00 Noon
20
November 2018 — Issue II
Cattle Marketing
Tom Johnson 440 FM 246 Wortham, TX 76693 (903)599-2403 Mobile (817)291-5121
The Land & Livestock Post