The Ruff Review

By Garth Ruff, OSU Extension Beef Cattle Field Specialist TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Happy (almost) New Year! We’ve made it to the home stretch of 2020, a year that few will ever forget. Looking forward to the New Year, I always take some time to reflect on the past 12 months. While it is significantly more enjoyable to rewind and press pause on the successes of the past year, we should take time to evaluate the not-so-successful decisions that were made, and what we could have done differently to improve the outcome. This year those low points are about all related to the pandemic and it’s impact on the beef industry. The highs include increased demand for Ohio cattle harvested locally, a dryer growing season allowing for improved forage quality across parts of the state, and personally the opportunity to serve Ohio’s beef industry in this new role. I have never been one to make New Year’s resolutions, however I do like to make a list of things, mentally or on paper, that I’d like to improve on both professionally and within our farm operation. On the farm that list ranges from improving record keeping, better managing mud, a variety of little tweaks to processes and even a couple of items that are on that list every year: improve efficiency of the system, and look at opportunities to add value to our cattle, crops or forage. If you’re looking to either improve efficiency of the system, or add value your cattle, crops or forage; OSU Extension’s 2021 winter beef cattle programming will provide you the information do just that. Given current university policies regarding COVID-19, this winter’s beef programming will be offered in a combination of virtual and in-person programming. We will be kicking off 2021 with Cow-Calf Outlook meeting via webinar at 6:30 p.m. on January 26. Dr. Kenny Burdine, livestock marketing extension specialist from the University of Kentucky will be the featured speaker. Dr. Burdine will give a market outlook for 2021 and discuss how cow and calf management plays a role in determining value at the time of marketing. As of today, two cow-calf schools we will be in-person in eastern Ohio addressing a variety of genetic, reproduction, calf management and forage production during the two-day schools. Featured speakers for the cow-calf schools include John Grimes of Maplecrest Farms in Hillsboro; Dr. Alvaro Guerra Garcia, cattle reproduction specialist at Ohio State, and a variety of OSU Extension staff at the different locations. The programs will be held in Columbiana County, on January 27 and February 10 at Garwood Cattle Company. The second program will be held in Noble County at the Caldwell Extension Operations office and the Eastern Ag Research Station on January 28 and February 11. Pre-registration is required and limited to the first 40 registrations at each site. The first week of the programs will address overcoming forage challenges given the recent history of wet weather, and strategies for grazing management. During the second week we discuss genetics, cow longevity and breeding season management. Attendees will also learn about semen thawing, handling and evaluate a number cows in order to make sound culling decisions. The need for increased risk management for fed cattle has been highlighted by a couple of “Black Swan” events: COVID-19 and the 2019 Tyson packing plank fire. The 2021 Cattle Feeding and Management School will feature Justin White of Hudson Insurance who will present on risk management for fed cattle, specifically the Livestock Risk Protection and Livestock Gross Margin Insurance programs. To finish up the program Jason Hartschuh, OSU Extension Crawford County, will discuss feedlot ventilation needs. This program will be held via webinar, pre-registration will be required. Registration for all programs can be found at beef.osu.edu under the 2021 Beef School tab. Looking forward to the next year, I do believe at some point we will be able return to a new normal. Regardless, there is no time better than the present, to continue improving and equipping yourself with the tools that can have a positive impact on your cattle operation. Have a good holiday season and stay safe out there.