August 2016 Cattlemen's News by Joann Pipkin

AUGUST2016

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 1

Win the War on Weeds SPRINGFIELD, MO Permit #96

Gear Up for Fall Grazing

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

Get Worry-free Weaning

P O Box 634 Carthage, MO 64836

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VIEW FROM THE BLOCK

he futures market has dropped like a rock and hasn’t been able to gain any momentum. The July Cattle on Feed Report was somewhat bullish. Markets have a tendency to get cheaper than they should, and then they get higher than they should. Hopefully, we’ll bounce off the bottom and get a little momentum in August, which is typically something that can happen. As a rule, it’s typically one of the better months of the year for feeder cattle markets. Cheap feed is the one thing that is keeping the market going. It looks like we’ve got a big crop of every kind of feed you can think of. While it may not cost much to feed out a calf, it will still be hard to get more for him than what the slaughter market is. It will be a struggle to get much for one because if we look down the road at the futures market, the trend is lower.

If you have a load of calves — even a split load of steers and heifers that make up 50,000 lbs. of cattle — we can sell them on the video auction and market them down the road. We sell them six or eight months in advance all the time. It’s a good way to know what you will get for your cattle. Then, you can focus on managing your grass or other feed. When you know what the end result is, you can manage toward it. The cow and bull market has been up and down. Labor Day is the next big beef-eating holiday, so we could see that market have a little rally. Yes, the dog days of summer are here. But, I still like it better than negative 20 degrees with the snow flyin’. Stay cool. Good luck and God bless.

Jackie

Bailey Moore: Granby, MO M(417)540-4343

Skyler Moore: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)737-2615

ARKANSAS Dolf Marrs: Hindsville, AR H(479)789-2798, M(479)790-2697

MISSOURI Dan Haase: Pierce City, MO M(417)476-2132

Billy Ray Mainer: Branch, AR M(479)518-6931

Jim Hacker: Bolivar, MO H(417)326-2905, M(417)328-8905

Jr. Smith: Melbourne, AR M(870-373-1150

Bruce Hall: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)466-5170

Kent Swinney: Gentry, AR H(479)736-4621, M(479)524-7024

Mark Harmon: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)316-0101

KANSAS Chris Martin (Video Rep): Alma, KS M(785)499-3011

Bryon Haskins: Lamar, MO M(417)850-4382

Alice Myrick: Mapleton, KS H(620)743-3681, M(620)363-0740 Bob Shanks: Columbus, KS H(620)674-3259, M(620)674-1675 LOUISIANA James Kennedy: DeRidder, LA M(337)274-7406 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION OKLAHOMA Russell Boles: Watson, OK M(903)276-1544 Chester Palmer: Miami, OK H(918)542-6801, M(918)540-4929 John Simmons: Westville, OK M(918)519-9129, M(417)310-6348 Shane Stierwalt: Shidler, OK M(918)688-5774 Troy Yoder: Chouteau, OK M(918)640-8219 MISSOURI Rick Aspegren: Mountain Grove, MO M(417)547-2098 Clay Barnhouse: Bolivar, MO M(417)777-1855 Sherman Brown: Marionville, MO H(417)723-0245, M(417)693-1701

Mark Henry: Hurley, MO H(417)369-6171, M(417)464-3806 J.W. Henson: Conway, MO H(417)589-2586, M(417)343-9488 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION Joe David Hudson: Jenkins, MO H(417)574-6944, M(417)-342-4916 Steve Hunter: Jasper, MO H(417)525-4405, M(417)439-1168 Larry Jackson: Carthage, MO H(417)358-7931, M(417)850-3492 Jim Jones: Crane, MO H(417)723-8856, M(417)844-9225 Chris Keeling: Purdy, MO M(417)860-8941 Kelly Kissire: Anderson, MO H(417)845-3777, M(417)437-7622 Larry Mallory: Miller, MO H(417)452-2660, M(417)461-2275 Kenny Ogden: Lockwood, MO H(417)537-4777, M(417)466-8176 Jason Pendleton: Stotts City, MO M(417)437-4552 Charlie Prough: El Dorado Springs, MO H(417)876-4189, M(417)876-7765

Joel Chaffin: Ozark, MO M(417)299-4727

Dennis Raucher M(417)316-0023

Rick Chaffin: Ozark, MO H(417)485-7055, M(417)849-1230

Russ Ritchart: Jasper, MO H(417)394-2020, M(417)237-0988

Jack Chastain: Bois D’Arc, MO H(417)751-9580, M(417)849-5748

Lonnie Robertson: Galena, MO M(417)844-1138

Ted Dahlstrom, DVM: Staff Vet Stockyards (417)548-3074 Office (417)235-4088

Alvie Sartin: Seymour, MO M(417)840-3272 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION

Tim Durman: Seneca, MO H(417) 776-2906, M(417)438-3541

Jim Schiltz: Lamar, MO H(417)884-5229, M(417)850-7850

Jerome Falls: Sarcoxie, MO H(417)548-2233, M(417)793-5752

David Stump: Jasper, MO H(417)537-4358, M(417)434-5420

Skyler Fisher: Collins, MO M(417) 298-9051 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION

Matt Sukovaty: Bolivar, MO H(417)326-4618, M(417)399-3600

Nick Flannigan: Fair Grove, MO M(417)316-0048 Kenneth & Mary Ann Friese: Friedheim, MO H(573)788-2143, M(573)225-7932 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION Fred Gates: Seneca, MO H(417)776-3412, M(417)437-5055 Brent Gundy: Walker, MO H(417)465-2246, M(417)321-0958

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Doc Haskins: Diamond, MO H(417)325-4136, M(417)437-2191

Brandon Tichenor: Fairview, MO M(417)540-4717 Mike Theurer: Lockwood, MO H(417)232-4358, M(417)827-3117 Tim Varner: Washburn, MO H(417)826-5645, M(417)847-7831 OFFICE: (417)548-2333 Sara Engler VIDEO CATTLE PRODUCTION Matt Oschlaeger: Mount Vernon, MO M(417)466-8438 AUGUST 2016

inside this issue About the Cover

Learn how you can maximize fall grazing opportunities. See story on page 28. — Cover photo by Joann Pipkin.

Features 12 16 20 22 24 26 28 30 34 36

Is It Time to Wean? Prepare for Worry-free Weaning 4 Tips to Consider for Early Weaning Get Her in Shape When to Sell ‘em, When to Hold ‘em Winning the War on Weeds, Brush Take Time to Inventory Pastures Finding Value in Alfalfa How to Cut Winter Feed Costs Are Your Pastures Overstocked?

In Every Issue 3 5 6 8 10 40 41

View from the Block Beef in Brief On Target with Justin Sexten Health Watch with K-State’s Dr. David Rethorst Next Generation with Darren Frye Market Watch Event Roundup

Publisher/Advertising: Mark Harmon | Email: markh@joplinstockyards.com Phone: 417-548-2333 | Mobile: 417-316-0101 Fax: 417-548-2370 Editor/Design/Layout: Joann Pipkin | Email: editor@joplinstockyards.com Ad Deadline: 2nd Monday of Each Month for Next Month’s Issue Cattlemen’s News, PO Box 634, Carthage, MO 64836 www.joplinstockyards.com Subcription questions can be answered by calling 417-548-2333. Although we strive to maintain the highest journalistic ethics, Joplin Regional Stockyards limits its responsibilities for any errors, inaccuracies or misprints in advertisements or editorial copy. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for all content of advertisements printed, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising from such advertisement made against the Stockyards and/or its publication.

If you wish to discontinue a subscription to Cattlemen’s News, please send request or address label to: Cattlemen’s News - PO Box 634, Carthage, MO 64836

Cattlemen’s News, published by Joplin Regional Stockyards, is a nuts and bolts news magazine dedicated to helping cattle producers add value to their operations. From “how-to” articles to economics and industry trends, our mission is to put today’s producers in touch with the information and products that will make them profitable for tomorrow. Published monthly. Circulation 10,000.

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beef in brief Strong May Results for U.S. Beef Exports U.S. red meat exports gained momentum in May with shipments of beef increasing significantly year-over-year and reaching 2016 highs, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, contractor to the beef checkoff. May beef export volume was 12 percent higher than a year ago at 219.3 million pounds. Export value —$533.3 million — was 4 percent lower than a year ago but still the highest since July 2015. For January through May, export volume moved 3 percent ahead of last year’s pace at 975.8 million pounds, while value was down 11 percent to $2.37 billion. Japan, Korea, Mexico drive beef export growth May beef exports to Japan were the largest since September 2014 at 51.1 million pounds, up 29 percent from a year ago, while value climbed 22 percent to $130.1 million. For January through May, exports were 8 percent higher in volume (212.7 million pounds) and down 2 percent in value ($552.8 million). Exports to South Korea reached 34.1 million pounds in May, up 59 percent from a year ago and the largest in more than five years. Through the first five months of 2016, exports to Korea totaled 134.6 million pounds (up 26 percent from a year ago) valued at $359.7 million (up 5 percent). Despite the continued weakness of the peso, beef exports to Mexico gained momentum in May, increasing 33 percent from a year ago in volume — 49.3 million pounds — and 13 percent in value at $90.4 million. Through May, 2016 exports to Mexico totaled 202.4 million pounds, up 1 percent, and valued at $399.3 million. —Source: MyBeefCheckoff.com

Missouri Governor Vetoes Agricultural Privacy Bill Subsequent to vetoing three priorities of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) passed by Missouri lawmakers this year, Governor Jay Nixon vetoed the association’s final priority intended to protect private information of Missouri’s farm and ranch families. The legislation, House Bill 1414, is sponsored by Rep. Jay Houghton (R-43) and carried in the Senate by Sen. Brian Munzlinger (R-18). MCA President and Bolivar, Missouri, cattleman Keith Stevens, said HB 1414 would protect the information of producers who participate in government programs like the Animal Disease Traceability program. “Missouri cattle farmers and ranchers certainly want to be transparent, but should not fear their private information being public knowledge because of participation in a government program,” said Stevens. “The threat of agro terrorism is real, and this legislation helps reduce this threat for Missouri farm and ranch families.” Stevens said the private information of farm and ranch families would only be made available if the information is needed to protect consumer and animal health. He says the Humane Society of the United States was the most vocal opponent of the legislation. Gov. Nixon vetoed the legislation on July 8, 2016. Stevens said the bill passed with a bipartisan 111-40 vote in the House and a bipartisan 26-6 vote in the Senate. To override a veto, it takes 109 votes in the House and 23 votes in the Senate. The veto override session is Sept. 14, 2016. —Source: Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Prime Cuts

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AUGUST 2016

On Target

Reducing Risk Develop a management plan to reduce weaning stress Story By Justin Sexten

s we begin to look toward fall marketing, thoughts turn to preparing calves for weaning. For some of you, that started at conception by having a well-vaccinated cow herd. You should have taken care to provide adequate nutrition in late gestation to improve colostrum quality and be ready to prepare calves for weaning on the day they are born. That’s by ensuring they got a good start, nursing immediately and receiving enough colostrum. Many build on this program by vaccinating calves and cows at branding or spring turnout. Some prefer to wait and gather calves two to four weeks prior to weaning for vaccinations while others plan to wean and work calves at the same time. Regardless of your preference, preparing a calf for weaning and marketing is clearly a process and not an event,

AUGUST 2016

especially since all we have considered since day one are vaccinations. Creep feed can be used to increase weaning weight or to start a transition to independent life prior to weaning. Health-focused ranchers who prefer to evaluate performance without creep can wait until weaning to begin supplemental feeding, but look to nutritionists and animal health consultants to help develop the right transition diet. Management plans to reduce calf stress at weaning have at least two options: two-stage or fenceline weaning. The first works well for those who want to vaccinate 10 to 14 days before weaning, so one gathering can be twice as productive. Calves are fitted with anti-nursing devices that begin to “separate” cows and calves while in the pasture together so

that weaning is accomplished before the pairs are actually separated. Fenceline weaning is a good practice to minimize stress and help teach calves how to find what they need in the weaning pasture using their desire to follow the cow to draw calves to feed and water, thus reducing the time needed to get them bunk-broke. With all these opportunities to ensure and improve calf health, why all the press focused on preconditioning and weaning preparation? The National Animal Health Monitoring System reported in 2007 that 60 percent of beef operations do not vaccinate calves from birth to weaning; these operations represent 31 percent of the calves sold at weaning. Yes, that was nine years ago, but the data is supported by results of a recent survey by Texas Tech and New Mexico State University. The 24 consulting feedlot nutritionists from across the U.S., representing about two-thirds of the 22 million fed cattle annually, reported 28 percent of cattle entering feedyards today are considered high-risk for respiratory disease.

The last five years of Iowa TriCounty Steer Carcass Futurity data show feedyard losses alone for calves that required one treatment while those on feed incurred a cost of $67 compared to healthy calves. That was due to reduced quality grade and gain and greater treatment costs and death losses. For cattle treated twice, the discounts grow to $300 per head. These discounts do not include the potential for loss at the ranch and stocker levels from scours, respiratory disease, parasites and pinkeye. Nor do the cost figures account for losses to the entire pen from missed grid premiums for quality and yield grade, typically only paid after a harvest group surpasses the packing-plant average. High risk calves, while expensive themselves, are a serious drain on their group’s ability to meet plant average, thus reducing premiums for all, and sapping the return on investment in genetics with premium potential. Think about today’s market dynamics. When the cattle inventory was at historic lows, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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News to Use

Missouri Cattlemen Prepare for Veto Override Session Group confident it will gain support of ag bills

he Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) is preparing for the Sept. 14 veto override session where lawmakers will convene in Jefferson City to decide whether or not to override any vetoes made by Governor Jay Nixon. “The governor vetoed many bills that this association considered priorities,” said Mike Deering, executive vice president, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “We are confident in our chances in September, based primarily on the overwhelming bipartisan support these bills received in the regular session. We believe that most lawmakers understand the importance of Missouri agriculture and will vote to move the industry forward.”

legislation, sponsored by Sen. Dave Schatz (R-26) and handled in the House by Rep. Bill Reiboldt (R-160), is a tax cut for farm and ranch families that MCA President Keith Stevens calls fair and justified. “Currently, our government taxes disaster assistance as income,” Stevens said. “No other disaster program is taxed as income by the federal and state government. It is just plain wrong. This money is better served in rural communities who are struggling in the midst of a natural disaster.”

Another bill vetoed by the governor of concern to the association is sponsored by Sen. Mike Parson (R-28) and handled in the House by Rep. Joe Don McGaugh (R-39). This bill, SB 844, Specifically, SB 641 is top of would change how Missouri mind for the association. The law addresses instances where

livestock escape their confines. Under current law, the livestock owner is strictly liable for any property damages caused by trespassing livestock under all circumstances. The vetoed legislation would require that the livestock owner be found negligent and not automatically assumed guilty. Deering said this bill shifts the burden to the negligent party. House Bill 1414, sponsored by Rep. Jay Houghton and handled in the Senate by Sen. Brian Munzlinger, aims to protect the privacy of farm and ranch families by preventing their private information from being made publicly available unless it is needed to protect consumer and animal health. Stevens said this legislation proactively addresses a problem that will only intensify with time. “In the interest of protecting the privacy, safety and security of farm and ranch families, MCA members brought this policy forward nearly three years ago to protect the privacy and integrity of family farmers’ and ranchers’ data,” said Stevens.

REDUCE RISK FROM PREVIOUS PAGE any calf – high risk or not – was valuable due to limited supply. Now that the cow herd has grown, supply has increased and will continue to do so. Moreover, we are seeing a record high Choice-Select spread, even though the share of Choice and Prime cattle in the mix now exceeds 70 percent and represents recordhigh plant averages. Many don’t consider health challenges at the feedyard as having any influence on business at the ranch. But as calves head to market this fall, cattle feeders bid knowing there’s a higher bar for quality grade premiums as well as a greater opportunity to be more selective in the larger pool of calves. Consider lowering the risk of feeders discounting your calves: implement and document a weaning management plan designed to allow calves to transition to their new address with all their gain and grade potential intact. —Justin Sexten is director of supply development for Certified Angus Beef LLC.

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AUGUST 2016

refers to an optimal balance of protein, energy, vitamins, macro-minerals and trace minerals from the time of conception until the animal is harvested. This means not too much, not too litAnimal husbandry is key to calf health tle. This allows the Story By David Rethorst for Cattlemen’s News fetus to develop properly and everal years ago at the Beef tibiotics and Veterihave adequate Improvement Federation nary Feed Directives trace minerals conference, Tom Brink, who at as well as welfare for proper imthat time was with Five Rivers concerns associated mune function Ranch Cattle Feeding, stated, with cattle that deat birth. Opti“Despite years of work, there velop BRD. For these mal nutrition is still much more to do in the reasons, a number of also provides the area of health. Cattle simply feedyards are willing to cow adequate body need stronger immunity at the pay more for cattle that have condition for good colostrum time they leave their farm or better immune systems. formation and allows aderanch of origin, and this probquate colostral absorption by lem is more about producer It is my belief that in the last the calf. Again, it comes down education and implementa- 25 to 30 years, we, as an into immune system function. tion than it is about technol- dustry, have leaned too heavIt will also allow the cow to ogy or know-how. There are ily on vaccines and antibiotics return to estrus and conceive still way too many cattle enwhile lactating. tering feedyards with naïve Shelter includes immune systems.” I believe Preventing BRD at weaning and on protection from these words are still true tointo the feedyard is more complex wind and cold durday. than giving some vaccine prior to ing the winter as well as shade durDespite the advances in vacor at the time of weaning. ing the summer. cine technology and the deBedding during velopment of better antibiotwet, cold weather and exics, the number of cattle that and not paid enough attention treme hot weather is part of develop bovine respiratory to sound animal husbandry disease (BRD) associated with practices that are essential in shelter also. The principle weaning is not declining, nor any livestock operation. The behind biosecurity is to have is the number of cattle that six practices I consider essen- a plan to keep disease out of die as a result of this disease tial are water, feed, shelter, a herd. Keeping bovine viral complex. Pre-conditioning biosecurity, stress reduction diarrhea (BVD) virus out or programs such as Vac-45 have and health protocols — which keeping a new E. coli strain helped the situation in some include vaccinations and par- out of a herd by not purchasinstances, but they are not the asite control. It should be no ing a calf to put on a heifer complete answer. Doing a bet- surprise that water tops the that lost her calf would be an ter job of preventing BRD will list as livestock require a plen- excellent example. Several help the beef industry more tiful supply of good water and factors must be considered efficiently and effectively deal during tough times, they can when talking about stress rewith issues such as antibiotic go longer without feed than duction. These include early resistance, judicious use of an- they can without water. Feed in life castration versus cas-

HEALTH WATCH

Keeping Weaned Calves Healthy

AUGUST 2016

tration at weaning or beyond, weaning methods, and how cattle are handled when gathering, sorting or moving. Providing shelter also plays a role in stress reduction. Finally we get to health protocols, where many prevention discussions start. Vaccinations play a role in prevention, but only after addressing the first five factors. If the other factors are properly dealt with, vaccination protocols can become very simple and the vaccines very effective. Parasite control protocols should address both internal and external parasites. Making sure calves are free of internal parasites at the time of weaning will improve immune system function. As you can see, preventing BRD at weaning and in the feedyard is more complex than giving some vaccine prior to or at the time of weaning. It requires a systems approach and an understanding of how each part of the system affects the other parts. If we would all develop this type of thinking, dealing with antibiotic resistance, judicious use of antibiotics and Veterinary Feed Directives would be much easier. It would also alleviate many of the concerns that consumers have with the product we produce safe, wholesome, beef. —Dr. David Rethorst is director of outreach for the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University.

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Watch for Heat Stress in Cows Grazing Fescue Concerns rise when cows graze toxic fescue pastures

he summer slump in cool-season grass growth got a knockout punch from heavy rains in July across much of Missouri.

Good growth for most grasses won’t be good for toxic tall fescue pastures, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. “Keep your eyes open,” Roberts tells cowherd owners. “The rapid grass growth makes more toxin in fescue leaves.”

Calves don’t gain as well on the fescue as they learn to graze forages while still nursing. The best cure for toxic fescue is replacement with a new fescue variety with a novel-endophyte fungus. Novel-endophyte fescue has all the advantages of fescue’s superior growth, but without the side effects. Toxic Kentucky 31 tall fescue is the most widely grown grass in Missouri. In addition to its harmful side effects, the fescue fungus adds to the plant’s hardiness. The new fescue varieties have an endophyte, but not the toxin. —Source: University of Missouri Extension.

JRS market updates every Monday and Wednesday on

Toxic tall fescue adds heat stress in cattle. That comes at a time of high-temperature forecasts. “Stress becomes a double whammy. Toxin in the grass adds to ambient temperatures,” Roberts says. “Hot weather arrives when cattle can’t deal with it.” Most years, grass pastures are heading into a low-growth phase by midJuly. Seasonal growth patterns and dry weather team up to slow growth—and grazing. Not this year. By mid-month this year, July had set records for rainfall in many areas. Heavy rains and mild nighttime temperatures bring robust grass growth. Usually, by mid-July farmers move livestock to warm-season grasses, which keep growing. But, more importantly, warm-season grasses contain no toxins. This year, livestock producers must watch their livestock for heat stress when cattle graze fescue, Roberts says. A major side effect of toxic fescue is heat stress. Ergovaline, the toxin produced by fungus growing within the fescue leaves, constricts blood vessels. That reduces blood flow, preventing cattle from cooling. Pregnant cows with heat stress are at risk. They stop grazing to head to a pond or shade trees to cool off. Reduced grazing time cuts growth. If cattle show stress, take them off toxic fescue, Roberts says. Earlier, MU Extension forage specialist Rob Kallenbach alerted producers to not delay moving cattle to the warmseason grasses. Delayed grazing lowers quality when those grasses mature. Shoulder-high switch grass that sets seed heads has the grazing quality of straw, he warned. Toxic tall fescue has many other side effects besides heat stress, Roberts says. Ergovaline cuts milk production in beef cows with unweaned calves. www.joplinstockyards.com

AUGUST 2016

We know that the ag environment has changed in recent years. The pace is faster, the decisions are bigger, and the level of business acumen needed has increased. In this tougher environment, it’s critical to set up your future leader for success – by creating a plan to educate them.

NEXT GENERATION

Prepare Your Farm’s Next Leader Do you have a plan in place? Story By Darren Frye for Cattlemen’s News

f you’re thinking about or nearing retirement, or even if that won’t happen for quite a while yet, what have you been doing to prepare the farm’s next leader? This training makes a major difference in how smoothly your farm transitions, and the confidence level of the next leader. Business and corporations work years in advance to ensure leadership handoffs occur smoothly, especially for

high-level positions. Corporate leaders know the right training takes time, so it’s best to have a plan and start as early as possible. Today, the farm is no different. Even if the farm’s next leader grew up on the farm, they need to spend time training with the current leader. They need to learn directly from them – and be exposed to other perspectives as well – as they gain the skills neces-

sary to lead and manage the operation.

Be proactive Sometimes we think the next generation ought to already know how to lead the operation or that they should just be able to figure it out. Maybe that’s how it happened to you — it was trial by fire.

The future leader needs to be proactive. What books are they reading — about agriculture and on business in general? What are they working to learn?

Learning is lifelong For years we go to school, and then we graduate at a commencement ceremony; our education isn’t over, it’s just beginning! Some of the most successful people — and the best farmers — understand this. They know that we don’t learn all we need to know upon graduating from high school or college. We need to continue learning throughout our lives and careers. Lifelong learners approach whatever they are doing with the mindset that they can always learn something new or try a new approach. As a result, they’ll probably grow more as a person, be more adaptable and find more success. These learners approach life with the stance that they don’t know everything — and never will — but they want to keep learning as much as they can. They intentionally seek out new ideas because they believe they can always improve their approach.

Training days Get a plan in place — perhaps enlisting the help of a transition specialist, such as a legacy advisor — to prepare your successor leader in each area of future responsibility and encourage him or her to approach their farming career as a lifelong learner. Here are a few business aspects to include. • Financial management. Smart financial management makes a huge difference in an operation’s potential success. Even if a transition might be years down the road, start involving your succesCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

AUGUST 2016

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YOUR FARM’S NEXT LEADER FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

have him or her lead a meeting.

sor leader in this area as much as possible. He or she needs to be involved in activities like budgeting and comparing the budget against actual spending. Ask him or her to suggest areas where the farm could become more efficient.

• Leadership skills. Some people think that the ability to lead is something you’re either born with or you’re not. The truth is that leadership skills can be learned and coached just like other skills. The best leaders use skills like self-awareness, communication and humility as they lead their operations each day. Have your successor read books about leadership. Coach him or her to apply what is learned or find an advisor to help you with that. You can contact an advisor by calling 866-249-2528.

• Relationship management. Involve your suc-

cessor leader in meetings with partners, suppliers, bankers and landlords. Have them observe how the meeting runs and how you approach each type of meeting. Ask what they’ve observed, and when both of you are comfortable,

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Read the new issue of the Smart Series publication, bringing business ideas for today’s farm leader. This issue features a pre-harvest legacy checklist, how to build your farm’s team, and ideas on planning for your farm’s future. Your free issue is available at: www.waterstreet.org/ smartseries. —Darren Frye is President and CEO of Water Street Solutions, a farm consulting firm that helps farmers with the challenges they face in growing and improving their farms – including the challenge of transitioning the farming operation to the next generation. Contact them at waterstreet@ waterstreet.org or call (866) 2492528.

SAVE THE

DATE SEPT

Monthly Cow & Bull Sale Sept. 17

AUGUST 2016

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the farm. Producers should watch pastures before and after weaning to ensure enough forage is present.

but pasture space is limited, calves can continue nursing later into the fall to add market weight.

When forage isn’t available, cows should take precedence in the weaning decision. Gadberry said to evaluate body condition score (BCS) of cows to help decide when to wean. The ideal BCS for cows at calving and breeding is 5 to 6. The higher the BCS number, the more condition and fat a cow has. Fat holds energy reserves. These reserves allow cows to breed early while maintaining milk production. If cows are thin, they can have trouble gaining and performing under stressful conditions without extra feed. However, if cows have too much fat, they run the risk of dystocia and breeding problems.

Early vs. late weaning

If cows run the risk of losing too much condition during lactation, producers need to make a decision. Weaning calves early can help cows gain weight and rebuild energy reserves before winter. But if forage is limited, producers might have to sell calves off the cow instead of backgrounding them.

Is it Time to Wean? Consider available forage, cow condition, market prices in your decision Story By Austin Black for Cattlemen’s News

eaning calves is an important decision. The event starts the next phase of a calf’s life and allows cows to prepare for calving season. It’s important to make weaning a smooth transition that sets calves up for success down the road.

two ways. Producers who background their own calves need grass. Grazing weaned calves for at least 60 days can provide cheap weight gain and help increase profit. Providing minimal supplement enhances growth without the cost of feeding a full grain diet.

Every producer has different criteria to help determine his or her weaning schedule. Some do it when the moon phase is just right. Others wait until they have enough help or can catch the herd. However producers decide, Dr. Shane Gadberry, University of Arkansas associate professor of ruminant nutrition, said three things are important when deciding whether or not to wean calves.

Producers also need pastures for the cows that just weaned those calves. Having a few months of good grazing helps them gain weight. Cows have to rebuild energy reserves and sometimes add condition before winter. For spring-calving cows, fall grazing is the easiest and cheapest way to accomplish this. (See the article on page 22 for more information on caring for cows after weaning.) Having enough grass for cows and calves is important, especially if calves remain on

The first is forage availability. This impacts weaning in

AUGUST 2016

At this point, market prices come into play. Backgrounding calves increases profits through retained ownership. For spring-born calves, this marketing strategy can be tricky. Gadberry said more calves sell in the fall, increasing supply. Consequently, pric-

“The challenge of weaning a calf less than four months old is the nutritional management required.” Shane Gadberry University of Arkansas Animal Scientist es often drop in the fall and winter, before rebounding in the spring. Often, the longer producers can keep calves on good quality grass, the better their profit can be. They are able to sell heavier calves and add value when prices are lower. But if pasture is limited or markets drop, this might not be an option. If cows are in good condition at weaning, the scenario is much different. If grass is available

Althought early weaning can ease the pressure on cows and late weaning might capture better market weights, challenges exist with each method. “The challenge of weaning a calf less than four months old is the nutritional management required,” Gadberry said. This includes providing adequate protein and highly digestible forages, and it’s important that grass or hay fed to young calves isn’t too mature. “Young calves need more protein in their diet compared to older calves,” he said. Late weaning poses the challenge of making sure cows stay in good condition while nursing. Running bulls and young heifers together can be a problem, too. “If weaning is extended too long, there could be concerns with bulls in the herd and young females starting to cycle,” Gadberry said.

Planning is key Regardless of when weaning occurs, producers should castrate and vaccinate ahead of time. Vaccinations prior to weaning sets calves up for better health going forward. “Instead of starting the calf vaccination program at the day of weaning, because killed vaccines need booster shots, maybe start four weeks ahead of weaning to give the first round of shots,” he said. “At weaning you can give the booster shot.” Although Gadberry said castrating at weaning is extremely stressful, castrating before three months of age allows a calf to heal before it’s weaned. According to Gadberry, having a plan is the biggest contributor to successful weaning, especially as weaning deviates from what’s typically done under ideal or usual conditions. Producers should know if they plan to market the calves right away or background them. “There could be some lost value in not looking at the market and opportunities for shortterm retained ownership to add weight and value economically,” he said. www.joplinstockyards.com

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AUGUST 2016

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Market Ins and Outs What drives prices in the beef industry? Story By Derrell S. Peel

he job of a market — any market — is to determine what will be produced; how much will be produced; and what resources will be used, all relative to the demand for the product. The cattle industry produces fed cattle ready for slaughter. However this production mostly occurs across separate and widely dispersed sectors of cow-calf, stocker and feedlot production by producers who only interact through market transactions.

Feeder cattle markets are the one and only place in the cattle industry where cow-calf, stocker and feedlot producers all communicate, albeit indirectly through feeder cattle prices, as cow-calf producers sell calves, stocker producers buy stockers and sell feeders, and feedlots buy feeder cattle. To coordinate cattle markets, feeder cattle prices must simultaneously encourage cow-calf production to ensure available cattle supplies for the industry while reflecting beef demand back from consumers through fed and feeder cattle prices. In between, feeder cattle prices determine whether cattle will be produced using relatively more or less forage versus grain in the stocker and feedlot sectors. Feeder markets must reflect production conditions at the cowcalf level, which along with stocker production, depend heavily on forage conditions. At the same time these markets need to capture feed market conditions that affect feedlot production, all while transmitting consumer demand from retail and wholesale beef markets back down to the cow-calf sector. It is an enormous challenge to coordinate such a complex industry. This coordination uses not one, but a constellation of feeder cattle prices across weights ranging from lightweight calves to heavy feeder cattle. The coordination is not only the result of price levels, but also the relationship between feeder prices across the weight range. In general, cow-calf producers, with a high proportion of short-term fixed costs, respond to calf price level. The level of calf prices will encourage more or less calf production. Since cow-calf producers use a relatively fixed forage base that often has no other use than for cattle production, changes in cow-calf production simultaneously imply retained ownership decisions. Cow-calf producers consider the best way to market the forage they produce — through more weaned calves or fewer heavier, retained calves. At the other end of cattle production, feedlots are trying to assess the margins for finishing cattle — driven by heavyweight feeder prices relative to fed cattle prices — along with feed costs to determine whether they should be adding more or less weight to cattle using grain. In other words, do they want to buy more or less initial pounds of cattle to place and run fewer animals through the feedlot over more days or move heavier animals through the feedlot more quickly? In the short run, feedlot cost of gain is a major driver of feedlot decisions about what size and how many feeder animals to buy. These feedlot decisions simultaneously provide market signals for stocker producers to assess the potential for adding additional weight to feeder animals prior to entering the feedlot. This potential is reflected in the relationship between prices of lightweight and heavyweight feeder cattle. This relationship, often referred to as the “rollback” or price slide across weights, determines the value of gain for stocker production. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

AUGUST 2016

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MARKET INS AND OUTS FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Feeder prices simultaneously impact cow-calf, stocker and feedlot production, and price adjustments usually reflect impacts and market balance across all sectors. However, occasionally unusual circumstances result in market signals for one sector dominating the others. This information can help one understand feeder cattle markets since 2013. The sharp postdrought decrease in beef production in 2014 and 2015 prompted dramatic calf price signals to jumpstart cowherd expansion. Hence, the unprecedented increase in feeder cattle prices from mid2013 into 2015. However, this occurred at the expense of

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feedlots where high feeder prices resulted in the worst feedlot losses ever in 2015. With herd expansion underway, the dramatic drop in feeder prices in late 2015 realigned feeder to fed prices and a return to more typical margins for feedlots. The result was an increase in feeder prices faster and higher than anyone anticipated in 2013 and 2014 followed by a sharper and quicker drop in prices in 2015 than anyone expected. Nothing this extreme has ever been seen in the cattle industry so no one really understood what was happening except with the benefit of hindsight. Cattle production is ultimately one production process

that is completed in different sectors with different producers in many places and using different resources. Anything that impacts any of the sectors must ultimately be transmitted and coordinated across all segments. It is basic supply and demand, but much more complicated than an estimate of how much should be produced.

sources should be used for production, is very complex and dynamic as feed markets change. Much of the challenge of coordinating this complex set of production decisions occurs in the set of feeder cattle markets through changing price levels and rather subtle changes in price relationships across weights of feeder cattle.

Because cattle, as ruminants, —Derrell S. Peel is Oklahoma are so flexible in produc- State University Extension livetion, the question of how to stock marketing specialist. produce cattle, and what re-

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AUGUST 2016

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Prepare for Worry-free Weaning Consider calf environment before starting the process Story By Rebecca Mettler for Cattlemen’s News

anaging environmental concerns during weaning time can be challenging. Because the entire process of weaning is the most stressful time in a calf’s life, the ultimate goal for cow-calf producers should be to minimize stress. The list of environmental challenges during weaning include bawling, dehydration, feed change, dust, heat and transportation, according to Clint Krehbiel, regents professor of animal sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU). One approach that works well in reducing stress and environmental concerns during weaning is the fenceline approach, but it takes the right facilities to do that. To accommodate fenceline weaning, producers need to have a sturdy fence to separate the weaned calves from the cows in the adjacent pasture. This allows the cows and calves to see, hear and smell each other without being able to nurse. Ideally, calves should be weaned for a couple of weeks before cows are moved to a different pasture away from the calves. “The hope is the process is less stressful, and there’s less calf morbidity and calves come onto feed quicker compared to total separation,” Krehbiel said. During the weaning process calves undergo separation anxiety, which generates a stress response, expressed through bawling. And while it’s hard to find scientific evidence of the stress of bawling, it does cause irritation to the trachea and lungs and can result in an increased risk of shipping fever or other respiratory issues. “A psychosocial stress creates a physical response that makes the animal more susceptible to diseases,” Krehbiel said. Respiratory disease is the biggest troublemaker for beef producers with freshly

AUGUST 2016

weaned calves. Keeping calves on the ranch of origin for at least 30 to 45 days allows the calves time to get over the stressors of weaning. If a calf gets sick with respiratory disease and is identified early and treated early, overall performance and health isn’t damaged too much. “But, if the first antimicrobial doesn’t resolve the issue or the calf gets sick a second time, the cost of management for that calf is higher and sickness is delaying the growth of that calf,” Krehbiel stated. Repeated sickness requires more days on feed for that animal to catch up, and the the performance delay from sickness decreases the pen average for gain. String together a few more calves with repeat sickness, and the average goes further down. Follow that animal through the feeding process and on to harvest, and we realize that the animal might never meet its genetic potential for gain and carcass merit, according to Krehbiel. Although respiratory illness is the biggest challenge, digestive health can be compromised with stress as well. The adaptation to a new diet comes at a time when many other changes are taking place, especially if cattle are weaned exclusively in a dry lot situation. “Not everybody creep feeds, but just giving calves some exposure to feed and feed bunks before weaning is beneficial to the adaptation process,” Krehbiel said. For calves naïve to the bunk, one management approach includes placing high-quality hay on the apron of the bunk instead of inside the bunk to draw the calves toward the trough and associate it with something to eat. It’s also common for calves to be unaccustomed to drinking out of an automatic waterer. Krehbiel says he sees that often not only on ranches, but also in research facilities. It’s not uncommon for the re-

Keeping calves on the ranch of origin for at least 30 to 45 days allows them time to get over the stressors of weaning. Respiratory function and digestive health can both be compromised during the weaning process. —Photo by Joann Pipkin.

search team at OSU to receive a batch of calves for a study that have only drank from a pond. The key in that situation is to let the water trickle and run over, or take a water hose and drip it into the tank. He says that it doesn’t require a lot of water waste, but can help the calves associate the tank as a water source. Weather can also impact the weaning process, although producers can’t always predict it. Weaning calves in 90-degree heat and humidity is not ideal, and even though some producers in the area have seen a fair amount of rain this summer, dust can also become an issue. Instead, Krehbiel suggests producers pick a season of the year that is more ideal for weaning. “But, if you don’t have that option when getting the cattle up, we encourage cattle working and handling to finish up before 10 a.m.,” Krehbiel said.

The same goes for transportation. Krehbiel advises producers to transport cattle during cooler times of the day or at night. As far as dust, Krehbiel suggests producers wean in a grassy paddock if possible. If that’s not an option, wet the ground if it’s really dry. Even the dust in a dry lot when sorting off cow-calf pairs can be another risk factor for irritation of the respiratory system. As producers are gearing up for weaning, they should think about implementing a few of these approaches and management strategies. It could make a difference in the stress level of the calves, which could result in a smoother weaning process — one that makes everybody breathe a little easier.

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AUGUST 2016

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Strip Grazing: Good, Bad, Ugly Stockpiled forage delivers cold weather grazing Story By Elizabeth Walker for Cattlemen’s News

s we are enjoying these warm summer days and the rainfall that we have been blessed with over the past few weeks, we have to think about our future forage and hay needs. One of the first ways to dip your toes into management-intensive grazing is to start with strip grazing stockpiled fescue. With any type of management procedure, strip grazing has its pros and cons, and some farmers and ranchers could have more success using it than others. How much grass should you allocate per day? As a general rule of thumb, the animals need about 3 percent of their body weight in forage. This number is an average, and you can adjust it up or down depending upon the physiological status of your animal. Thirty 1,000-pound cows need

AUGUST 2016

about 900 pounds of forage per day. Keep in mind, most folks think they have 1,000-pound cows, but most probably weigh closer to 1,300 pounds, so you might need to be closer to about 1,200 pounds of forage for those 30 cows. You will need to estimate how much forage is available. My husband, a former college professor, says a good estimate is 1 acre inch equals about 200 pounds of dry matter, and cows need to eat about 3 percent of their weight in dry matter intake. He stresses this is an estimate, and a lot of “ifs” and “buts” exist in this estimate. On the other hand, an article I read about strip grazing estimates allocation based upon how many bales of hay could be made from each acre. Ei-

ther way, you need to get an approximate idea of how much forage is available, and you need to match that with the physiological status of your cattle. You can allocate a days’ worth of grazing, but watch your cows. If they seem content the next day, then you probably fed them a reasonable amount. If they seem hungry, give them a bit more. Estimating forage allocation where art and science blend often means you have to use your best judgment. You can also unroll hay to supplement your pasture grazing.

The Good The good is that grazing stockpiled fescue is a great way to learn about management-intensive grazing. By utilizing stockpiled forages, you will lessen your need for hay, and thus potentially lessen your overall feed costs. In addition, stockpiled forages are more nutritious than hay, even hay

from the same pasture. Depending upon perimeter fences, you will need at least two, 1/8 of a mile long pieces of polywire and about 30 posts. Be sure to get a geared wheel for your polywire. Depending on your speed, in about 10 to 15 minutes you can have feed for your cows for one to three days. Since you don’t have to build back fences, if you know you are going to be busy, you can always set up your allocations a few days in advance so all you need to do is take down your fence and give the cows new grass. I believe strip grazing saves time and resources. From what I have observed, people spend quite a bit of time driving the roads moving hay from farm to farm. Opportunity costs, labor, wear and tear on machinery all increase when feeding hay. Use hay to supplement grazing CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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STRIP GRAZING FROM PREVIOUS PAGE rather than grazing to supplement your hay.

The Bad Times exist when you will have to be out in the weather, and a tractor with a cab and heater sure would be nice. But, preparing for a few rotations ahead might shorten the time you are out in nasty weather. You might also consider giving cattle three days worth of forage rather than just one. My husband and I have found that any more than three days of grass allocation, and you will decrease the quality of the stockpiled forage. The plant has a waxy cuticle or protective layer around it. If you break this layer because animals trample over it, you will release nutrients and lessen the quality of the forages. In addition, trampled plants don’t seem to be all that appealing to livestock.

The Ugly Natural Resources Conservation Service recommends saving 45 days’ worth of stock-

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piled forage for the muddy season. I think this is a great idea, but it will take some planning and plenty of adjustments as Mother Nature plays with us like that. When I first got to the University of Missouri from South Texas, folks asked me how I liked the Missouri winters. I am sure they were laughing at this poor Texan suddenly thrust into snowy winters. My response always seemed to startle them. “It isn’t the snow, it is the mud that gets me.” I’ve had boots sucked off, been stuck in my boots with an angry sheep pushing me into the ground, and I’ve gotten tractors stuck in the mud. I don’t like mud. I don’t want to be in a pasture with mud, and I don’t want to make a muddy pasture any worse than it is by creating huge ruts. We need to keep our tractors and larger equipment out of pastures during the “muddy season.” A great way to stay out, is to strip graze. Besides, ATV’s are much easier to get out of mud than tractors. —Elizabeth Walker is associate professor of animal science at Missouri State University.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Budgeting Tools Available for Small-scale Livestock Producers Purdue Extension offers online resources

urdue Extension has developed a pair of Web-based, interactive resources to help new producers and anyone thinking about starting a small-scale livestock operation to make critical budgeting decisions.

The PCDS and PCDS2 budgeting tools were developed with support from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. They are available online at https:// ag.purdue.edu/agecon/Pages/ Livestock-Enterprise.aspx.

The Purdue Comparative Decision Support matrix, known as PCDS, includes a spreadsheet tool that allows users to create an operating budget based on their own fixed and variable costs, cash flow and expected revenue. The PCDS2 profit/ loss analysis function uses cost and price information to calculate potential earnings.

To help producers use the tools effectively, Extension is offering a series of six companion publications focusing on different types of smallscale livestock operations. All publications in the SmallScale Livestock Enterprises series are available for free download from Purdue’s The Education Store.

Before committing to a smallscale livestock operation, producers should use the tools to assess their goals and financial situation, including how much they want to earn or could afford to lose, said Joan Fulton, professor of agricultural economics and one of the creators of PCDS.

Titles in the series include:

“All investment decisions are individual, and investing in a small-scale livestock operation is no different,” she said. “Only you can decide whether it is right for you.”

• Tools for Choosing the Right Enterprise for You; and • Cow-Calf Enterprise Budget • Dairy Steer Enterprise Budget For more information about the series, or to download the publications, visit The Education Store at www.edustore. purdue.edu. —Source: Purdue University Extension.

AUGUST 2016

management matters

4 Tips to Consider for Early Weaning Consider input costs before making the call Story By Jillian Campbell for Cattleman’s News

arly weaning of beef calves has its place in the industry. But, is it right for your operation? According to Missouri State University Animal Scientist Phillip Lancaster, you should analyze your situation before you decide if early weaning is right for you.

1. Ready your facility. All too often, ranchers are ready to wean calves without first considering their surroundings. What is next week’s forecast? If cold temperatures and rain are expected, this will increase stress on both the cow and calf.

3. Ensure health measures before weaning. One of the most important pre-weaning tasks is administering proper vaccinations and castrating calves.

“Get those vaccinations done probably a month or so before weaning, and then give a booster at weaning time,” Lancaster said. “Make sure those calves are castrated before weaning so those stressors are not piled on top of the stress of weaning.” A producer’s ultimate goal should be that the only stress occurring during the weaning process is from the cow’s re-

“If you’ve got calves in a muddy lot that is getting rained on all the time and they are cold and damp, you can just have more problems,” Lancaster said. Providing a shaded area during warmer temperatures and making sure calves have access to a clean water source is also essential.

2. Consider new weaning strategies. Lancaster is a believ-

er in fenceline weaning. He also sees benefits with plastic calf-weaners, which are oral inserts that prevent the calf from nursing the cow. “I think the benefits are that they leave the situation less stressful for the calf, and so the calf does better during that transition period,” he explained. “(The calves) are not as stressed, you have less health problems and then they will get off to a better start when you do separate them and try to get them on feed.” While fenceline weaning is effective, Lancaster said it is not always the best strategy. “If they (producers) are going to just sell (calves) at weaning, you’re not gaining yourself a whole lot,” he said. “The calf is still going to lose some weight. You would be better off to just put them on the trailer and take them to the sale barn.”

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According to Lancaster, feed rations that include a dry distiller’s grain and cottonseed hulls are an excellent choice. “For whatever reason, about 15 percent of cottonseed hulls in the ration will increase intake in those young calves,” he said. “(Calves) like the taste or feel of those cottonseed hulls, and that tends to help out with getting those calves to start eating feed.” According to a Pennsylvania State Extension study, 70 percent of beef calves are weaned at seven weeks of age or older, yet calves weaned earlier than six weeks of age typically perform just as well. In fact, an additional Penn State study found that weaning at 30 days instead of 60 days saved an estimated $32 per calf. “When you get that cow to dry up, her intake will de-

crease 20 or 30 percent, so in drought situations especially, it can help save feed costs on the cow herd, and it can help those cows go into the winter with a better body condition score and in better condition for calving time the next year which will definitely help rebreeding those cows,” Lancaster explained. Although benefits associated with weaning exist, Lancaster said producers should consider input costs before making the decision to wean calves early. “I just have to say that you have to weigh the costs and the benefits,” he said. “To me it doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense unless we are in a short forage situation, and then it becomes more economical to pull the calf off the cow instead of having to buy hay and feed for that cow to leave the calf on her.”

Analize your situation before deciding to wean calves early. Considering the weather forecast might help ease stress on both the cow and calf, said Phillip Lancaster, Missouri State University animal scientist. —Photo by Joann Pipkin.

Phillip Lancaster Missouri State University Animal Scientist moval, Lancaster said. Unfortunately, vaccinations are not always effective, and that’s when a backup plan is necessary. Recognizing respiratory disease symptoms is important, especially because of their prevalence among calves during high stress periods. “As far as medications go, work with your veterinarian to have a plan in place,” Lancaster said. “Antibiotics are your key medication for respiratory disease.”

4. Find a quality feed and supplement. When you reach the

200- to 240-day mark and it is time for weaning, you should be prepared to provide calves with a quality feed and supplement. www.joplinstockyards.com

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AUGUST 2016

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Get Her In Shape Fall is the time to add weight to spring-calving cows Story By Austin Black for Cattlemen’s News

reparing cows for calving season starts the day this year’s calf is weaned. It’s important to ensure cow health and condition remains top notch, which is often, this is easy to accomplish. Dr. Dave Lalman, Oklahoma State University animal science professor, said cows go through four states of nutrition. In early lactation, nutrition requirements are high. Cows are producing a lot of milk and preparing to rebreed. An adequate amount of protein and energy is important to prevent rapid weight loss. As the calf gets older, it relies more on forage to acquire nutrients, and the cow’s milk production declines. This results in lower nutrient requirements for the cow. After weaning, milk production stops and nutritional needs are minimal. Nutritional needs increase again as calving time approaches. With minimal stress, low nutrient requirements and available forage, post-weaning provides a perfect opportunity to improve or maintain a cow’s health and condition. “It’s the best time of year if you need to make up ground in body condition for whatever reason,” Lalman said. But a big transition in what the cow needs still exists.

22 AUGUST 2016

Dr. Dale Blasi, Kansas State University Extension specialist, said cows produce 3 to 5 pounds of milk each day during late lactation. “At that time, the cow still requires some energy for milk production,” he said. “But at the same time, the calf is probably consuming 70-80 percent dry matter from the base forage. Instead of using energy to produce milk, cows start replenishing their own body reserves.”

Plan Ahead Weaning is a good time to assess current body condition scores (BCS) of cows. The higher a score, the more fat and condition a cow has. A BCS of 5 or 6 means cows have enough condition to rebreed, produce milk and maintain weight after calving. Lalman said it is often difficult and expensive to add condition to cows once they calve. That’s why producers should strive to have cows in a moderate BCS at calving. “We will use the rule of thumb target BCS 5 for cows and BCS 6 for heifers,” he said. A BCS higher than 6 means the cow has too much fat. This could result in dystocia or breeding problems.

Creating a plan to reach the ideal BCS on cows can be tricky. Lalman recommends software to help evaluate forage and management systems. “We use a program called the OSU Calculator,” Lalman said. “It looks at each stage of production. You can input cow characteristics like condition and age, and forage types are available. It shows you what it predicts animals will gain or lose in weight based on those factors. It’s a really handy tool and very simple to use,” Lalman said. Females who weaned their first calf might need more care than mature cows. Young cows are still growing and may be thinner at weaning than mature females. “It’s going to depend on where they started,” Lalman said. Weaning is also a good time to sort through replacements and culls. “Cows in really thin condition or older cows need to have their teeth checked,” Lalman said. Cows with little or no teeth can have problems eating and gaining weight. Producers should culls these cows before cold weather arrives.

Provide the Essentials Blasi said fall is the easiest time to add weight and condition to spring-calving cows. Cool season grasses start growing again and might allow continued grazing. Fescue, orchard grass, timothy and lespedeza can offer quality grazing through the fall. If producers have stockpiled fescue,

they can even graze cows during early winter months. “Attempting to put flesh on a cow during that time of year is easier to do than in the dead of winter prior to calving,” he said. Producers can choose to provide supplements to give cows an extra boost if necessary. This is especially important for younger females. Blasi likes running cows on crop residue as an alternative or extension to grazing. “Often times, people kick the cows out and forget about them while harvest is going on. That’s an opportunity to get flesh on them before the winter,” he said. Protein supplement in the fall enhances dry matter intake of mediumto low-quality grass. This helps cows produce more energy and improves their BCS before cold weather arrives and energy requirements increase. Mineral is often overlooked, but plays a big role in the nutritional requirements of cows postweaning. Blasi said most mineral supplements are formulated to provide 50 percent of a beef cow’s requirements in a 2 to 4-ounce allotment. “Ensure cattle consume mineral supplement as indicated on the label,” he said. If they are eating too much, I would say chances are large you’re not doing your pocketbook any good. Too many producers equate good mineral to consumption.” CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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GET HER IN SHAPE FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Blasi recommends minerals higher in phosphorus for postweaning through calving. But producers should alternate minerals throughout the year. “Don’t provide a supplement with 12 percent phosphorus when the grass is at its highest quality,” he said. Limited forages due to drought, or decreased cow BCS might be cause for early weaning. A shortage of grass means cows aren’t able to consume enough dry matter to meet nutrient require-

ments. As a result, they use energy to produce milk instead of maintaining condition. To compensate, supplements might be needed, which can be cost-prohibitive in some cases. Early weaning helps solve this issue. It takes the focus off producing milk and allows cows more time to build their reserves. “That’s why early weaning makes sense,” Blasi said. “You can limp her along and do as good a job as possible to keep her condition up during drought conditions, for the existing pregnancy.”

Feed the Bugs Positive associative effect of high protein supplements Story By Glenn Selk

ost of Oklahoma has substantial standing forage in pastures as we go into late summer. As the day length shortens, plants become more mature and lower in protein content. However, the protein requirements for growth, milk production and body condition maintenance of beef cattle do not decrease as the “dog days of summer” arrive.

increased, the animal has a better chance of meeting both the protein and energy requirement without supplementing other feeds. Because retention time decreased, one could postulate the protein supplementation in this situation also increased digestibility of the forage. As producers prepare their late summer, fall and winter feed strategies, they can see the importance of providing enough protein in the diet of the cows to feed the bugs in the rumen. If the forage is low in protein (less than 8 percent crude protein), a small amount of supplemental protein such as cottonseed meal, soybean meal, or one of the higher protein by-product feeds, could increase the amount and digestibility of the forage being fed. This strategy requires that ample forage is available to take advantage of the positive associative effect. Properly supplemented cows or replacement heifers will voluntarily consume about 27 percent more forage if they were provided adequate protein. As long as enough forage is available, this is a positive effect of a small amount of protein supplement.

The micro-organisms in the rumen of beef cows and replacement heifers require readily available protein to multiply and exist in large enough quantities to digest the cellulose in low quality roughages. Protein supplementation of low-quality, low-protein forages results in a positive associative effect.” This positive associative effect occurs as supplemental protein available to the bugs in the rumen allows them to grow, multiply and digest the forage more completely and more rapidly. Therefore, the cow gets more out of the forage she consumes; she digests it more quickly and is ready to eat more forage in a shorter period of time. Data from Oklahoma State University illustrates this. Prairie hay used in this study was less than 5 percent crude protein. When the ration was supplemented —Source: Glenn Selk is Oklahoma with 1.75 lbs of cottonseed State University emeritus extension animal scientist. meal per day, retention time of the forage was reduced 32 percent, which resulted in an increase in feed intake of 27 percent. Because hay intake www.joplinstockyards.com

MANAGEMENT MATTERS

Is She Bred? Pregnancy checking provides management options Story By Bryan Nichols

hecking cows for pregnancy is nothing new, yet its adoption rates are still incredibly low. According to the 2008 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) survey on cow/calf management practices in the United States, only 18 percent of all operations, and 58 percent of operations with 200 head or more, check cows for pregnancy status. The USDA is currently conducting an update to this survey. My hope is that we see adoption rates for this practice increase because pregnancy checking has many benefits and multiple options available. Knowing the pregnancy status of the cow creates additional management options. It essentially gives us a glimpse into the future so that management options can be analyzed and implemented now rather than in several months. Maintaining an open cow for a year is rarely a sound decision. An open cow can be sold, retained as a stocker cow, or transitioned to a different calving season such as spring to fall. This knowledge allows the producer to make the best management decision given current market conditions. Without this knowledge, the producer is forfeiting a large amount of management control and potential profit. Other potential benefits based on the method chosen are the ability to sort early calvers from late calvers, determine sex of the calf, identify reproductive abnormalities and provide time with your veterinarian to discuss overall herd health. The latter benefit might become more important when the veterinary feed directive goes into effect for some products in 2017. Three very good options exist for determining pregnancy in females: 1) rectal palpation, 2) ultrasound and 3) blood testing. Rectal palpation is likely the most recognized method by producers. It gives immediate results so that animals can be sorted out of the chute. Accura-

cy of this method is generally very high at 45 to 60 days postbreeding. A downside is that the skill level of the technician must be accounted for. Ultrasound is another method and displays higher accuracy slightly earlier at 28 to 35 days post-breeding. It also gives immediate results so that animals can be sorted out of the chute. In addition, this method gives the ability to determine sex of the calf. Both rectal palpation and ultrasound allow the technician to physically evaluate the reproductive tract and estimate age of the fetus. Another method is the BioPRYN blood test. This method essentially removes the variable of operator skill level. The test’s ability to detect open females is 99 percent accurate, and its ability to detect bred females is 95 percent accurate. The blood must be drawn at least 28 days post-breeding and 75 days post-calving. The biggest advantage is the ease in which producers can learn to pull blood themselves and perform the test as their schedule allows. Downsides of the test are that all females must be individually identifiable. Since the blood must be tested, sorting out of the chute is not an option. Results are generally available within a couple days. Knowledge gained from this test is more limited than rectal palpation and ultrasound. It simply reports a female as bred or open. The three methods are generally competitive in price. The most important thing is that producers determine what information they want to ascertain through pregnancy checking, then choose the method that provides this information and is logistically feasible. —Source: This article is reprinted with permission from the Noble Foundation for Agriculture. Visit the Noble Foundation on the web at www.noble.org.

AUGUST 2016

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

When to Sell ‘em, When to Hold ‘em Good calf management begins at the ranch of origin Story By Rebecca Mettler for Cattlemen’s News

he decision to market or background weaned calves can be a tricky one for cowcalf producers. Each year’s market scenario is different and can be confusing. Along with having a good relationship with a livestock market representative for guidance, producers need to calculate which option is best for their individual situation based on many variables. From a numbers standpoint, the predicted value of gain must be more than the cost of gain in order for it to make financial sense to background calves for any period of time, according to Gant Mourer, beef cattle value enhancement specialist with Oklahoma State University Extension. “My first thought in marketing is that the pricing structure is down, of course,” Mourer said. “But, a more typical price structure and more predictability should come back into the market. Experts are expecting the value of gain per pound to be 80 to 90 cents.” The way the markets played out last year might have some producers cautious of holding on to their weaned calves for an extended period of time. They held on to their cattle last

year, the price fell and they didn’t make the money they thought they would. However, last year wasn’t a typical scenario, but it still might make them overly cautious, according to Mourer. Despite the concern, experts don’t believe there will be a repeat of last year. The prospect of marketing later on in the year could bring added profit. “There’s the opportunity of adding value hopefully in late November and early December when we’ve traditionally seen calf prices increase.” Producers must think about whether they have the facilities, the time and labor resources, as well as the feed resources, to background their calves. “With ranch-raised calves it’s not a terribly hard process if you are diligent with looking for health concerns, and keep the feed in front of them,” Mourer said. “So, we don’t really see many wrecks in the preconditioning and backgrounding phase with those types of calves.” As the old adage goes, “You can’t starve a profit out of them.” The calves need to be

healthy and gaining weight to have the opportunity for the producer to turn a profit. Mourer, who is the lead contact for the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network (OQBN), which includes a VAC-45 program and is a joint effort of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, is a big proponent of preconditioning programs. Preconditioning programs give producers advantages far beyond that 45-day window of time that a program requires. “First off, I’m going to precondition calves because of the health benefits for myself,” Mourer said. “Then the flexibility comes in whether I’m going to market these calves or carry them over until next spring if I have enough resources allocated to do so.” In Mourer’s mind, producers must be committed to a preconditioning program from the beginning. Starting a preconditioning program without total commitment can lead to disaster. “Personally, I would rather see you take the calves straight off the cow and to the sale barn rather than wait a week to 10 days to ‘get the bawl out of them’ and then ship to the sale barn,” Mourer said. A week to 10 days after weaning is the most critical time for the calves. Generally speaking, a week to 10 days after weaning is the most stressful time for the calves, which can debilitate the calves’ immune system. Plus, if animals are comingled from different

groups, the calves have been together long enough at that point to pass along any sickness they might have to another already stressed calf. Good calf management on the ranch of origin is always a way to add value to weaned calves. In a tough marketing year, good management can make all of the difference. Selling calves at the right time can also be beneficial during any marketing year. “What we are starting to see is that feedlots want calves weaned closer to 60 days,” Mourer said. He also suggested that now might be a good time to lock in calf prices. But, if a producer doesn’t have the 50,000 pounds to go into the feeder cattle futures market, look into livestock risk protection (LRP) insurance if they are concerned. “You’ll never go broke locking in a profit,” Mourer said. Online profit calculators are also useful tools for producers to use in making their decisions for weaned calves. Joplin Regional Stockyards has a Breakeven Analysis for Backgrounding Operations, which is an Excel-based spreadsheet to calculate breakeven. It can be found on www.joplinstockyards.com by clicking on “Worksheets” under the “Services” tab on the homepage. Mourer suggests that producers access the Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Vac-45 Budgeting Tool, which is an Excel-based calculator designed to analyze returns from participation in OSU’s OQBN Vac-45 program. Another useful website is Kansas State University’s BeefBasis. com, which provides producers with information and analytics to improve marketing decisions influenced by cattle basis risk.

According to Oklahoma State University Beef Value Enhancement Specialist Gant Mourer, now might be a good time to lock in calf prices. Producers might also consider livestock risk protection insurance to help secure a favorable market price. —Photo by Joann Pipkin

24 AUGUST 2016

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AUGUST 2016

PASTURE PLANNING

Winning the War on Weeds, Brush Weed identification, timing herbicide application key to successful control Story By Austin Black for Cattlemen’s News

asture weeds can be a serious problem. They compete with grass for nutrients and can deter cattle from grazing certain areas.

“To get the most effective control of thistles, you need to spray while the rosette is on the ground, before the stem and bulb shoot up.”

Preparation Ensures Success In addition to timely application, producers should take steps to ensure the herbicide is effective. The first step is properly identifying targeted weed species. This helps ensure the right product is applied at the right time. While most applications should occur in the spring, specific timing varies between plant species. “Use chemical reps, Extension specialists or reputable internet sources to help you

Scheidt recommends chemical control as the best option. She said spraying herbicide is more time- and cost-effective. It often only requires one application for effective conPrevention is the best way trol, but timing is essential. to combat weed problems. “You have to spray before the University of Missouri Exten- weed gets into the reproducsion Agronomy Specialist Jill Scheidt said prevention begins with a healthy pasture. Pastures with proper nutrient and pH levels grow an abundance of grass. A good stand of grass helps thwart weed growth and provides a quality grazing experience. Scheidt recommends soil-testing pastures every three to five years to track fertility levels. “Make sure you have the correct pH and add fertilizer to healthy pastures,” she said. If weeds are already a problem, avoid aggressive fertilizing until the issue is under control. Timing is critical for effective weed control. According to University of Missouri

determine if herbicide application is beneficial. “Access the weed pressure and see if you can effectively control the weed at its current stage in growth,” Scheidt said. If the timing is right, prepare spraying equipment through calibration. “I understand this is time-consuming and there are a lot of other items on the ‘to-do’ list, but taking the time to make sure you are still calibrated can save money and possibly time next year or later in the season,” Scheidt said. Producers can choose to use spot treatment or a foliar broadcast. Spot treatment is used for spraying individual plants and small, infested areas. A foliar broadcast can be applied using a boom sprayer or airplane. This method often helps when covering a large area or spraying heavy weed populations. Both treatments require thorough coverage.

Once equipment is ready, it’s time to select the herbicide and mix if needed. “When mixing chemicals, it is important to use the recommended number of gallons of water per acre because it ensures good herbicide coverage,” Schedit said. Producers should always read herbicide Agronomist Jill Scheidt, the more mature a plant gets, the harder it is for herbicide to When fighting weeds penetrate the plants waxy surface. —Photo by Joann Pipkin. labels to determine the and brush, chemiproper rate. “Reading cal and mechanithe label is the best cal control methway to ensure you are ods are the most common. applying the chemical cortive stage,” she said. Spray- identify the weed,” Scheidt Mechanical control consists rectly to get the most effective ing when seeds or blooms are said. of mowing pastures when control,” Scheidt said. present doesn’t accomplish weeds are growing and visanything. “The plant has al- Producers can purchase Remember that certain herbiible. This method works well ready done damage and com- a handbook called Weed cides can damage legumes and when combined with other peted with the grass,” she and Brush Control for Forfescue seed head production. practices, but isn’t the best sosaid. Early application targets ages, Pastures and Noncrop“Most broadleaf weed killers lution by itself. Mowing must the plant when it’s small. The land through the University will burn and slightly reduce occur several times each year more mature a plant gets, the of Missouri Extension service. legume stands, so make sure to keep weeds controlled. And, harder it is for herbicide to Written by Dr. Kevin Bradley, you are only applying them to it takes several years to get penetrate the waxy surface. plant science associate prowell-established and well- fereffective elimination of them. fessor, this guide helps identilized stands,” she said. Most In addition to the cost and Most herbicide applications tify weeds at different stages. herbicides will harm young time of mowing, Scheidt said should occur in early spring. It also provides details about grass and seeds, so one should it sometimes actually encour- But thistles and sericea lespeproper herbicides and crop not spray newly seeded grass. ages weeds and brush to grow. deza can also be sprayed in replant restrictions. Produc“If (producers) are mowing the fall. Scheidt said a comers can also use the Weed ID For more information or to something already flowered, mon mistake is waiting to Guide on their smartphone or get a calendar that shows best it doesn’t do any good because spray thistles until the purple tablet. Visit weedid.missouri. application times, visit your the plant has already released flower is visible. edu to download the app. local Extension office or go to seed,” she said. The best time to use a mower for weed con- “That plant still has enough After identifying the plant extension.missouri.edu. trol is before plants reach the life in it to reproduce even af- species, producers should reproductive stage. ter being sprayed,” she said.

26 AUGUST 2016

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AUGUST 2016

PASTURE PLANNING

Take Time to Inventory Pastures Keep options open for fall forage establishment Story By Joann Pipkin, Editor

hen Aug. 1 rolls around, it’s time to give your forage program a good, hard look. Where and what kind of feed shortage do you have? And, what areas of your pastures and forage system need adjustment? Once you take inventory, University of Missouri Extension State Forage Specialist Rob Kallenbach says it’s time to look at renovating perhaps the weakest 10 to 20 percent of the farm. “Then, look at what options fit that sight and where you need feed,” Kallenbach explains. “You may want to go from a toxic tall fescue pasture to a non-toxic one. Or, maybe you want to try alfalfa. At the first of August, take a look at when you need feed and where your farm is the weakest.” If you’re stockpiling fescue, Kallenbach says fertilizer application will help produce

28 AUGUST 2016

great fall pasture. Beyond stockpiling, though, he says to consider reseeding pastures to work in other crops.

of a pasture renovation program. Kallenbach says spraying out thin or infected tall fescue pastures and then coming back with those forage options into a permanent pasture cycle for 2017 is also an option. Kallenbach cautions producers from trying to establish winter annuals in a vigorously growing tall fescue pasture unless using herbicide treatment. “Herbicide application or some tillage operation can hold back the fescue in some cases,” he says. “And, those are chances for success.”

Mid-August is the time to sow small grains or other winter annuals that can be used for fall pastures. Oats, wheat and cereal rye are good options as well as some of the brassicas, When it comes to forage leKallenbach says. gumes, Kallenbach stresses the need to check soil fertility “Turnips, tillage radishes, before establishment. For alwhile we think of those as slow falfa, a soil pH of at least 6.0 moving crops, they’re great is best. autumn and winter feeds,” he says. “And, we’ve successfully With about half of grazed livestock on those up the expense for beef through about the first of the producers coming by year, for the brassicas nearly way of fall and winter all winter long and then up feed, Kallenbach says through spring for the small it’s important to regrains.” member the economics behind fall forage Winter annuals and the bras- establishment, espesica species also work as part

cially when pastures are often at their finest in May and June. “It’s really trying to figure out how I’m going to graze or how I’m going to feed livestock in November, December, January, which is when feed gets more expensive,” Kallenbach explains. “So, that’s where we can do a better job of managing pastures.” Flexibility is key with forage management. “Being flexible is good, but what I really think is, what are the options now, what are the options in two weeks, what are my opportunities in a month,” Kallenbach says. “Be open to new ideas, but be realistic about what sort of production can really occur.”

Brassica species such as turnips and tillage radishes are a great source for autumn and winter feeds. —Photos by Joann Pipkin.

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AUGUST 2016

PASTURE PLANNING

Finding Value in Alfalfa

University of Missouri Extension Agronomist Tim Schnakenberg says opportunities abound for using alfalfa as a forage source in beef cattle operations. —Photo by Jillian Campbell.

Protein, energy content make the forage an excellent choice for beef operations Story By Jillian Campbell for Cattleman’s News

lfalfa isn’t just for horses and dairy cows these days. Beef operations can benefit from its protein, too. University of Missouri Extension Agronomist Tim Schnakenberg said alfalfa has become a rather unutilized forage crop in the fourt-state region. “There are opportunities for us to use more and more of it in our beef operations, and so we encourage people to plant a few acres of it and use it as a protein and energy source to supplement the lower quality fescue hay we have on hand,” Schnakenberg said. Managing a high-quality alfalfa crop begins by understanding its correct harvest schedule, Schnakenberg said. “It’s important with alfalfa hay to harvest on a routine basis,” he explained. “Typically that’s about every 28 days. If you can do that, you are going to have a good compromise between yield and quality, and then when you harvest it. It’s extremely important not to get it rained on of course, but it also needs to be managed in such a way that you aren’t losing those leaves as they dry out.” Schnakenberg said alfalfa might also be used as silage. “You are going to preserve quality the best if you will make silage, whether that’s in an in-line wrapper, up-right

30 AUGUST 2016

silo, or a bunk, you can maintain the quality so much better that way,” he said. To preserve the full crop, Schnakenberg said to avoid tedding dry alfalfa for silage. “Use a hay rake preferably early in the morning or at times when you know that it’s not going to shatter those leaves,” he noted. “Start baling early. There are some people that successfully harvest in the night during the summer months. That works very well. That’s a whole technique in and of itself.” Optimum fertility is the key to fully utilizing a soil’s potential before planting alfalfa, according to Schnakenberg. His No. 1 concern in the four-state region is that farmers don’t apply enough fertilizer. “I have seen alfalfa stands in Southwest Missouri last anywhere from one year to 14 years, and all of that depends on the management practice,” Schnakenberg said. “No. 1, fertility is extremely important. A four-ton alfalfa crop can remove about 215 pounds of potassium (potash) per acre and about 45 pounds of phosphorous per acre, and if we’re not meeting that need, after a while it catches up to us.” Before planting alfalfa, you should make sure to have a well-drained soil, as alfalfa will not thrive in areas of high moisture.

“We have had success growing alfalfa on Ozarks ridgetops,” Schnakenberg said. “If the fertility is there, as long as there is drainage, it doesn’t necessarily have to be corn ground to raise alfalfa. You can raise it on ridgetops, but you also have to be careful about growing it on areas where there is a hardpan. (Roots) need to be able to work through the rocks, and if there is a restriction down below, it is probably not going to persist there.” Timely harvest is essential to managing a fall alfalfa crop. “Stay away from it from Sept. 15 until early November,” Schnakenberg said. “If you just get all this growth out there and you feel like you have to go after it, wait until we have multiple heavy freezes (before harvesting).” Schnakenberg weighs the quality of a fall alfalfa crop with the need to harvest. Alfalfa begins to thin as it goes dormant, and once that happens, Schnakenberg said the lush, green alfalfa growth can be harvested without compromising the crop. “There is a lot of debate on whether or not that is needed,” he said. “Some of the best alfalfa experts nowadays are

saying it’s probably not even worth going after. The amount of forage you’re going to get is going to be minimal in November.” Although fall alfalfa crops might not meet quantity expectations when compared to summer alfalfa harvest, Schnakenberg said the quality is there if it is needed as long as it is harvested in November. “The majority of your alfalfa crop, at least 90 to 95 percent of it, is going to be done during the summer, so we are talking about a very small quantity,” Schnakenberg noted. “The quality of it in the fall can be excellent, but the problem is there just isn’t enough quantity.” Un-harvested fall alfalfa makes a great preventative for soil erosion, he said. “Leaving alfalfa also creates insulation, if you will, for the root system so you’re not leaving it (soil) bare over the winter,” Schnakenberg said. “You’ve got the crop there to help insulate it when the winter gets kind of hard, and so I’m kind of in that camp myself, to let it go. If you do want to harvest, silage is probably the best way to harvest it.” Despite its management challenges, alfalfa has value as forage for beef operations.

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AUGUST 2016

TRENDING NOW

Watch Out for Lead Poisoning Easy to confuse the illness with other ailments

he Kansas State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory diagnoses many kinds of illnesses throughout a given year, but the one witnessed frequently this past spring in cattle was lead poisoning. “Lead poisoning is the No. 1 poisoning we diagnose in the diagnostic lab,” said Gregg Hanzlicek, director of production animal field investigations with the lab. “This past spring, we had several cases of springborn calves diagnosed with lead poisoning shortly after going to pasture.” Lead poisoning is difficult to identify and is often fatal. For this reason, it’s important for producers to be vigilant in monitoring for differences in behavior. “Like many poisonings, unfortunately one of the most common signs is finding one or

more dead animals in the pasture. For those that aren’t found dead, another clinical sign is a difference in behavior,” Hanzlicek said. “The calves or cows may stumble or stagger; they may then become recumbent followed by convulsions. One of the major classical signs of lead poisoning in cattle is blindness.” Within a day or two of ingestion, the signs of lead poisoning will begin to show, either by death or by those symptoms, he said. Lead poisoning is diagnosed most often in young calves. Since medicinal treatment for lead poisoning is largely ineffective, prevention is the best control method. Identifying how cattle acquire lead poisoning can give producers a look into how to prevent it. “The only way a calf or a cow

can become poisoned is if they ingest the lead. Any age animal can ingest it and become poisoned, but the reason we see it more often in calves is for a couple of reasons,” Hanzlicek said. “Newborn calves going to pasture are curious, so they’re mouthing things and trying to eat things older animals normally wouldn’t. When we have hard rains, sometimes the rain washes and uncovers sources of lead, then the calf has exposure to it.” Monitoring your pasture for items that contain lead can decrease the chance of poisoning. “The most common sources of lead toxicity in calves and cows are old batteries from trucks and cars that have been disposed of in the pasture. Calves either lick on the battery posts or lick on the plates in the battery. There are other sources such as linoleum or old caulking materials,” Hanzlicek said. “To prevent it, if you know that you have a site where things were disposed of in the pasture, it’s a good idea to fence the area to prevent animals from having access.”

Though prevention is the best treatment, producers can do other things should they suspect that their cattle contracted lead poisoning. “With the fact that we have smartphones and these devices have video capability, I would advise the producer to take a relatively long video of the animal and send it to their veterinarian,” Hanzlicek said. The veterinarian can then decide, based on the video, if more testing is needed to find the true problem. Blood tests are also available to help with diagnosis. Lead poisoning can be confused with other diseases, so when these symptoms arise, it’s important to identify what is ailing the animal. “The best source of advice is your veterinarian as he or she has been trained to recognize a diverse number of diseases.,” Hanzlicek said. “Many diseases appear with similar clinical signs to the lay persons’ eye.” —Source: K-State University Extension.

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NEWS TO USE

Beef Market Outlook K-State ag economists share their 20-year outlook on the North American beef market. Story By Shelby Mettlen

he United States has an advantage in the beef market, said Glynn Tonsor, ag economist with Kansas State University (K-State) June 15 at the annual Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) symposium hosted in Manhattan, Kansas.

years.

An area for the country to pay close attention to is the United States’ increasingly diverse culture. Hispanic and multi-racial families are the fastest-growing segments in the country, and Ted Schroeder, K-State ag economist, “Beef that comes from the urged producers to take note. U.S. is generally trusted to be safe. In particular, it’s gener- “The prosperity of our entire ally trusted to know where it industry rests with our concame from, and people will pay a premium for it,” he said. “We can’t lose that.”

sumers,” he said. “It’s where the revenue that this industry enjoys is.” International trade agreements like Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) present opportunities for market growth, Tonsor said. He wrapped up by sharing that he believes that, in 20 years, there will be fewer cattle and fewer cattle operations in the United States, but those operations will be more efficient and will produce more beef. He said exports should share greater than 11 percent of production to be sustainable, he hopes for

improved coordination and information flow, and an expansion of meat quality signals and diversification. There are immense opportunities within the industry, Tonsor concluded, but if we don’t communicate as an industry, as well as within each sector, we’ll miss those opportunities. —Source: Shelby Mettlen is associate editor of the Angus Journal. This article is reprinted with permission from www.BIFconference.com, the Angus Media’s online coverage site of the 2016 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Annual Meeting.

Tonsor listed the United States’ sound feedgrain base, strong processing and packing industryies technology, safety and extensive transportation system as other advantages above its competitors. “We have room to improve all of these, but in relation to our key competitors, these are all advantages.” North American beef has cornered the market on a grainfinished product, he said, adding the country’s genetic and meat quality, research and outreach to the list. While those are all positives, Tonsor also listed some of the country’s weaknesses and areas to improve. Most American beef is not the lowest cost to produce, he noted. A pound of grassfed beef can typically be produced cheaper, where the majority of American beef is grain-fed. “We can’t lose sight of that,” he urged. Aggregate research funding is declining, he added, and communication and coordination on certain issues, including traceability systems and the focus on current and future beef demand is only partially effective. The nation is fragmented on key issues, Tonsor noted, and those issues aren’t going to go away in the next five www.joplinstockyards.com

AUGUST 2016

PASTURE PLANNING

How to Cut Winter Feed Costs Extend the grazing season with stockpiled forage Story By Lisa Henderson for Cattlemen’s News

ant to extend your grazing season? Cattlemen say that’s a no-brainer, since extending your grazing season cuts expenses and reduces labor, and now is the time to develop strategies that can be implemented this fall. “Winter feed costs are the single largest production expense for cow-calf operations,” said John Nalivka, president of Sterling Marketing, Vale, Oregon, an economic and management advisory service. “Keeping winter feed costs to a minimum is critical for ranchers who hope to manage profitable operations. Any strategy that helps extend the grazing season – letting the cows do the work – will help improve the profitability of your operation.” Extension beef specialists agree that managing your pastures to stockpile forage will extend your grazing season while cutting expenses on harvesting that forage as hay.

week,” he explained. “This is a great time saver.” Stockpiling forages is relatively inexpensive because you don’t need to harvest the forage, which provides a decrease in cost of production for the animals. To get the most out of the stockpiled forage, producers should also consider different grazing management techniques, according to University of Arkansas Research and Extension. If cattle are allowed to continuously graze the entire pasture with unrestricted access to the stockpiled forage, the potential grazing period will be shortened because of waste and trampling damage to the ungrazed forage. However, strip grazing stockpiled forages using temporary electric fence can offer the highest utilization of the pasture. Also, the type of forage can play a large role in how effective stockpiling is for your op-

Stockpiling fall forage is a management strategy in which pastures are allowed to rest and grow for later grazing. Even an extra three to four weeks added to the grazing season is beneficial.

Beef industry experts say stockpiling forage extends the grazing season while cutting expenses on harvesting that forage as hay. —Photo by Joann Pipkin.

pared to other forages, it maintains its quality when exposed to colder temperatures in the fall and winter.

ages. This stems from the perception that nitrogen fertilizer applied during dry weather in late summer will be lost.

Other forages might produce good fall growth but deteriorate quickly after frost. Some forages, such as crabgrass, are excellent quality during the growing season but become unpalatable and degrade

“If ammonium nitrate is used as the N source, losses will be negligible since the ammonium portion of that fertilizer does not volatilize,” according to the University of Arkansas Research and Extension. “If urea

quickly after a killing frost and are often refused by cattle.

fertilizer is used during warm weather, some nitrogen losses can occur from volatilization if rainfall does not occur soon after application. Research has shown variable results from late summer urea applications, but N losses from urea are usually less than 20 percent and are lower if rainfall occurs within a week after fertilizer application.”

John Jennings, professor and extension forage specialist at the University of Arkansas, said stockpiling of forages is an economical choice both with time and money. “Savings can range from $20 to $70 per head compared to hay feeding,” he said. “And, the time savings can be great as well.” Jennings also said through surveys conducted in Arkansas the typical hay-feeding season is 136 days, and most producers spend 1-2 hours per day feeding hay for a total of 136 to 272 hours per winter. And, Jennings said grazing stockpiled forage is much more economical than feeding hay. “Moving a single electric fence wire twice a week to strip graze stockpiled forage takes 30 minutes each time for 1 hour per

34 AUGUST 2016

eration. Nearly any grass or legume species can be stockpiled, though animal scientists suggest that tall fescue and bermudagrass are the most common forages stockpiled, but bahiagrass and dalligrass have also been stockpiled successfully. Tall fescue is probably the most frequently stockpiled forage because of its good fall growth and tolerance for grazing pressure. Although the palatability of fescue is relatively low during the grazing season com-

Stockpiling is most effective when beginning in early to mid-August. Animal scientists suggest this time frame allows enough time for growth accumulation before cooler autumn night temperatures slow the grass growth. Fertilizer application is one reason many producers are reluctant to try stockpiling for-

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AUGUST 2016

PASTURE PLANNING

Are Your Pastures Overstocked? Improve forage availability to combat forage distribution Story By Lisa Henderson for Cattlemen’s News

hile animal genetics, feed costs and market prices garner most of the coffee shop talk from cowboys, grazing management might be one of the most important and overlooked aspects of ranching. Determining the optimal stocking rates for your pastures can be critical for your success this year, and many years into the future. A number of factors play into how you determine optimal stocking rates. “Many livestock operations base their stocking rate on existing environmental conditions, historical rates, advice from neighbors, financial pressures, research results, or simply a best guess,” says Dale Blasi, professor and extension specialist at Kansas State University. While Blasi doesn’t suggest taking a best guess, he says a combination of multiple factors would yield the best results. Your pasture’s stocking rate is the number of animals on the pasture. Carrying capacity of those pastures is the number of animals they will support year after year while achieving an acceptable level of performance. Oklahoma State University Extension Forage Specialist Daren Redfearn says a critical factor to evaluate is how well the stocking rate agrees with the carrying capacity of the land.

even over the range. Blasi says these preferred grazing sites might be caused by pasture shape or dimension, terrain and water location. To improve grazing distribution Blasi suggests, “Water and salt placement and cross fencing when it makes sense are some avenues that producers may use to direct animals to underutilized areas within a pasture.” Some other distribution tools might include fencing to alter grazing distribution, matching the livestock species to the vegetation and providing shade. According to animal scientists, livestock have been observed to travel considerable distances to reach shade on hot days. Blasi says some consequences of improperly grazed pastures result in patchy grazing which impacts forage availability. This, in turn, might affect animal performance. One way to combat grazing distribution is by improving the palatability of forages. This can be done by increasing the length of the green period by applying nitrogen fertilizer, prescribed burning of old growth and applying herbicides.

“Degree of utilization is a very important consideration with respect to maintaining vigor in pasture plant species. Each pasture has an optimal degree of utilization, depending upon the kind and class of livestock, plant palatability and season of use,” Blasi says. Much of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas have experienced abundant rainfall so far this year, which aids forage production. But, Hugh Aljoe, pasture and range consultant for the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, says it’s difficult to know when rainfall variations should dictate adjustments to cattle stocking rates. “It is a good idea to utilize a pasture and range professional when convenient, but even they prefer to have the producer’s input and experience readily available to factor into their projections,” Aljoe says. “A producer with several years of experience with a property can make a determination on whether or not adjustments to the long-term stocking rate are needed by using his or her own intuition and observations. The professional approach, although thorough, requires an expert trained in pasture and range management to develop, Aljoe says. The intuitive approach, not as techni-

cal, can still answer the question of whether or not ranch conditions warrant stocking rate adjustments. The intuitive approach utilizes a producer’s experience and historical ranch information. In addition to determining an optimum stocking rate for your pastures, your grazing management can provide opportunities to be flexible to accommodate changes in the weather and forage production. Range and forage specialists say grazing management is improved with rotational grazing, which allows control of stocking rate, where livestock graze, length of grazing activity and frequency and intensity of grazing. Adequate rainfall, Aljoe says, often covers up many poor management practices and allows producers to ignore the management of stocking rate. “It often takes extreme circumstances — like an extended drought — before stocking rates are adjusted,” he says. “Unfortunately, adjustment is usually made after the land (forage) resource has been misused to the point that it will take multiple years to recover — if recovery is even possible. The key to sustaining forage resources for longterm optimization of carrying capacity (regardless of rainfall) is active management of stocking rates.”

Grazing management can provide flexible opportunities to accommodate changes in weather and forage production. —Photo by Joann Pipkin.

Forage specialists also note that stocking rate determinations might need adjustments when grazing introduced forages versus rangeland forages. That’s because the percent utilization of available forage is lower for rangeland forage, which means introduced forage can be utilized to a higher degree than rangeland forages, providing adequate moisture and fertility. While a producer may choose the optimal stocking rate, that doesn’t mean the cattle will follow their grazing plan. Cattle usually prefer some grazing sites over others, creating grazing distribution to be un-

36 AUGUST 2016

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AUGUST 2016

PASTURE PLANNING

Do We Need New Formula for Yield Grade? Economist looks at USDA’s beef yield-grading system, its history, current status and future Story By Troy Smith, Angus Journal Field Editor

he beef carcass yieldgrading system used in the United States might not be completely broken, but it surely doesn’t work very well. That was the opinion that West Texas A&M University animal scientist Ty Lawrence offered during the 2016 Beef Improvement Federation Annual Meeting and Symposium hosted June 14-17 in Manhattan, Kansas. Speaking before the Advancements in End Product Improvement breakout session, Lawrence called USDA’s method for determining beef yield grades “an antiquated system based on antiquated cattle.” Lawrence contends that instrument grading is superior

38 AUGUST 2016

to the more subjective determination of yield grade by humans. The bigger issue, however, is that cattle have changed over the decades, but the basis for calculating yield grade has not. Sharing the history of its development and adoption, Lawrence said the yieldgrading system is rooted in the 1950s. He explained how it was derived from data collected from just 162 beef carcasses representative of the period. Those data were used to develop a multiple-linear prediction equation using 12th-rib fat depth; percentage kidney, pelvic and heart fat; hot carcass weight; and ribeye area to estimate per-

centage of boneless closely trimmed round, loin, rib and chuck. Originally, there were 10 carcass rankings based on calculations using the original equation. “A second equation was developed to estimate the previous equation — an estimate of an estimate,” said Lawrence, explaining how the calculated yield grade, with a 1 through 5 index, was adopted in 1965. At inception, the yield grade was either determined from objective measures of 12thrib fat depth and ribeye area or subjectively assessed. Development of an instrument-grading system began in 1980, leading to the introduction of grading by video image analysis in 2007. According to Lawrence, about 29 percent of beef carcasses currently are graded by humans; the majority are graded by cameras. Lawrence contends that instrument grading is superior to the more subjective determination of yield grade by humans. The bigger issue,

however, is that cattle have changed over the decades, but the basis for calculating yield grade has not. “The era in which the yield grade was developed was dominated by small-framed, early-maturing cattle. In contrast, the current fed-beef population is a kaleidoscope of genetic diversity that is medium and large in frame,” stated Lawrence. Additionally, cattle-feeding technology now includes growth promoting implants and beta-agonists that provide more opportunity to maximize growth and manipulate composition of gain. Genetics, technology and management have resulted in annual increases in hot carcass weight of 5 lbs., for steers, and 6 lbs. for heifers. The current trend suggests that mean hot carcass weights will reach 1,000 lbs. in the years 2040 and 2046 for fed steers and heifers, respectively. That’s far different than the 350- to 900-lb. range and the 600-lb. average CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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YIELD GRADE FROM PREVIOUS PAGE hot-carcass weight that was representative of the cattle population from which the yield grade equation was derived. “The purpose of yield grading is to predict the range of red meat yield, and the system currently predicts about 40 percent of the variation in red meat yield for beef-type cattle. In general, that’s not too bad,” said Lawrence. “But in Holsteins, yield grade predicts 0 percent of the variation. Yield grade is built on the measure of fat thickness, and there is not much variation of that in Holsteins.” While he is critical of the yield-grading system, Lawrence believes it is better than the systems employed in Canada, Japan and Europe. Admitting that the U.S. system is “still the best one out there,” Lawrence called it sorely in need of improve-

ment. However, USDA officials are reluctant to change, citing insufficient cause and fear of market disruption. “We continue to use a yield estimation system developed from a small population of cattle that no longer exist to predict red meat yield of cuts that are increasingly leaner. We apply that estimate to carcasses that weigh beyond the inference of which it was designed, and we have ignored the opportunity to develop new yield estimates afforded by camera grading,” said Lawrence. “Leadership within the beef community must decide if the status quo is acceptable, or if improvement is warranted.” —Source: Troy Smith is field editor for the Angus Journal. This article is reprinted with permission from www.BIFconference.com, the Angus Media’s online coverage site of the 2016 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Annual Meeting.

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on the calendar

Beef Industry Events Coming in September Learn more on beef cattle reproduction, raising stockers

he 2016 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle (ARSBC) Workshop is set for Sept. 7-8 at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines, Iowa. The workshop will include information for cow-calf producers, bovine veterinarians, industry representatives, extension personnel and students. It is provided through a cooperative effort by Iowa State, Iowa Beef Center and the Beef Reproduction Task Force, and will highlight the latest information on reproductive technologies in beef cattle. Online registration is available at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/ arsbc/. The website also provides the workshop schedule, including a printable version, as well as links to lodging options, sponsorship opportunities and travel and direction details. For more information,

contact Sandy Johnson at sandyj@ksu.edu. Also coming in September is the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Field Day. That event is slated for Thurs., Sept. 22, at the KSU Stocker Unit, Manhattan, Kansas. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Included in the day will be a panel on “Pasture Burning Issues: The Necessity, Alternatives and Consequences” along with other noted presentations on the beef cattle outlook and animal health research. A number of other topics will also be presented. Additional details are available online at www.KSUbeef.org. For more information, contact Dale Blasi at dblasi@ksu.edu or by calling 785-532-5427. —Source: Kansas State University Animal Science.

AUGUST 2016

JRS Sale Day Market Phone: (417) 548-2012 Mondays (Rick Huffman) | Wednesdays (Don Kleiboeker) Market Information Provided By Tony Hancock Mo. Department of Agriculture Market News Service Market News Hotline (573) 522-9244 Sale Day Market Reporter (417) 548-2012

MARKET WATCH

Joplin Regional Stockyards

Market Recap | Feeder Cattle & Calf Auction July 2016 â&#x20AC;¢ Total Receipts 9,176 | Last Month 28,874 | Last Year 8,813 Video Sales from 7/1/16 & 7/15/16 | Total Video Receipts: 16,586

Tune in to the JRS Market Report

Monday & Wednesday 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Monday 12:40 p.m. Wednesday 12:40 p.m. Monday 12:15 p.m. Wednesday 12:15 p.m.

40 AUGUST 2016

M-F 9:55-10:05 a.m. (during break before AgriTalk) M/W/F Noon Hour (during Farming in the Four States) T/Th Noon Hour (after news block)

Monday 11:30 a.m. Wednesday 11:30 a.m. Monday 11:45 a.m. Wednesday 11:45 a.m.

Monday 11:38 a.m. Wednesday 11:38 a.m.

Monday 12:50 p.m. & 4:45 p.m. Wednesday 12:50 p.m. & 4:45 p.m.

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EVENT ROUNDUP August 5

Special Video Sale Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri FMI: 417-548-2333

12 p.m. Special Cow & Bull Sale Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri FMI: 417-548-2333

11-21 Missouri State Fair Sedalia, Missouri FMI: 800-422-3247 27, 29 Regional Management-Intensive Grazing School Lamar, Missouri FMI: 417-682-3579 29

Replacement

Cow & Bull Sale 5 p.m. | Sat. | Sept. 17, 2016

Joplin Regional Stockyards | I-44 & Exit 22 | Carthage, Missouri

Expecting 800 head of quality cows and bulls

SW Missouri Pasture Soil Health Workshop Springfield, Missouri FMI: 417-831-5246 Ext. 3

September 1

17th Annual Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Classic Golf Tournament Silo Ridge Country Club, Bolivar, Missouri FMI: 417-316-0101

7-8

Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop Des Moines, Iowa FMI: sandyj@ksu.edu

4th Annual Fall Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seminar White River Conference Center, Springfield, Missouri FMI: 918-645-9365

University of Missouri Southwest Center Field Day Mt. Vernon, Missouri FMI: 417-466-2148

Replacement Cow & Bull Sale Joplin Regional Stockyards, Carthage, Missouri FMI: 417-548-2333

Regional Grazing School Lamar, Missouri FMI: 417-682-3579

K-State Beef Stocker Field Day Manhattan, Kansas FMI: 785-532-5427

All bulls must be semen and trich tested JRS Office | 417-548-2333 Jackie Moore | 417-825-0948

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Tan is 7505c (0c, 70m, 30y, 55k) Red is Pantone 186 (0c,100m, 81y, 4k) Joplin Regional is Knomen Stockyards is Playbill Tagline is BaskertonSW-Italic

Bailey Moore | 417-540-4343 Skyler Moore | 417-737-2615

October 1

Maple Oaks Red Angus Herd Builder Sale Miller County Regional Stockyards, Eldon, Missouri FMI: 314-630-0332

1, 4

Regional Management-intensive Grazing School Lamar, Missouri FMI: 417-682-3579

18-20 Regional Management-intensive Grazing School Fair Grove, Missouri FMI: 417-831-5246 Ext. 3

Commingling Resumes in Sept. The commingling program at Joplin Regional Stockyards groups together cattle from producers into larger lots to offer buyers a greater selection. 2,303 producers served and 10,115 head marketed through our commingling program since Sept. 1, 2015. Commingling Resumes in Sept. 2016. www.joplinstockyards.com

AUGUST 2016

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PRECONDITIONING FOR SUCCESS Importance of preconditioning Now is the time to prepare your cattle for successful preconditioning this fall. Preconditioning calves before entering the feedlot improves their health and well-being while enhancing the profitability for the cow/calf and feedlot owner. “When we go from the cow/calf to the feedlot, animals are experiencing a new and different environment,” said W. Mark Hilton, D.V.M., DABVP and Elanco technical consultant. “It benefits everyone to have a healthy animal, so it’s important we do everything we can to start the animal off right.”

making money with a good preconditioning program are more likely than not,” said Hilton. “From a health standpoint, preconditioning is always positive for the calf and typically is financially rewarding for both cow/calf and feedlot producers. Be sure you’re stacking the deck in your favor so you can be as successful as possible.” “As margins tighten for the cow/calf producer, it makes sense to “own” the calf for a few extra weeks to improve its health and add dollars to your bottom line,” said Hilton. “With the feedlot owner receiving a healthier calf, preconditioning becomes a win-win-win situation.”

Hilton suggests that cow/calf producers focus on their calves having a successful transition to the feedlot and trying to reduce disease to nearly non-existent. “Minimizing disease is beneficial for all parties — cow/calf and feedlot producers — and helps us provide a healthy protein source for consumers,” said Hilton.

Elanco now offers a full line of health management products — including Titanium®, Vira Shield® and Scour Bos® — to meet your herd’s needs for a successful preconditioning program. Reach out to your Elanco sales representative or visit Elanco.us to learn more.

The basics of building a preconditioning program

The labels contain complete use information, including cautions and warnings. Always read, understand and follow the label and use directions.

“One small issue won’t cause a disaster, but those small issues can add up quickly and turn into a disaster. So, it’s critical we do everything we can to be successful,” said Hilton. From a nutritional standpoint, Hilton recommends that someone on your team — a feed supplier, nutritionist or veterinarian — help you manage cattle nutrition. The industry continues to learn more about the importance of nutrition in overall health. For instance, starting off with proper nutrition will likely lead to a better vaccine response.

Timing is critical “Setting up a health protocol — including vaccines — is critical because we should not be giving all vaccines at weaning time, as that puts more stress on the animals,” said Hilton. “We know that weaning and preconditioning for at least 45 days on the farm or ranch of origin is the most important factor in ensuring health at the feedlot.” Typical timing for vaccine protocols often include: • Branding (2 to 3 months old) — administer first respiratory vaccine and return the animals to the environment they came from • Two to three weeks before weaning — consider other vaccines to cover regional diseases and, potentially, the second respiratory vaccine • Weaning — implement the second respiratory vaccine (if not completed pre-weaning) and parasite control “Once calves are weaned, you need to keep them on the farm or ranch of origin for at least 45 additional days before moving them to the feedlot. During those 45 days, calves tend to gain weight very well — around 2.5 to 3 lbs per day,”1 said Hilton.

Profitability of preconditioning

ElancoTM, Scour Bos®, Titanium®, Vira Shield® and the diagonal bar are trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. © 2016 Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. USBBUMUL01733

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“From a health perspective, you need to help the immune system be ready to face diseases it’s likely to encounter,” said Hilton. “Work with your veterinarian to decide what those important vaccines are, starting with a product that covers IBR and BVD, and making sure you cover any other diseases that typically impact your region.”

Hilton, M., Olynk, N. 2011. “Profitability of Preconditioning: Lessons Learned from an 11-Year Case Study of an Indiana Beef Herd.” The Bovine Practitioner. 45:1. 2 Hilton, M., Olynk, N. 2011. “Managing Your Beef Herd: Highlighting Key Determinants of Success in Preconditioning.” Purdue Extension. 1

12-month duration of immunity against lepto hardjo-bovis. The label contains complete use information, including cautions and warnings. Always read, understand and follow the labels and use directions. Elanco®, Vira Shield® and the diagonal bar are all trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. © 2016 Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. nchlth 3092-3 USBBUVSH00007(1)

A successful transition is impacted by several factors, including vaccination, nutrition, environment and genetics.

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Though nearly every study shows that feedlot producers are financially rewarded for purchasing healthier calves, some cow/calf producers ask if they receive the same financial benefits.2 In an 11year study, as average daily gain increased, profits continued to grow.1 The net return per calf from preconditioning was approximately $80 in a study from 1999-2009.1 “In all 11 years, cattle earned a profit when good preconditioning practices were followed.1 It’s not a guarantee that you’ll make money, but the odds of www.joplinstockyards.com

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