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Articles by Wyatt Bechtel
Virtual Fencing Increases Working Acreage and Protects Virginia Waterways
Virtual has the potential to impact agriculture the way the tractor did at the turn of the 20th century, says John Genho, director of farm operations at Eldon Farms near Woodville, Va. The potential will continue. “I think we’ll find more and more things virtual fencing can help with in the future,” Genho says.” The Nofence system helps Eldon Farms improve conservation practices, preserve water quality and support grazing.
Virtual Fencing for Cattle: Real Producers, Real Results
Two livestock graziers share how using virtual fencing from Nofence helps them better manage their herds and pastures. Virtual fencing is making its way into more pastures across the U.S. as producers see how effective the technology is for managing cattle and forage. Virtual fence providers, such as Nofence, operate using GPS-enabled collars to keep cattle within boundaries created by producers via an app on their phone. The collar delivers an audio cue when an animal approaches a boundary.
Build Smarter Deworming Plans with Diagnostics
Incorporating diagnostics into deworming plans gives cattle producers a clearer handle on parasite pressure and product performance. It helps confirm when treatment is needed, when it isn’t, and when a protocol might need adjusting. For operations like Leaning Oak Ranch in Okemah, Okla., that clarity has become a key advantage. And it starts with putting real numbers behind decision-making. Turning Data into Decisions Diagnostics provide a straightforward view of the parasite burden in your herd.
Why aren’t all heats created equal?
For decades, estrus detection has focused on simply determining whether a cow is in heat or not. However, research and breeding experience show that estrus expression is not exactly a yes-or-no trait. Rather, estrus exists on a spectrum, and where a female falls within that range can have a significant impact on reproductive success. Monitoring the strength and duration of a cow’s heat, known as estrus intensity, is becoming an increasingly important indicator for beef producers to observe.
Drive Cattle Productivity with Combination Deworming
Parasites are a hidden drain on cattle performance, quietly stealing productivity and profit from herds across the country. For producers, the cost isn’t just in lost weight gain, but also in overall herd health and efficiency. That’s why veterinarians and ranchers alike are turning to improved parasite control strategies, like combination treatment.
Don’t Let Winter’s Cold Open the Door to BRD
Winter weather isn’t just tough on producers — it’s tough on cattle, too. “There are reasons why we see more BRD challenges in cold and damp conditions,” says Nathan Meyer, DVM, Ph.D., Boehringer Ingelheim (BI). “It really comes down to stress. When animals are stressed, they’re less able to fight off infections as effectively as they would under more ideal conditions.” Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains the costliest disease impacting U.S. beef cattle.
Break the Late-Calving Cycle: Maximize Heifer Productivity from Day 1
A heifer that calves late in her first breeding season is already behind — and likely to stay that way. “It starts a vicious cycle,” says Jordan Thomas, Ph.D., University of Missouri, “Where she calves late, breeds late the next year and eventually falls out of the herd.” Whether producers are raising or buying their replacement heifers, focusing on strong herd management, disease prevention and parasite control is the foundation of a successful breeding herd and long-term profitability.
Harness the Full Potential of Your BRD Vaccine with the Right Adjuvant
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the greatest threats to young calves, and gaining protection through vaccines isn’t always straightforward. Maternal antibodies, passed through colostrum, can block some vaccines from boosting immunity. The key to overcoming that hurdle? Choosing a vaccine with the right adjuvant. Maternal Antibodies Can Interfere with Vaccines “Years ago, vaccine response was so variable in young calves,” says Curt Vlietstra, DVM, Boehringer Ingelheim.
Unlock the Added Value of Producing More Calves
Successfully breeding cows and maintaining pregnancy is always financially beneficial. In today’s cattle market, the value proposition and profit potential of getting a calf to market are even more significant with record-high prices. “If you’re in the cow-calf segment of the industry, the main driver of profitability is going to be your ability to produce calves,” says Pedro Fontes, Ph.D., associate professor in beef cattle reproductive physiology at the University of Georgia.
Battling BRD on Cattle Ranches for Greater Performance
For nearly 30 years, Kevin Fenton, DVM and rancher, from Stigler, Okla., has been battling bovine respiratory disease (BRD) to help advance cattle health and performance. Since graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1995, he has specialized in large animal care, with a focus on cow-calf and stockers.
Positive Lifelong Benefits from Quality Cattle Mineral Supplementation
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Positive Lifelong Benefits from Quality Cattle Mineral Supplementation
The concept of fetal programming has been evolving in the beef industry for several decades as more research is done. “Fetal programming is the time when tissues and organs are created during embryonic and fetal development,” says Jason Sewell, Ph.D., cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition.
Your Cattle Forage Analysis Results are in: Now What?
Your Cattle Forage Analysis Results are in: Now What? These four measurements can help you determine what your herd needs are for additional nutrition. Harvested forages, like hay, are a significant investment for cattle nutrition programs. The USDA currently estimates hay to cost $209 per ton as of September 2023, up 28.3% from 20111. These prices can vary widely depending on your location and the demand for forage.
Capitalize on Strong Calf Markets With Quality Weaning Nutrition
ANGUS BEEF BULLETIN EXTRA October 25, 2023 | Vol. 15 : No. 10-B Calves are most vulnerable at weaning, facing many stressors with immune systems that aren’t fully developed.
Sexed semen: An opportunity to capture more value for cattle
Sexed-semen breeding programs for the beef industry have primarily focused on developing genetically superior replacement heifers. “Male sexed semen is an opportunity to capture value,” said Ken Odde, professor and department head emeritus of the department of animal sciences and industry at Kansas State University.
Diversify Income Opportunities with Multispecies Grazing
Sheep. Goats. Cattle. Multispecies grazing can provide many advantages to producers looking to mitigate risk, diversify their income and get more from their pastures, even when forage availability is limited. “Raising different species together is fairly common, and I’ve seen the practice grow in recent years,” says Clay Elliott, Ph.D., and small ruminant nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition.
Three Ways to Maximize Estrus Detection for Dairy Herds
Rapid genetic progress in the dairy industry ties to profitability, and profitability is often determined by longevity. A dairy heifer does not pay for herself until her second lactation, says Jeffrey Stevenson, professor emeritus of bovine reproductive physiology at Kansas State University. So how do you ensure she stays in the herd through her second lactation and longer? You make sure she’ll get pregnant.
Finish the Race Strong: Quality Nutrition a Must for Cow Herd Success
This year, the ongoing drought around the country is compounding nutrient needs for cow herds. Dryness in your area may have you facing difficult decisions, like feeding more hay and supplements than normal or culling animals. “The drought and subsequent liquidation of cows have made late-gestation nutrition all the more important this year so the next generation of the cow herd can be set up for success,” says Patrick Gunn, cattle nutritionist with Purina Animal Nutrition.
Flooding Kills Estimated 300,000-plus Cattle in Australia
11:08AM Feb 12, 2019 Cattle seeking refuge from rising floodwaters on a pond embankment in Queensland, Australia.( Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries ) Record rain fall in northern Queensland, Australia has left upwards of 300,000 cattle dead as farmers struggle to care for their livestock during a multiday rain storm. After years of drought, the northeastern region of Australia received much needed rain towards the end of January and the start February.
Humane Society of the U.S. Lobbies for Bill to Limit, Reform Checkoffs
One of the largest animal rights groups in the country is pushing support for a farm bill amendment in the Senate that would dramatically limit the use of checkoff funds.
Nebraska Feeder Pleads Not Guilty to Cruelty Charges in Cattle Deaths
Aaron Ogren, 30, of Exeter, Nebraska, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot. © Fillmore County Sheriff's Department TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 A cattle feeder in Nebraska has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges following the death and neglect of hundreds of animals that were in his care.
Nebraska Feeder Pleads Not Guilty to Cruelty Charges in Cattle Deaths
After more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot in Nebraska, the cattle feeder who was responsible for the animals' care has pleaded not guilty to 40 charges he faces in the alleged livestock neglect case. ( Fillmore County Sheriff's Department ) A cattle feeder in Nebraska has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges following the death and neglect of hundreds of animals that were in his care.
Nebraska Feeder Pleads Not Guilty to Cruelty Charges in Cattle Deaths
After more than 200 cattle died on a feedlot in Nebraska, the cattle feeder who was responsible for the animals' care has pleaded not guilty to 40 charges he faces in the alleged livestock neglect case. ( Fillmore County Sheriff's Department ) A cattle feeder in Nebraska has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges following the death and neglect of hundreds of animals that were in his care.
41-Acre Kentucky Greenhouse Merges with Hemp Growing Company
Watch the video above with Andy Bishop, director of farm services at AgTech Scientific, to learn about the potential of hemp in Kentucky. ( Wyatt Bechtel ) A greenhouse in Kentucky is merging its business with hemp grower to form a fully integrated hemp company.
41-Acre Kentucky Greenhouse Merges with Hemp Growing Company
TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 A greenhouse in Kentucky is merging its business with hemp grower to form a fully integrated hemp company.
Purchase of Iowa Premium by National Beef Completed
National Beef, the fourth largest beef packer in the U.S., has announced that the company's purchase of Iowa Premium has been finalized. ( National Beef Packing Company ) The sale of Iowa Premium, LLC, a beef packing company in Tama, Iowa, to National Beef Packing Company, LLC, has been finalized. The purchase was formally announced by National Beef on June 10. The acquisition of Iowa Premium, also known as Iowa Premium Beef, was first made public in March.
Purchase of Iowa Premium by National Beef Completed
National Beef, the fourth largest beef packer in the U.S., has announced that the company's purchase of Iowa Premium has been finalized. ( National Beef Packing Company ) The sale of Iowa Premium, LLC, a beef packing company in Tama, Iowa, to National Beef Packing Company, LLC, has been finalized. The purchase was formally announced by National Beef on June 10. The acquisition of Iowa Premium, also known as Iowa Premium Beef, was first made public in March.
Congress Introduces Bill to Address Feed Shortages After Disasters
The Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act) would allow producers who are utilizing prevent plant to at least graze, hay or chop a cover crop to feed livestock. ( Wyatt Bechtel ) A bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress that aims to help farmers and ranchers in handling feed and forage shortages following recent natural disasters.
Congress Introduces Bill to Address Feed Shortages After Disasters
The Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act) would allow producers who are utilizing prevent plant to at least graze, hay or chop a cover crop to feed livestock. ( Wyatt Bechtel ) A bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress that aims to help farmers and ranchers in handling feed and forage shortages following recent natural disasters.
Congress Introduces Bill to Address Feed Shortages After Disasters
The Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act) would allow producers who are utilizing prevent plant to at least graze, hay or chop a cover crop to feed livestock. ( Wyatt Bechtel ) A bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress that aims to help farmers and ranchers in handling feed and forage shortages following recent natural disasters.
Cow-Calf Returns Adjust to Late Planting Corn Impact
A tractor planting crops in a field. ( Daniel Acker, Bloomberg ) With corn prices moving higher, the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) adjusted cow-calf returns to reflect lower calf prices. Previously, cow-calf returns were expected to be positive in 2019 and 2020. That picture has shifted substantially. Calf prices were raised across the board to reflect season average corn prices in the mid-$4 per bushel.
USMCA Passage Encouraged by 960+ Ag, Food Associations and Companies
More than 960 groups representing the U.S. food and agriculture value chain at the national, state and local are urging Congress to quickly ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). ( Multimedia Graphic Network, Inc. ) A collation of U.S. food and agriculture associations and companies addressed a letter to Congress seeking quick ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
USMCA Passage Encouraged by 960+ Ag, Food Associations and Companies
More than 960 groups representing the U.S. food and agriculture value chain at the national, state and local are urging Congress to quickly ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). ( Multimedia Graphic Network, Inc. ) A collation of U.S. food and agriculture associations and companies addressed a letter to Congress seeking quick ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Duo Pleads Guilty to Kansas-Oklahoma Interstate Cattle Theft
Anthony Francis Whittley and Jasmine A. Boone, both 28, have entered guilty pleas after stealing cattle from Kansas and attempting to sell them across state lines at the Oklahoma National Stockyards Co. ( Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office ) A pair from Kansas and Oklahoma have pleaded guilty to charges of cattle rustling that involves moving stolen cattle from Kansas to be sold in Oklahoma. According to the Department of Justice, Anthony Francis Whittley, 28, of Parsons, Kansas, and Jasmine A.
Bipartisan School Milk Nutrition Act Welcomed by Dairy Groups
( ) A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress that seeks to increase milk options for students is getting the support of national dairy groups and might help reverse the drop in milk consumption at schools. The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2019, was introduced by Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) on June 5. The bill would continue current policy that allows schools to offer students low-fat and fat-free milk, including low-fat (1%) flavored milk.
Bipartisan School Milk Nutrition Act Welcomed by Dairy Groups
( ) A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress that seeks to increase milk options for students is getting the support of national dairy groups and might help reverse the drop in milk consumption at schools. The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2019, was introduced by Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) on June 5. The bill would continue current policy that allows schools to offer students low-fat and fat-free milk, including low-fat (1%) flavored milk.
Canada, Ireland Also Receive Full Access for Beef into Japan
( Pixabay ) Overlooked in some of the euphoria of U.S. beef producers gaining full access into the Japanese market was the announcement that Canadian and Irish beef got the same access. On May 17, Japan lifted maximum age limits on beef originating from the U.S. The announcement came with great elation from beef producers and government officials in the U.S. However, lost in some of the celebration was that Canada and Ireland would both be granted similar unrestricted admission for beef products.
National Cheese Day Helps Continue Dairy Month Celebration
Fresh cheese curds are a staple for many cheese consumers. ( Farm Journal Media ) As National Dairy Month is just starting to get rolling another reminder for consumers to enjoy dairy products hit when National Cheese Day the calendar on June 4. Pizzerias around the country like Pizza Hut, Giordano’s and Bertucci's Brick Oven & Pasta were all offering deals on cheese pizzas or adding extra cheese onto your pizza pie.
National Cheese Day Helps Continue Dairy Month Celebration
Fresh cheese curds are a staple for many cheese consumers. © Farm Journal Media TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 As National Dairy Month is just starting to get rolling another reminder for consumers to enjoy dairy products hit when National Cheese Day the calendar on June 4. Pizzerias around the country like Pizza Hut, Giordano’s and Bertucci's Brick Oven & Pasta were all offering deals on cheese pizzas or adding extra cheese onto your pizza pie.
Settlement Talks Under Way Over Missouri Meat-Labeling Law
They used to be called vegan products or vegetarian, but no longer, Now they're plant-based products.
Settlement Talks Under Way Over Missouri Meat-Labeling Law
They used to be called vegan products or vegetarian, but no longer, Now they're plant-based products.
Flooding Leads to Cattle Rescues Around the Country
Members of the Arkansas National Guard are delivering hay to cattle stranded by flood water along the Arkansas River with a helicopter. ( Arkansas National Guard ) High water in a number of states has forced cattle producers to take desperate measures to care and in some cases rescue livestock.
Flooding Leads to Cattle Rescues Around the Country
Members of the Arkansas National Guard are delivering hay to cattle stranded by flood water along the Arkansas River with a helicopter. ( Arkansas National Guard ) High water levels in a number of states has forced cattle producers to take desperate measures to care and in some cases rescue livestock.
Muddy Feedlot Surfaces: What Are My Options?
Muddy feedlot conditions common in 2019 lead to poor animal performance, some health issues, and increased odors as temperatures warm. ( University of Nebraska Extension ) By: Rick Koelsch and Rick Stowell, University of Nebraska Extension and Bryan Woodbury, USDA Meat Animal Research Center An undesirable combination of precipitation events and freeze/thaw cycles has contributed to some very muddy feedlot surfaces in the winter and spring of 2019 in around the country.
Dairy Farmers, Consumers Kick Off Dairy Month with World Milk Day
A glass of milk a day is important part of dairy nutrition. ( Farm Journal Media ) Dairy farmers around the country and even the globe were joined by consumers in celebrating the nourishment that milk provides on World Milk Day.
Bovine Trichomoniasis Found in South Dakota Beef Cattle Herd
A bull on pasture with a cow herd. ( Wyatt Bechtel ) Two bulls in a South Dakota beef cattle herd have tested positive for bovine trichomoniasis, also known as trich, a disease that can be economically devastating to cattle producers. The South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB) announced on May 30 that the bulls had been detected in Oglala Lakota County after testing positive for the disease.
Bovine Trichomoniasis Found in South Dakota Beef Cattle Herd
A bull on pasture with a cow herd. ( Wyatt Bechtel ) Two bulls in a South Dakota beef cattle herd have tested positive for bovine trichomoniasis, also known as trich, a disease that can be economically devastating to cattle producers. The South Dakota Animal Industry Board (AIB) announced on May 30 that the bulls had been detected in Oglala Lakota County after testing positive for the disease.
Sale Barn Owners in Kansas Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
The owners of a livestock auction in Kansas are alleged to written more than $2 billion in unfunded checks and wire transfers. Their alleged fraud scheme has lost banks millions of dollars and is impacting cattlemen. ( Multimedia Graphic Network, Inc.
Sale Barn Owners in Kansas Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud
TAGS: Marketing, Overseas December 18, 2014 The owners of a sale barn in Kansas have been charged with carrying out a check kiting scheme by federal authorities after the fraud resulted in banks losing millions of dollars. Another case involving the livestock market has also tied up sale proceeds for local cattle producers. On May 30, the Department of Justice announced that the previous day an indictment had been returned by a grand jury in Topeka.
Land O'Lakes, Mars Wrigley Partner on Dairy Farm Emissions Project
Dairy cows waiting to be milked. ( Farm Journal ) Mars Wrigley and Land O’Lakes, Inc. are coming together in a pilot project that aims to move forward on-farm dairy sustainability with the hopes of reducing dairy greenhouse gas emissions. The food processing company and farmer owned cooperative announced on May 22 that entrepreneurs and companies are open to apply for the review event called Empower Possibilities that will be hosted in August.
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