Farm Talk Livestock

Use ear tags to their fullest potential

2012-05-22T14:16:33-05:00

Numbered ear tags appear in the ears of a high percentage of cows and calves in southwest Missouri. They are obviously put there for a reason but some producers may not be using the full potential of those tags for herd management.

Leveling the bovine-fertility playing field

2012-05-22T13:58:16-05:00

Research from the University of Missouri reproductive scientist identifies faulty sperm and takes them out of the equation for artificial insemination (AI) of cattle.

Economics of de-worming spring born calves

2012-05-08T12:36:40-05:00

A much higher value of added gain means that management practices that may have been marginal in profitability in the past now have tremendous advantages. One such practice is the de-worming of spring born calves.

Some clues to beef herd rebuilding

2012-05-08T12:32:08-05:00

In the aftermath of last year’s drought, it is taking some time to determine where the industry is with respect to stopping herd liquidation and beginning the process of herd rebuilding.

Show-Me-Select heifer sale slated

2012-05-01T15:07:49-05:00

The sale of fall-calving, Show-Me-Select heifers will be held at 7 p.m., May 18, at the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage.

Forage testing can save money

2012-04-24T13:35:07-05:00

Soil test may save fertilizer dollars and forage testing may save supplement costs for livestock.

Beef demand will be market driver over next few months

2012-04-17T13:15:08-05:00

Part of the concern right now is overall demand for beef. Beef exports have been generally flat compared to last year, as has the dollar index.

Water management leads to healthy herds

2012-04-10T13:55:34-05:00

Water is a crucial aspect of any cattle operation, and with last year’s drought still fresh in their memories, producers should be prepared if history repeats itself.

Pasture erosion control important

2012-04-10T13:32:15-05:00

It’s already evident that streambanks can be protected with cost-effective measures such as one- and two-sided fencing. Streambanks can re-establish vegetation all by themselves.

Management Intensive Grazing Schools begin in April

2012-04-03T15:42:29-05:00

Several Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) Schools will be held in southwest Missouri during 2012 at a variety of locations.