Latest News From Pasture-Forage

Be Prepared, Wheat Pasture Bloat on the Rise

As growing conditions improve on wheat pastures that have been grazed short all winter long, the threat of bloat rises. Here's how to combat the onset of bloat in grazing calves.

What Does the Drought of 2022 Mean for Lactating Pairs in the Spring of 2023?

While some parts of the U.S. remain in drought conditions and the soil moisture profile is in a deficit due to months of below normal precipitation, grass growth will likely be impacted this spring.

Too Much of a Good Thing: Ionophore Toxicity Discovered the Hard Way

When calves on grass drop like flies, have minimal gains and many carcasses are condemned on the rail, Kansas State University experts uncover the unfortunate cause.

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Fescue Foot Reported in Missouri Cattle

Reports of fescue foot in Missouri has extension specialists urging producers to check herds for warning signs of the disease in January when it most often occurs.

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Be Careful Grazing Alfalfa

Grazing regrowth on irrigated alfalfa fields is likely in fall grazing plans for many producers. However, alfalfa has several challenges to grazing from animal and plant health perspective.

Merck Animal Health to Acquire Vence

Virtual fencing system provides advanced technology to cattle producers and ranchers to manage natural resources more effectively.

Swath Grazing

As expenses increase and producers evaluate more-efficient management techniques to lower production costs, one alternative may be to incorporate swath, or windrow grazing.

Blister Beetles Reported in Large Numbers in Missouri

Blister beetles are appearing in large numbers in Missouri and entomologists warn the beetle's toxin, called cantharidin, can cause animals to become sick and even die.

Mob Grazing Debunked: Is it the ‘Golden Ticket’ to Grazing Efficiency and Soil Health?

Intensive or ‘mob’ grazing allows for higher stocking densities, but does it provide benefits to soil health and biodiversity? UNL researchers share their findings after an eight-year study.

Utah Ranch Honored with National Environmental Stewardship Award

JY Ferry & Son, Inc. in Corinne, Utah, is the 2021 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) national winner. The award annually recognizes outstanding stewardship and conservation achievements of cattle producers.

Drovers Drought Webinar is Wednesday – Register Here

Drought has been a topic of conversation among ranchers for several months. Join us Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 3 p.m. CST as we discuss drought and it's impacts on producers.

Managing Cows Through Dry Conditions: What Options Do I Have?

Hot, dry conditions have taken a toll on pasture growth this year. What should cattle producers consider to conserve grass in these dry areas?

Work Begins on $19 Million Research Project on Cattle Grazing, Soil Health, Rancher Well-Being

Project will impact working ranches and rural communities, while quantifying the value of soil health and other ecosystem functions.

Dropping Like Flies-Prussic Acid in Cattle

Prussic acid toxicity led to the death of some cattle in northwest Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle. Oklahoma State veterinarians provide management tips for cattlemen during times of increased prussic acid danger.

When ‘Summer Pinkeye’ Strikes

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis can take a toll on cattle, especially calves. Three bovine veterinarians provide their insights on diagnosing the problem and when to use and not use antibiotics for treatment.

What Are My Options When I Am Out of Grass?

As drought continues in the Great Plains, producers are making hard decisions about cowherd management and feeding options, but cost of production and opportunity costs must be carefully evaluated.

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Dealing with Drought Webinar to Assist Cow-Calf Producers with Decision Making

Drought is not a new issue to cow-calf producers, but many factors make this year unique. Kansas State will host a webinar to help producers weigh options on May 19.

Elanco Animal Health Doubles Down on Improved Environmental Sustainability and Nutrient Utilization in Beef Production

Elanco Animal Health and Ducks Unlimited announce results from the year-one effort of a multi-year initiative to restore working grasslands in western Kansas.

Managing Pastures with High Fertilizer Prices and Drought

An emergency preparedness plan can assist a cattlemen’s ability to respond to varying threats.  Developing a disaster plan is a good idea for both people and all the animals they care for on a farm or ranch.

Ranchers Now Faced With Difficult Decisions As Drought and Wildfires Wage War on the Plains

High winds and eerily dry conditions across Kansas and the Southern Plains have created what’s been a battleground for continuous wildfires this year, as the fires are robbing some ranchers of vital grass.

Phosphorus Supplements May Not be Needed for Heifers

Cattle grazing pastures with high soil-test phosphorus may be getting enough of the nutrient from the grass to eliminate the need for a phosphorus feed additive.

Feds Plan Aerial Gunning of Estray Cattle in New Mexico

Federal Wildlife Service plan aerial gunning of estray cattle located in the Gila National Forest in New Mexico despite local ranchers concerns.

Midwestern Beef Production Works Just as Well Off Pasture

Beef producers know grazing land is in short supply. With more acres being developed or converted to cropland, cow-calf operations may consider alternatives to traditional pasture management.

Incorporating Alfalfa in Forage Systems

Alfalfa is the third-highest crop for economic returns in the U.S. and is a feed source for that can reduce the need for costly nutritional supplements when cattle are primarily feed other types of diets.

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Free Webinar: Examining the Effects of the 2021 Drought

Join Drovers editor Greg Henderson and experts from all segments of the beef value chain to better understand the current and future dynamics of this crisis at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 5, for this free discussion.

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Supplemental Feeding of Stockers Grazing Summer Grass

Reduced performance or ‘Summer Slump’ is associated with decreasing forage quality during the late summer.

Cattle Ranchers Cull Cows as 60% of U.S. Cow Herd Faced with Drought

The latest U.S. Drought monitor indicates drought is gripping pastures, with 60% of the nation's cow herd is now in some level of drought or dryness, and it's causing cow slaughter numbers to climb.

Sacrifice Area May Save Grazing Resources

A sacrifice area is an area where animals stay at times when pasture grazing is detrimental to land and plants. This area can be in a dry lot pen or a fenced-off area of the pasture.

Virginia Tech Testing Bee-Friendly Forage Material

Fescue is hardy, but can harbor a fungus that causes health issues for cattle. It also crowds out native plants, which can harm pollinator populations. A Virginia Tech study aims to solve both problems.

Moving cattle requires time and labor, as does traditional fencing. Virtual fencing could reduce some of those costs.
Virtual fencing for cattle management

We’re all familiar with “invisible fence” devices used to train dogs to stay within pre-set boundaries. A new California-based company aims to market similar, but enhanced technology to cattle producers.

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Summing Up: Grass Versus Grain

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.

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Grass Versus Grain: Question 13

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Question #13: How can the typical American lessen the dependency on corn?

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Grass Versus Grain: Question 12

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Question #12: How do you think corn affects the price of cattle? Do you think this is having a greater impact on the health of Americans?

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Grass Versus Grain: Question 11

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Question #11: What changes in the U.S. do you think will have to be made for majority of cattle to be raised on pasture?

Grass Versus Grain: Question 10

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems. Why do you think other countries do not primarily feed cattle corn?  

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Grass Versus Grain: Question 9

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.

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Grass Versus Grain: Question 7

Student’s questions reflect consumer concerns over beef production systems.

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DuPont Pioneer Introduces New Sorghum Hybrids for 2015

New products offer high yields, improved standability and key defensive traits.