Calf Price Update: “Calf and feeder cattle prices have jumped higher over the last few weeks. Several factors are working together to boost prices including rain, fewer calves for sale, and maybe even the impact of import restrictions on Mexican cattle due to screwworm regulations.” Dr. David Anderson of Texas A&M University shares an update on recent calf prices, the factors that influence those prices, and how they compare to normal trends. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/12/04/climbing-calf-prices/
Christmas Tree Options: “As the battle rages on whether to purchase a ‘Real’ tree every year or an Artificial tree that can be stored and put up every year, what’s the ‘Right’ choice? For some, this can be very personal causing stress even among family members. One possible solution, ‘Why not just do both!’” As we begin decorating for the Christmas season, it’s worth taking a look at this article from OSU Extension Educator, Thomas DeHaas, to consider whether a real or artificial tree suits us best. Here, DeHaas discusses the history of artificial trees, the modern artificial tree industry, and the advantages and disadvantages of both types. He also discusses maintenance and reminds us that we could do what his family does, and just have both styles of Christmas tree. https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2444
Knowing Your Colostrum’s Bacteria Levels: “Pasteurization has been used for over 100 years as a tool to decrease bacteria levels in raw milk and keep consumers of milk safe. More recently, pasteurization has also been adopted as part of many calf-feeding programs to reduce bacteria levels in milk and the transmission of diseases like Johne’s disease and bovine leukosis virus.” Colostrum is an essential part of a newborn calf’s diet, and it is important to ensure the product is of good quality before feeding. In this article, OSU Extension Specialist Jason Hartschuh discusses the proper management of colostrum, including pasteurization, udder hygiene, and other important topics to make sure your calves are being provided with ideal nutrition. https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/do-you-know-your-colostrum-bacteria-levels/851825.html
Managing Cattle Through the Changing Seasons: “In All Creatures Great and Small, author James Herriot reflects on the routine of caring for animals through the changing seasons, ‘the winter days are closing in, the snow had begun to fall, and I felt the reassuring weight of the work ahead—the routine of feeding, checking, and caring for the animals that were always at my side, no matter the weather. This sentiment remains relevant today, as the abrupt shift from warm late fall weather to a sudden cold snap marks the beginning of winter. Such transitions highlight how quickly seasons can turn, influencing both pasture conditions and livestock care. As forage growth halts and plants enter dormancy, the remaining forage becomes more like standing hay than pasture. Managing this change, as Herriot alludes to, requires flexibility and vigilance to ensure both animal welfare and pasture quality are maintained.” As the weather quickly becomes colder, caring for livestock can bring new challenges. Retired NRCS Agronomist Victor Shelton shares his wisdom on managing these challenges in this article. Shelton covers a range of topics, including forage conditions, temporary fencing, and animal nutrition. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/12/04/managing-the-change-in-weather-requires-flexibility/
Winter Application of Manure in Ohio: “With the colder weather, some livestock producers will be applying manure on frozen ground. Here are some things to keep in mind. For the article below, frozen ground would be soil that you cannot inject the manure into or cannot conduct tillage within 24 hours to incorporate the manure. Permitted farms are not allowed to apply manure in the winter unless it is an extreme emergency, and then movement to other suitable storage is usually the selected alternative. Several commercial manure applicators have established manure storage ponds in recent years to help address this issue.” With winter quickly approaching and cold weather already upon us, it is important for livestock producers to fully understand regulations regarding the application of manure throughout the colder months. In this article, OSU Extension Manure Field Specialist, Glen Arnold, reminds us of regulations throughout Ohio, and also of the specific rules for those in the Grand Lake Saint Marys and Western Lake Erie Basin watersheds. Take a look at this article to make sure you understand the winter manure application rules that must be followed. https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-41/winter-application-manure-ohio