Weigh 'Em Up: Time to Wean Bunk-breaking Basics Keep or Cull? - PAID Permit #96
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Weigh ‘Em Up: Time to Wean
Bunk-breaking Basics
AUGUST 2014
Volume 18 | Issue 1 Keep or Cull?
Permit #96
SPRINGFIELD, MO
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE Carthage, MO 64836
PRSRT STD P O Box 634
www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 1
2 AUGUST 2014 www.joplinstockyards.com
VIEW FROM THE BLOCK Field
A s we closed out the
month of June
with our special val-
see it again. At the mo-
ment, though, it’s just
a rocket.
Representatives
ue added sale, we
Slaughter cows ARKANSAS Brent Gundy: Walker, MO
sure thought the Dolf Marrs: Hindsville, AR
market couldn’t get have been selling H(417)465-2246, M(417)321-0958
H(479)789-2798, M(479)790-2697
any higher, but that for $1.20 to $1.40 Dan Haase: Pierce City, MO
with bulls at $1.50 Billy Ray Mainer: Branch, AR (417)476-2132
just wasn’t the case. M(479)518-6931
Fed cattle traded at to $1.60. I just really Jim Hacker: Bolivar, MO
all-time highs in July don’t see anything Kent Swinney: Gentry, AR H(417)326-2905, M(417)328-8905
to change that. Those H(479)736-4621, M(479)524-7024
and the futures market Bruce Hall: Mount Vernon, MO
has been at levels never cattle are just in huge KANSAS H(417)466-7334, M(417)466-5170
seen before. I still have no idea demand because of the short- Pat Farrell: Fort Scott, KS
M(417)850-1652 Mark Harmon: Mount Vernon, MO
where the top of the market age of ground beef. It’s always M(417)316-0101
is. It just continually feeds on been said that supply will out- Chris Martin (Video Rep): Alma, KS
M(785)499-3011 Bryon Haskins: Lamar, MO
itself. Exports continue to be trump demand and that’s the H(417)398-0012, M(417)850-4382
good, we are still seeing less case here. We just don’t have Alice Myrick: Mapleton, KS
the supply. H(620)743-3681, M(620)363-0740 Doc Haskins: Diamond, MO
numbers of cattle than ever, H(417)325-4136, M(417)437-2191
and feed prices are expected to J.R. Nichols: Prescott, KS
As we get closer to harvest, the H(913)352-6346 Mark Henry: Hurley, MO
be cheaper than we’ve seen in H(417)369-6171, M(417)464-3806
recent years. corn crop sure looks to be a
Bob Shanks: Columbus, KS
good one. We’ve also got ample H(620)674-3259, M(620)674-1675 J.W. Henson: Conway, MO
We are still expecting cattle forage this year, something we H(417)589-2586, M(417)343-9488
Orlan Shanks: Columbus, KS CATTLE RECEIVING STATION
numbers to be short, especially haven’t seen in a while. Rough-
H(620)674-3683
as we get to the fourth quarter age availability has been a big Joe David Hudson: Jenkins, MO
problem the last few years. It’s LOUISIANA H(417)574-6944, M(417)-342-4916
of this year. It’s amazing what
been high in a lot of places sim- James Kennedy: DeRidder, LA Steve Hunter: Jasper, MO
some of the cattle are actually M(337)274-7406
bringing. Steers weighing 1,000 ply because there wasn’t any to H(417)525-4405, M(417)439-1168
CATTLE RECEIVING STATION
to 1,100 lb have been bringing grow due to the lack of rain. Larry Jackson: Carthage, MO
OKLAHOMA H(417)358-7931, M(417)850-3492
$2,000 to $2,200 per head. Five-
All the factors just keep work- Perry L. Adams: Custer City, OK
weight steers will bring $1,400 M(580)309-0264 Jim Jones: Crane, MO
to $1,500 per head. It’s just ing in our favor, which never H(417)723-8856, M(417)844-9225
amazing what’s going on, and happens. For now, we’ll just Russell Boles: Watson, OK
Chris Keeling: Purdy, MO
it’s a surprise to everyone in take it while we can get it. M(903)276-1544, (H)580-244-3071 H(417)442-4975, M(417)860-8941
the industry. We’ve never seen Good luck and God bless. Casey Nail: Vinita, OK Kelly Kissire: Anderson, MO
this before and we may never
Jackie M(918)244-6232
Chester Palmer: Miami, OK
H(417)845-3777, M(417)437-7622
Larry Mallory: Miller, MO
H(918)542-6801, M(918)540-4929 H(417)452-2660, M(417)461-2275
Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Classic John Simmons: Westville, OK Cody Misemer: Mount Vernon, MO
Golf Tournament
H(918)723-3724, M(918)519-9129 M(417)489-2426
Thurs., Sept. 4, 2014 Shane Stierwalt: Shidler, OK Bailey Moore: Granby, MO
11 :30 a.m. Registration M(918)688-5774 M(417)540-4343
1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start MISSOURI Skyler Moore: Mount Vernon, MO
Dinner to Follow Clay Barnhouse: Bolivar, MO M(417)737-2615
M(417)777-1855 Kenny Ogden: Lockwood, MO
Danny Biglieni: Republic, MO H(417)537-4777, M(417)466-8176
Call Mark Harmon M(417)224-5368, H(417)732-2775 Jason Pendleton: Stotts City, MO
at 417-316-0101 Sherman Brown: Marionville, MO H(417)285-3666, M(417)437-4552
Bolivar, Missouri
to register H(417)723-0245, M(417)693-1701 Charlie Prough: El Dorado Springs, MO
Chris Byerly: Carthage, MO H(417)876-4189, M(417)876-7765
M(417)850-3813 Russ Ritchart: Jasper, MO
Garry Carter: Stella, MO H(417)394-2020
Proceeds Benefit
Good Samaritan M(417)592-1924 Lonnie Robertson: Galena, MO
Boys Ranch Joel Chaffin: Ozark, MO M(417)844-1138
M(417)299-4727 Justin Ruddick: Anderson, MO
Rick Chaffin: Ozark, MO M(417)737-2270
H(417)485-7055, M(417)849-1230 Alvie Sartin: Seymour, MO
Jack Chastain: Bois D’Arc, MO M(417)840-3272
H(417)751-9580, M(417)849-5748 CATTLE RECEIVING STATION
Ted Dahlstrom, DVM: Staff Vet Jim Schiltz: Lamar, MO
Stockyards (417)548-3074 H(417)884-5229, M(417)850-7850
Office (417)235-4088 David Stump: Jasper, MO
Tim Durman: Seneca, MO H(417)537-4358, M(417)434-5420
H(417) 776-2906, M(417)438-3541 Matt Sukovaty: Bolivar, MO
Jerome Falls: Sarcoxie, MO H(417)326-4618, M(417)399-3600
H(417)548-2233, M(417)793-5752 Mike Theurer: Lockwood, MO
Nick Flannigan: Fair Grove, MO H(417)232-4358, M(417)827-3117
M(417)316-0048 Tim Varner: Washburn, MO
Kenneth & Mary Ann Friese: Friedheim, MO H(417)826-5645, M(417)847-7831
H(573)788-2143, M(573)225-7932 Troy Watson: Bolivar, MO
CATTLE RECEIVING STATION M(417)327-3145
Fred Gates: Seneca, MO Virgil Winchester: Anderson, MO
H(417)776-3412, M(417)437-5055 H(417)775-2369, M(417)850-3086
www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 3
inside this issue
About the Cover
Whether you use an old time scale or a new digital one, it’s calf-
weaning time, so weigh ‘em up! Story on page 18.
—Cover photo by Joann Pipkin
Features
12 Are there cows in the future?
16 Weigh the factors for culling cows
19 Off the starting block: bunk-breaking 101
23 Genetics, environment help in hair shedding
26 Low-cost strategies for heifer development
30 Feed more — or less?
In Every Issue
3 View from the Block
5 Beef in Brief
6 Nutrition Know-How with MU’s Dr. Justin Sexten
8 Health Watch with Beef Cattle Institute’s Dr. Dave Rethorst
10 Next Generation with Darren Frye
32 Market Watch
34 Event Roundup
Contact Us
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
4 AUGUST 2014 www.joplinstockyards.com
beef in brief
Southwest Missouri Gets New Weather Station
Missouri’s newest automated real-time weather station recently
went online at the Southwest Research Center, near Mount Ver-
non in Lawrence County. University of Missouri Extension’s Com-
mercial Agriculture Program operates a network of 31 stations
across the state, said Pat Guinan, MU Extension climatologist.
The weather station measures variables such as air temperature,
relative humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, soil
temperature and precipitation.
The agriculture community depends on weather information, us-
ing data such as real-time wind speed and wind direction to make
spraying and chemical application decisions. Data also helps de-
termine irrigation and planting schedules.
The National Weather Service and other agencies also use station
data for numerous meteorological, agricultural and hydrological
research projects.
The Mount Vernon station is one of 21 stations in the 31-station
network that provide real-time data. Advances in wireless com-
munication and grant funds make it possible for these stations to
report weather conditions every five minutes over the Internet.
For real-time information from the Mount Vernon area, go to
www.agebb.missouri.edu/weather/realtime/mtvernon.asp.
—Source: University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group.
Education-focused H.B. 1189 to Become Law
Governor Jay Nixon signed into law H.B. 1189. This bill, sponsored
by David Wood (R-58), requires the Missouri Department of El-
ementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to adopt a policy on
high school graduation that allows certain agriculture or career
and technical education courses to satisfy certain subject-specific
graduation requirements.
Rep. Wood said this bill requires the DESE to develop a high school
graduation policy that allows students to fulfill academic require-
ments with an agricultural credit. Communication arts, math-
Checking in
ematics, science or social studies courses could be substituted for
a district approved agriculture or career and technical education
on the Checkoff
course. The Missouri Beef Council and Cattlemen’s Beef Board created a partnership to
launch a new line of fresh beef products in five Price Cutter grocery stores in
“H.B. 1189 will help make school more relevant for those students Springfield, Missouri. The line of products meet consumer demands for convenient
who do not want to attend a four-year university,” said Rep. Wood. fresh beef and keep preparation to 30 minutes or less, with a complete meal in
“When students can see a purpose to their classes, they will work one dish. The work has included development of five products and labels,
harder and learn more. Our curriculum in the technical schools point of sale materials, promotional plans, and training for store staff.
and agricultural departments has kept pace with the needs in our
communities.”
—Source: Missouri Cattlemen’s Association release.
Rule Proposed to Track Sources of Ground Meats
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and In-
spection Service (FSIS) is proposing to require that all makers of
raw ground beef products keep records in order to further pro-
tect consumers by ensuring retailers can trace sources of ground
meats.
Retail outlets regularly make ground beef by mixing cuts of beef
from various sources. This proposal, if finalized, will require
them to keep clear records identifying the source, supplier, and
names of all materials used in the preparation of raw ground beef at
products.
FSIS has concluded that recordkeeping by retail facilities that
grind raw beef to date has not been sufficiently effective. This pro-
posal is in keeping with the agency’s latest efforts to target its food
safety prevention tools at areas that will have the most significant
Missouri Beef Industry Council
public health impact. 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, #200 • Columbia, MO 65201
www.mobeef.org • 573-817-0899
—Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service release.
www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 5
weaned calves, however, these
NUTRITION KNOW-HOW might lack adequate mineral
and vitamin premixes in addi-
Up for the Challenge tion to the feed additives shown
to improve weaning health.
Feeding backgrounded calves requires strict attention A good weaning management
program begins with qual-
Story By Justin Sexten for Cattlemen’s News ity forage. In many operations,
producers rely on forages to
M oderate temperatures, reg-
ular rainfall and high cattle
prices provide the opportunity
is key to getting calves start-
ed. Weaned calves have low
dry matter intake so nutrient-
ents from corn, soybean, cotton
and animal proteins to provide
provide the bulk of the nutri-
ents to weaned calves. Quality
pasture, such as fall regrowth
for many producers to retain dense weaning rations ensure adequate and balanced amino or hay fields added to sum-
ownership past weaning. This adequate energy and protein acids to calves. mer rotation, offer quality for-
summer has provided abun- consumption. Adequate energy age options. Alternatively, you
dant forage and the prospect of is achieved by eliminating low The greater the calves’ perfor- should still provide calves with
record feedstuff production so energy ingredients. Examples mance target, the more impor- the best grass hay available to
whether you are considering a include cottonseed hulls and tant providing a balanced pro- ensure intake is not limited by
backgrounding, stocker or feed- rice hulls. Bulky, low-energy in- tein source becomes. Calves fiber and fill.
lot, retained ownership system gredients increase cost of gain turned out on pasture might not
is not important. What is im- by yielding little results despite gain beyond two pounds a day One benefit to late-season sup-
portant, however, is matching their inexpensive cost. due to forage quality so single plementation is pasture conser-
the desired performance level ingredient supplements will vation. As calves consume sup-
to the available nutrition of the In the weaning supplement, suffice. Backgrounding and plement, pasture consumption
growing calf. maintain 14 to 16 percent feedlot cattle with high grain declines. As a rule of thumb,
crude protein levels. A number diets can increase performance each pound of supplement
Starting calves in a post-wean- of feeds can be used, however, with balanced protein supplies. consumed reduces pasture dry
ing nutrition program is the you should plan to incorporate matter consumption by half a
most challenging aspect of cat- some bypass protein sources. When considering feed addi- pound. When heat stress slows
tle feeding. In order to capital- Nursing calves consume by- tives, include a coccidiostat or pasture and animal growth,
ize on calves’ genetic potential pass protein in milk. Once ionophore and provide bal- supplementation offers the op-
to grow, health challenges at weaned, these young calves re- anced vitamin and mineral sup- portunity to maintain animal
receiving must be minimized. quire by-pass protein from feed plements. Using a straight com- performance and reduce heat
Providing adequate nutrition to gain in excess of 2.5 pounds modity supplement can provide
to support immune function a day. Select multiple ingredi- adequate protein and energy to CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
6 AUGUST 2014 www.joplinstockyards.com
Improvements can be made in meat quality by selecting geneti-
cally proven sires.
NEWS TO USE
Difference in profits can make a difference in farm survival at the
Beef Prices High: Invest Now
bottom of the next price cycle.
“There’s a difference between cattle prices and cattle profits,”
In Better Genetics Brown said. “Building quality genetics reduces risks. Quality
meets a growing consumer demand for prime beef.”
There’s a world of producers who raise commodity beef.
Advice from MU Economist Scott Brown
Story From Our Staff U.S. cow herd owners remain slow in adopting new ways. “Those
who adopt new technology may get risk mitigation,” Brown con-
“ With record high beef prices, about anything works,” said Scott
Brown, University of Missouri economist. “It’s hard to make a
bad decision.”
cluded.
In a talk after Brown, University of Idaho animal scientist John
Hall said, “There will be a lot of heifers bred this year that
Speaking at American Society of Animal Science annual meeting shouldn’t be bred.”
July 22 in Kansas City, Brown warned of low prices ahead. “In cat-
tle cycles prices go up-and down. With volatility, rebuilding cow —Source: University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group release.
numbers will face challenges.”
In times of good prices, invest in improve-
ments to make beef herds better, Brown
said.
Low prices are not in the immediate fu-
ture. Time remains to rebuild U.S. cow
numbers with quality that meets consum-
er demand.
This year, calf returns top $400 per cow,
according to the Livestock Market Infor-
mation Center. “We’ve never seen prices
like this,” Brown said. High prices are ex-
pected to continue through 2015 and be-
yond.
“Cattle producers can take a lesson from
corn producers,” he said. “High prices do
come down. We’ll work on changing de-
mand and supply until prices drop. The
industry will adjust.”
With high prices, it’s easy to not change
anything. By planning now, herd owners
can prepare for low prices ahead.
The U.S. beef herd has declined for six de-
cades, sinking from 132 million cows to 88
million.
Herd owners are responding to high-
price signals. They have saved heifers for
breeding at a rate similar to a herd upturn
in the 1970s.
“We can build cow numbers quickly,”
Brown said. “That is different than build-
ing beef supply quickly. It takes time to
bring calves to the feedlot, packing plant
and finally to consumers.
“We don’t need 132 million cows again, as
we produce more beef with fewer cows.”
Beef supply will be short for some time,
which supports continued high prices.
Brown advocated not just adding cow
numbers but improving beef quality. Con-
sumers have learned to like higher-qual-
ity beef. And they show they’ll pay more
for USDA prime grade beef.
Brown’s price charts show premiums
for prime beef remain less volatile than
for choice, the next lower grade. Select, a
grade below choice, remains the lowest-
priced.
www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 7
nose of the calf and prevents
HEALTH WATCH the calves from nursing. This
flap is placed in the nose ap-
proximately seven days before
From Conception to Consumption the intended weaning date. The
theory is that since the calves
can’t nurse for seven days, they
Proper weaning helps ensure a quality end product won’t miss the milk when they
Story By Dr. Dave Rethorst for Cattlemen’s News are weaned and thus won’t
walk and bawl as much. A small
number of calves will lose their
B eef Quality Assurance (BQA)
is about producing a safe,
wholesome product that will
can put a huge stress on calves
if it is not done correctly, creat-
ing immunosuppressive effects.
separated from the calves, and
the calves are placed in a yard
flap during the seven days, but
it is usually not a problem. If a
producer is doing things right
provide an enjoyable eating ex- (pen). That’s where the simi- and getting the calves vaccinat-
perience for the consumer and In a “traditional” weaning sys- larities end. The primary dif- ed and dewormed two to three
comes from animals that have tem, the calves are separated ference is that low-stress han- weeks pre-weaning, this sys-
been properly cared for from from the cows, placed in a pen dling techniques are used. In tem will require an extra han-
conception to consumption. with feed and water, and al- this system, the cows are sepa- dling of the cattle a week be-
In this column, we have talked lowed to walk the pen and bawl rated from the calves as quietly fore weaning in order to place
some about fetal programming until they finally settle. This is as possible, and the calves are the nose flaps. The risk with
or gestational nutrition and the a very stressful process on the penned. The calves are then this system is the temptation
effects that it has on the calf af- calf. I have seen people do deri- handled quietly along a fence to just work the calves once a
ter it is born. More recently, we vations of this system, such as each day using low-stress set- week before weaning to vacci-
have discussed preparing the using snow fence to make the tling techniques to stop them, nate, de-worm and place nose
calf for weaning through vac- pen smaller, to help reduce the move them, and ask them to flaps. While this might reduce
cination, parasite control and dust and reduce the time the go to feed and water. In other your workload, the immune
nutrition. This part of the dis- calves are walking and bawl- words, they are handled daily system requires two weeks or
cussion has centered on mak- ing, but the bottom line is that so that they become acclimated more from vaccination to pro-
ing sure the immune system is they are still walking and bawl- to the pen and people sooner. duce functional immunity, and
functioning at an optimal level ing. While this could help some, This method can also aid in the result is a calf with a sub-
at weaning. Another point has several other options can make early detection of sick cattle. par immune status. Low-stress
been to get the calves castrated this process less stressful. cattle handling expert Dr. Tom
early in life so we can reduce A weaning method that is gain- Noffsinger states, “If you are
the immunosuppressive ef- The Australians use a method ing some popularity in the U.S.
referred to as “yard” wean- handling cattle correctly, a big
fects of castration at the time of is the “two-step” or “nose flap” advantage of this system is that
weaning. The weaning process ing. This is an abrupt weaning method. This method involves
of sorts in that the cows are a plastic flap that clips into the CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
8 AUGUST 2014 www.joplinstockyards.com
HERD HEALTH method to discuss is the “two- CHALLENGE fective. Continue to price sup-
FROM PREVIOUS PAGE phase” Canadian method. This FROM PAGE 6 plements with cost of gain in
you get an extra handling of the is actually simulated ‘weaning’ produced while digesting forag- mind, as inexpensive supple-
cattle in before weaning.” for a very short period of time es. When supplementing calves ments resulting in subpar gains
one or two times in a calf’s life during summer heat, consider increase marketing risk due to
“Fenceline” weaning involves before a weaning actually oc- feeding late in the afternoon to failure to make contract speci-
holding the cows in a pen or curs. What is commonly done is prevent heat from building dur- fications. Matching production
small pasture immediately when the calves are processed goals, feeding level and supple-
ing the day.
adjoining the pen holding the as baby calves, they are held ment ingredients to optimize
weaned calves. My observation off of the cows overnight and When pasture rental opportu- gain offer the greatest return
on this method is that while then returned to momma at nities are limited or expensive, on investment in retained own-
the calves tend to congregate daybreak the following morn- adding weight by using grass ership opportunities.
along the fence separating the ing. This process is repeated as looks increasingly less profit-
cows and calves, the cows are part of the pre-wean vaccina- — Justin Sexten is University of Mis-
able. However, declining feed
the ones doing the bawling. A tion process. A key component souri state extension specialist, beef
costs and rising calf prices can
derivation of this I have seen of this method is to make sure nutrition. Contact him at sextenj@
make adding weight to calves
work fairly well is to place the pairs are separated as qui- missouri.edu.
etly as possible each time sort- by using supplements cost ef-
the pairs in the pen where the
calves are going to be weaned ing occurs. While visiting with
and feed the cows in the bunk Dr. Noffsinger, I discovered with big pastures to gather or thus eliminating one more pos-
where the calves will be fed. this is the method he and his are moving the cattle several sible stressor on the calves.
A few days later the pairs are wife use with their cow herd. miles as part of weaning, I en-
They also like to separate the courage you to “stage” the cattle In closing, let’s make sure we
separated with the cows placed
pairs one time between pre- a few days before weaning. Get are doing all we can to proper-
in a pen adjacent to the calves.
wean processing and weaning. them in small pastures close ly care for calves from concep-
The potential advantage to this
At this time, they ask the calves to the weaning corrals so that tion to consumption. If we do,
approach is that the cows may
to walk through the chute and when weaning day arrives, the we can reduce the amount of
teach the calves where to eat
alley without catching them so calves can be quietly gathered, antibiotics we have to use AND
and drink. Furthermore, the
they will go through more eas- sorted and placed in pens. increase consumer confidence
cows are nearby for a few days
ily at weaning. in our product.
to help keep the calves calm Dr. Noffsinger offered this final
and reduce stress. Low-stress tip for weaning. “Make sure the —Dr. Dave Rethorst is director of
handling techniques to help ac- We have discussed handling
feed the calves get the day they outreach for the Beef Cattle Insti-
climate and settle these calves as we sort, process and wean. tute at Kansas State University.
However, we cannot forget are weaned imitates the feed
more quickly will only improve they received the day before.”
the process. how the cattle are handled
as they are gathered for each This will keep the calves eating
The last low-stress weaning working. If you are dealing the first few days of weaning,
www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 9
‘fit’ with the needs of the farm
NEXT GENERATION and their skill set. Then, take a
close look at the numbers and
Communication Counts run scenarios to help you fig-
ure out the best way to bring
him or her in.
Is your farm prepared for the next generation? Sometimes, the desires and
Story By Darren Frye for Cattlemen’s News passions of the next genera-
tion might focus on a particu-
T hinking about bringing things to consider before you lar area of the farm. When
another family member make the leap. that’s the case, both genera-
tions: What’s the best way to tions need to be aware so the
into your farming operation
is a major decision. You’re ex- The first important pieces to do this? How will you bring operation’s transition plan
cited that they want to work consider are: What are the them into the operation? can reflect that reality.
in the operation – and they’re needs of your farming opera-
Maybe you’ve talked with oth- In one family, the daughter
excited about the prospect of tion? What are the skills that
ers about how family owners returned to work on the farm
working on the family farm. the family member brings? Is
were brought into the opera- full-time, while the son has a
there a match?
tion on their farms. That’s a career off the farm and is un-
Taking a closer look into a few
great idea – look into the op-
areas first can ensure that If you determine that your op- likely to come back. The older
tions based on what other
the decision and the transi- eration is in need of the skills generation has been working
families have done.
tion will be the best for all and talents of that family with a legacy advisor to help
involved – and for your farm- member, then your thoughts Still, certain ways to transition the family navigate the up-
ing operation. Here are a few revolve around these ques- might work better for you, coming transition.
your operation and the family The parents and daughter
® member. It can be based on needed to talk about which
how your operation is set up, parts of the operation she’d be
the current ownership struc-
150 mg/mL ANTIMICROBIAL
NADA 141-328, Approved by FDA
(gamithromycin) ture, and the way you want
interested in running in the
future when Dad isn’t farming
For subcutaneous injection in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or your farm business to run. anymore. As they talked, they
older or in calves to be processed for veal.
Farm families have also found were surprised to find out that
Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
that an in-depth look at the she isn’t interested in running
READ ENTIRE BROCHURE CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT. the grain portion of the opera-
financials of their operation
INDICATIONS gives them a clearer picture tion. She’s passionate about
ZACTRAN is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella
of what they might need to do the livestock portion.
multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. ZACTRAN is also indicated for the
control of respiratory disease in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with Mannheimia to bring about a smooth tran- It’s good the family learned
haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. sition. When operators know this now, as they have the op-
exactly where their farm is at portunity to create a plan.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
As with all drugs, the use of ZACTRAN is contraindicated in animals previously found to be hypersensitive to this drug. financially, then they can set They can figure out the future
up a plan that will work best of the grain side of the opera-
WARNING: FOR USE IN CATTLE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN HUMANS. KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. for everyone involved.
NOT FOR USE IN CHICKENS OR TURKEYS. tion – whether that means
The material safety data sheet (MSDS) contains more detailed occupational safety information. To report adverse effects, obtain
Looking closely at the farm’s transitioning to cash rent, cus-
an MSDS or for assistance, contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251. tom farming, or if it means
financials before setting up
RESIDUE WARNINGS: Do not treat cattle within 35 days of slaughter. Because a discard time in milk has not your plan gives you different hiring someone to run that
been established, do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older. A withdrawal period has not been
options for how to go about side of the business.
established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.
it. Then, you can ‘stress test’ The key in all of this is clear,
PRECAUTIONS your farm’s financials using effective communication
The effects of ZACTRAN on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined.
Subcutaneous injection of ZACTRAN may cause a transient local tissue reaction in some cattle that may result in trim loss of
different potential scenarios about the farm’s future and
edible tissues at slaughter. to see how those could play transition. It might be helpful
out when you bring the family to have a third party facilita-
ADVERSE REACTIONS member into the operation.
Transient animal discomfort and mild to moderate injection site swelling may be seen in cattle treated with ZACTRAN. tor, such as a legacy advisor,
Maybe the analysis shows you working alongside your fam-
EFFECTIVENESS
The effectiveness of ZACTRAN for the treatment of BRD associated with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and that the farm needs to grow or ily as you get plans in place.
Histophilus somni was demonstrated in a field study conducted at four geographic locations in the United States. A total of expand a bit more before you
497 cattle exhibiting clinical signs of BRD were enrolled in the study. Cattle were administered ZACTRAN (6 mg/kg BW) or an Find more resources and in-
equivalent volume of sterile saline as a subcutaneous injection once on Day 0. Cattle were observed daily for clinical signs of can bring the family member formation on transitioning the
BRD and were evaluated for clinical success on Day 10. The percentage of successes in cattle treated with ZACTRAN (58%) was in as an owner. Then, with farm to the next generation at
statistically significantly higher (pyields are below 60 percent of the applicable transitional yield.
These incentives will be available for most insurance plans in the
HELPING HANDS 2015 crop year and all plans by 2016.
Starting in the fall of 2014, producers who till native sod and
Farm Bill Provisions to Help plant an annual crop on that land will see reductions in their
crop insurance benefits during the first four years. Native sod is
Farmers Manage Risk acreage that has never been tilled, or land that a producer cannot
substantiate has ever been tilled for the production of a crop. The
provision applies to acreage in all counties in Iowa, Minnesota,
New beginning farmer benefits, other changes to crop Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota that is
greater than five acres per policy and is producing annual crops.
insurance provide flexibility to farmers
More flexibility for irrigated and non-irrigated enterprise units
Story From Our Staff
and coverage levels will be available in the spring of 2015.
A griculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced
continued progress in implementing provisions of the
2014 Farm Bill that provide new risk management options for
Additional information on implementation of these changes is
available at the RMA website, www.rma.usda.gov.
farmers and ranchers. These improvements to crop insurance —Source: USDA release. More information is available on the RMA website
at www.rma.usda.gov.
programs will provide better protection
from weather disaster, market volatility
and other risk factors to ensure farmers
aren’t wiped out by events beyond their
control.
Vilsack also announced new support
for beginning farmers that will make
crop insurance more affordable and
provide greater support when new
farmers experience substantial losses.
These announcements build on other
recent USDA efforts to support beginning
farmers.
“Crop insurance is critical to the ongoing
success of today’s farmers and ranchers
and our agriculture economy. These
improvements provide additional
flexibility to ensure families do not lose
everything due to events beyond their
control,” said Vilsack. “We’re also acting
to provide more support to beginning
farmers and ranchers so that they can
manage their risk effectively. We need to
not only encourage new farmers to get
into agriculture, we must ensure they’re
not wiped out in their riskiest initial
seasons so they can remain in agriculture
for years to come.”
The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s
(USDA) Risk Management Agency
(RMA) filed an interim rule with the
Federal Register, allowing USDA to move
forward with changes to crop insurance
provisions. The provisions provide
better options for beginning farmers,
allow producers to have enterprise units
for irrigated and non-irrigated crops,
give farmers and ranchers the ability to
purchase different levels of coverage for
a variety of irrigation practices, provide
guidance on conservation compliance,
implement protections for native sod and
provide adjustments to historical yields
following significant disasters.
The Farm Bill authorizes specific
coverage benefits for beginning farmers
and ranchers starting with the 2015 crop
year. The changes announced today
exempt new farmers from paying the
$300 administrative fee for catastrophic
policies. New farmers’ premium support
rates will also increase ten percentage
points during their first five years of
farming. Beginning farmers will also
receive a greater yield adjustment when
www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 11drive the next wave of young For example, milk that would
TRENDING NOW agriculturists. not keep could be fed to the
pigs. The pigs had a longer
So is there a place for cows in
Is There a Place for Cows in the
window of harvest, so thus
the future? Yes, but let’s visit the balance. One also needs
a bit first about the topic. For to remind oneself that even
Future? cattle or livestock producers,
in general, this always has
been a difficult question.
the household pet was there
to help clean up a hardy meal
Remember to consider the big picture in exchange for some warmth
and a day’s helping on the
What is the purpose of food? farm or ridding the place of
Story By Kris Ringwall
Livestock production has al- unwanted guests.
L ike it or not, for beef pro- Like it or not, for beef produc- ways been a part of farming
duction to expand, the eco- tion to expand, the economics as a way to use what the fam- In today’s world, one needs
nomics of the beef cow needs of the beef cow needs to have ily did not want to eat. With to look at the bigger picture
to have a threefold increase in a threefold increase in net re- that came the need to have and ask the same questions.
net returns to compete with turns to compete with crop cows, horses, chickens, pigs Not one particular producer
crop production. production. and other livestock. The con- has the capacity to produce
version of the unwanted crops all that is needed. However,
Is there a place for cows in the To leave land in hay produc- and produce to meat created thanks to modern transporta-
future? The reality of today’s tion, the net return for hay a more complete package for tion, those same pieces that
agriculture is that it is heavily needs to double. These are survival and a better balance were so needed on the home-
slanted toward crop produc- very unlikable thoughts, but at the local level of produc- stead can now be parceled out
tion if the land has the poten- certainly thoughts that will tion. around the neighborhood.
tial to be converted to crops. Therefore, larger operations
have fine-tuned the produc-
tion science behind the in-
tended foods that need to be
marketed, so production ef-
forts have become focused.
These larger operations gener-
ally had a foundational family
structure that provided wis-
dom through a connection to
the past. Their history includ-
ed people who lived through
the time when balance was
achieved through sharing of
resources and efficiency so
nothing was wasted.
In fact, Ralph Waldo Emerson
said it best. “He (the farmer)
stands close to nature; he ob-
tains from the earth the bread
and the meat. The food which
was not, he causes to be.”
That connection to the earth,
soil, bread and meat, plus oth-
er food, is as real today as it
was when Emerson wrote his
quote.
So why the dilemma? Some
would quickly say there is no
dilemma. However, by merely
asking the question, we start
the process of acknowledging
that something is a awry. The
modern, refined approach,
at least in the more affluent
countries, to the new genera-
tion is one of convenience and
calculated efficiencies that
purchase, measure, sort and
process needed inputs into
appropriately salable prod-
ucts, including food.
If the assumption that all the
purchased inputs always will
be available for the growing
population models is true, I
guess one does not need to be
too concerned, so maybe the
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
12 AUGUST 2014 www.joplinstockyards.comAgriculture today is heavily root-
ed in crop production, however,
living animals remain a vital part
in the life cycle. For beef produc-
tion to expand, economics call for
the cow to have a three-fold in-
crease in net returns to compete
with crop production.
—Photo by Joann Pipkin
FUTURE COWS
FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
mud boots, coveralls and oth-
er working paraphernalia can
be put to rest. However, what
if the assumption is not true
and all the needed inputs will
not be available forever?
Then the new ways break
down and one needs to back
up and look for the source of
Call before you need us
those needed inputs. In the
short term, money still seems
to be the fix. By increasing
one’s willingness to pay, those
last few remaining pots of in-
puts can be wrestled away
and consumed. However,
what happens when those last
few remaining pots go emp-
ty? Let’s hope we are smart
enough to not get to that point.
Therefore, we return to our 417-359-5470
roots and the generations who
Serving Your Insurance Needs For:
understood the need for bal-
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ance in the agricultural sys-
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tem and ask what made those
early farms work. Well, there Kevin Charleston
really is no secret. However, Chip Cortez
great-grandma and great- Doug Collard
grandpa did not have names Kathy Kellhofer
for all the ingredients, but Tana Poppino | Pryor, OK
they understood the need to
diversify and have balance in
the soil, like Emerson said of
the farmer, “The food which
was not, he causes to be.”
Today, we know more because
we have those names and we
better understand that the
soil is a very large, unfocused
mass of living things. Each liv-
ing thing is doing its part to
make sure the pot never goes
empty. That seems strange,
but in science class, we called
that the carbon cycle. Living
animals are part of the loop
that makes sure the cycle of
life does not end.
Cows are part of that cycle, so,
yes, cows do have a future.
—Kris Ringwall is a North Dakota
State University Extension Service
livestock specialist and the Dick-
inson Research Extension Center
director.
www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 13ting more gain out of your “It’s generational here, it’s
PASTURE PROFITS cattle.” been here a long time,” he
said, noting that people accept
In New Zealand, Ferguson
Up Your Game with Novel
the performance they get now,
spends much of his time in- and even some physical things
corporating similar forages to they see like cattle standing in
Endophyte Fescue MaxQ fescue and Durana clo-
ver into farming systems. He
ponds and going under shade
all the time.
works with producers on how
Rid pastures of toxic fescue for better animal performance to graze those forages, how to “A New Zealand farmer would
get maximum live weight gain question why that’s happen-
Story By Joann Pipkin, Editor or milk production from them, ing,” Ferguson explained.
how to fertilize them and how “They aren’t used to farming
M issouri farmers can take
three big steps to up their
game in the pasture. That’s ac-
make some of the biggest
potential changes in their
farming career by switching
to sow them. He also helps
farmers troubleshoot any
problems they may encounter
with toxic endophyte tall fes-
cue. They are used to farming
with novel endophyte fescue
cording to Dereck Ferguson, pastures to novel endophyte with those grasses. and novel endophyte rye-
North Island Forage Develop- fescue, changing to a more ro- grass, and they would expect a
ment manager for Agricom in tational style of grazing man- “Grazing management is what higher plane of performance.”
New Zealand. agement and adding white New Zealand is known for,”
clover to pastures. Ferguson said. “I’m here in The big issue, Ferguson said,
We caught up with Ferguson the U.S. to assist farmers with is getting rid of the endophyte.
while he visited southern Mis- “Those are three big steps to grazing management and to
souri at the end of June, and improving your pastures,” help get MaxQ going here, to He explained that moving to
he said Missouri farmers can Ferguson noted, “and to get- help producers get the most more modern fescue varieties
out of these forages.” like Jesup and Texoma would
call for slight changes in graz-
Ferguson explained that dur- ing management, but added
ing his trip this year, farmers benefits would come with the
in the area of southern Mis- removal of the toxic endo-
souri seem quite aware of fes- phyte.
100 mg/mL Antimicrobial Injectable Solution cue toxicity issues. The aware-
For Subcutaneous Use In Beef Cattle, Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle And Swine Only
ness, he says, is actually better “With a bit of applied graz-
Not For Use In Female Dairy Cattle 20 Months Of Age Or Older
Or In Calves To Be Processed For Veal than what he encountered in ing management,” Ferguson
BRIEF SUMMARY:
Before using Baytril® 100, please consult the product insert, a summary of which follows: 2013 when he toured eastern said, “you can actually extract
CAUTION: Missouri. more benefit from the fescue.
Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Federal (U.S.A.) law prohibits the extra-label use of this drug in food-producing animals.
Adding white clover to the
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: “(Farmers) need to probably stands would take that even a
Each mL of Baytril® 100 contains 100 mg of enrofloxacin. Excipients are L-arginine base 200 mg, n-butyl alcohol 30 mg,
benzyl alcohol (as a preservative) 20 mg and water for injection q.s.
embrace the MaxQ, the novel step further.”
INDICATIONS: endophyte technology and get
Cattle - Single-Dose Therapy: Baytril® 100 is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated on board with replacing some Work completed here in the
with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni and Mycoplasma bovis in beef and non-lactating
dairy cattle; and for the control of BRD in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle at high risk of developing BRD associated with of their toxic endophyte, Ken- U.S. shows increased gain
M. haemolytica, P. multocida, H. somni and M. bovis.
tucky 31 pastures,” Ferguson again from adding white clo-
Cattle - Multiple-Day Therapy: Baytril® 100 is indicated for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) associated
with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somni in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. said. “The information out ver to fescue, according to
Swine: Baytril® 100 is indicated for the treatment and control of swine respiratory disease (SRD) associated with Acti-
nobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis, Streptococcus suis, Bordetella bronchisepti- there produced by the univer- Ferguson. That research re-
ca and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.
sities here is quite amazing. sulted in greater animal per-
RESIDUE WARNINGS: It’s very compelling as to the formance. White clover is also
Cattle: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days from the last treat-
ment. This product is not approved for female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. increase in live weight gain a reliable crude protein feed,
Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period
has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for that can be achieved, the im- he said, and fixes nitrogen,
veal. provement in stock health, which is also a cost saver.
Swine: Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 5 days of receiving a single-
injection dose. breed back times, concep-
tion rates with cows. It’s re- Ferguson said that even
HUMAN WARNINGS:
For use in animals only. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush
ally more compelling than the though farming is a lifestyle
eyes with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes. In case of dermal contact, wash skin with soap and water. Consult a
physician if irritation persists following ocular or dermal exposures. Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to endophyte story back in New for many of us, we are still
quinolones should avoid this product. In humans, there is a risk of user photosensitization within a few hours after exces-
Zealand.” farming for profit. “This needs
sive exposure to quinolones. If excessive accidental exposure occurs, avoid direct sunlight. For customer service or to
obtain product information, including a Material Safety Data Sheet, call 1-800-633-3796. For medical emergencies or to to make money,” he stated.
report adverse reactions, call 1-800-422-9874.
PRECAUTIONS:
Ferguson said the environ-
The effects of enrofloxacin on cattle or swine reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been adequately ment here in the U.S. provides On this particular trip to the
determined.
a great opportunity. “(I want U.S., Ferguson said he’s exam-
The long-term effects on articular joint cartilage have not been determined in pigs above market weight.
Subcutaneous injection can cause a transient local tissue reaction that may result in trim loss of edible tissue at slaughter.
to) encourage producers here ined what MaxQ fescue costs
Baytril® 100 contains different excipients than other Baytril® products. The safety and efficacy of this formulation in species
other than cattle and swine have not been determined. to take that step and make to establish, what its payback
Quinolone-class drugs should be used with caution in animals with known or suspected Central Nervous System (CNS)
that change, otherwise I think period is, when profit is noted
disorders. In such animals, quinolones have, in rare instances, been associated with CNS stimulation which may lead to
convulsive seizures. Quinolone-class drugs have been shown to produce erosions of cartilage of weight-bearing joints and if they do what they’ve always and what would happen if
other signs of arthropathy in immature animals of various species. See Animal Safety section for additional information.
done, they’ll get what they’ve producers just remained sta-
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
No adverse reactions were observed during clinical trials. always gotten. There’s money tus quo.
ANIMAL SAFETY:
In cattle safety studies, clinical signs of depression, incoordination and muscle fasciculation were observed in calves when left on the table. You could “There is history with the en-
doses of 15 or 25 mg/kg were administered for 10 to 15 days. Clinical signs of depression, inappetance and incoordination
were observed when a dose of 50 mg/kg was administered for 3 days. An injection site study conducted in feeder calves
operate on a completely dif- dophyte here in the U.S.,” Fer-
demonstrated that the formulation may induce a transient reaction in the subcutaneous tissue and underlying muscle. ferent plane of performance if guson said. “MaxQ is the gold
In swine safety studies, incidental lameness of short duration was observed in all groups, including the saline-treated con-
trols. Musculoskeletal stiffness was observed following the 15 and 25 mg/kg treatments with clinical signs appearing dur- you move to that kind of tech- standard for novel endophyte
ing the second week of treatment. Clinical signs of lameness improved after treatment ceased and most animals were
clinically normal at necropsy. An injection site study conducted in pigs demonstrated that the formulation may induce a
nology.” fescue varieties here. You
transient reaction in the subcutaneous tissue.
With about 30 to 40 million need to have some confidence
U.S. Patent No. 5,756,506
November, 2012
acres of tall fescue in the U.S., in the product that it’s going to
GHG071614 80908653, R.3
©2012 Bayer HealthCare LLC Ferguson said that’s about the work.”
Baytril® 100 17688
Bayer, the Bayer Cross, and Baytril are registered trademarks of Bayer. same as the entire pasture
NADA 141-068, Approved by FDA farming area in New Zealand.
Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201 U.S.A.
14 AUGUST 2014 www.joplinstockyards.comDON’T let BRD become a growing problem. Whether you need it right off the truck, or to control a whole pen of high-risk cattle breaking with BRD, Baytril® 100 (enrofloxacin) Injectable can help cattle get back to business. It combines effective treatment with the flexibility your operation needs. So for cattle at high-risk of developing BRD — as well as for treatment of BRD — reach for Baytril 100. Right from the start. Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Federal law prohibits the extra-label use of this drug in food-producing animals. Cattle intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 28 days from the last treatment. ©2014 Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201. Bayer, the Bayer Cross, Baytril and Right the first time are registered trademarks of Bayer. BL14288 www.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 15
TRENDING NOW
Does She Get a One-Way Ticket?
Weighing the factors for cow culling
Story and Photos By Rebecca Mettler for Cattlemen’s News
G athering cow/calf pairs for
weaning often triggers an-
other important event on the
need to be made, said Jeremy
Powell, DVM and animal sci-
ences professor at the Univer-
cow) has to have a good reason
for not settling or else she goes
to town.”
herd. Whether that is a cow
that consistently calves later in
the season or one that doesn’t
farm or ranch — cow culling. sity of Arkansas. fit in the herd phenotypically.
Females found to be open or Jaymelynn Farney, Kansas
that have other undesirable at- “It gets very expensive to keep State University Extension’s Following the pregnancy sta-
tributes might find themselves open cows if they aren’t able to southeast area beef specialist, tus, other factors include the
in the group bound for town. calve when they should,” said has a handy tip for producers health, structural soundness,
Powell. “It’s of the upmost im- to keep in mind when culling feet and legs and udder issues.
Though culling practices can portance.” cows. In Powell’s opinion, genetics is
vary by operation, on aver- not as important.
age, producers can expect to Kenneth Elbert of Elbert An- “Remember the four O’s: old,
replace 15 to 20 percent of gus Farms, Pierce City, Mis- open, ornery and oddball,” Powell said other questions
their herd each year. Making souri, runs 250 head of cattle Farney said. producers might ask focus on
the most logical decisions can and adheres to the philosophy the wear pattern of the cow’s
that open cows deserve to be It’s popular in Farney’s area teeth and how old she is.
encompass many factors with
culled. Only in special situa- for cattle to be culled around
varying degrees of importance.
tions will he keep an open cow 10 years of age. One benefit is The wear pattern on her
However, one factor usually
and transfer her to the next to have a fairly fleshy cow that teeth as well as her structural
rises far above the others.
calving season. will generate a decent check. soundness will affect her abil-
The reproductive status of a It also gives the producers the ity to glean forage from a pas-
female is the most important “We have a 60-day breeding ability to bring in replacement ture. In turn, that could affect
factor when culling decisions season,” Elbert said. “(The females to keep improving and her ability to maintain weight
maximizing overall calf re- and good body condition.
turns. Lower body condition scores
are known to have a negative
“The reproductive perfor- impact on fertility, according
mance and overall weaning to Powell.
weight of the calf starts to de-
cline somewhat and at 10 years Keeping adequate records and
old that seems to be the cutoff,” examining the cow’s “batting
Farney said. average” over the last several
years can greatly assist produc-
She explains that no one wants ers, Powell said. Lower wean-
to keep an open cow and deal- ing weights over time coupled
ing with a high-headed, mean- with a lameness issue or bad
tempered cow can be difficult. udder would make an individ-
ual a candidate for culling.
Oddball refers to cattle that just
don’t fit in with the rest of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
Pierce City cattleman Kenny Elbert maintains a 60-day breeding sea-
son on his operation. That way, he says, the cow has to have a good
reason for not settling, otherwise she’s a prime candidate to be culled.
Keeping track of the profitability of his cows also helps him make
culling decisions.
16 AUGUST 2014 www.joplinstockyards.comwww.joplinstockyards.com AUGUST 2014 17
by JRS or others such as MFA ers, according to Ward.
MANAGEMENT MATTERS Health Track or Oklahoma
Quality Beef Network. Potts has utilized early wean-
ing on his first-calf heifers be-
Weigh ‘Em Up Potts has found a method of
weaning that works well for
cause they were still trying to
grow and raise a calf. It also
his operation. Getting the right takes a heifer longer to recover
Weaning time: All directions lead to the same goal strategy can take time, and ac- from a hot, dry summer.
cording to Ward, might not be
Story By Rebecca Mettler for Cattlemen’s News
the same method year after Extended Weaning
T hough there are a variety of “The replacements have to be year. Producers who will utilize
ways to wean calves, cow/ of the right nature that when extended weaning will leave
“What I would advise anybody
calf producers should always buyers walk up, they want to the calves on the dams up to
to do, with all weaning strat-
share the common goal of re- take them home,” Potts said. an extra two months after the
egies, is to put a pencil to it.
ducing weaning-related stress. typical seven- to eight-month
The calves are held in the What worked last year might
Selecting a weaning strategy weaning range to add extra
smaller pen for an average of not be the most economical
that reduces calf stress can weight on the calves.
seven to 10 days depending on this year,” Ward said.
equate to an easier transition
during the most stressful time the group and the calves’ dis- Ward said that extended wean-
Below are some of the com-
in the calf’s life. positions. ing would work in years such
mon weaning methods seen
on today’s cattle operations. as this one where there is an
For Terry Potts, Potts Farms “We wait ‘til they are firmly abundant forage supply.
of Jerico Springs, Missouri, a broke before we go to the next
calm disposition sets the stage size pens,” Potts said. “If I turn Fenceline Weaning “Only do it if (the cows and
for a smoother weaning pro- them out too quick then I can calves) have access to forage. If
“I highly recommend fence-
cess. Potts runs 200 head of never go back.” it’s marginal, pull the calves off
line weaning,” Ward said.
crossbred Angus females with to save forage for the cows,”
both a spring and fall herd. During that time, the calves Ward said. “We don’t want to
Fenceline weaning provides
That means he has two rounds are hand fed a ration with add- drop the body condition of the
cows and calves with nose-to-
of weaning to get through each ed molasses to get them to start cows.”
nose contact during the first
year when the calves reach eating, Potts said. He also men-
stages of the weaning process.
tioned that he and his family
seven to eight months of age. Calves are placed in one pas- 2-Step Weaning
walk at the perimeter of the
ture with their mothers in the The 2-step weaning method is
“The pen that we hold them in pen to ease them to the bunks
adjacent pasture. Naturally, gaining attention in the cow/
is a small enough space that and to observe the cattle.
producers want to make sure a calf sector, noted Ward. An an-
(the calves) have to become sturdy fence is separating the
accustomed to us walking Working with a vaccination ti-sucking device, or nose-flap
schedule that provides protec- two groups. as he calls it, is placed into the
around,” Potts said.
tion for newly weaned calves calf’s nose to prevent sucking.
Ward says that fenceline
Holding the calves in tight is imperative. Often, a stressed Thus, the calf is first weaned
weaning makes life easier for
quarters provides the environ- calf can turn quickly into a sick from milk while still in the
the animals and will help pro-
ment for the calves to become calf. dam’s presence. The calves are
ducers financially in the long
gentle, and according to Potts, later separated and weaned
“Having the first round of vac- run. Calves tend to bawl less
if done right, the gentleness from the attachment to the
cine at three months of ages as he mentions that bawling is
can last the entire life of the dam.
pretty much sets up the calves’ an indication of stress. Calves
calf. should also gain better in fa-
immune systems for the vacci- “It does have increased la-
nations at weaning so they will miliar surroundings with their bor costs; you have to get the
The proper disposition is espe-
perform better,” Potts said. dams close. calves up an extra time to put
cially important for the heifers
because Potts is an annual con- the nose flaps in,” Ward said.
signor to the Show-Me-Select Earl Ward, northeast area beef Early Weaning “But the people who have been
Replacement Heifer Sale at Jo- specialist with Oklahoma State When forage availably is lim- using them like them pretty
plin Regional Stockyards (JRS). University Extension, recom- ited, early weaning can be an well.”
mends a wean-vac program economical option for produc-
such as the one administered
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