New Trichomoniasis Program Adopted in Texas for Beef Cattle
If you are a cattle producer but don’t know what Trichomoniasis (commonly called Trich) is, then you soon will. According to a recent Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) report, Texas has adopted a Trichomoniasis regulatory program. Beginning April 1, 2009, breeding bulls entering Texas from any other state must be either 24 months of age or younger and certified as a virgin, or be tested negative for cattle trichomoniasis within 30 days prior to entry. The adoption of this program occurred February 24 by the Texas Animal Health Commission to address Trichomoniasis which is a venereal disease in cattle that causes infertility and abortions. Other effects of the disease include extended breeding seasons, reduced calf crops and ultimately loss of income to producers. A second phase of the program will go into effect January 1, 2010 and will address the in-state movement of Texas breeding bulls. Part of the reason for the new program is when breeding bulls are infected, they may continue to appear and act normally. The new regulations also have deemed Trich as a reportable disease in the state of Texas. According to Dr. Bob Hillman, TAHC executive director, "... this will give us more information on where and how much infection already is in the state". Why aren’t cows included in this program you might ask? The reason is if a cow is infected during breeding and loses a fetus she still has a chance to clear the disease. A majority of infected cows will clear the infection if they are given 120 to 150 days of sexual rest. A vaccine can also be administered to infected cows to help control the disease in the cow herd. For more details on this subject and to read the entire Texas Animal Health Commission report go online to http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/news/pr/2009/2009Feb_TrichomoniasisProgramAdopted.pdf
Friday, February 27, 2009
What should my stocking rate be?
One of the most common questions I get is what kind of stocking rate is appropriate for my property. When we consider stocking rates for beef cattle we have to remember that one lactating, thousand pound cow will consume 2.5% to 3% of her body weight or roughly 25 to 30 pounds of air dry forage daily. 1 cow/calf pair is an animal unit (AU). A good rule of thumb is to “take half and leave half” but we have to account for another quarter of the forage that will get trampled, wasted, decompose, etc. So estimate based on 25% of forage production for a conservative stocking rate in an average rainfall year. So a thousand pound cow with a calf at her side will eat approximately 26 pounds of forage daily or 9,490 pounds per year.
Improved pasture differs greatly than native rangeland in terms of stocking rate due to management of fertility, weeds, etc. General stocking rates for Navarro County are 1 AU per 3-5 acres of fertilized improved pasture and 1 AU per 10-12 acres of rangeland BUT depend on location and management.
The only way to truly know what your appropriate stocking rate, is to quantify your forage production (clip and weigh grass or forage plots) and then base a stocking rate on the traditional range management principles and allow for variations in rainfall. A good stocking rate is the first step to good range management and sustainable agriculture. For more information go to the following web address: http://animalscience.tamu.edu/images/pdf/beef/beef-rdmt-stocking-rate.pdf
One of the most common questions I get is what kind of stocking rate is appropriate for my property. When we consider stocking rates for beef cattle we have to remember that one lactating, thousand pound cow will consume 2.5% to 3% of her body weight or roughly 25 to 30 pounds of air dry forage daily. 1 cow/calf pair is an animal unit (AU). A good rule of thumb is to “take half and leave half” but we have to account for another quarter of the forage that will get trampled, wasted, decompose, etc. So estimate based on 25% of forage production for a conservative stocking rate in an average rainfall year. So a thousand pound cow with a calf at her side will eat approximately 26 pounds of forage daily or 9,490 pounds per year.
Improved pasture differs greatly than native rangeland in terms of stocking rate due to management of fertility, weeds, etc. General stocking rates for Navarro County are 1 AU per 3-5 acres of fertilized improved pasture and 1 AU per 10-12 acres of rangeland BUT depend on location and management.
The only way to truly know what your appropriate stocking rate, is to quantify your forage production (clip and weigh grass or forage plots) and then base a stocking rate on the traditional range management principles and allow for variations in rainfall. A good stocking rate is the first step to good range management and sustainable agriculture. For more information go to the following web address: http://animalscience.tamu.edu/images/pdf/beef/beef-rdmt-stocking-rate.pdf
Friday, February 6, 2009
Result Demonstration Reports Available Online
You may not be familiar with the term result demonstration. This is an effort to demonstrate or evaluate certain agricultural practices under local conditions and obtain unbiased data to assist farmers, ranchers and other land managers. These can take a variety of forms or designs and fall into many different categories (field crops, forage crops, beef, horticulture, Integrated Pest Management, etc). The data gathered from these demonstrations can be used by agricultural producers to make management decisions that will ideally optimize profits, serve as a best management practice and conserve natural resources. This can best be described as "on the farm research" where an agricultural producer, county agent and a specialist work together to implement a demonstration and evaluate it.
These reports are available from a variety of sources: demonstration handbooks, cd's and internet websites. Reports from Navarro County agricultural demonstrations are currently available on the internet at http://navarro-tx.tamu.edu/PubCat.cfm?COUNTY=Navarro&CatID=2827. As these reports become available they will be posted here. Other reports from across the state are also available online. A good website for field crop and specialty crop reports is http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/.
It is always important when using this kind of information to compare different locations over time (over several years if possible). The more information you have, the more you can rely on your management decision.
Picture by Derek Scasta
You may not be familiar with the term result demonstration. This is an effort to demonstrate or evaluate certain agricultural practices under local conditions and obtain unbiased data to assist farmers, ranchers and other land managers. These can take a variety of forms or designs and fall into many different categories (field crops, forage crops, beef, horticulture, Integrated Pest Management, etc). The data gathered from these demonstrations can be used by agricultural producers to make management decisions that will ideally optimize profits, serve as a best management practice and conserve natural resources. This can best be described as "on the farm research" where an agricultural producer, county agent and a specialist work together to implement a demonstration and evaluate it.
These reports are available from a variety of sources: demonstration handbooks, cd's and internet websites. Reports from Navarro County agricultural demonstrations are currently available on the internet at http://navarro-tx.tamu.edu/PubCat.cfm?COUNTY=Navarro&CatID=2827. As these reports become available they will be posted here. Other reports from across the state are also available online. A good website for field crop and specialty crop reports is http://varietytesting.tamu.edu/.
It is always important when using this kind of information to compare different locations over time (over several years if possible). The more information you have, the more you can rely on your management decision.
Picture by Derek Scasta
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification Now Offered Online
Have you ever heard of BQA or Beef Quality Assurance. Well if you haven’t BQA is part of the the Texas Beef Quality Producer Program (TBQP) and is designed to promote good management practices for cattle producers in an effort to strengthen consumer confidence in beef as a wholesome food product. The TBQP management strategies "prevent" problems related to quality and safety from ever occurring - rather than correcting them. The main focus of the program is food safety. Eliminating residues, blemishes and foreign objects is critical to maintaining consumer confidence and acceptance of beef as the protein of choice in their diet. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a national effort with 47 states involved. It has now become easier than ever to get BQA certification. Now training is available online at http://www.bqaonline.org/
Producers an go thru this in-home training at their own pace and receive essentially the same information as presented in Level I classroom training. This online course also acts as a great refresher or as a tool to educate new ranch employees. Check it out and improve your beef operation today.
Have you ever heard of BQA or Beef Quality Assurance. Well if you haven’t BQA is part of the the Texas Beef Quality Producer Program (TBQP) and is designed to promote good management practices for cattle producers in an effort to strengthen consumer confidence in beef as a wholesome food product. The TBQP management strategies "prevent" problems related to quality and safety from ever occurring - rather than correcting them. The main focus of the program is food safety. Eliminating residues, blemishes and foreign objects is critical to maintaining consumer confidence and acceptance of beef as the protein of choice in their diet. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a national effort with 47 states involved. It has now become easier than ever to get BQA certification. Now training is available online at http://www.bqaonline.org/
Producers an go thru this in-home training at their own pace and receive essentially the same information as presented in Level I classroom training. This online course also acts as a great refresher or as a tool to educate new ranch employees. Check it out and improve your beef operation today.
Friday, January 9, 2009
TTU Computer Program to Compare ACRE and CCP Effect on Texas Cotton
Texas Tech University's Cotton Economics Research Institute (CERI)has developed a computer calculator that compares the ACRE program to the historical payments from Counter-Cyclical Payments for cotton. According to the Volume 11. No. 2 Edition of the CERI Newsletter, "The website based calculator allows Texas row crop producers to enter their own individual farm data and compare their historical outcomes under the existing counter-cyclical payment (CCP) program and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program alternative. The results of calculations are based on historical data and are not projections of future outcomes". This tool should be extremely handy for cotton producers who will be trying to make a decision about going into the new ACRE program or remaining in the CCP.
To find the calculator online go to http://www.aaec.ttu.edu/webapps/acre/index.htm and register. Information is confidential.
Picture by Derek Scasta
Texas Tech University's Cotton Economics Research Institute (CERI)has developed a computer calculator that compares the ACRE program to the historical payments from Counter-Cyclical Payments for cotton. According to the Volume 11. No. 2 Edition of the CERI Newsletter, "The website based calculator allows Texas row crop producers to enter their own individual farm data and compare their historical outcomes under the existing counter-cyclical payment (CCP) program and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program alternative. The results of calculations are based on historical data and are not projections of future outcomes". This tool should be extremely handy for cotton producers who will be trying to make a decision about going into the new ACRE program or remaining in the CCP.
To find the calculator online go to http://www.aaec.ttu.edu/webapps/acre/index.htm and register. Information is confidential.
Picture by Derek Scasta
47th Blackland Income Growth Conference is Set for Feb 2/3
This annual event will be held at the Heart Of Texas Fairgrounds in Waco, TX February 2 and 3. This is one of the largest agricultural conferences in the area and has some timely information that should be useful for homeowners, landowners, farmers and ranchers alike given the national and global economic situation.
Breakout sessions for Grain, Horticulture, Beef, Forage, Cotton, Wildlife, Family Issues, Private Applicator Training, Pesticide License Recertification, New Era for Food and Renewable Energy will take place.
View the brochure and program details online at http://dallas.tamu.edu/BIG/Conference.aspx
This annual event will be held at the Heart Of Texas Fairgrounds in Waco, TX February 2 and 3. This is one of the largest agricultural conferences in the area and has some timely information that should be useful for homeowners, landowners, farmers and ranchers alike given the national and global economic situation.
Breakout sessions for Grain, Horticulture, Beef, Forage, Cotton, Wildlife, Family Issues, Private Applicator Training, Pesticide License Recertification, New Era for Food and Renewable Energy will take place.
View the brochure and program details online at http://dallas.tamu.edu/BIG/Conference.aspx
Thursday, January 8, 2009
There are several programs that will be offered early in 2009 that I want to make folks aware of.
Electronic Waste Collection
Do you have old computer equipment that you want to get rid of but don’t know how? If so, there is an opportunity coming your way to make that computer benefit the state of Texas! January 16th from 1pm to 4pm and January 17th 9am to 12noon at the Old Kmart Parking Lot (across from the Precinct 1barn) the City of Corsicana and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice are partnering up to take in the following items: computers, printers, monitors, mice, keyboards, computer parts, scanners, televisions and rechargeable batteries. All items will go to a TDCJ facility to be refurbished and if possible returned to Texas schools. This program provides technical training for inmates and quality computers for the youth in Texas! call 903-654-4889 or 903-654-3075.
Row Crop Update and CEU Seminar
January 27 in the Small Fannie Mae Vernon Room at the Navarro County Exposition Center. Cost is $10 to cover the lunch and 4 CEU’s will be provided (1 general, 2 IPM and 1 Laws and Regs). The agenda will cover the following: Reading Pesticide Labels, Applying Wasterwater Residuals to Improve Soil Fertility, Variety Performance and IPM Applications, Boll Weevil Eradication, Atoxigenic Strains to Manage Alfatoxin in Corn, and Corn, Milo and Small Grains Demonstration Reports. The program will start at 9am and conclude by 2:30 pm. RSVP by January 24 by calling 903-654-3075.
Row Crop/Commodity Marketing Workshop
Thursday, February 12 at the Navarro College Lonestar Room. Cost is $10 per person to cover the expense of the meal. Speakers for the day include Dr. John Robinson, Extension Ag Economist for Cotton Marketing, Dr. Mark Welch, Extension Ag Economist for Grain Marketing and Nicole Gueck Extension Program Specialist for Risk Management will team up to talk about the market outlook for cotton and grains, marketing options and alternatives, Risk management, Farm Assist Program and calculating break-even costs for your operation. The most useful portion of this program will be in the afternoon when our speakers will work one-on-one with producers to develop break-even costs and discuss marketing options for 2009. RSVP by February 9 by calling 903-654-3075.
2009 Beef Clinic
February 26 at the Navarro County Exposition Center. Cost is $3 to cover a steak dinner that you will not want to miss. The Agenda will include an update from Texas Beef Council, A Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Discussion and Demonstration, Emerging Reproductive Diseases in Cow-Calf Herds, an update on Country of Origin Labeling, door prizes and more. Don’t forget about the always exciting trade show featuring local and state agribusinesses and agencies. This is going to be a program you will not want to miss. Reserve your seat (and your steak to for that matter) by calling 903-654-3075 by February 24th.
Electronic Waste Collection
Do you have old computer equipment that you want to get rid of but don’t know how? If so, there is an opportunity coming your way to make that computer benefit the state of Texas! January 16th from 1pm to 4pm and January 17th 9am to 12noon at the Old Kmart Parking Lot (across from the Precinct 1barn) the City of Corsicana and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice are partnering up to take in the following items: computers, printers, monitors, mice, keyboards, computer parts, scanners, televisions and rechargeable batteries. All items will go to a TDCJ facility to be refurbished and if possible returned to Texas schools. This program provides technical training for inmates and quality computers for the youth in Texas! call 903-654-4889 or 903-654-3075.
Row Crop Update and CEU Seminar
January 27 in the Small Fannie Mae Vernon Room at the Navarro County Exposition Center. Cost is $10 to cover the lunch and 4 CEU’s will be provided (1 general, 2 IPM and 1 Laws and Regs). The agenda will cover the following: Reading Pesticide Labels, Applying Wasterwater Residuals to Improve Soil Fertility, Variety Performance and IPM Applications, Boll Weevil Eradication, Atoxigenic Strains to Manage Alfatoxin in Corn, and Corn, Milo and Small Grains Demonstration Reports. The program will start at 9am and conclude by 2:30 pm. RSVP by January 24 by calling 903-654-3075.
Row Crop/Commodity Marketing Workshop
Thursday, February 12 at the Navarro College Lonestar Room. Cost is $10 per person to cover the expense of the meal. Speakers for the day include Dr. John Robinson, Extension Ag Economist for Cotton Marketing, Dr. Mark Welch, Extension Ag Economist for Grain Marketing and Nicole Gueck Extension Program Specialist for Risk Management will team up to talk about the market outlook for cotton and grains, marketing options and alternatives, Risk management, Farm Assist Program and calculating break-even costs for your operation. The most useful portion of this program will be in the afternoon when our speakers will work one-on-one with producers to develop break-even costs and discuss marketing options for 2009. RSVP by February 9 by calling 903-654-3075.
2009 Beef Clinic
February 26 at the Navarro County Exposition Center. Cost is $3 to cover a steak dinner that you will not want to miss. The Agenda will include an update from Texas Beef Council, A Bull Breeding Soundness Exam Discussion and Demonstration, Emerging Reproductive Diseases in Cow-Calf Herds, an update on Country of Origin Labeling, door prizes and more. Don’t forget about the always exciting trade show featuring local and state agribusinesses and agencies. This is going to be a program you will not want to miss. Reserve your seat (and your steak to for that matter) by calling 903-654-3075 by February 24th.
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