JUNE 2009 BEEF TIPS
Breaks in the weather have allowed a good bit of ryegrass to be cut and baled. Rains have been occurring on a regular basis, summer grasses are growing good, and early cuttings should be ready. Fertilizer prices for nitrogen have been cheaper than last year’s, though phosphorus and potash prices are still high. Soil testing will let producers determine how much P&K needs to be applied to get the production desired. Phosphorus and potassium are needed for plant roots and plant health. If improved Bermudas are planted, the potassium level in the soil must be maintained for the forage to be vigorous and to persist. This is starting off as a good hay year, so maybe everyone can get barns filled up early.
The Winn Parish Cattlemen’s Association will hold a field day at Mike and Perry Joe Smith’s farm in Natchitoches Parish on June 13, 2009. The farm is located south of Highway 84, east of Clarence. The program is:
8:15 – 8:45 Registration
8:45 – 9:00 Welcome
9:00 – 9:30 Working & Handling Beef Cattle
9:30 – 10:00 Temperament of Beef Heifers
10:00 – 10:30 Liming & Fertilizing Pastures
10:30 – 11:00 Pasture Management
11:00 – 11:30 NRCS Cost Share Programs
11:30 – 12:00 4-H Beef Cattle Projects
(FARM TOUR AFTER LUNCH)
To register, please contact Donnie Moon at 318-628-4528 so that he can have enough food prepared.
FIELD DAY – Red River Research Station
The Red River Research Station will host a field day on June 18 at the station on Hwy. 71 south of Bossier City. The activities will begin at 9:00 and cover a variety of topics. Dr. Ed Twidwell will have pasture and fencerow herbicide plots and compare different treatments. Non-2,4-D compounds will be used to show what can be used in cotton-producing areas. Also, different treatments of locust thorns will be discussed and compared.
Dr. Christine Navarra will discuss the new regulations regarding testing bulls for trichomoniasis and the implications this disease has on cattle reproduction.
A discussion on synchronization and artificial insemination in cattle will be conducted. Thirty cattle at the station were synchronized & artificial inseminated this year. Dr. Buddy Pittman will be providing information on Dallis grass, fescue and improved Bermuda grasses. There will also be information on row crop varieties, cotton insect control and soybean and southern pea breeding.
FALL PLANNING
As we go into summer, we need to begin thinking and planning for the fall. On the national level, meetings are being held by USDA on the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). These hearings were held in six states and are being expanded to a few more states. There is a strong possibility that producers will have to identify all animals for the NAIS, though it has all been voluntary till now. We need to consider this as we plan for fall. Age and source verification for calves can help these sell better as well as fit into voluntary NAIS.
Prepare for feeding this winter by beginning to price feeds, fertilizer and winter forage seeds. Decide on a plan for winter feeding to keep cattle in good condition through the winter. Run some cost analysis to see if it will pay to precondition calves or background them through the winter rather than selling them off the cow. I hope it keeps raining and your grass keeps growing.