📄 USDA Grant Available

Ranching.com is your weekly dose of trending news, seasonal tips, and community content put together by our team of ranchers.

If you'd prefer to only receive updates from other CattleMax products (CattleMax, CattleTags.com, CattleScales.com), simply click here to unsubscribe from Ranching.com emails.

NEWS

📄 USDA Grant Available

📄 USDA Grant Available - The USDA is allocating $1.5 billion for conservation and climate-friendly projects through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Half of the funding will support collaborative initiatives with public entities and nonprofits, while the rest will back innovative approaches directly with producers. Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000 and aim to enhance conservation efforts while benefiting farmers economically. Applications are open until July 2.

💉 BCG for Bovine TB - A study by researchers from Penn State, Addis Ababa University, and the University of Cambridge shows that the BCG vaccine, commonly used for tuberculosis in humans, significantly reduces the infectiousness of vaccinated livestock, offering hope for controlling bovine tuberculosis. The vaccine reduced TB transmission by almost 90% among vaccinated cattle in Ethiopia, suggesting it could help eliminate the disease.

👍 Retaining Replacements - K-State Beef Cattle Institute experts discuss the suitability of retaining replacement females born to first-calf heifers. Dr. White emphasizes the importance of planning and selecting sires with adequate calving ease and maternal traits. Dr. Larson suggests AI sires with good maternal traits. Dr. Lancaster highlights the genetic advantage of keeping daughters of young females but advises evaluating cow family performance. Dr. Lubbers warns about potential calving difficulty related to replacement females' frame size and birth timing compared to the rest of the herd.

🌽 Return on Exports - The U.S. Meat Export Federation highlights the substantial impact of beef and pork exports on the corn and soybean industries. In 2023 alone, exports totaled $18.1 billion, significantly boosting the value of corn and soybeans nationally and in key producing states. Findings reveal that beef and pork exports accounted for millions of bushels of corn and soybean usage, with a substantial economic impact per bushel. These exports not only enhance market value but also underscore the importance of U.S. feed inputs in global markets, promoting sustainable practices and differentiation from competitors.

🌾 Irrigated Cropland to Integrated Grazing - Thunderstruck Farms in Kansas exemplifies the success of integrated grazing, as detailed in a study published in Applied Animal Science. By transitioning from irrigated cropland to a cattle grazing system, the farm significantly reduced water usage, conserved resources, and maintained profitability. This innovative approach not only benefits the environment but also supports sustainable agriculture in the Ogallala Aquifer region and beyond.

🐄 Should They Stay or Should They Go - Rancher Dirck Hoagland of J & N Ranch, Kansas, shares his expertise on maintaining cattle records and promoting longevity in the herd. Hoagland emphasizes the importance of accurate record-keeping for identifying and retaining top-performing cows, as well as his approach to nutrition, genetics, and husbandry practices aimed at enhancing cow health and productivity. Experts further advise on mineral supplementation, preventive health measures, and the role of genetics in sustaining herd longevity. Ultimately, the article offers practical strategies for ranchers to optimize their herd's lifespan and profitability.

🪱 Parasite Plans - Internal parasites pose a significant threat to beef cattle profitability, causing weight loss and illness. Experts estimate annual losses of over $3 million in the beef industry due to parasitic infections. Understanding parasite lifecycles is crucial for effective control. Veterinarians recommend strategic deworming methods like Refugia to combat resistance. Pasture management and selective deworming tactics help minimize parasite spread. Ranchers are urged to tailor deworming programs and use diverse dewormer classes for comprehensive control.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Business Management Program for US Ranchers and Farmers

Noble Research Institute is launching Noble Business Essentials, a program designed to equip farmers and ranchers with essential business management skills. Scheduled for June 13-14, 2024, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the course offers practical financial strategies to evaluate income potential and ensure the sustainability of operations. Developed in collaboration with Ranch Management Consultants, this initiative aims to transform ranching practices by integrating business principles. It joins Noble's regenerative education series, alongside Noble Land Essentials and Noble Grazing Essentials. Registration is available on Noble's website, www.noble.org.

Removing the Guesswork from Fly Control Best Practices

Pesky horn flies can harm cattle during grazing season, causing discomfort and potential profit losses. To combat this, Dr. Elizabeth Belew suggests four methods: feed-through minerals, insecticide ear tags, pour-ons, and dust bags. Purina's Wind and Rain Fly Control mineral is recommended for season-long protection.

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK

Let us know what you'd like to see more of in future Ranching.com newsletters and win one of three CattleMax RTIC cups!

CATTLE COMMUNITY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

GIVE FEEDBACK & WIN!