Farm Help

"Calving difficulty (dystocia) is a very important economic problem in the U.S. beef cattle industry,” said Dr. Jeremy Powell, associate professor for the University of Arkansas’ Department of Animal Science. “Several factors can play a role in causing calving difficulty including heavy birth weights, abnormal fetal position, limited pelvic area and the female’s age (first-calf heifers have increased risk of difficulty). However, it would be difficult to identify if challenges may occur before labor actually begins.”

When it comes to Missouri soils, Dr. Will McClain said, “We’re stuck with the soil texture we’ve been given.” The texture of a soil is determined by its mineral matter. Texture is based on the amounts of sand, silt and clay in the soil. An Agronomy Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, he believes Missouri has some of the most variable soils around.

It's the time of year when many ranchers are preparing their ATVs, side-by-sides and other off-road vehicles for the winter. Your owner's manual includes a complete maintenance schedule, but some owners don't follow it closely, and there are other tips that can help keep your riding experience pleasurable and safe for a long time to come.

As your cow gets ready to calve, make sure she’s able to pass her own good health on to her offspring.

There surely isn’t much interest in retained ownership among Ozarks cattle producers – not with calves bringing as much as $300/cwt, and yearlings over $200. But even so, it’s long been a way of doing business for some growers.

The problem with trace mineral blocks is not what’s in them; it’s getting what’s in them into the cow.