Farm Help

It’s true that some like it hot, but when it comes to permanent identification, freeze branding can be a practical and humane way to mark animals.

Adding a purebred bull to a cattle farmers' inventory is undoubtedly a way to enhance production. But there are numerous factors to consider when mulling over the idea of purchasing a bull. Dona Funk, a University of Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist, said that the most important consideration in a bull purchase is knowing what the needs are for your herd. She recommends determining the goals of the herd. "Are you trying to improve something like milking ability or growth rate?" she asked. Aim for purchasing a well rounded bull — but one that will enhance areas of weakness within your farming operation. She also recommends looking through online or print catalogs, and doing your research before ever arriving at a sale.

When it comes to calving ease, your chances are better if your cow's pelvis is the right size. "The data nationally would indicate still that anywhere from a low of 18 percent to a high of 28 percent of first-calf heifers have to be assisted at calving," David Patterson, professor of animal science and beef reproduction specialist for the University of Missouri Extension said. "And a high percentage of those assisted births are because either the calf is too big or the pelvic area is too small, or it's a combination of the two."

With the breeding season approaching, University of Arkansas professor of breeding and genetics Brett Barham offered Ozarks Farm & Neighbor readers a primer on those valuable Expected Progeny Differences. Breed associations are providing a steadily increasing mountain of data on sire EPD's, and although the newer ones are of interest to many producers, there are a few standbys that most ranchers in this region rely upon. The most important one for producers who sell weaned calves, Barham said, is the weaning weight. Also high on the list, especially for bulls that are going to be turned out on first-calf heifers, are birth weight and calving ease.

Tim Kelley, Executive Director for USDA's Farm Service Agency in Missouri announced Feb. 12, 2009 that due to low milk prices FSA will be making payments in April to producers through the FSA's Milk Income Loss Contract, or MILC, program. The 2008 Farm Bill made changes to the MILC program, most notably the addition of a dairy feed ration cost adjustment in addition to changes to the payment rate and modifications to the per-operation poundage limit, depending on when the milk is produced.

Calving season has begun for a lot of farmers. This time of year brings many variables to try and control for as many live births possible. Most calving difficulties are caused by high birth weights, so unfortunately, it's too late to remedy that potential problem. Less than 5 percent of unsuccessful calvings are due to the calf being in the wrong position. So this news comes in time to evaluate your birth weights this year, and plan for next. Dona Funk, Livestock Specialist with the University of Missouri, said, “Preparing for the calving season begins before buying a bull.”

In the current economic situation — when saving money is a must — it is tempting for cattle producers to forgo providing supplements to help boost their bottom line. But before producers pull the plug on supplements, they should take a look at their current procedures to make sure they are getting the best bang for their buck.
Because protein and energy supplements can be costly, Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, said producers should first consider their current feed supply to determine if a supplement is even necessary.

When it comes to calving ease, your chances are better if your cow's pelvis is the right size. "The data nationally would indicate still that anywhere from a low of 18 percent to a high of 28 percent of first-calf heifers have to be assisted at calving," David Patterson, professor of animal science and beef reproduction specialist for University of Missouri Extension said. "And a high percentage of those assisted births are because either the calf is too big or the pelvic area is too small, or it's a combination of the two."

Adding a purebred bull to a cattle farmers' inventory is undoubtedly a way to enhance production. But there are numerous factors to consider when mulling over the idea of purchasing a bull. Dona Funk, a University of Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist, said that the most important consideration in a bull purchase is knowing what the needs are for your herd. She recommends determining the goals of the herd. "Are you trying to improve something like milking ability or growth rate?" she asked. Aim for purchasing a well rounded bull — but one that will enhance areas of weakness within your farming operation. She also recommends looking through online or print catalogs — and do your research before ever arriving at a sale.

It’s true that some like it hot, but when it comes to permanent identification, freeze branding can be a practical and humane way to mark animals.