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Not too soon to think about calving season Calving season will be here before we know it. Providing sound management during that time can mean more live calves, which translates to more profit for you. It is important to have a short calving period to allow frequent observation...

After a few weeks of above-average temperatures, Kentuckians will feel the chill with an early-January cold snap. University of Kentucky agricultural meteorologist Matt Dixon explained that the combination of cold air and winds create dangerous and emergency-category periods of...

Spring Calving Herd Divide the herd into groups for winter feeding • weaned heifer calves • first-calf heifers, second-calvers and thin mature cows • the remainder of the dry cows which are in good body condition • herd sires Be sure that weaned heifer calves are on a feeding...

There was a time when almost everyone had animals – lots of animals! Folks grew up living with and understanding animals. They had to understand them. They rode horses, plowed with draft animals, hunted with dogs, milked a cow or two and generally co-existed with farm animals....

The impacts of the fall drought conditions can be seen in some of our cow herds across the state.  Cows are lower in body condition as a result of the grass shortage.  Fall vegetative fescue grass will often be in the low 60’s on TDN and mid-teens for crude protein, much higher...

Spring-calving cow herd · Dry cows in good condition can utilize crop residues and lower quality hay now (but don’t let them lose any more body condition).  Save higher quality feed until calving time.  Keep a good mineral supplement with vitamin A available. · This has been a...

Once autumn leaves have fallen, mistletoe becomes highly visible on large trees throughout Kentucky. Phoradendron, the scientific name for Kentucky’s most common variety of this parasitic plant, means tree thief. These small leafy plants are commonly found on twigs and branches...

It is that time of year when talk turns to turkeys. Technically, there is only one breed of turkey with several varieties, although many people incorrectly refer to these varieties as breeds. Turkeys are raised only for meat. They are not raised for egg production, as with...

Beetles, bugs and flies are some of the creatures actively seeking protected overwintering sites as days get shorter and cooler. Many produce stains or unpleasant odors if crushed. Scavengers, such as carpet beetles, can be attracted to accumulations of insects that die in attics...

Spring-Calving Herds • If you have already done a pre-weaning working, revaccinate (booster) calves as needed. Treat calves for internal and external parasites. If you vaccinate calves yourself, be sure to store, handle and administer vaccines properly. • Schedule a pregnancy...