Farm Progress
TEST EARLY: A dry fall and mild winter didn’t allow for pasture surface waters to be replenished with fresh water, so it is recommended that ranchers test the quality of water for their livestock before turning them loose in the pasture. Lack of precipitation heightens the need to test quality of water in ponds, dugouts and dams before livestock graze land.
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
If drought conditions linger, water’s value as a resource will be even further reinforced. The quantity of water is not only critical, but also its quality, especially for livestock, says cow-calf specialist Robin Salverson.
North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist
SubmittedâPhoto
This Greek-inspired recipe can be made in a pressure cooker or in an oven. (Photo courtesy of the North Dakota Beef Commission)
“Dinner’s ready!” my mom called out every night.
“No piano playing right now,” she added.
I grew up in a musical family. Inevitably, someone would stop on the way from the living room to the kitchen to play a tune on the piano.
I was as guilty as anyone about plopping down at the keyboard before dinner.
I have no idea why we did that. We certainly succeeded in irritating Mom, if that was our goal at the time.
BISMARCK – The North Dakota Beef Commission is looking for the state’s best beef burger.
Gov. Doug Burgum has proclaimed May 2021 as “Beef Month” in North Dakota, and the beef commission is celebrating with a social media campaign search for the best beef burger. The winner will be announced on National Beef Burger Day, May 28.
Throughout the month of May, the beef commission will celebrate with a variety of activities. Select Cash Wise Foods stores are holding Beef Month promotions. The beef commission, in partnership with the North Dakota CattleWomen, is hosting a virtual 5K run, and consumers can also participate in the North Dakota State University Extension instant pot virtual class to learn new ways to prepare beef.
Livestock Nutrient Management Important on Small Farms
Mary Keena and Penny Nester
Whether small farms have cattle, horses, sheep or goats, having a plan for spring grazing and manure management is important, especially during dry years, according to a North Dakota State University Extension agent and specialist.
“Monitoring grazing readiness ensures that grazing starts at the proper time,” says Penny Nester, NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Kidder County. “Many times, we are tempted to turn animals out at the first sign of green in the pasture. Grazing too early can limit forage production for the rest of the grazing season and hurt plant health for years to come.”
Systems Management of Disease Includes Vaccination
Gerald Stokka, Janna Block, and Lisa Pederson
DEVILS LAKE - Managing infectious diseases in cattle herds involves all aspects of the beef cow-calf system.
The systems approach includes matching genetic selection to resources, meeting nutrition requirements, reducing environmental stress and the use of specific vaccine protocols.
That vaccine protocol is part management and part product/protocol selection, according to North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist Gerald Stokka.
Here is advice for good management:
Move cows to new calving grounds or move cows that have not calved to provide more space to decrease some of the risk associated with the buildup and spread of environmental pathogens to susceptible animals.