Fall 2021
MONTANA A Publication of the Yellowstone Newspaper Group
Seedstock Beef 2021 • Third Edition
Uninvited Fall Guests: Pg. 6 Feeding During Drought: Pg. 10
2 • Seedstock Beef Guide • Published October 28, 2021
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Published October 28, 2021 • Seedstock Beef Guide • 3
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4 • Seedstock Beef Guide • Published October 28, 2021
Miles Community College offering Ag & Equine Programs Founded in 1939, Miles Community College (MCC) was established as the first community college in the state of Montana. Nestled in the heart of Miles City, the two-year college offers a bustling campus with on-site housing, a full athletic program, and a stateof-the-art Ag Advancement Center.
The agricultural programs at MCC have long been a spotlight for students from both Eastern Montana and neighboring states. The college regularly receives students from across Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and Canada, looking to continue their education in a variety of subjects. Many of these students have experience working on family farms or local ranches, participating in 4-H and FFA, raising livestock, or competing in rodeo events. “MCC has such a great variety of ag programs,” commented Kim Gibbs, MCC Ag Instructor. “Those degrees prepare students for the workforce or for further education in agriculture. Some students come to learn skills and knowledge to take back to the family farm or business, and it helps them stay current with industry standards.” The MCC program list includes two-year associate degrees in agriculture, aimed to transfer seamlessly to any four-year institution, with courses coinciding with those at college and universities within the Montana University System. At MCC, students can earn an Associate of Arts in General Studies or with an Equine Management Emphasis. Associate of Science degrees are available with emphases in Agribusiness, Natural Resource & Rangeland Management, or Animal Science, which is available in both Livestock Management and Pre-Veterinary studies. MCC programs such as Ag Education & Leadership and Agriculture & Natural Resources are specifically designed to ease transfer into those four-year institutions to
complete a Bachelor’s Degree in the same program. Students can complete their first two years at MCC, receiving an Associate’s Degree, before moving on to complete their bachelor’s at schools like Montana State University, without losing credits. Within the list of other ag-related programs available at MCC are short-term technical training and skilled degrees, designed for students to dive directly into the workforce. Agriculture Production and Equine Studies can be completed within two years and students are able to develop skills necessary to be hired directly out of college. Year-long career technical programs are also available and include Ag & Equine Studies and the newly added Meat Processing. Commercial driver’s license programs at MCC have always been popular and even more so with the recent shortage of workforce in the trucking and transportation industries. MCC students have the option to complete a single-semester long program for their CDL training, which meet all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements. New this year is the option to earn a year-long certificate in Basic Transportation Entrepreneurship, which covers both CDL training and relevant general and business course work. This new program is designed to develop the necessary skills for persons seeking employment in both entry-level positions and those seeking self-employment in the commercial freight industry. MCC is continuously evolving and updating both programs and curriculum to meet the needs of workforce shortages and industry standards. For more information about MCC programs, visit www.milescc.edu or call 406-874-6155.
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Published October 28, 2021 • Seedstock Beef Guide • 5
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRACE MINERALS By Megan Van Emon, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist As Montana continues to receive precipitation. Although many of the pastures are green and lush, this is not the time to forget about trace minerals and their importance to beef production.
Selenium
In Central and Eastern Montana, selenium concentrations in forages and grains are likely adequate to meet the requirements of the cow and calf. However, in some areas of Western Montana, forages and grains may not have adequate selenium to meet requirements. Selenium is required for decreasing oxidative stress and the production of thyroid hormones through the required enzymes. Oxidative stress can occur during weaning and if selenium requirements are not met, tissue damage can occur.
Copper
Most forages in Montana do not meet the copper requirements of cattle and needs to be supplemented. Copper is required for a number of enzymes that impact reproduction, bone development, hair growth, and iron transport. One of the tell-tale signs of copper deficiency is depigmentation of the hair coat, such as graying of black hair, and is especially seen around the eyes. When determining copper concentrations in supplement, antagonists need also be considered. Molybdenum and sulfur are both copper antagonists and can form thiomolybdates within the rumen, which renders copper insoluble. Forages in Montana are relatively high in molybdenum and water can contain high concentrations of sulfate.
Zinc
In Montana, most forages are not adequate in zinc to meet requirements. Zinc is required for numerous processes, such as gene expression, fat absorption, antioxidant defense, and the control of appetite. Zinc is critical for DNA synthesis and plays a major role in fetal development. Zinc is also integral in the development of the immune system and its functioning. Adequate zinc concentrations will help maintain a healthy immune system during stressful situations, such as weaning, gestation, and calving.
Manganese
Manganese is required for reproduction enzymatic activity to reduce oxidative stress and for energy metabolism. Manganese requirements vary based on production, either growth or reproduction. Cows have a much higher requirement for reproduction than growing and finishing cattle. Heifers have a large demand for manganese due to the combination of growth and pregnancy. Therefore, production goals must be considered when supplementing manganese.
Iodine
Iodine has one major function as a part of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are essential for immune function, thermoregulation, muscle function, and circulation. Each of these functions is important for growth and reproduction.
Cobalt
The main function of cobalt is the synthesis of B vitamins, which are formed in the rumen. Cobalt is also involved in energy metabolism. Regeneration of methionine, an essential amino acid, is also one of the main functions of cobalt.
Iron
Iron is a main structural component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs. Iron requirements are most likely met by the forages and grains fed to cattle and do not need to be supplemented. Providing trace minerals can be done in a number of ways, like free-choice loose mineral, injectable minerals, trace mineral-fortified salt blocks, and trace mineral fortified feed supplements. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of these trace mineral supplementation strategies. No matter how trace minerals are supplemented, ensure concentrations provided are adequate for cattle. Having forages analyzed for trace mineral concentrations can help when determining which trace minerals are needed in a supplementation program. Analyzing forages for trace minerals can provide information to limit possible issues with trace mineral deficiencies.
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406.874.6100 2715 Dickinson Miles City, MT 59301
P.O. Box 2447, Great Falls, Mt 59403 • 406-452-6406
6 • Seedstock Beef Guide • Published October 28, 2021
Uninvited Fall Guests By Laurie Kerzicnik Laurie Kerzicnik is an MSU Extension Associate Specialist and Insect Diagnostician.
Tuxedo Bugs (C)
Insects and other arthropods intersect our lives daily. When they make their way into homes in fall, they are most often uninvited. Fall home invasions are nothing out of the ordinary for insects; they are just seeking shelter and protection from winter. Wall voids and interior walls provide optimal temperatures for residing. Knowledge of these insects and their behavior can help to reduce fear and unnecessary pesticide use within the home.
False Chinch Bugs (D)
Reprinted with permission. Published by MSU Extension in Lives & Landscapes Magazine, Fall 2020.
Some of the common invaders include seed bugs (western conifer seed bugs, boxelder bugs, and tuxedo bugs), false chinch bugs, root weevils (crusted root weevils, strawberry root weevils, and black vine weevils), cluster flies, spiders, and millipedes. Insects are frequently added to the list each year with new establishments and changes in behavior and climate. Any small opening around the house can provide access for an insect, including holes in screens, underneath doors, and small cracks in the foundation. Many insects bask in the sun on south- and west-facing walls of buildings in late summer and early fall. Our common fall home invaders are mostly harmless to humans and pets and do not transmit diseases. Spiders can bite but typically only bite if threatened or if trapped in clothing, shoes, etc. After these home invaders enter the house, most eventually enter a semi-dormant state. Some might emerge on warm, winter days, but most do not survive the winter inside the home. Some spiders can potentially stay longer. Their presence in the house does not necessarily indicate that they are harming nearby plants in the yard.
Western Conifer Seed Bugs (A) Western conifer seed bugs feed on the seeds of pine and Douglas-fir trees. They are often mistaken for the kissing bug species (assassin bugs) that can vector Chagas disease, which we don’t have in Montana.
Boxelder Bugs (B) Boxelder bugs occur every fall. Sometimes it is baffling why they are around without boxelder trees in the yard, but they also feed on the seeds of maples, ash, and several fruit trees. They can stain lighter fabrics if smashed.
Tuxedo bugs are one of our newest guests, and hundreds of these insects can be present at a time. They feed on plants in the mint and figwort families (like white mullein) and seem to prefer buildings adjacent to weedy areas or abandoned lots. False chinch bugs enter buildings in search of moisture and humidity. When not aggregating on buildings, they are sap-feeding insects and feed on weeds such as flixweed, plants in the mustard family, turf, kochia, and pigweed. Aggregations can be in the hundreds.
Root Weevils (E–H) We have several different species of root weevils, ranging in size from one-sixteenth to one-quarter inch. As their name implies, the immature weevils feed on the roots of several ornamental plants. Fortunately, the damage is minimal. As adults, they chew small notches on the outside edges of leaves.
Cluster Flies (I) Cluster flies look like a larger house fly. There can be hundreds of flies congregating on the sunny sides of buildings in late fall and entering through attics and higher areas. Unlike most flies, they do not breed in decaying organic matter. Rather, they are parasites of earthworms.
Spiders During late summer and early fall, it is normal for spiders to enter buildings and homes. This includes hobo spiders which are prevalent in Montana basements, lower levels of buildings, and window wells from August through November. Common misunderstandings about the hobo spider have caused unnecessary concern. There is no conclusive evidence that the hobo spider is harmful to humans.
Garden Millipedes Millipedes feed on decaying plant material. They can mass migrate into buildings following wet weather events in the fall but will only survive for a day or two inside the home without moisture.
Preventing Home Invaders It is best to make the house inhospitable on the outside before fall, especially south- and west-facing areas. The following tips can help to keep insects from entering the house: • Install door sweeps at the base of exterior doors. • Seal all cracks in the siding. • One point of entry is the meeting of the foundation and siding of a building. Caulk or fill this juncture. • Seal utility openings where pipes and wires enter the foundation or siding. • Avoid storing firewood next to and inside the house. Many home invaders like to rest in firewood piles. • As a last resort, chemical treatments can be used in the form of barrier sprays in late summer/early fall to kill insects on the outside of the building. • The base of doors and windows should be treated.
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• Apply materials to a two- to six-foot-wide band along the soil around the foundation and two to three feet up the foundation walls. • Pyrethroid insecticides (active ingredients permethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, esfenvalerate or cyfluthrin) are preferred because they are effective at low temperatures. Always read and follow the product label to ensure you are using the correct pesticide product safely and effectively. After they have already entered the home, use the vacuum to remove unwanted insects. Limit the use of insecticides inside the home. Very few are labeled for this use, and effective contact with the insect is challenging.
Published October 28, 2021 • Seedstock Beef Guide • 7
10 Things To Know Tips for cattle vaccination programs By Rachel Endecott, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist
As fall work starts to wind down, thoughts might turn to preparing for the next year of production and all the supplies that come with it. Vaccines are an important part of a herd health program, and this piece will cover some background and considerations about vaccines and beef cattle production. This overview is not meant to recommend vaccination programs, but will provide definitions of terminology and suggestions for effective vaccination. Just what is a vaccine, anyway? One technical definition is a “suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms or the antigenic proteins derived from them.” Let’s take that piece-by-piece: in this case, the suspension is a liquid that contains particles (microorganisms or proteins from them) that are mixed with the liquid but are not dissolved in it. Attenuated means altered, usually in a way that makes something less severe—modified-live vaccines contain attenuated microorganisms. Killed vaccines contain killed microorganisms. Antigenic means that a substance causes an immune response—vaccines with this formulation contain a protein from the microorganism that is source of the immune response. Successful vaccination depends on three critical factors: an effective vaccine, a functioning immune system, and administration of the vaccine before exposure to the disease. A vaccine may be ineffective if it is mishandled, if a booster is required but not given, or because of antigenic differences between the vaccine and field strains of the microorganism to which an animal is exposed. An animal’s immune system may be unresponsive to vaccination because
Some tips for effective vaccination include: 1. Read and follow label directions. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian or call the vaccine company directly before using the product. 2. Follow proper Beef Quality Assurance guidelines. 3. Sterilize equipment between uses. Modified-live vaccines are sensitive to disinfectants, so do not use chemical disinfectants in syringes or needles for MLV use.
of age—a young calf ’s immune system might not be fully functional at the time of vaccination, or antibodies from maternal colostrum still present in the calf inactivated the vaccine. Inadequate nutrition may also cause an animal’s immune system to be unresponsive to vaccination. Two other reasons for vaccine failure include that the animal was incubating the disease when vaccinated and that the duration of immunity after vaccination was inadequate.
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4. Refrigerate and store vaccines as directed on the label. Be sure appropriate temperatures for the vaccine are maintained when they are away from the refrigerator. 5. Keep vaccines out of sunlight, even when in the syringe. 6. Mark syringes to avoid mixing or incorrect dosage. 7. Mix only enough vaccine to be used in one hour or less. 8. Choose correct needles for the job, and replace often. 9. Keep records of vaccinations used. 10. Good sanitation, management and nutritional practices are necessary to achieve the best results from vaccination programs.
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8 • Seedstock Beef Guide • Published October 28, 2021
LandTrust provides new opportunities for landowner income The Montana Farm Bureau Federation is now offering LandTrust as one of their member benefits. LandTrust partners with farmers, ranchers, and other landowners to simply and safely generate income from their land’s recreational value as well as provides a benefit to members who would like to recreate on a private farm or ranch that is enrolled in LandTrust.
ers, not price makers, and commodity prices are bad right now. Farmers and ranchers need to realize that they are not in the grain or cattle business but in the land business. Commodities are their first income source, but the land can provide other income. The land is an asset sitting underneath your feet and adding in recreation income from it is symbiotic with your core business.”
Montana Farm Bureau members who sign up and list their properties on LandTrust.com receive a 90% revenue share— significantly more than the 85% revenue share standard landowners receive. Members also receive a waived first sportsman booking fee when booking their first experiences on the LandTrust platform.
Although some farmers and ranchers might consider hosting hunters, the sky's the limit. De Castro explained that the landowner calls the shots; they can determine who they want to let on their land, what they want to charge, when that person shows up and how that land can be used. They can host hikers, fishermen, birders, horseback riders, horn hunters, mountain bikers, photographers— whatever they want to offer.
LandTrust founder and CEO Nic De Castro said, “We are passionate about bringing a new, profitable income stream to producers. Farmers and ranchers are price tak-
If someone is "techy" and wants to build their own list-
ing, they can. If someone needs LandTrust to set up their listing, take photos and advise on pricing, the LandTrust team can do so. Similar to the VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) model, guests select dates and sign in, need to accept the Terms of Service; guest verification uses a selfie or driver's license and pay with a credit card. LandTrust carries a comprehensive insurance policy to protect the landowner from any claims, as well as a property protection program that will pay damages. After the guest has enjoyed the land, both guest and host rate each other. To get the LandTrust benefit, go to mfbf.org/benefits and click on the link to get the benefit. Be sure to check out other Montana Farm Bureau member benefits while you’re on the site.
Montana Farm Bureau ACE Program accepting applications for 2022 The Montana Farm Bureau is now accepting applications for its 2022 ACE (Advocate. Communicate. Educate.) program. The ACE program empowers Farm Bureau members to advocate on key industry issues and be confident, influential leaders in their county Farm Bureau and local communities. The focus of the program includes three primary objectives: developing leaders, engaging local communities, and issues advocacy.
Participants learn to refine and establish premier leadership and advocacy skills necessary to communicate industry issues effectively, engage in and address the needs of their rural communities, and fulfill new leadership responsibilities within their county and state Farm Bureau. They will practice public speaking and learn to address the media and nonagricultural audiences. In addition to honing their communication skills, participants will learn effective collaboration and coalition-building by engaging in and across local communities and their county Farm Bureaus. ACE helps participants realize their value and talent as leaders and
identify areas to serve in their communities and county Farm Bureaus.
Learning about key industry issues is the third leg of training for participants. With practiced, ever-evolving leadership skills, participants will be prepared to advocate on crucial industry issues. The class of 2021 included Rachel Frost - Livingston; Tammy Copenhaver - Rudyard; Dana Jansen - Broadview; Shay Richter - Fort Benton; Jodie Drange - Laurel; Scott Stoner - Helena; Candace Weeda Strobbe - Cascade, and Sarah Boyer - Bridger. The class will present their ACE projects during the MFBF 102nd Annual Convention Nov. 8-11 in Billings. For additional information on ACE and an application that is due by December 1, visit https://mfbf.org/programs/Montana-Farm-Bureau-ACE-Program. Questions: Contact Liv Holt at livh@mfbf.org, 406-581-3996 or Sue Ann Streufert at sueanns@mfbf.org, 406-587-3153.
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Nowhere will you find this quality with these numbers. A tremendous set of bred heifers with the best genetics Montana has to offer! AI bred to Connealy King Air, Sitz Commerce and Vermilion Bomber G017 and followed up with Bomber sons! They will calve mostly in February and March 2022. All ultrasound pregnancy tested. AI calves will be sexed. All the heifers will be sorted into short calving periods.
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Published October 28, 2021 • Seedstock Beef Guide • 9
MFBF Annual Convention November 8-11 Join Us For Our Largest Annual Gathering Where Members And Guests Join Together For Important Networking, Fun Socials, Memorable Workshops And Keynote Speakers, And The Delegate Session Where We Showcase Our Grassroots Policy Development Process. This Event Welcomes Our Members, Guests And Industry Leaders And Partners To Come Learn More About Our Organization And The Agriculture Industry.
Agenda
Monday, November 8 • 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: ACE Seminar & Graduation Luncheon
• Calving 101 with Calving Simulator - Katie Rein Loose, DVM, Crazy Mountain Vet Services
• 5:30 p.m.: Social Hour
• Building Your Volunteer Bench - Liz Moore, MT Non-Profit Association
• 8 p.m.: After Party with Live Music by Bucky Beaver & the Ground Grippers at the Pub Station
• Farm to Table Talk - Building on Consumer Trust - Kari Barbic, American Farm Bureau • 11:45 a.m.: Audit Report • Noon: Open Resolutions Session • 12:30-1:45 p.m.: Lunch - Keynote: Old MacDonald Lost the Farm - Frank King • 2-3 p.m.: Workshops
• 1-3 p.m.: Women’s Leadership Committee Meeting
Grazing Management Decisions After Severe Drought Dr. Jeff Mosley, MSU
• 3-7 p.m.: Registration Open, DoubleTree
Tools to Build Your Farm Bureau Brand - Laura Nelson, Legacies author
• 3-5 p.m.: MFBF Board of Directors Meeting • 3-5 p.m.: Promotion & Education Committee Meeting
Embracing the Emotion of Legacy Planning - Farm Bureau Financial & Vicevich Law
• 6:30 p.m.: MFBF’s Celebrating Resilience Banquet
Thursday, November 11 • 8 a.m.: Resolutions Session
Lodging Information
Attendees are responsible for making their own room reservations. Call the DoubleTree Hotel at (406) 252-7400 or for overflow, contact the Northern Hotel at (406) 8676767. Request the MFBF room block for special conference rates. Book your room by October 25!
• 3:30-5 p.m.: Commodity Advisory Committee Meetings
• 2 p.m.: YF&R Discussion Meet - Round 1
Thanks to these participating Polaris dealers for supporting our Young Farmers and Ranchers:
• 3 p.m.: Ice Cream Social
• 5 p.m.: Convention Kick-off Social & Entertainment, DoubleTree
• 3:30-5 p.m.: District Caucuses
• Beaverhead Motorsports - Dillon
Tuesday, November 9
• 6 p.m.: Social Hour
• 6:45 a.m.: Century Club Members Only Breakfast - Keynote: Districting for Montana • 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.: Registration & Trade Show Open, DoubleTree • 8 a.m.: Pre-Session Vespers • 8:30 a.m.: Opening General Session - Keynote: Pushing to Keep Our Way of Life - Jay Hill
• 5:30 p.m.: YF&R Discussion Meet Final Four • 7 p.m.: Young Farmer & Rancher Social & Dinner
Wednesday, November 10 • 6:45 a.m.: County Awards Breakfast • 8 a.m.: General Session
• Gallatin Recreation - Bozeman • Helena Cycle Center - Helena • Jesco Marine and Power Sports Kalispell • Kurt’s Polaris - Seeley Lake • Lewistown Honda & Polaris, Lewistown • Montana Power Products - Ronan • Redline Sports, Inc - Butte
• 10 a.m.: Coffee Break
• 10 a.m.: Coffee Break
• 10:30 a.m.: Resolutions Session
• 10:15-12:15 a.m.: Young Farmer & Rancher Committee Meeting
• 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lunch - Keynote: What’s Driving Agriculture in the Year Ahead? - Mike Pearson
• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Workshops
• Bliss Cycle - Conrad
• Riverside Marine & Cycle - Miles City • Russell Motorsport - Missoula • Sports City Cyclery - Great Falls • Yellowstone Polaris - Billings
• 1-5 p.m.: Resolutions Session continues
Discussion Meet provides learning and networking, plus win a Polaris The Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee encourages members ages 18-35 to compete in the Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet, which takes place November 9 during the MFBF Convention in Billings. The winner of the Discussion Meet will receive the keys to a Polaris Ranger 500 and an all-expense-paid trip to participate in the National Discussion Meet January 2022 in Atlanta, GA.
The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each competitor. It is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic and is an excellent way for young people to learn more about agricultural issues. Last November, Karli Johnson, a young rancher from Choteau, was the excited winner of a Polaris Ranger donated by selected Polaris dealers in Montana. Due to the pandemic, the revised event still allowed competitors to participate.
Hotels in Billings. Be sure to follow Montana Farm Bureau on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to stop by their dealerships to check out their inventory and say thank you for supporting the Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers.
Discussion Meet Questions 1. How can Farm Bureau improve its effectiveness at recruiting YF&R members and increasing participation in YF&R programs? 2. COVID revealed several cracks involving the processing of livestock. How can Farm Bureau policy support easing government regulations to ensure long-term economic viability for local animal processing facilities, while ensuring the health of workers and that a healthy product is still delivered to consumers?
Johnson added that aside from the opportunity to win a Polaris Ranger, the Discussion Meet plays a valuable role for young farmers and ranchers. “Having quality conversations around opportunities for growth in the agricultural industry is fascinating and gratifying regardless of whether you win or not. The years I participated but didn’t win were still gratifying. Life can be isolating for young people in agriculture; this competition brings them together to talk about big ideas.”
3. Studies show more farmers and farm families are experiencing stress and mental health issues. What can farmers, ranchers and Farm Bureau do to proactively promote good mental health in both themselves and their communities?
For more information on the Discussion Meet, visit www.mfbf.org/Programs/YoungFarmers-Ranchers. For questions and information about the Young Farmers & Ranchers program, contact Sue Ann Streufert, sueanns@mfbf.org. The 102nd Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention will be held November 8-11 at the DoubleTree and Northern
5. As the world population increases, so will the need for renewable resources. On a local level and across the globe, how can Farm Bureau help farmers and ranchers continue to increase their efficiency in the use of valuable resources and transition to “Green Energy” practices on their farm or ranch?
4. Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries. What can we, as young farmers and ranchers, do to create a more preventative, rather than a reactive, approach to farm safety in our communities?
10 • Seedstock Beef Guide • Published October 28, 2021
Feeding During Drought
Megan Van Emon, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist This is a difficult year for all livestock producers, drought, grasshoppers, fire, etc. With these challenges comes the difficulty of feeding livestock not only throughout the summer/ fall, but then into winter and the following spring. Feed costs already account for about 70% of annual input costs for livestock producers, and this year will be more due to reduction in feed availability leading to increased cost. There are options available for livestock producers, but these options are limited to location and availability. This year many producers are relying on grazing of cereal grains for additional feed and considering alternative feeds for fall and winter. The main concerns with feeding these alternatives are amount that can be fed and the potential for nitrates. Nitrates accumulate in stressed plants, such as in drought, and can cause nitrate toxicity in cattle. Nitrates typically accumulate in the bottom 1/3 of the stem portion, which is a less palatable portion of the plant compared to the heads and leaves. However, when grazing cereal grains or feeding cereal grain hay, a nitrate test should be completed to determine how risky it will be to feed to cattle. Most local Extension Agents have the ability to test for nitrates using the Nitrate Strip Test, which is a quantitative measurement, meaning that an approximate concentration of nitrates in the sample can be provided. Nitrate concentrations will decrease as the plant matures, but once nitrate accumulating plants are cut, nitrates will not dissipate unless they are ensiled. If you are going to graze cereal grains that may contain nitrates, there are a few things to consider. • Turn out cattle later in the day when they are full and not hungry. • If there are high nitrate concentrations, less stocking density should be used so that the field can be grazed lightly and cattle will have the ability to select for the tops and leaves of the plants. • If feeding high nitrate forages, make sure to test the water for nitrate levels as well. Water and forage nitrates are additive, meaning nitrate toxicity could occur even if water nitrate levels are relatively low. • If higher nitrate feeds are fed, provide an additional energy source to the cattle to help with the conversion of nitrate to ammonia. Do NOT feed NPN (non-protein nitrogen) during times of high nitrates. Make sure the protein portion of the feed is all-natural protein.
• Monitor cattle closely when feeding nitrate containing feeds. If any adverse effects are observed, remove the cattle immediately from the field and provide non-nitrate containing feeds. • If at all possible, when feeding high nitrate feeds, feed cattle with less risk, such as steers or non-pregnant heifers. High levels of nitrates can cause abortion. Drought stricken pastures are of low-quality, meaning they have low protein, minerals and energy and high fiber. Feeding a good-quality mineral during drought can help mitigate potential issues at a later date. Minerals are essential to maintaining cattle health and production. Montana pastures on an average have limited concentrations of copper, zinc, and manganese and require mineral supplements. During drought the concentrations of these three trace minerals may be extremely low, which may lead to mineral deficiency if not provided. Minerals are an expensive portion of feed inputs each year and should not be sacrificed to save on these input costs. Other alternative feeds that may be available are wheat midds, corn, barley, and wheat. All of these feeds are good sources of protein and energy, but care must be taken when feeding. Corn, barley, and wheat are highly digestible in the rumen and could potentially lead to acidosis or bloat if fed at too high level in the diet too quickly. Adapt cattle to grains over a period of time to allow the rumen to adapt to the new feedstuff. Wheat midds are a good source of energy and protein and provide these through digestible fiber and not starch. Straw can be fed to cattle as long as a good-quality forage is fed with it, this will minimize compaction issues. Straw in mature cows can be fed up to 50% of the diet until the 3rd trimester and then straw should be limited to 25% of the diet. Straw should be limited during the 3rd trimester due to rumen capacity limitations and the increase in requirements. Straw should not be fed during lactation due to the large increase in nutrient requirements. Straw can also be fed to first-calf heifers at 25% of the diet until the 3rd trimester. Straw is not recommended during the 3rd trimester and lactation for first-calf heifers. Feeding straw can help stretch limited hay supplies. We can work together to create a good mix of straw and good-quality hay to prolong the use of higher quality hay. This year is going to be a tough year when feeding livestock and many different feeding strategies will be employed. We can work together to develop feeding strategies that will work for your operation.
Published October 28, 2021 • Seedstock Beef Guide • 11
Reminisce influence BRed HeifeR sale Tuesday, November 16, 2021 Reminisce Angus Sale Barn, Dillon, MT
1st sort from over 1,000 head from 2 herds. Pelvic measured prior to breeding • 400 head AI’d to the American out cross standout, RM McClendon 9599 • AI’d to start calving Feb 5 and March 1 • 220 head of Challis Creek home-raised heifers AI’d to RM McClendon 9599 • AI’d to start calving February 1. •
Over 600 head of AI'd Heifers!
rM Mcclendon 9599
AAA #19793942 // DOB: 06/01/2019
is a new American out cross bull. He is a double bred calving ease sire that will splash new blood into nearly every herd in America. His Sire Dunlouise Cortachy Boy is a true calving ease, native Aberdeen Angus sire from Scotland. Nowhere in America will you find this pedigree and consistent calving ease. His maternal grand sire RM 2 Trend 3105 has been bred successfully to thousands of heifers in many herds with no difficulty. Both bulls in this pedigree produce calves with a lot of vigor at birth. Both sires are high marbling bulls as well.
1st cut, 1 iron All heifers cleaned up with Reminisce Angus Cortachy Boy sons. Full Vaccination Program: Preg Guard 10, Vision 8, Virashield VL5, Valbaezon, Cleanup Brucellosis Free, Bangs vaccinated and bled for Brucellosis, BVD PI3 FREE, Preg checked twice All calves will be eligible for the Reminisce Angus Beef Program. Available FOR SALE Private Treaty: 4 Loads of Bred 3 Year Olds
Bryan & Marcia Mussard 6101 Sweetwater Rd, Dillon, MT 406-925-1416 • 406-683-6363 bryanmussard406@gmail.com
challis creek cattle co. www.RemAngus.com
Steve Bauchman PO Box 10, Challis, ID sbauchman@challiscrk.com
12 • Seedstock Beef Guide • Published October 28, 2021
Clint & Adana Stevenson 406.366.9023 406.374.2250
Lot 301
Lot 303
Lot 315
Lot 322
230 Yearling Bulls -Newest and freshest genetics -Large selection of sire groups making it easy to find a bull to fit your operation’s needs -Bull wintering avalible -Delivered at no cost to customer
Lot 8
Lot 306
Lot 310
130 Coming Two-Year-Old Bulls -Bulls developed for longevity -50 embryo bulls -Top 40% of 2 calving groups -Performance like no other, 45 bulls with a +75 or more WW EPD -Bulls high in HP EPD -5 full brothers to last years lot 1 -2 full brothers and 7 maternal brothers to last years high selling bull -2 full and 7 maternal brothers to $60,0000 mildland topper Master Plan and our herd sire Full Circle -4 full brothers to the $24,000 Diamond in the Rough -Sons of Logo, 2XL Bronc, Spur, Reno, Payweight, Cavalry, Southern Charm, In the Rough
Fall Production Sale Nov. 29th 230 Bull Calves 130 Coming-Two-Year-Old Bulls Registered & Commercial Females www.stevensonsdiamonddot.com