<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/03/cattle-chat-helping-heifers-ahead-of-breeding.html">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension news service

While it seems like a natural event, getting pregnant is not always as easy as it sounds, especially if the female isn’t having estrus cycles.

Specific to cattle, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute offered tips on how to get heifers cycling on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

The veterinarians recommend doing a pre-breeding exam on the heifers as early as six to eight weeks ahead of the start of the breeding season to assess the reproductive tract and overall health of the young females. Heifers typically start their estrus cycles around 12-13 months of age.

For heifers that are behind in their body weight and reproductive maturity, the BCI experts suggested a few options to help them along.

“For heifers that are too thin, I’d recommend adding grain to get them to gain between one and a half to two pounds a day,” said beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster. At that pace, the cattle should be able to add an extra 100 pounds or so in 45 to 60 days, he said.

Along with adding grain, Lancaster also recommends adding ionophores to the feed.

“An ionophore is a feed supplement that changes the fermentation in the rumen that provides additional blood glucose and will help the heifer begin cycling a little earlier than she might otherwise,” Lancaster said.

Along with adjusting the nutrition plan, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important to make sure the heifers have been treated with a deworming product.

“Having heifers on a good deworming program means they are losing less energy to parasites, and they can gain more weight because they are using their calories more efficiently,” Lubbers said.

Another tip is to expose the heifers to an older bull through fence line contact or use a vasectomized bull in the pasture with them.

“Although only a minor effect, research has shown that bull exposure will hasten the onset of puberty in females that are close to cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

Larson also suggests using an estrus synchronization protocol that includes progesterone. He said this can be done through a feed additive such as MGA (melengestrol acetate) or with a CIDR (a product placed intravaginally for either seven or 14 days).

“MGA works well as long as they get their half milligram every day and it is fed for 14 days, while the CIDR is more expensive but is more flaw proof because if it is in their body, then you know they are getting the progesterone.”

Because of the cost of estrous synchronization and artificial insemination, Larson recommends that heifers that are behind at an eight-week pre-breeding exam be re-evaluated closer to breeding before committing to an artificial insemination mating.

“I normally don’t do the breeding soundness exams twice, but in a herd or group that is behind, I will because it may not be worth the expense of putting in a CIDR and semen in heifer that has a low chance of responding,” Larson said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d7b5a005-9ac6-4d89-ae63-dd9bafd923f4">Shroom-Mates — science leads owners to small-scale agriculture</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711123128274.jpeg" alt="Management interventions can help heifers reach puberty. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension news service" />
 <figcaption>Management interventions can help heifers reach puberty. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension news service</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news-and-publications/news/stories/2024/03/cattle-chat-helping-heifers-ahead-of-breeding.html">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension news serviceWhile it seems like a natural event, getting pregnant is not always as easy as it sounds, especially if the female isn’t having estrus cycles.Specific to cattle, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute offered tips on how to get heifers cycling on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.The veterinarians recommend doing a pre-breeding exam on the heifers as early as six to eight weeks ahead of the start of the breeding season to assess the reproductive tract and overall health of the young females. Heifers typically start their estrus cycles around 12-13 months of age.For heifers that are behind in their body weight and reproductive maturity, the BCI experts suggested a few options to help them along.“For heifers that are too thin, I’d recommend adding grain to get them to gain between one and a half to two pounds a day,” said beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster. At that pace, the cattle should be able to add an extra 100 pounds or so in 45 to 60 days, he said.Along with adding grain, Lancaster also recommends adding ionophores to the feed.“An ionophore is a feed supplement that changes the fermentation in the rumen that provides additional blood glucose and will help the heifer begin cycling a little earlier than she might otherwise,” Lancaster said.Along with adjusting the nutrition plan, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important to make sure the heifers have been treated with a deworming product.“Having heifers on a good deworming program means they are losing less energy to parasites, and they can gain more weight because they are using their calories more efficiently,” Lubbers said.Another tip is to expose the heifers to an older bull through fence line contact or use a vasectomized bull in the pasture with them.“Although only a minor effect, research has shown that bull exposure will hasten the onset of puberty in females that are close to cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.Larson also suggests using an estrus synchronization protocol that includes progesterone. He said this can be done through a feed additive such as MGA (melengestrol acetate) or with a CIDR (a product placed intravaginally for either seven or 14 days).“MGA works well as long as they get their half milligram every day and it is fed for 14 days, while the CIDR is more expensive but is more flaw proof because if it is in their body, then you know they are getting the progesterone.”Because of the cost of estrous synchronization and artificial insemination, Larson recommends that heifers that are behind at an eight-week pre-breeding exam be re-evaluated closer to breeding before committing to an artificial insemination mating.“I normally don’t do the breeding soundness exams twice, but in a herd or group that is behind, I will because it may not be worth the expense of putting in a CIDR and semen in heifer that has a low chance of responding,” Larson said.To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatHelpingHeifersAheadofBreeding">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/d7b5a005-9ac6-4d89-ae63-dd9bafd923f4">Shroom-Mates — science leads owners to small-scale agriculture</a>

Cattle Chat: Helping heifers ahead of breeding

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

In a shop just outside Minneapolis, Kan. a pair of agriculture entrepreneurs cultivate dozens of pounds of mushrooms each week, ranging from the cloud-like Lion's Mane to the flavorful Shitake.

Rachel and Casey Andre began <a href="https://www.shroom-mates.com/">Shroom-Mates</a> in 2022 after noticing a "mushroom-sized gap" in the Saline County food industry.

"We had already talked about starting a farm and what we'd like to do, but the conventional way was kind of out of our means as far as land," Casey Andre said. "So we just said, 'Okay, what can we grow here and start here and expand — what's not available in the community?' So I went to the farmers market and saw nobody was doing mushrooms."

From there, the couple started small with a homemade cultivating tent, a special enclosure to grow mushrooms on a larger scale. 

The makeshift tent first filled their entire basement, but after demand grew, they moved to a shop with an upgraded cultivating tent.

Rachel Andre has worked as a chef most of her life. As she sought to create more delicious recipes at the Rennaisance Cafe, she encountered a challenge in finding varying types of mushrooms beyond Portobello or Button mushrooms.

She and Casey Andre then found a solution — growing their own mushrooms in their basement to sell and use for recipes. This also aligned with the couple's goal of starting an agriculture business.

Rachel Andre said she worked as the executive chef at <a href="https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/">Rennaisance Cafe</a> in Assaria for seven years, and she continues to assist the cafe occasionally but remains busy with Shroom-Mates.

"It's more science than it is agriculture," Casey Andre said. I work at Great Plains, so I'm in the ag industry. I grew up on a farm. We wanted to do something that promoted local agriculture and local foods — we're really into that."

Once the couple began growing mushrooms, they dove into the entire process, from sterilizing the substrate to pulling and washing mushrooms from the grow bags.

The process begins with filling plastic bags with a mix of wood chips and soy meal and then taking them to a sterilizing room to prevent mold growth. 

After Casey and Rachel Andre sterilize the growing bags, the bags sit until the substrate turns white with mycelium, or the root-like structure of fungi, to then take to the cultivation tents.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/42dbd29f-e625-4828-b08f-570a490b9c4b">Salina Salvation Army continues helping families amid financial challenges</a>

In the cultivation tents, the Andres can control the temperature, light and humidity to create the perfect environment for large heads of Lion's Mane and Oyster mushrooms to grow.

Casey Andre said he enjoys the challenge of growing mushrooms on a business scale.

"It motivates me and gets me interested in it all," Casey Andre said. "I went from knowing almost nothing about mushrooms, other than what you find at the grocery store, and I started looking into these wood-loving mushrooms, and I was like, 'Wow! There's so many kinds of these.'"

Beyond selling fresh mushrooms, the business sells mushroom teas and dried mushrooms, which have medicinal benefits from mushrooms like Lion's Mane.

The couple also invented the name Shroom-Mates. Casey Andre said that while researching other small mushroom businesses, he found many had "serious" names like "Last Name Mushrooms," and he wanted to do something different.

That's when Rachel Andre created the name Shroom-Mates as a play on words to draw people to their stall at local farmers' markets.

Rachel and Casey Andre set up shop this week at the <a href="https://www.salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html">Mid America Farm Expo at Tony's Pizza Events Center</a> in town, selling boxes of fresh mushrooms alongside bags and jars of various dried mushrooms and teas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711037879382.jpeg" alt="Casey Andre, co-owner of Shroom-Mates, stands inside one of the cultivation tents at their mushroom shop on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Casey Andre, co-owner of Shroom-Mates, stands inside one of the cultivation tents at their mushroom shop on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostIn a shop just outside Minneapolis, Kan. a pair of agriculture entrepreneurs cultivate dozens of pounds of mushrooms each week, ranging from the cloud-like Lion's Mane to the flavorful Shitake.Rachel and Casey Andre began <a href="https://www.shroom-mates.com/">Shroom-Mates</a> in 2022 after noticing a "mushroom-sized gap" in the Saline County food industry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711037954083.jpeg" alt="Casey Andre, co-owner of Shroom-Mates, holds a box of fresh Oyster mushrooms ready for sale in his shop on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Casey Andre, co-owner of Shroom-Mates, holds a box of fresh Oyster mushrooms ready for sale in his shop on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>"We had already talked about starting a farm and what we'd like to do, but the conventional way was kind of out of our means as far as land," Casey Andre said. "So we just said, 'Okay, what can we grow here and start here and expand — what's not available in the community?' So I went to the farmers market and saw nobody was doing mushrooms."From there, the couple started small with a homemade cultivating tent, a special enclosure to grow mushrooms on a larger scale. The makeshift tent first filled their entire basement, but after demand grew, they moved to a shop with an upgraded cultivating tent.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711038017599.jpeg" alt="A head of Lion's Mane mushrooms sits ready for harvest in a cultivation tent at Shroom-Mates on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A head of Lion's Mane mushrooms sits ready for harvest in a cultivation tent at Shroom-Mates on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Rachel Andre has worked as a chef most of her life. As she sought to create more delicious recipes at the Rennaisance Cafe, she encountered a challenge in finding varying types of mushrooms beyond Portobello or Button mushrooms.She and Casey Andre then found a solution — growing their own mushrooms in their basement to sell and use for recipes. This also aligned with the couple's goal of starting an agriculture business.Rachel Andre said she worked as the executive chef at <a href="https://www.renaissancecafeassaria.com/">Rennaisance Cafe</a> in Assaria for seven years, and she continues to assist the cafe occasionally but remains busy with Shroom-Mates."It's more science than it is agriculture," Casey Andre said. I work at Great Plains, so I'm in the ag industry. I grew up on a farm. We wanted to do something that promoted local agriculture and local foods — we're really into that."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711038065881.jpeg" alt="A box of fresh mushrooms ready for sale at the Shroom-Mates cultivation shop on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A box of fresh mushrooms ready for sale at the Shroom-Mates cultivation shop on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>Once the couple began growing mushrooms, they dove into the entire process, from sterilizing the substrate to pulling and washing mushrooms from the grow bags.The process begins with filling plastic bags with a mix of wood chips and soy meal and then taking them to a sterilizing room to prevent mold growth. After Casey and Rachel Andre sterilize the growing bags, the bags sit until the substrate turns white with mycelium, or the root-like structure of fungi, to then take to the cultivation tents.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/42dbd29f-e625-4828-b08f-570a490b9c4b">Salina Salvation Army continues helping families amid financial challenges</a>In the cultivation tents, the Andres can control the temperature, light and humidity to create the perfect environment for large heads of Lion's Mane and Oyster mushrooms to grow.Casey Andre said he enjoys the challenge of growing mushrooms on a business scale."It motivates me and gets me interested in it all," Casey Andre said. "I went from knowing almost nothing about mushrooms, other than what you find at the grocery store, and I started looking into these wood-loving mushrooms, and I was like, 'Wow! There's so many kinds of these.'"Beyond selling fresh mushrooms, the business sells mushroom teas and dried mushrooms, which have medicinal benefits from mushrooms like Lion's Mane.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711038099731.jpeg" alt="Various mushroom products sold by Shroom-Mates on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Various mushroom products sold by Shroom-Mates on Thursday, March 14, near Minneapolis. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The couple also invented the name Shroom-Mates. Casey Andre said that while researching other small mushroom businesses, he found many had "serious" names like "Last Name Mushrooms," and he wanted to do something different.That's when Rachel Andre created the name Shroom-Mates as a play on words to draw people to their stall at local farmers' markets.Rachel and Casey Andre set up shop this week at the <a href="https://www.salinakansas.org/midamericafarmexpo.html">Mid America Farm Expo at Tony's Pizza Events Center</a> in town, selling boxes of fresh mushrooms alongside bags and jars of various dried mushrooms and teas.

Shroom-Mates — science leads owners to small-scale agriculture

<a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES</a> K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;

A trio of Kansas State University graduate students recently reported their findings regarding threats to the animals that graze the Kansas prairie – and the impact of prescribed fire on those threats.

They reported their findings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/cattlemens-day/">during K-State’s recent Cattlemen’s Day</a>, which highlights cattle-related research being conducted at the university.

The students’ multi-year research projects compared the effects of prescribed burning of pastures in spring, summer and fall.

Zach Duncan, who completed the doctoral degree in ruminant nutrition last December, compared the effects of burning in the three seasons on the growth performance of stocker cattle. The study zeroed in on how fire reduces the growth of sericea lespedeza, an invasive weed that has degraded more than 600,000 acres of native Kansas rangeland – most of that in the Flint Hills region.

“Flint Hills ranches traditionally apply a spring-season fire in April, then intensively graze yearling beef cattle from May to August,” Duncan said. “Unfortunately, this practice has not limited the proliferation of sericea lespedeza.”

Previous research at K-State led by range management specialist KC Olson determined that burning in August or September reduces the presence of sericea lespedeza, but that practice has been limited, Duncan said, “because burning pastures later in the year could have unknown major effects on the growth performance of stocker cattle during the next grazing season.”

The six-year study studied the effects of fire in spring, summer and fall with nearly 2,000 yearling beef cattle grazing the land. Duncan said the results indicate shifting burning from August to October reduced yearling stocker cattle weight gains by 10-14 pounds during a 90-day grazing season.

Ranchers should weigh that finding, however, against the reduced need for herbicides against sericea lespedeza, improved wildlife habitat, and the reduced downwind impacts of smoke on air quality, Duncan said.

In another study, Andrea Salazar – a K-State doctoral candidate in entomology – found that spring- and summer-burned pastures had lower counts of ticks compared to fall-burned areas.

High tick burdens on cattle, Salazar said, results in decreased production, anemia, skin irritations, pruritus (itching) and stress.

“Furthermore, ticks serve as vectors for diverse pathogens, such as bacteria, protozoa and parasites, leading to diseases in animals and humans,” she said.

The study was conducted at K-State’s Beef Stocker Unit west of the Manhattan campus. Salazar said three tick species were found: The Lone Star tick, American dog tick, and the Gulf Coast tick. “Significantly fewer ticks were collected from fire-treated areas compared to non-burned areas during eight months of sampling,” she said.

“Among seasonally burned areas, tick counts in fall pastures were higher than summer and spring pastures,” Salazar added.

“The findings suggest that consistent annual burning of grazing areas, particularly when conducted in the spring, holds the potential to substantially diminish tick populations. This approach presents an efficient non-chemical method for tick control. The strategic timing of prescribed fires is crucial, aligning them with conditions that target specific tick species during vulnerable phases in their life cycle to optimize the impact on tick control.”

The choice of when to burn does not seem to make a difference in protecting populations of dung beetles, an important part of the pasture ecosystem. First-year entomology graduate student Herman Griese said “the difference was not significant” in a study that looked at spring, summer and fall prescribed burns.

Dung beetles feed on or store feces to provide housing and food for their young, which in turn transports nutrients to the subsoil and improves nutrient cycling, soil structure and forage growth on the prairie.

For farmers, the benefits to their land and livestock herds also are real: reduced parasite pressure, better aeration, reduced compaction, reduced runoff after rain events and decreased ammonia levels.

“Based on our study, ranchers who are worried about killing their decomposers (such as dung beetles) by burning their pastures can choose what time of year to burn based on other desired outcomes,” Griese said.

The full listing of research reports presented during the 2024 K-State Cattlemen’s Day is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/beef/focusareas/24_CattlemensDaySummary.pdf">available online</a>.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e75818b1-80eb-49fc-a472-5e13faca548b">Propane Central celebrates retirement for 26-year employee</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710440580581.jpeg" alt="Recent research on the effects of prescribed burning in Kansas has looked at benefits to the ecosystem. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Recent research on the effects of prescribed burning in Kansas has looked at benefits to the ecosystem. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By PAT MELGARES</a> K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;A trio of Kansas State University graduate students recently reported their findings regarding threats to the animals that graze the Kansas prairie – and the impact of prescribed fire on those threats.They reported their findings&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/events/cattlemens-day/">during K-State’s recent Cattlemen’s Day</a>, which highlights cattle-related research being conducted at the university.The students’ multi-year research projects compared the effects of prescribed burning of pastures in spring, summer and fall.Zach Duncan, who completed the doctoral degree in ruminant nutrition last December, compared the effects of burning in the three seasons on the growth performance of stocker cattle. The study zeroed in on how fire reduces the growth of sericea lespedeza, an invasive weed that has degraded more than 600,000 acres of native Kansas rangeland – most of that in the Flint Hills region.“Flint Hills ranches traditionally apply a spring-season fire in April, then intensively graze yearling beef cattle from May to August,” Duncan said. “Unfortunately, this practice has not limited the proliferation of sericea lespedeza.”Previous research at K-State led by range management specialist KC Olson determined that burning in August or September reduces the presence of sericea lespedeza, but that practice has been limited, Duncan said, “because burning pastures later in the year could have unknown major effects on the growth performance of stocker cattle during the next grazing season.”The six-year study studied the effects of fire in spring, summer and fall with nearly 2,000 yearling beef cattle grazing the land. Duncan said the results indicate shifting burning from August to October reduced yearling stocker cattle weight gains by 10-14 pounds during a 90-day grazing season.Ranchers should weigh that finding, however, against the reduced need for herbicides against sericea lespedeza, improved wildlife habitat, and the reduced downwind impacts of smoke on air quality, Duncan said.In another study, Andrea Salazar – a K-State doctoral candidate in entomology – found that spring- and summer-burned pastures had lower counts of ticks compared to fall-burned areas.High tick burdens on cattle, Salazar said, results in decreased production, anemia, skin irritations, pruritus (itching) and stress.“Furthermore, ticks serve as vectors for diverse pathogens, such as bacteria, protozoa and parasites, leading to diseases in animals and humans,” she said.The study was conducted at K-State’s Beef Stocker Unit west of the Manhattan campus. Salazar said three tick species were found: The Lone Star tick, American dog tick, and the Gulf Coast tick. “Significantly fewer ticks were collected from fire-treated areas compared to non-burned areas during eight months of sampling,” she said.“Among seasonally burned areas, tick counts in fall pastures were higher than summer and spring pastures,” Salazar added.“The findings suggest that consistent annual burning of grazing areas, particularly when conducted in the spring, holds the potential to substantially diminish tick populations. This approach presents an efficient non-chemical method for tick control. The strategic timing of prescribed fires is crucial, aligning them with conditions that target specific tick species during vulnerable phases in their life cycle to optimize the impact on tick control.”The choice of when to burn does not seem to make a difference in protecting populations of dung beetles, an important part of the pasture ecosystem. First-year entomology graduate student Herman Griese said “the difference was not significant” in a study that looked at spring, summer and fall prescribed burns.Dung beetles feed on or store feces to provide housing and food for their young, which in turn transports nutrients to the subsoil and improves nutrient cycling, soil structure and forage growth on the prairie.For farmers, the benefits to their land and livestock herds also are real: reduced parasite pressure, better aeration, reduced compaction, reduced runoff after rain events and decreased ammonia levels.“Based on our study, ranchers who are worried about killing their decomposers (such as dung beetles) by burning their pastures can choose what time of year to burn based on other desired outcomes,” Griese said.The full listing of research reports presented during the 2024 K-State Cattlemen’s Day is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.asi.k-state.edu/extension/beef/focusareas/24_CattlemensDaySummary.pdf">available online</a>.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/e75818b1-80eb-49fc-a472-5e13faca548b">Propane Central celebrates retirement for 26-year employee</a>

K-State Cattleman’s Day: Students present research on impacts of prescribed burning

<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension News Service

Anyone who has ever had a respiratory infection knows how hard it can be to clear the body and how miserable it can make a person feel.

In much the same way, beef cattle can also experience respiratory disease that may start as a virus and turn into bacterial pneumonia, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast. The focus of this discussion was on mycoplasma pneumonia, which may require a different treatment protocol than other forms of respiratory disease, said the K-State veterinarians.

“Mycoplasma pneumonia is atypical because it is a smaller bacterium that doesn’t have a cell wall and it is more contagious than some of the other respiratory illnesses,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.

K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers added: “Because it is an atypical bacterium, some of the antibiotics that we would use to treat bovine respiratory disease just simply won’t work against mycoplasma.”

The veterinarians said that this type of pneumonia has a longer disease onset than other types of respiratory illnesses.

“Mycoplasma pneumonia often develops in chronically ill animals that have had a severe disease challenge and it may take 30-40 days to appear in the herd,” White said.

Lubbers said mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to other syndromes in the animal’s body, such as a joint infection or an ear infection.

“In a lot of cases the calf starts with a respiratory infection and then weeks or months later they have swollen knee joints or even a head tilt, which are signs that they may be experiencing mycoplasma infections,” Lubbers says.

If producers suspect mycoplasma infections in the herd, White and Lubbers said that they should reach out to the local veterinarian for guidance.

“The diagnostic test for this bacterium is different and it doesn’t always show on a routine bacterial culture so it is important to work with the veterinarian to get the right diagnosis and treatment protocol,” Lubbers said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast on your preferred streaming platform.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710276916560.jpeg" alt="Mycoplasma pneumonia can develop in cattle of all ages. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service" />
 <figcaption>Mycoplasma pneumonia can develop in cattle of all ages. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension News Service</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension News ServiceAnyone who has ever had a respiratory infection knows how hard it can be to clear the body and how miserable it can make a person feel.In much the same way, beef cattle can also experience respiratory disease that may start as a virus and turn into bacterial pneumonia, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast. The focus of this discussion was on mycoplasma pneumonia, which may require a different treatment protocol than other forms of respiratory disease, said the K-State veterinarians.“Mycoplasma pneumonia is atypical because it is a smaller bacterium that doesn’t have a cell wall and it is more contagious than some of the other respiratory illnesses,” said K-State veterinarian Brad White.K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers added: “Because it is an atypical bacterium, some of the antibiotics that we would use to treat bovine respiratory disease just simply won’t work against mycoplasma.”The veterinarians said that this type of pneumonia has a longer disease onset than other types of respiratory illnesses.“Mycoplasma pneumonia often develops in chronically ill animals that have had a severe disease challenge and it may take 30-40 days to appear in the herd,” White said.Lubbers said mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to other syndromes in the animal’s body, such as a joint infection or an ear infection.“In a lot of cases the calf starts with a respiratory infection and then weeks or months later they have swollen knee joints or even a head tilt, which are signs that they may be experiencing mycoplasma infections,” Lubbers says.If producers suspect mycoplasma infections in the herd, White and Lubbers said that they should reach out to the local veterinarian for guidance.“The diagnostic test for this bacterium is different and it doesn’t always show on a routine bacterial culture so it is important to work with the veterinarian to get the right diagnosis and treatment protocol,” Lubbers said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatMycoplasmaPneumonia" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast on your preferred streaming platform.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/5c035236-8057-4520-af42-1a6c07aee2a3">Multiple weather systems moving into Kansas bring chances of severe storms</a>

Cattle Chat: Understanding mycoplasma pneumonia

K-State veterinarians offer insight into why some calves have an aversion to silage

<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension news service

When working with animals, often their caretakers have to use clues to understand what might be leading that individual to react differently than expected. And with feed resources, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute recommend slowly changing feeds, especially when introducing silage.

In answering a listener's question about why calves were not willing to eat silage, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatFeedingSilagetoCalves">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast experts suggested following the cues of the cattle.

“When introducing silage, you are going to have to watch the calves closely to know when you can start increasing the amount in the diet. And with some groups, you may need to move more slowly,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

One reason that calves might have an aversion to eating silage is its smell, beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said.

“Silage is a fermented feed resource, so it has a different taste and smell than calves are used to,” Lancaster said. “To make the silage more palatable, producers can add silage to the top of a feed source that the calves like. That way the calves have to work through the silage to get to what they prefer to eat.”

Because it is a fermented product, there can be variability in the batches, Lancaster said.

“If it is too wet, then it has a butyric fermentation that gives it a nasty odor that really turns cattle off on eating it,” Lancaster said. “If it is too dry, it can be moldy.”

Lancaster recommends that producers take a sample of the silage and have a fermentation analysis done to make sure there is the right balance of acetic acid, lactic acid and butyric acid. He also said silage inoculates added at the time the silage is made can provide bacteria at a high enough concentration to get an optimum fermentation.

If cattle are inconsistent in their willingness to eat the silage, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important for producers to take and store samples as they work through the feed so when they go off feed they can pull the appropriate sample to test.

“There are microclimates within a silage pit, and so take the samples as you are feeding so that you have a representative sample to help you figure out what is actually causing them to stop eating the silage,” Lubbers said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709739155080.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State veterinarians offer insight into why some calves have an aversion to silage</h2><a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">By LISA MOSER</a> K-State Research and Extension news serviceWhen working with animals, often their caretakers have to use clues to understand what might be leading that individual to react differently than expected. And with feed resources, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute recommend slowly changing feeds, especially when introducing silage.In answering a listener's question about why calves were not willing to eat silage, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/CattleChatFeedingSilagetoCalves">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast experts suggested following the cues of the cattle.“When introducing silage, you are going to have to watch the calves closely to know when you can start increasing the amount in the diet. And with some groups, you may need to move more slowly,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.<div><iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3OLqGp0sltaNsnfo9sseNW?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>One reason that calves might have an aversion to eating silage is its smell, beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said.“Silage is a fermented feed resource, so it has a different taste and smell than calves are used to,” Lancaster said. “To make the silage more palatable, producers can add silage to the top of a feed source that the calves like. That way the calves have to work through the silage to get to what they prefer to eat.”Because it is a fermented product, there can be variability in the batches, Lancaster said.“If it is too wet, then it has a butyric fermentation that gives it a nasty odor that really turns cattle off on eating it,” Lancaster said. “If it is too dry, it can be moldy.”Lancaster recommends that producers take a sample of the silage and have a fermentation analysis done to make sure there is the right balance of acetic acid, lactic acid and butyric acid. He also said silage inoculates added at the time the silage is made can provide bacteria at a high enough concentration to get an optimum fermentation.If cattle are inconsistent in their willingness to eat the silage, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said it is important for producers to take and store samples as they work through the feed so when they go off feed they can pull the appropriate sample to test.“There are microclimates within a silage pit, and so take the samples as you are feeding so that you have a representative sample to help you figure out what is actually causing them to stop eating the silage,” Lubbers said.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Feeding silage to calves

<a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu">By PAT MELGARES</a> K-State Research and Extension news service

Wheat growers in Kansas, take notice: The doctor is in.

K-State Research and Extension and&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/">Kansas Wheat</a>&nbsp;are hosting a pair of meetings in Dodge City (March 7) and Wichita (March 8) to share what those organizations term “a prescription for producing high-yielding and high-quality wheat in a sustainable manner.”

The meetings – called&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/growers/resources/kansas-wheat-rx">Kansas Wheat Rx</a>&nbsp;– combine suggested management practices for the economical and sustainable production of high-quality winter wheat in Kansas. The information is based on research conducted at Kansas State University and funded – at least in part – by Kansas Wheat, a cooperative agreement between the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/dodgecity">Dodge City meeting</a>&nbsp;will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Depot Theater, 201 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd.&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/wichita">The Wichita meeting</a>&nbsp;will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel at the Airport, 2098 Airport Road.

Registration is available free to&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/join">members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers</a>. The registration fee for non-members is $110, which includes membership to KAWG.

The lineup of wheat experts includes K-State faculty members Romulo Lollato, Carlos Bonini Pires, Kelsey Andersen Onfore, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Dan O’Brien and Gregg Ibendahl, as well Carlos Bonini Pires and Logan Simon.

Among numerous topics, they will discuss:

● Cover crops and soil health. ● The benefit of wheat to cropping systems. ● Soil fertility. ● Important wheat diseases and fungicides. ● The economics of wheat production.

The full agenda is&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/wichita">available online</a>.

“We cannot change the impact of weather on each year’s crop, but we can arm wheat producers with the knowledge they need to maximize profitability through the genetic potential of new varieties and best management practices,” said Aaron Harries, vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat.”

Kansas Wheat has funded much of the research conducted at K-State, “from the importance of variety selection to the practices and tools farmers can use to improve quality,” according to Harries.

Much of the university’s wheat research is available in&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/growers/resources/kansas-wheat-rx">numerous publications available online</a>. More information is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">local extension offices in Kansas</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1709391563055.jpeg" alt="Wheat harvest. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>Wheat harvest. Image courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:melgares@ksu.edu">By PAT MELGARES</a> K-State Research and Extension news serviceWheat growers in Kansas, take notice: The doctor is in.K-State Research and Extension and&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/">Kansas Wheat</a>&nbsp;are hosting a pair of meetings in Dodge City (March 7) and Wichita (March 8) to share what those organizations term “a prescription for producing high-yielding and high-quality wheat in a sustainable manner.”The meetings – called&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/growers/resources/kansas-wheat-rx">Kansas Wheat Rx</a>&nbsp;– combine suggested management practices for the economical and sustainable production of high-quality winter wheat in Kansas. The information is based on research conducted at Kansas State University and funded – at least in part – by Kansas Wheat, a cooperative agreement between the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.The&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/dodgecity">Dodge City meeting</a>&nbsp;will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Depot Theater, 201 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd.&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/wichita">The Wichita meeting</a>&nbsp;will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel at the Airport, 2098 Airport Road.Registration is available free to&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/join">members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers</a>. The registration fee for non-members is $110, which includes membership to KAWG.The lineup of wheat experts includes K-State faculty members Romulo Lollato, Carlos Bonini Pires, Kelsey Andersen Onfore, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Dan O’Brien and Gregg Ibendahl, as well Carlos Bonini Pires and Logan Simon.Among numerous topics, they will discuss:● Cover crops and soil health. ● The benefit of wheat to cropping systems. ● Soil fertility. ● Important wheat diseases and fungicides. ● The economics of wheat production.The full agenda is&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/wichita">available online</a>.“We cannot change the impact of weather on each year’s crop, but we can arm wheat producers with the knowledge they need to maximize profitability through the genetic potential of new varieties and best management practices,” said Aaron Harries, vice president of research and operations for Kansas Wheat.”Kansas Wheat has funded much of the research conducted at K-State, “from the importance of variety selection to the practices and tools farmers can use to improve quality,” according to Harries.Much of the university’s wheat research is available in&nbsp;<a href="https://kswheat.com/growers/resources/kansas-wheat-rx">numerous publications available online</a>. More information is also available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">local extension offices in Kansas</a>.

State wheat experts to outline best practices for growing wheat in Kansas

K-State veterinarians say weight and reproductive maturity are two factors to assess

By&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">LISA MOSER </a>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;

Walk through the halls of a high school and it is easy to see that not all kids develop at the same pace – some look like mature adults while others appear younger than their age.

Similarly, individual animals in a cattle herd also reach maturity at different times, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, the experts addressed factors that influence the pace at which heifers reach their maturity.

“Most heifers reach puberty at 12-13 months of age; there are some Brahman-influenced breeds that are a little older when they begin cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

To help producers identify the heifers that are most likely to get bred early in the breeding season, Larson advises that producers complete a pre-breeding evaluation of the heifers.

“The two things that drive maturity are their age and their body weight,” Larson said.

When Larson conducts the pre-breeding evaluation, he assesses their reproductive tract.

“As they get closer to puberty, their reproductive tract starts to feel more like an adult tract with a thicker, larger uterus and some follicle structures on the ovaries,” Larson said.

He said there are two main times these evaluations are done.

“Six weeks before the breeding season, I can get an idea of the likelihood they’ll be cycling at breeding, and I still have time to help that along with nutrition. The other time is when we are getting ready for a synchronization protocol and I can separate the ones that are not likely to get bred,” Larson said.

Another factor affecting development is the amount of body fat heifers are carrying, which can be controlled by the heifer’s diet. The experts agree that the easiest way to measure that is through weighing the heifers.

“As heifers grow, they start to deposit more fat in each pound of gain and less muscle. So when they get to about 60-65% of their mature weight, the hormones will signal to the body that it is time to ovulate,” said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Philip Lancaster.

If these are retained heifers, Larson said, often producers will know a target weight that their females in the herd start to cycle. While it varies among herds, for many he said that is about 850 pounds.

Six weeks before breeding, Lancaster said producers can evaluate the heifer’s body condition and adjust accordingly.

“We can safely increase their nutrition to get more energy in their diet to push them to gain 2-2.5 pounds per day. As long as we start 70-90 days before the breeding season, many of those heifers will reach puberty on time,” Lancaster said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709136994000.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State veterinarians say weight and reproductive maturity are two factors to assess</h2>By&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">LISA MOSER </a>K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;&nbsp;Walk through the halls of a high school and it is easy to see that not all kids develop at the same pace – some look like mature adults while others appear younger than their age.Similarly, individual animals in a cattle herd also reach maturity at different times, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, the experts addressed factors that influence the pace at which heifers reach their maturity.“Most heifers reach puberty at 12-13 months of age; there are some Brahman-influenced breeds that are a little older when they begin cycling,” said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.To help producers identify the heifers that are most likely to get bred early in the breeding season, Larson advises that producers complete a pre-breeding evaluation of the heifers.“The two things that drive maturity are their age and their body weight,” Larson said.When Larson conducts the pre-breeding evaluation, he assesses their reproductive tract.“As they get closer to puberty, their reproductive tract starts to feel more like an adult tract with a thicker, larger uterus and some follicle structures on the ovaries,” Larson said.He said there are two main times these evaluations are done.“Six weeks before the breeding season, I can get an idea of the likelihood they’ll be cycling at breeding, and I still have time to help that along with nutrition. The other time is when we are getting ready for a synchronization protocol and I can separate the ones that are not likely to get bred,” Larson said.Another factor affecting development is the amount of body fat heifers are carrying, which can be controlled by the heifer’s diet. The experts agree that the easiest way to measure that is through weighing the heifers.“As heifers grow, they start to deposit more fat in each pound of gain and less muscle. So when they get to about 60-65% of their mature weight, the hormones will signal to the body that it is time to ovulate,” said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Philip Lancaster.If these are retained heifers, Larson said, often producers will know a target weight that their females in the herd start to cycle. While it varies among herds, for many he said that is about 850 pounds.Six weeks before breeding, Lancaster said producers can evaluate the heifer’s body condition and adjust accordingly.“We can safely increase their nutrition to get more energy in their diet to push them to gain 2-2.5 pounds per day. As long as we start 70-90 days before the breeding season, many of those heifers will reach puberty on time,” Lancaster said.To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksre-learn.com/42RTP6n">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Evaluating heifers before breeding

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Drivers in eight Midwestern states will be able to fuel up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethanol-e15-gasoline-midwest-epa-40550ba65a308617fdc490dcf9e57ad9">higher blend of ethanol</a>&nbsp;throughout the year under a final rule announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The biofuels industry and farming groups, with support of Midwest governors, sought the end of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-smog-environment-4a877e9afc2837609c4a0aee72a042bc">summertime ban</a>&nbsp;on sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol for years. The higher blend has been prohibited because of concerns it could worsen smog during warm weather.

The move reflects the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-debt-ceiling-iowa-ethanol-fb4c486ef4ee2aab944946a187a8c128">importance of ethanol to agriculture</a>. The fuel additive consumes roughly 40% of the nation's corn crop, so higher sales of ethanol could mean greater profits for corn farmers.

The rule, which takes effect in April 2025, will apply in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Those states grow the bulk of the U.S. corn crop and are home to much of the nation's ethanol production.

The EPA said it delayed implementation of the new rule because of concerns there wasn't enough supply to meet demand this summer. Ethanol producers welcomed the change but criticized the EPA for that delay.

“While we are pleased to see EPA has finally approved year-round E15 in these eight states, we are extremely disappointed by the agency’s needless decision to delay implementation until 2025,” the Renewable Fuels Association, a trade group, said in a statement. “It’s helpful to finally have some certainty about 2025 and beyond, but what happens this summer?”

Most gasoline sold across the country is blended with 10% ethanol, though 15% blends are becoming increasingly common, especially in the Midwest. E15 summer sales still will not be allowed in most of the country during summer, though agricultural groups are pushing for a nationwide policy change.

The biofuels industry and politicians of both parties have portrayed ethanol as a product that helps farmers, reduces prices at the pump and lessens greenhouse gas releases because the fuel burns more cleanly than straight gasoline. However, environmentalists and others have said increased ethanol production can increase carbon releases because it results in more corn production, leading to increased use of fertilizer and greater releases of nitrate. Synthetic and natural fertilizers also are a leading source of water pollution.

The EPA has approved sales of E15 for cars and trucks manufactured after 2000. Grow Energy, another bioenergy trade association, estimates the higher blend will cost consumers 15 cents a gallon less than 10% ethanol.

Petroleum refiners have opposed the Midwest-specific rules, saying a special blend in one region would increase costs and could lead to tighter fuel supplies.

The American Petroleum Institute, a trade group, said a national standard was needed.

“We are concerned this piecemeal approach could weaken the resiliency of the region’s fuel supply chain," Will Hupman, a vice president at the group said in a statement. "We continue to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would bring much needed consistency to the marketplace by allowing for the year-round sale of E15 nationwide, preserving access to E10 and eliminating the need for regional or state-specific waiver petitions.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639069226448.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Drivers in eight Midwestern states will be able to fuel up with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ethanol-e15-gasoline-midwest-epa-40550ba65a308617fdc490dcf9e57ad9">higher blend of ethanol</a>&nbsp;throughout the year under a final rule announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency.The biofuels industry and farming groups, with support of Midwest governors, sought the end of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-smog-environment-4a877e9afc2837609c4a0aee72a042bc">summertime ban</a>&nbsp;on sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol for years. The higher blend has been prohibited because of concerns it could worsen smog during warm weather.The move reflects the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-debt-ceiling-iowa-ethanol-fb4c486ef4ee2aab944946a187a8c128">importance of ethanol to agriculture</a>. The fuel additive consumes roughly 40% of the nation's corn crop, so higher sales of ethanol could mean greater profits for corn farmers.The rule, which takes effect in April 2025, will apply in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Those states grow the bulk of the U.S. corn crop and are home to much of the nation's ethanol production.The EPA said it delayed implementation of the new rule because of concerns there wasn't enough supply to meet demand this summer. Ethanol producers welcomed the change but criticized the EPA for that delay.“While we are pleased to see EPA has finally approved year-round E15 in these eight states, we are extremely disappointed by the agency’s needless decision to delay implementation until 2025,” the Renewable Fuels Association, a trade group, said in a statement. “It’s helpful to finally have some certainty about 2025 and beyond, but what happens this summer?”Most gasoline sold across the country is blended with 10% ethanol, though 15% blends are becoming increasingly common, especially in the Midwest. E15 summer sales still will not be allowed in most of the country during summer, though agricultural groups are pushing for a nationwide policy change.The biofuels industry and politicians of both parties have portrayed ethanol as a product that helps farmers, reduces prices at the pump and lessens greenhouse gas releases because the fuel burns more cleanly than straight gasoline. However, environmentalists and others have said increased ethanol production can increase carbon releases because it results in more corn production, leading to increased use of fertilizer and greater releases of nitrate. Synthetic and natural fertilizers also are a leading source of water pollution.The EPA has approved sales of E15 for cars and trucks manufactured after 2000. Grow Energy, another bioenergy trade association, estimates the higher blend will cost consumers 15 cents a gallon less than 10% ethanol.Petroleum refiners have opposed the Midwest-specific rules, saying a special blend in one region would increase costs and could lead to tighter fuel supplies.The American Petroleum Institute, a trade group, said a national standard was needed.“We are concerned this piecemeal approach could weaken the resiliency of the region’s fuel supply chain," Will Hupman, a vice president at the group said in a statement. "We continue to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would bring much needed consistency to the marketplace by allowing for the year-round sale of E15 nationwide, preserving access to E10 and eliminating the need for regional or state-specific waiver petitions.”

EPA approves year-round sales of higher ethanol blend in 8 Midwest states

By&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">LISA MOSER </a>K-State Research and Extension news service

Just as people cut their toenails when they get too long, some beef cattle also need to have their hooves trimmed on occasion to help keep them from going lame, say Kansas State University veterinarians at the Beef Cattle Institute.

<a href="https://ksubci.org/podcast-2/" target="_blank">Talking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast</a>, the veterinarians answered a listener's question about reasons that the animals in the herd require hoof trims regularly.

“In beef cattle operations, cows walking around on the ground, rocks and sand, typically have normal wear that keeps their hooves the length they need to be,” said K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers. “However, sometimes older cows that don’t move around much will need to have their hooves trimmed.”

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b85dedc0-4042-498f-837a-240e7f94c669">KSRE Cattle Chat: Calving-related challenges for the cow</a>

Lubbers said if just a few cows out of 100 need hoof trims, that is considered to be normal.

“If 2% of the herd needs a routine trim, that is to be expected. But if 50% of the herd needs to have their hooves trimmed yearly, then there is likely something else going on,” Lubbers said.

One reason for the excess hoof growth may relate to the cow’s diet, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“Cattle eating a high grain diet or ones that are consuming crop residues with substantial amounts of grain can get acidosis, which can lead to hoof problems,” Larson said. “Also, there are some minerals that need to be included in the diet to promote healthy hoof growth.”

In addition, genetics can play a role in hoof growth, added K-State veterinarian Brad White.

“There is a genetic component to corkscrew claw, which is a claw that turns under the hoof, and those will have to be trimmed regularly,” White said.

The environment can also lead to hoof issues, said the veterinarians. For example, they said cattle standing in mud can experience foot rot. Also, if they happen to step on a sharp object, the cattle can develop an abscess in the soft tissue attached to the hoof.

“Any time the cattle are experiencing a hoof issue, it is really important to get them in a place where the veterinarian can do a thorough examination to determine the problem and treat it appropriately,” Larson said.

To hear the full discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/podcast-2/" target="_blank">listen to Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708439360622.jpeg" alt="The environment in which cattle are living, including mud, can lead to hoof issues, say K-State veterinarians. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>The environment in which cattle are living, including mud, can lead to hoof issues, say K-State veterinarians. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">LISA MOSER </a>K-State Research and Extension news serviceJust as people cut their toenails when they get too long, some beef cattle also need to have their hooves trimmed on occasion to help keep them from going lame, say Kansas State University veterinarians at the Beef Cattle Institute.<a href="https://ksubci.org/podcast-2/" target="_blank">Talking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast</a>, the veterinarians answered a listener's question about reasons that the animals in the herd require hoof trims regularly.“In beef cattle operations, cows walking around on the ground, rocks and sand, typically have normal wear that keeps their hooves the length they need to be,” said K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers. “However, sometimes older cows that don’t move around much will need to have their hooves trimmed.”READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/b85dedc0-4042-498f-837a-240e7f94c669">KSRE Cattle Chat: Calving-related challenges for the cow</a>Lubbers said if just a few cows out of 100 need hoof trims, that is considered to be normal.“If 2% of the herd needs a routine trim, that is to be expected. But if 50% of the herd needs to have their hooves trimmed yearly, then there is likely something else going on,” Lubbers said.One reason for the excess hoof growth may relate to the cow’s diet, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“Cattle eating a high grain diet or ones that are consuming crop residues with substantial amounts of grain can get acidosis, which can lead to hoof problems,” Larson said. “Also, there are some minerals that need to be included in the diet to promote healthy hoof growth.”In addition, genetics can play a role in hoof growth, added K-State veterinarian Brad White.“There is a genetic component to corkscrew claw, which is a claw that turns under the hoof, and those will have to be trimmed regularly,” White said.The environment can also lead to hoof issues, said the veterinarians. For example, they said cattle standing in mud can experience foot rot. Also, if they happen to step on a sharp object, the cattle can develop an abscess in the soft tissue attached to the hoof.“Any time the cattle are experiencing a hoof issue, it is really important to get them in a place where the veterinarian can do a thorough examination to determine the problem and treat it appropriately,” Larson said.To hear the full discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/podcast-2/" target="_blank">listen to Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: K-State vets discuss hoof growth

K-State beef cattle experts outline when a calving challenge is a medical emergency

K-State Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians share tips for managing cows with retained placentas as well as those experiencing a rectal, vaginal or uterine prolapse.

By&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">LISA MOSER </a>K-State Research and Extension news service

When a new little one joins the world, it can be an exciting time, but not all births are easy. For beef cattle, it is important to know what is considered a medical emergency, according to the veterinarians at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/02/09/post-calving-cattle-on-feed-calving-season-questions/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, the veterinarians discussed two calving-related challenges that cows can experience — retained placentas and prolapses.

The placenta nourishes the calf while in the womb. Often after the cow calves, the placenta comes out of her body on its own, said K-State veterinarian Brad White.

“With a cow, the attachment between the placenta and the uterus is like fingers going into little holes, and so it is important to let the cow shed that placenta without pulling on it or there will be little pieces of tissue left behind and that can damage the inside of the uterus,” White said.

A retained placenta is not a medical emergency for a cow, and it is best left alone, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“It is important to monitor the cow and if she is acting normal the placenta will likely come out on its own within a couple of days,” he said.

Larson added that retained placentas often occur following an abortion, or when the cow has had a difficult birth or cesarian section.

Along with monitoring the placenta, producers also need to monitor cows for prolapses. There are three types to watch for — rectal, vaginal and uterine.

“With a prolapse, the parts that should be on the inside of the body are now on the outside and then have little protection from the elements, so those must get put back in place quickly,” White said.

To help producers recognize which part has come out of the cow, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers made this analogy: a rectal prolapse is the size of a softball; a vaginal prolapse is the size of a volleyball; and a uterine prolapse is bigger than a beach ball.

“If it is before calving, it is most likely a rectal or vaginal prolapse, while post-calving it is almost always a uterine prolapse,” Lubbers said.

Larson added: “A uterine prolapse is always a medical emergency and needs to be addressed immediately, while the other two types of prolapses need to be dealt with in a timely manner.”

Depending on what type of prolapse has occurred, producers may choose not to retain the cow in the herd, Larson said.

“There is a genetic component to a vaginal prolapse that is related to the structure around the vagina, while a uterine prolapse is almost always related to a difficult birth,” Larson said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/02/09/post-calving-cattle-on-feed-calving-season-questions/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707927586738.jpeg" alt="Cows need to be monitored for calving-related issues, according to veterinarians at K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Cows need to be monitored for calving-related issues, according to veterinarians at K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle experts outline when a calving challenge is a medical emergency</h2>K-State Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians share tips for managing cows with retained placentas as well as those experiencing a rectal, vaginal or uterine prolapse.By&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lmoser@ksu.edu">LISA MOSER </a>K-State Research and Extension news serviceWhen a new little one joins the world, it can be an exciting time, but not all births are easy. For beef cattle, it is important to know what is considered a medical emergency, according to the veterinarians at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/02/09/post-calving-cattle-on-feed-calving-season-questions/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, the veterinarians discussed two calving-related challenges that cows can experience — retained placentas and prolapses.The placenta nourishes the calf while in the womb. Often after the cow calves, the placenta comes out of her body on its own, said K-State veterinarian Brad White.“With a cow, the attachment between the placenta and the uterus is like fingers going into little holes, and so it is important to let the cow shed that placenta without pulling on it or there will be little pieces of tissue left behind and that can damage the inside of the uterus,” White said.A retained placenta is not a medical emergency for a cow, and it is best left alone, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“It is important to monitor the cow and if she is acting normal the placenta will likely come out on its own within a couple of days,” he said.Larson added that retained placentas often occur following an abortion, or when the cow has had a difficult birth or cesarian section.Along with monitoring the placenta, producers also need to monitor cows for prolapses. There are three types to watch for — rectal, vaginal and uterine.“With a prolapse, the parts that should be on the inside of the body are now on the outside and then have little protection from the elements, so those must get put back in place quickly,” White said.To help producers recognize which part has come out of the cow, K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers made this analogy: a rectal prolapse is the size of a softball; a vaginal prolapse is the size of a volleyball; and a uterine prolapse is bigger than a beach ball.“If it is before calving, it is most likely a rectal or vaginal prolapse, while post-calving it is almost always a uterine prolapse,” Lubbers said.Larson added: “A uterine prolapse is always a medical emergency and needs to be addressed immediately, while the other two types of prolapses need to be dealt with in a timely manner.”Depending on what type of prolapse has occurred, producers may choose not to retain the cow in the herd, Larson said.“There is a genetic component to a vaginal prolapse that is related to the structure around the vagina, while a uterine prolapse is almost always related to a difficult birth,” Larson said.To hear the full discussion, listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2024/02/09/post-calving-cattle-on-feed-calving-season-questions/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;on your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Calving-related challenges for the cow

By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension news service

It’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.

“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are indeterminate,” Domenghini said.

Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.

Domenghini said gardeners will benefit from choosing tomato varieties with strong disease resistance characteristics.

“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Domenghini said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”

In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Domenghini.

Even though indeterminate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production,” Domenghini said.

Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Domenghini said.

Each year, <a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/master-gardener//">Kansas Master Gardeners</a> plant and rate a number of tomato varieties. Domenghini noted that a subsequent trial is conducted by a colleague with the University of Missouri extension service.

Results of trials conducted by Kansas’ Master Gardeners vary by county. Interested persons are encouraged to <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">contact their local extension office</a> for more information on varieties that perform well in their area.

Domenghini said the University of Missouri trials also give valuable information on varieties that perform well in this region. The data from Missouri’s extension service showed that the top 10 varieties (based on pounds of fruit harvested per plant) are:

Domenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly <a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter/">Horticulture Newsletter</a> with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707851964934.png" alt="K-State horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said February is a good time to begin thinking about tomato varieties that fit your garden. Image Courtesy K-State Research and Extension" />
 <figcaption>K-State horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini said February is a good time to begin thinking about tomato varieties that fit your garden. Image Courtesy K-State Research and Extension</figcaption>
 </figure>By MADDY ROHR K-State Research and Extension news serviceIt’s still nearly three months before Kansas gardeners begin to put tomato plants into the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini says that’s an opportunity for gardeners to set themselves up for a bountiful season.“Most of the varieties available to home gardeners are indeterminate,” Domenghini said.Indeterminate plants are traditional tomatoes that never stop growing. They are capable of producing fruit throughout the season unless disease stops production or frost kills the plant.Domenghini said gardeners will benefit from choosing tomato varieties with strong disease resistance characteristics.“Gardeners with limited space will likely prefer indeterminate or determinate types to stretch out the harvest season,” Domenghini said. “If there is space, you may want to grow a combination of all three, with the determinates used to produce a large harvest for canning or tomato juice, and the remainder for fresh eating.”In Kansas, tomatoes are generally planted in early- to mid-May, or when daytime temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the state has passed the frost-free date. In some areas, such as the northwest part of the state, conditions might not be right for planting tomatoes until the middle of May or a bit later, according to Domenghini.Even though indeterminate varieties produce fruit throughout the season, “our hot Kansas summers often cause a dry spell in production,” Domenghini said.Tomatoes are less likely to set fruit when night temperatures remain above 75 F and day temperatures are above 95 F. Hot, dry winds make the situation worse, Domenghini said.Tomato trialsEach year, <a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/master-gardener//">Kansas Master Gardeners</a> plant and rate a number of tomato varieties. Domenghini noted that a subsequent trial is conducted by a colleague with the University of Missouri extension service.Results of trials conducted by Kansas’ Master Gardeners vary by county. Interested persons are encouraged to <a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations/">contact their local extension office</a> for more information on varieties that perform well in their area.Domenghini said the University of Missouri trials also give valuable information on varieties that perform well in this region. The data from Missouri’s extension service showed that the top 10 varieties (based on pounds of fruit harvested per plant) are:Amish PasteBeefmasterBeefsteakBig BeefCelebrityChef’s ChoiceEarly GirlFlorida 91Jet StarSummer PickDomenghini and her colleagues in K-State's Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly <a href="https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/horticulture-resource-center/horticulture-newsletter/">Horticulture Newsletter</a> with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

KSRE: It's Feb., are you thinking about tomatoes yet?

K-State Research and Extension beef specialist Justin Waggoner says monitoring the body condition of gestating cows during times of cold stress becomes critical for calving and rebreeding.

<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By JACOB KLAUDT</a>, K-State Research and Extension news service

Cold January temperatures followed by muddy conditions from melting snow has created special challenges for beef cattle producers, said Kansas State University beef extension specialist Justin Waggoner.

“We’re getting muddy, but at the same time we’ve got these cold temperatures, so it really starts to add up, if you will, in terms of the impact it can have on cattle,” he said.

Waggoner said monitoring the body condition of gestating cows during times of cold stress becomes critical for calving and rebreeding.

“I would encourage cow-calf producers to pay close attention to body condition score on cows, especially as we begin to get closer to calving,” he said. “The other side of that is we need to prepare ourselves that if we’re seeing some thin cows at calving, then we need to consider what that looks like in terms of the upcoming breeding season. Likely, it’s going to take longer for those cows to cycle back.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707323019736.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>K-State Research and Extension beef specialist Justin Waggoner says monitoring the body condition of gestating cows during times of cold stress becomes critical for calving and rebreeding.<a href="mailto:jbklaudt@ksu.edu" target="_blank">By JACOB KLAUDT</a>, K-State Research and Extension news service Cold January temperatures followed by muddy conditions from melting snow has created special challenges for beef cattle producers, said Kansas State University beef extension specialist Justin Waggoner.“We’re getting muddy, but at the same time we’ve got these cold temperatures, so it really starts to add up, if you will, in terms of the impact it can have on cattle,” he said.Waggoner said monitoring the body condition of gestating cows during times of cold stress becomes critical for calving and rebreeding.“I would encourage cow-calf producers to pay close attention to body condition score on cows, especially as we begin to get closer to calving,” he said. “The other side of that is we need to prepare ourselves that if we’re seeing some thin cows at calving, then we need to consider what that looks like in terms of the upcoming breeding season. Likely, it’s going to take longer for those cows to cycle back.”Observing the weights of replacement heifers experiencing cold stress relative to target weights at breeding should also be monitored, according to Waggoner.“We get this implication of cold stress and these heifers aren’t able to gain as much,” he said. “Take the opportunity to do a weight check on those heifers 45 to 60 days before the expected breeding season.”Bulls require management during harsh winter weather as well, Waggoner said.“We talk about the importance of bull management oftentimes in providing bedding for those bulls, but the other piece of that is we certainly want to encourage producers to do a semen test prior to turnout,” he said. “We’re more focused on the calves and the upcoming calving season, so it’s just really easy to overlook those bulls.”Management of feeding sites is also important.“We need to consider moving the location where we’re feeding those livestock. If we’re still feeding cows out on pasture, rolling hay, then we need to make sure that we’re minimizing the damage to a particular location, or we may need to do some clean-up of those long term feeding sites once conditions improve,” he said.Concerning the growing and finishing sectors of the industry, poor pen maintenance and muddy conditions take a toll on the gain of fed cattle, Waggoner said.“Hoof deep mud can start to impact cattle performance and reduce it by as much as 15%,” he said.Additionally, backgrounding and growing operations may need to account for reduced animal performance in their marketing plans, Waggoner said.“If we’re in a system where we’d like to market eight-weight (800 pound) calves in March, and if we’re colder and wet, there’s some likelihood that those calves are going to be lighter,” he said. “So re-evaluating the performance of those calves relative to their optimum marketing date certainly will be beneficial to producers.”More information on cattle production is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/statewide-locations.html">local extension offices</a>.

Agriculture