PITTSFIELD, ILL. — The nearly 45,000-acre P5 Ranch – the largest contiguous ranch in the state of Kansas – has officially changed ownership.

Located in Hamilton and Kearny counties about 24 miles west of Garden City, the ranch was recently sold by Whitetail Properties Real Estate. Spanning 44,923 +/- acres, it is the company’s largest property sale by acreage to date.

Mitch Keeley and Adam Hann, the Whitetail Properties Land Specialists in western Kansas who handled the sale, said P5 Ranch is truly a one-of-a-kind property. “Usually when we sell a property, it’s either a farm, cattle operation or recreational land,” said Keeley. “We often represent properties that fit one of these categories, but what’s so unique about the P5 is it combines all three property types. It’s very hard to find something like this in Kansas.”

Consisting of over 40,000 acres of prime pastureland and more than 2,700 acres of pivot irrigated and dryland tillable ground, the P5 Ranch has the ability to support a capacity of 6,500 to 8,000 head of cattle. The 17 irrigation pivots on the ranch are used for growing alfalfa, triticale and corn to support the high capacity of livestock grazing the ranch.

In addition to its top-notch agriculture qualities, the P5 offers some of the best hunting in the state. With over 17 miles of Arkansas River frontage, it provides incredible whitetail, mule deer and elk hunting along the river and throughout the sandhills. High populations of upland birds inhabit the ranch, and a 36-acre lake provides excellent waterfowl opportunities as well.

To top it off, the ranch is complete with a large log cabin which has provided housing for hunters on the ranch over the years. There are also four ranch houses for ranch employees.

Hann said it is also very rare to find a ranch of this size in such high-quality condition. “The P5 has been exceptionally well-maintained over the years with excellent fencing, new irrigation pivots and as clean of a ranch as you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest,” he said.

The selling price is not being disclosed, although it is described by Whitetail Properties as “top of the market” for a ranch of this magnitude. The former owners’ decision to sell was

based on not wanting to burden the next generation of ownership with the future responsibility of selling or handing off the ranch.

The two Kansas land specialists said another unique aspect of the transaction is that, unlike most of their sales, an extensive marketing campaign was not undertaken. “Given the magnitude of the ranch, we knew the number of potential buyers would be very limited,” said Keeley. “We realized that instead of widely advertising, we had to go out and find a buyer whose criteria fit the operation. And that’s exactly what we were able to do.”

That strategy proved successful, as the ranch was sold in just two months. The buyer determined that the ranch would be a good fit for his large cattle operation and that the purchase price would provide a rate of return that made sense for the investment.

“We took the buyer to the ranch multiple times to meet with the owners and felt everyone formed a great relationship from day one,” said Hann. “In most deals, the seller never meets the buyer. Upon closing of the P5, we were confident all parties walked away with a sense of satisfaction, and new relationships were formed that will carry on for many years.”

SubmittedPITTSFIELD, ILL. — The nearly 45,000-acre P5 Ranch – the largest contiguous ranch in the state of Kansas – has officially changed ownership.Located in Hamilton and Kearny counties about 24 miles west of Garden City, the ranch was recently sold by Whitetail Properties Real Estate. Spanning 44,923 +/- acres, it is the company’s largest property sale by acreage to date.Mitch Keeley and Adam Hann, the Whitetail Properties Land Specialists in western Kansas who handled the sale, said P5 Ranch is truly a one-of-a-kind property. “Usually when we sell a property, it’s either a farm, cattle operation or recreational land,” said Keeley. “We often represent properties that fit one of these categories, but what’s so unique about the P5 is it combines all three property types. It’s very hard to find something like this in Kansas.”Consisting of over 40,000 acres of prime pastureland and more than 2,700 acres of pivot irrigated and dryland tillable ground, the P5 Ranch has the ability to support a capacity of 6,500 to 8,000 head of cattle. The 17 irrigation pivots on the ranch are used for growing alfalfa, triticale and corn to support the high capacity of livestock grazing the ranch.In addition to its top-notch agriculture qualities, the P5 offers some of the best hunting in the state. With over 17 miles of Arkansas River frontage, it provides incredible whitetail, mule deer and elk hunting along the river and throughout the sandhills. High populations of upland birds inhabit the ranch, and a 36-acre lake provides excellent waterfowl opportunities as well.To top it off, the ranch is complete with a large log cabin which has provided housing for hunters on the ranch over the years. There are also four ranch houses for ranch employees.Hann said it is also very rare to find a ranch of this size in such high-quality condition. “The P5 has been exceptionally well-maintained over the years with excellent fencing, new irrigation pivots and as clean of a ranch as you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest,” he said.The selling price is not being disclosed, although it is described by Whitetail Properties as “top of the market” for a ranch of this magnitude. The former owners’ decision to sell wasbased on not wanting to burden the next generation of ownership with the future responsibility of selling or handing off the ranch.Sold in Just Two MonthsThe two Kansas land specialists said another unique aspect of the transaction is that, unlike most of their sales, an extensive marketing campaign was not undertaken. “Given the magnitude of the ranch, we knew the number of potential buyers would be very limited,” said Keeley. “We realized that instead of widely advertising, we had to go out and find a buyer whose criteria fit the operation. And that’s exactly what we were able to do.”That strategy proved successful, as the ranch was sold in just two months. The buyer determined that the ranch would be a good fit for his large cattle operation and that the purchase price would provide a rate of return that made sense for the investment.“We took the buyer to the ranch multiple times to meet with the owners and felt everyone formed a great relationship from day one,” said Hann. “In most deals, the seller never meets the buyer. Upon closing of the P5, we were confident all parties walked away with a sense of satisfaction, and new relationships were formed that will carry on for many years.”

SOLD! Largest contiguous ranch in Kansas changes hands

In 2024 the Kansas Farm Bureau continues its recognition for “Sesquicentennial Farms” in conjunction with its annual “Century Farm” program. The Century Farm program honors Farm Bureau members who have owned farms of at least 80 acres within the same family for 100 years or more. The Sesquicentennial Farm recognition goes to farms in the same family for at least 150 years.

“Kansas farmers and ranchers have a lot to be proud of,” Joe Newland, Kansas Farm Bureau president, said. “One thing we take pride in is our value in the traditions and strong family ties through generations of rural living. Kansas Farm Bureau is honored to celebrate those through the Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farms programs.”

The deadline for consideration to be part of the 2024 programs is May 15. Kansas Farm Bureau has recognized 3,144 Century Farms and 112 Sesquicentennial Farms since their inception. Complete details for qualification and applications for both programs can be obtained at county Farm Bureau offices across Kansas or on the KFB website, <a href="http://www.kfb.org/centuryfarm">www.kfb.org/centuryfarm</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578094112288.jpeg" alt="Farm Bureau logo sq.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Farm Bureau logo sq.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedIn 2024 the Kansas Farm Bureau continues its recognition for “Sesquicentennial Farms” in conjunction with its annual “Century Farm” program. The Century Farm program honors Farm Bureau members who have owned farms of at least 80 acres within the same family for 100 years or more. The Sesquicentennial Farm recognition goes to farms in the same family for at least 150 years.“Kansas farmers and ranchers have a lot to be proud of,” Joe Newland, Kansas Farm Bureau president, said. “One thing we take pride in is our value in the traditions and strong family ties through generations of rural living. Kansas Farm Bureau is honored to celebrate those through the Century Farm and Sesquicentennial Farms programs.”The deadline for consideration to be part of the 2024 programs is May 15. Kansas Farm Bureau has recognized 3,144 Century Farms and 112 Sesquicentennial Farms since their inception. Complete details for qualification and applications for both programs can be obtained at county Farm Bureau offices across Kansas or on the KFB website, <a href="http://www.kfb.org/centuryfarm">www.kfb.org/centuryfarm</a>.

Kansas Farm Bureau to recognize tradition, heritage of family farms

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University weed specialist says an annual publication that outlines guidelines for chemical control in Kansas has undergone several key changes.

Sarah Lancaster says the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Item.aspx?catId=236&amp;pubId=25502">2024 Chemical Weed Guide</a>&nbsp;includes new guidelines for labeling, legal application practices and product use that applicators should be aware of.

One of the major changes is the registration of atrazine-containing herbicides with 24(c) labels.

“The atrazine 24(c) label has not been extended for row crop stubble,” Lancaster said. “So that means that if you have typically applied atrazine in the fall -- say to milo stubble or corn stubble -- that's no longer a labeled application.”

Lancaster said that changes to regulations do not include the use of atrazine on wheat stubble.

“Atrazine has long been under scrutiny from environmental groups, and this is one change to maintain the ability to use that very important product,” she said.

New herbicide products include Kyro, a postemergence herbicide for corn. The active ingredients in Kyro are similar to Resicore. The difference between Kyro and Resicore is that Kyro contains topramazone, which only has postemergence activity, compared to mestotrione that provides preemergence and postemergence activity in Resicore.

“It can only be applied postemergence to corn, so it's labeled for emerged corn up to 24 inches tall,” Lancaster said.

Another new herbicide is Store, which is similar to Acuron but with added pyroxasulfone,

“If you're going to kill a weed with herbicides, you have to kill it twice with each application,” Lancaster said. “As we think about herbicide resistance management, Storen contains two effective active ingredients from both group 27 herbicide and group 15.”

Lancaster said she is often asked why atrazine is not in a premix.

“We know we're going to put atrazine down on our corn acres, so this decision is tied back to the discussion about the attention that atrazine gets from the environmental groups,” she said

“We expect changes in the atrazine labels that cause us to be more site specific in our rate. You are not able to use the same rate across all of your acres because of soil textures and land capabilities and things of that nature, so this allows farmers to have a premix for most of the active ingredients they need, and then they can add the appropriate amount of atrazine as they plan the rest of their herbicide program.”

A new herbicide product for wheat is Tarzac, hitting the market this winter. Similar to many recently released wheat herbicides, it contains halauxifen, a group 4 herbicide that acts similar to 2-4-D. It also contains the active ingredient pyroxsulam, a group 2 herbicide also found in PowerFlex.

“This could be a good component of your herbicide program if you have marestail (also called horseweed), mustards, or if you have problems with any of the weedy brome, cheatgrass or Japanese brome,” Lancaster said.

The guide for cotton has also been updated. Lancaster notes that farmers can use Zidual impregnated on dry fertilizer for their herbicide needs in cotton.

Lancaster said the 2024 Chemical Weed Guide also features some naming changes.

“One of the minor changes this year affecting several places in the guide was the decision to rebrand some of the imazamox products, the herbicide for Clearfield crops,” Lancaster said.

Previously labeled Raptor for soybeans and alfalfa, that company has combined uses and branded the product as Beyond Xtra.

“This year, prices were largely steady with some prices less than 2023, namely glyphosate (Roundup, for example) and glufosinate (Liberty, for example),” she said.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Item.aspx?catId=236&amp;pubId=25502">2024 Chemical Weed Guide</a>&nbsp;is available online and print copies will be available after Jan. 1 from the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Default.aspx">K-State Research and Extension bookstore.</a>

“County and district extension educators will have weed guides available at winter programs including farm shows, and other presentations,” Lancaster said. “There's going to be four corn and soybean schools around the state sponsored by the corn commission and the soybean commission, as well as a series of weed schools as we get later into the winter where extension clients can pick up a paper copy.”

The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613594003681.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By MADDY ROHR, KSRE News ServiceMANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University weed specialist says an annual publication that outlines guidelines for chemical control in Kansas has undergone several key changes.Sarah Lancaster says the university’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Item.aspx?catId=236&amp;pubId=25502">2024 Chemical Weed Guide</a>&nbsp;includes new guidelines for labeling, legal application practices and product use that applicators should be aware of.One of the major changes is the registration of atrazine-containing herbicides with 24(c) labels.“The atrazine 24(c) label has not been extended for row crop stubble,” Lancaster said. “So that means that if you have typically applied atrazine in the fall -- say to milo stubble or corn stubble -- that's no longer a labeled application.”Lancaster said that changes to regulations do not include the use of atrazine on wheat stubble.“Atrazine has long been under scrutiny from environmental groups, and this is one change to maintain the ability to use that very important product,” she said.New herbicide products include Kyro, a postemergence herbicide for corn. The active ingredients in Kyro are similar to Resicore. The difference between Kyro and Resicore is that Kyro contains topramazone, which only has postemergence activity, compared to mestotrione that provides preemergence and postemergence activity in Resicore.“It can only be applied postemergence to corn, so it's labeled for emerged corn up to 24 inches tall,” Lancaster said.Another new herbicide is Store, which is similar to Acuron but with added pyroxasulfone,“If you're going to kill a weed with herbicides, you have to kill it twice with each application,” Lancaster said. “As we think about herbicide resistance management, Storen contains two effective active ingredients from both group 27 herbicide and group 15.”Lancaster said she is often asked why atrazine is not in a premix.“We know we're going to put atrazine down on our corn acres, so this decision is tied back to the discussion about the attention that atrazine gets from the environmental groups,” she said“We expect changes in the atrazine labels that cause us to be more site specific in our rate. You are not able to use the same rate across all of your acres because of soil textures and land capabilities and things of that nature, so this allows farmers to have a premix for most of the active ingredients they need, and then they can add the appropriate amount of atrazine as they plan the rest of their herbicide program.”A new herbicide product for wheat is Tarzac, hitting the market this winter. Similar to many recently released wheat herbicides, it contains halauxifen, a group 4 herbicide that acts similar to 2-4-D. It also contains the active ingredient pyroxsulam, a group 2 herbicide also found in PowerFlex.“This could be a good component of your herbicide program if you have marestail (also called horseweed), mustards, or if you have problems with any of the weedy brome, cheatgrass or Japanese brome,” Lancaster said.The guide for cotton has also been updated. Lancaster notes that farmers can use Zidual impregnated on dry fertilizer for their herbicide needs in cotton.Lancaster said the 2024 Chemical Weed Guide also features some naming changes.“One of the minor changes this year affecting several places in the guide was the decision to rebrand some of the imazamox products, the herbicide for Clearfield crops,” Lancaster said.Previously labeled Raptor for soybeans and alfalfa, that company has combined uses and branded the product as Beyond Xtra.“This year, prices were largely steady with some prices less than 2023, namely glyphosate (Roundup, for example) and glufosinate (Liberty, for example),” she said.The&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Item.aspx?catId=236&amp;pubId=25502">2024 Chemical Weed Guide</a>&nbsp;is available online and print copies will be available after Jan. 1 from the&nbsp;<a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Default.aspx">K-State Research and Extension bookstore.</a>“County and district extension educators will have weed guides available at winter programs including farm shows, and other presentations,” Lancaster said. “There's going to be four corn and soybean schools around the state sponsored by the corn commission and the soybean commission, as well as a series of weed schools as we get later into the winter where extension clients can pick up a paper copy.”The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.

K-State expert outlines key changes in the 2024 Chemical Weed Guide

K-State beef cattle experts offer tips for producers who are unable to manage cows on pastures

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news service

Anyone who has ever raised a dog, knows that it can be a labor-intensive experience, from feeding them twice a day to keeping their kennels clear of waste to making sure they get enough exercise to be a healthy pup.

In much the same way, cows raised in confinement also require more human capital than those raised on pastures, according to the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institute, who spoke about this topic on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the crew for this discussion was K-State beef cattle extension specialist Jason Warner.

Warner said confinement “is anything that is in a fence or boundary, but often we think of it as cows in a dry lot or barn.” He said the reason producers opt for this system is often because of the price of land.

“High land costs are prohibitive for expansion, and in some areas, traditional grazing pastures have been turned into row crop production,” Warner said.

K-State agricultural economist Dustin Pendell agreed with Warner and added: “When you are competing for land that is used to grow corn and soybeans, even if it is marginal pasture land, it is hard to pencil out.”

Pendell said that producers who do raise their cows in confinement need to be aware of the higher labor expense compared to the cows raised out on pastures.

“Someone has got to be there to feed the cattle and there is a labor cost tied to that,” Pendell said.

Feed is another additional expense that comes with maintaining cattle in a restricted area, said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.

“The feed costs will be higher in a confinement situation,” Lancaster said. “However, by limit- feeding a higher energy diet, producers can reduce the amount of forage needed and thereby reduce the amount of nutrients needed to maintain those cows.”

The other management difference between cows maintained on pastures versus confinement relates to sanitation, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“Calves need to be born in a sanitary environment,” Larson said. “Producers must have a plan in place to deal with the mud and dirt because young calves are the most susceptible to a disease challenge that comes from an unsanitary environment.”

<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/12/consumer-ranking-of-beef-sustainability-attributes/">To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703005846078.jpeg" alt="Cows kept in a confined area year-round have higher labor and feed costs associated with this production system." />
 <figcaption>Cows kept in a confined area year-round have higher labor and feed costs associated with this production system.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle experts offer tips for producers who are unable to manage cows on pastures</h2>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news serviceAnyone who has ever raised a dog, knows that it can be a labor-intensive experience, from feeding them twice a day to keeping their kennels clear of waste to making sure they get enough exercise to be a healthy pup.In much the same way, cows raised in confinement also require more human capital than those raised on pastures, according to the experts at Kansas State Univeristy’s Beef Cattle Institute, who spoke about this topic on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the crew for this discussion was K-State beef cattle extension specialist Jason Warner.Warner said confinement “is anything that is in a fence or boundary, but often we think of it as cows in a dry lot or barn.” He said the reason producers opt for this system is often because of the price of land.“High land costs are prohibitive for expansion, and in some areas, traditional grazing pastures have been turned into row crop production,” Warner said.K-State agricultural economist Dustin Pendell agreed with Warner and added: “When you are competing for land that is used to grow corn and soybeans, even if it is marginal pasture land, it is hard to pencil out.”Pendell said that producers who do raise their cows in confinement need to be aware of the higher labor expense compared to the cows raised out on pastures.“Someone has got to be there to feed the cattle and there is a labor cost tied to that,” Pendell said.Feed is another additional expense that comes with maintaining cattle in a restricted area, said K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.“The feed costs will be higher in a confinement situation,” Lancaster said. “However, by limit- feeding a higher energy diet, producers can reduce the amount of forage needed and thereby reduce the amount of nutrients needed to maintain those cows.”The other management difference between cows maintained on pastures versus confinement relates to sanitation, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“Calves need to be born in a sanitary environment,” Larson said. “Producers must have a plan in place to deal with the mud and dirt because young calves are the most susceptible to a disease challenge that comes from an unsanitary environment.”<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/12/consumer-ranking-of-beef-sustainability-attributes/">To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.</a>

Cattle Chat: Considerations for cows kept in confinement

K-State beef cattle experts share how to best manage bulls during this season

Many people know maintaining a healthy weight is one factor in an overall health plan, and weight maintenance is also important in the well-being of cattle, according to the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts who spoke on this topic on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.

For spring-calving cow herds, oftentimes beef nutritionists are focused on maintaining the cows in an optimum body condition through gestation and into the calving season, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. But he stressed that it is also important to make sure the bulls are managed to maintain a healthy weight.

“In the winter, a bull’s nutritional demands are similar to those of a cow in mid-gestation,” Larson said. “Poor quality forage alone will not meet his nutritional needs and so he may need to be given some protein supplement as well.”

Along with maintaining the bull’s weight, Larson recommends that producers manage them in a way that also protects their reproductive health from the winter weather.

“If bulls have had a rough winter, we may see scrotal frostbite and poor semen quality from those animals in the spring when we do their breeding soundness exams,” Larson said.

To keep this from happening, Larson recommends producers offer the bulls protection from the wind, allow them access to dry bedding and keep them away from the mud.

For producers who are introducing new bulls into the herd this winter, Larson said it is important to follow a biosecurity plan to reduce potential disease risk.

“I recommend producers quarantine all new animals for about 30 days so that they can watch for signs of illness during that time,” Larson said. “Oftentimes if a disease is going to break, it will show up in that time.”

He also offered one additional biosecurity tip.“It is also good to institute a vaccine program to make sure both the new cattle and the ones who have been in the herd for a while are following a similar health protocol,” Larson said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702389421324.jpeg" alt="Bulls may need to be supplemented in the winter to maintain their body condition. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Bulls may need to be supplemented in the winter to maintain their body condition. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State beef cattle experts share how to best manage bulls during this season</h2>By LISA MOSER&nbsp;KSREMany people know maintaining a healthy weight is one factor in an overall health plan, and weight maintenance is also important in the well-being of cattle, according to the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute experts who spoke on this topic on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast.For spring-calving cow herds, oftentimes beef nutritionists are focused on maintaining the cows in an optimum body condition through gestation and into the calving season, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson. But he stressed that it is also important to make sure the bulls are managed to maintain a healthy weight.“In the winter, a bull’s nutritional demands are similar to those of a cow in mid-gestation,” Larson said. “Poor quality forage alone will not meet his nutritional needs and so he may need to be given some protein supplement as well.”Along with maintaining the bull’s weight, Larson recommends that producers manage them in a way that also protects their reproductive health from the winter weather.“If bulls have had a rough winter, we may see scrotal frostbite and poor semen quality from those animals in the spring when we do their breeding soundness exams,” Larson said.To keep this from happening, Larson recommends producers offer the bulls protection from the wind, allow them access to dry bedding and keep them away from the mud.For producers who are introducing new bulls into the herd this winter, Larson said it is important to follow a biosecurity plan to reduce potential disease risk.“I recommend producers quarantine all new animals for about 30 days so that they can watch for signs of illness during that time,” Larson said. “Oftentimes if a disease is going to break, it will show up in that time.”He also offered one additional biosecurity tip.“It is also good to institute a vaccine program to make sure both the new cattle and the ones who have been in the herd for a while are following a similar health protocol,” Larson said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/12/08/industry-inventory-counts-winter-cow-and-bull-management-research-round-up/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: Caring for bulls in the winter 

Submitted by&nbsp;Parker Page, Cardinal 4-H Club Reporter

The Cardinal 4-H Club had an exciting November! The month kicked off with the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements Banquet for the Central Kansas 4-H District, where several of our club members&nbsp;received&nbsp;achievement pins and awards.&nbsp;

Two of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard, were named Outstanding&nbsp;4-Hers of the Year&nbsp;for their hard work and leadership in the 4-H program and will have their photos hang in the K-State Research and Extension office for the next year.&nbsp;We also had a family from our club named the 4-H Family of the Year, the Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family.&nbsp;Great job, 4-Hers!&nbsp;

Our club also held a bake sale at the Tumbleweed Craft Show to raise funds for scholarships and activities during the year. We appreciate all those who purchased our goods to support our club!&nbsp;

At our November monthly meeting, we had a fun “soup” theme for our potluck dinner and&nbsp;Jacob&nbsp;Schmeidler,&nbsp;our Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, did a leadership workshop for our group.&nbsp;

The month is wrapping up with one of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock, heading to Atlanta, GA for National 4-H Congress, where she will expand her leadership skills and meet other 4-H members from across the country.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701721864160.jpeg" alt="Cardinal 4-H members were recognized at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet at the Saline County 4-H Building. Members pictured include: Front: Parker Page, Oscar Page, Porter Riese, Lydia Taylor, Siayah Hubbard. Middle: Ella Riese, Maryn Gates, Jaelyn Gates. Back: Reygan Schrock, Jocelyn Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Jake Tillberg, Carson Fouard and Ty Tillberg. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>Cardinal 4-H members were recognized at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet at the Saline County 4-H Building. Members pictured include: Front: Parker Page, Oscar Page, Porter Riese, Lydia Taylor, Siayah Hubbard. Middle: Ella Riese, Maryn Gates, Jaelyn Gates. Back: Reygan Schrock, Jocelyn Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Jake Tillberg, Carson Fouard and Ty Tillberg. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted by&nbsp;Parker Page, Cardinal 4-H Club ReporterThe Cardinal 4-H Club had an exciting November! The month kicked off with the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements Banquet for the Central Kansas 4-H District, where several of our club members&nbsp;received&nbsp;achievement pins and awards.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701721794812.jpeg" alt="The Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family was named 4-H Family of the Year at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Family members include Joe &amp; Melissa Gates and their daughters, Jaelyn and Maryn. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>The Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family was named 4-H Family of the Year at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Family members include Joe &amp; Melissa Gates and their daughters, Jaelyn and Maryn. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard, were named Outstanding&nbsp;4-Hers of the Year&nbsp;for their hard work and leadership in the 4-H program and will have their photos hang in the K-State Research and Extension office for the next year.&nbsp;We also had a family from our club named the 4-H Family of the Year, the Joe &amp; Melissa Gates Family.&nbsp;Great job, 4-Hers!&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701721976645.jpeg" alt="Cardinal 4-H Members and Jacob Schmeidler, Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, at the November Cardinal 4-H Club meeting. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>Cardinal 4-H Members and Jacob Schmeidler, Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, at the November Cardinal 4-H Club meeting. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>Our club also held a bake sale at the Tumbleweed Craft Show to raise funds for scholarships and activities during the year. We appreciate all those who purchased our goods to support our club!&nbsp;At our November monthly meeting, we had a fun “soup” theme for our potluck dinner and&nbsp;Jacob&nbsp;Schmeidler,&nbsp;our Central Kansas District 4-H Extension Agent, did a leadership workshop for our group.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701722046811.jpeg" alt="Reygan Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard were named Outstanding 4-Hers at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Photo courtesy Emily Page" />
 <figcaption>Reygan Schrock &amp; Carson Fouard were named Outstanding 4-Hers at the annual 4-H Celebration of Achievements banquet. Photo courtesy Emily Page</figcaption>
 </figure>The month is wrapping up with one of our members,&nbsp;Reygan&nbsp;Schrock, heading to Atlanta, GA for National 4-H Congress, where she will expand her leadership skills and meet other 4-H members from across the country.&nbsp;What a great November!

Cardinal 4-H Members Named Outstanding 4-Hers and 4-H Family of the Year 

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news service

Walk into any kindergarten classroom in the middle of winter and you are bound to find a little person fighting off a cold. In much the same way, young calves are also prone to respiratory disease and pneumonia after they are weaned, say the veterinarians at the Kansas State Univeristy Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarians Brian Lubbers, Bob Larson and Brad White share why now is the time to stock the medicine cabinet and make a treatment plan with the local veterinarian so that producers are prepared when illness hits the herd.

“That plan should include a case definition that would indicate when the animal would need treatment and what those steps would be,” Lubbers said.

In the case of a respiratory illness in calves, some of those signs would be difficulty breathing and/or coughing, a reduced appetite and depressed behavior among others, Lubbers said.

If those signs are observed, the second stage of the plan might include bringing the calf into the chute for a closer inspection in which the person evaluating them could take their temperature, listen to their breathing through a stethoscope and perhaps run other tests.

“Whatever the protocol is, the important thing is that it is consistent across the operation,” Lubbers said. “That consistency will allow producers to monitor treatment outcomes in the best way.”

He added: “If the case definition is changing over time, then it will confound and confuse the assessment of treatment outcomes.”

Regarding treatment, Larson said ideally producers will want to have medicine at the ranch ahead of when sickness hits.

“We have a lot of effective treatment options for respiratory illness, so it is good to have those on hand and know the dose and route of administration for the products you will need to use when that sickness arises,” Larson said. “Most cattle will respond to treatment and show improvement. but some will not, so it is important to talk to the veterinarian ahead of time to plan that next step.”

Lubbers said this conversation also establishes the veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) contract that is legally needed for producers to administer treatment to the animals without the veterinarian performing an exam first.

“Along with having a valid VCPR, producers will also need to keep an accurate record of when treatments were administered,” Lubbers said. “All products have a withdrawal time that must be adhered to and so we don’t want to send them on for sale or processing if they have residues in their systems.”

White agreed and said he recommends producers hold the calves on the property until they’ve cleared the withdrawal time.

“I don’t always know what happens to the calf once they leave my place so I always make sure the calves are out of the withdrawal time before they leave the ranch,” White said.

Lubbers also recommended that producers share those health records with the calf’s next owner.

Also, along with antibiotic treatment, Larson said it is important to include comfort care in the illness plan.

“A good nursing care plan includes offering the sick calves dry bedding to lay on, providing them palatable feed and moving them away from others in the herd so they don’t have to compete with their penmates,” Larson said. “Those attentions to detail are important in the recovery of that animal.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/24/selecting-replacement-heifers-selling-calves-treating-sick-calves/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701716288462.jpeg" alt="A comfort care plan can include offering dry bedding to the calves. KSRE Photo" />
 <figcaption>A comfort care plan can include offering dry bedding to the calves. KSRE Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news serviceWalk into any kindergarten classroom in the middle of winter and you are bound to find a little person fighting off a cold. In much the same way, young calves are also prone to respiratory disease and pneumonia after they are weaned, say the veterinarians at the Kansas State Univeristy Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarians Brian Lubbers, Bob Larson and Brad White share why now is the time to stock the medicine cabinet and make a treatment plan with the local veterinarian so that producers are prepared when illness hits the herd.“That plan should include a case definition that would indicate when the animal would need treatment and what those steps would be,” Lubbers said.In the case of a respiratory illness in calves, some of those signs would be difficulty breathing and/or coughing, a reduced appetite and depressed behavior among others, Lubbers said.If those signs are observed, the second stage of the plan might include bringing the calf into the chute for a closer inspection in which the person evaluating them could take their temperature, listen to their breathing through a stethoscope and perhaps run other tests.“Whatever the protocol is, the important thing is that it is consistent across the operation,” Lubbers said. “That consistency will allow producers to monitor treatment outcomes in the best way.”He added: “If the case definition is changing over time, then it will confound and confuse the assessment of treatment outcomes.”Regarding treatment, Larson said ideally producers will want to have medicine at the ranch ahead of when sickness hits.“We have a lot of effective treatment options for respiratory illness, so it is good to have those on hand and know the dose and route of administration for the products you will need to use when that sickness arises,” Larson said. “Most cattle will respond to treatment and show improvement. but some will not, so it is important to talk to the veterinarian ahead of time to plan that next step.”Lubbers said this conversation also establishes the veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) contract that is legally needed for producers to administer treatment to the animals without the veterinarian performing an exam first.“Along with having a valid VCPR, producers will also need to keep an accurate record of when treatments were administered,” Lubbers said. “All products have a withdrawal time that must be adhered to and so we don’t want to send them on for sale or processing if they have residues in their systems.”White agreed and said he recommends producers hold the calves on the property until they’ve cleared the withdrawal time.“I don’t always know what happens to the calf once they leave my place so I always make sure the calves are out of the withdrawal time before they leave the ranch,” White said.Lubbers also recommended that producers share those health records with the calf’s next owner.Also, along with antibiotic treatment, Larson said it is important to include comfort care in the illness plan.“A good nursing care plan includes offering the sick calves dry bedding to lay on, providing them palatable feed and moving them away from others in the herd so they don’t have to compete with their penmates,” Larson said. “Those attentions to detail are important in the recovery of that animal.”To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/24/selecting-replacement-heifers-selling-calves-treating-sick-calves/" target="_blank">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Creating a care plan, experts say it's time to make a treatment plan

Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) will celebrate its 105th annual meeting Dec. 2-4 in Manhattan.

“I’m excited we will be gathering again to conduct the work of the state’s largest general farm organization,” said Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau. “I’m so glad I’ll get to celebrate with our members, county Farm Bureaus and friends from across the state for the first time as president.”

The organization’s annual meeting will begin Saturday evening with KFB’s Foundations’ Fundraiser, Cousin Eddie’s Christmas Party, which benefits the End Hunger Campaign. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, with the event starting promptly at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, informational workshops, tradeshow vendors and a silent auction will be open to attendees. Workshop topics include water, disaster program update, membership, mental health and rapid-fire updates on various topics. A full list is available at <a href="http://www.kfb.org/annualmeeting">www.kfb.org/annualmeeting</a>.

During the general session, awards for Friends of Agriculture, Natural Resources, county Farm Bureaus, and media will be presented.

Emmy Award-winning storyteller Larry Hatteberg will deliver the keynote address based on his constant search for ordinary people, whose stories illuminate larger issues.

Farm Families of the Year, Leadership KFB and Casten Fellows will be recognized during the banquet Sunday evening, in addition to recognizing the Distinguished Service honoree.

On Monday, voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2024, in addition to electing a vice president, Women’s Leadership Committee chair, and board members from odd-numbered Farm Bureau districts. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575384916134.jpeg" alt="kansas farm bureau .jpg" />
 <figcaption>kansas farm bureau .jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedKansas Farm Bureau (KFB) will celebrate its 105th annual meeting Dec. 2-4 in Manhattan.“I’m excited we will be gathering again to conduct the work of the state’s largest general farm organization,” said Joe Newland, president of Kansas Farm Bureau. “I’m so glad I’ll get to celebrate with our members, county Farm Bureaus and friends from across the state for the first time as president.”The organization’s annual meeting will begin Saturday evening with KFB’s Foundations’ Fundraiser, Cousin Eddie’s Christmas Party, which benefits the End Hunger Campaign. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, with the event starting promptly at 6 p.m.On Sunday, informational workshops, tradeshow vendors and a silent auction will be open to attendees. Workshop topics include water, disaster program update, membership, mental health and rapid-fire updates on various topics. A full list is available at <a href="http://www.kfb.org/annualmeeting">www.kfb.org/annualmeeting</a>.During the general session, awards for Friends of Agriculture, Natural Resources, county Farm Bureaus, and media will be presented.Emmy Award-winning storyteller Larry Hatteberg will deliver the keynote address based on his constant search for ordinary people, whose stories illuminate larger issues.Farm Families of the Year, Leadership KFB and Casten Fellows will be recognized during the banquet Sunday evening, in addition to recognizing the Distinguished Service honoree.On Monday, voting delegates will debate and adopt policy statements for 2024, in addition to electing a vice president, Women’s Leadership Committee chair, and board members from odd-numbered Farm Bureau districts.

Kansas Farm Bureau to hold 105th annual meeting in Manhattan Dec. 2-4

K-State cattle nutritionist explains how corn stalk bales can be a feed resource

When eating a salad, imagine how it might taste if all there was to eat were the stems of the plant. Not very appealing, right?&nbsp;

Similarly, cattle that are offered corn stalk bales to eat in place of hay also often find that to be less palatable, said Phillip Lancaster, beef cattle nutritionist for the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, Lancaster said there is an increase of corn stalks being baled as a feed resource this year because of the shortage of hay and the decrease in pastures available for fall grazing due to a lack of moisture.

“Traditionally, grazing cattle in the late fall on harvested corn fields can be an option to extend the grazing season because cattle can eat the husks and leaves, which have a decent nutritional value,” Lancaster said. “However, this year farmers are baling up the corn stalks after they’ve harvested the crop, which leaves only the stalks that are lignified and indigestible.”

He said that when cattle are offered a corn stalk bale, they will consume the resource at a higher proportion of stalks than they would if they were just grazing the field.

“Producers feeding those bales will have quite a bit of wastage unless they grind them and add them to a mixed ration,” Lancaster said.

For producers who need to use this as a feed resource, Lancaster said they need to supplement the cattle with protein.

He added: “For cows going into their third trimester this winter, their maintenance requirements are higher so along with protein they will also need to be supplemented with energy as well.”

Additionally, there is a potential health concern with bales that were made from a failed corn crop when fed to the cattle, Lancaster said.

“If nitrogen fertilizer was put on the crop in the spring and then it failed, the plant may still be holding that nitrogen,” Lancaster said.

In that case, producers will need to test the bales for nitrates, according to Lancaster.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700054298806.jpeg" alt="Corn stalk bales can be used for bedding or as a feed resource with supplementation." />
 <figcaption>Corn stalk bales can be used for bedding or as a feed resource with supplementation.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State cattle nutritionist explains how corn stalk bales can be a feed resource</h2>By LISA MOSER KSREWhen eating a salad, imagine how it might taste if all there was to eat were the stems of the plant. Not very appealing, right?&nbsp;Similarly, cattle that are offered corn stalk bales to eat in place of hay also often find that to be less palatable, said Phillip Lancaster, beef cattle nutritionist for the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, Lancaster said there is an increase of corn stalks being baled as a feed resource this year because of the shortage of hay and the decrease in pastures available for fall grazing due to a lack of moisture.“Traditionally, grazing cattle in the late fall on harvested corn fields can be an option to extend the grazing season because cattle can eat the husks and leaves, which have a decent nutritional value,” Lancaster said. “However, this year farmers are baling up the corn stalks after they’ve harvested the crop, which leaves only the stalks that are lignified and indigestible.”He said that when cattle are offered a corn stalk bale, they will consume the resource at a higher proportion of stalks than they would if they were just grazing the field.“Producers feeding those bales will have quite a bit of wastage unless they grind them and add them to a mixed ration,” Lancaster said.For producers who need to use this as a feed resource, Lancaster said they need to supplement the cattle with protein.He added: “For cows going into their third trimester this winter, their maintenance requirements are higher so along with protein they will also need to be supplemented with energy as well.”Additionally, there is a potential health concern with bales that were made from a failed corn crop when fed to the cattle, Lancaster said.“If nitrogen fertilizer was put on the crop in the spring and then it failed, the plant may still be holding that nitrogen,” Lancaster said.In that case, producers will need to test the bales for nitrates, according to Lancaster.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/11/10/sandhills-calving-corn-stalk-bales-mandatory-price-reporting/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

Cattle Chat: Feeding corn stalk bales

&nbsp;Two challenges in retail businesses are anticipating demand and understanding consumers’ buying preferences. To help define customer preferences, many business owners turn to client surveys to guide their decision-making.

With respect to consumers’ directives for beef producers, Kansas State University agricultural economists recently surveyed people across the country to see what is of the greatest importance to them in making decisions about buying retail beef.

“The four factors that consumers consistently rank at the top are product freshness, price, flavor and safety,” K-State ag economist Ted Schroeder said on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “Consumers just expect that the beef they purchase will have these qualities.”

Having a consistent demand for beef aligns with the industry’s goal of economic sustainability, said Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist and sustainability expert for the university’s Beef Cattle Institute.

“From a beef industry perspective, we categorize sustainability in three pillars — economic, social and environmental,” Lancaster said.

He defined economic sustainability as profitability at the ranch level, while social sustainability relates to the public’s perception of how beef producers care for the animals. Environmental sustainability encompasses soil health, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. 

“From a beef production standpoint, consumers rank animal welfare of greater importance when making purchasing decisions, over greenhouse gas concerns,” Schroeder said.

He added that it is important to remember that not all consumers rank their priorities the same way.

“Consumers are heterogeneous, meaning niche markets are present for even low-rank product attributes,” Schroeder said.

He also said that policymakers need to be cognizant of the costs associated with additional regulations relating to beef cattle production.

“We want to produce beef that is profitable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable, and those are all good things. But we have to be careful about imposing regulations on the industry to meet certain criteria because that will add cost, and we know that price is one of the biggest factors that drives consumer beef purchases,” Schroeder said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699374820108.jpeg" alt="Consumers place a value on animal welfare, according to a Kansas State University study. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Consumers place a value on animal welfare, according to a Kansas State University study. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;Two challenges in retail businesses are anticipating demand and understanding consumers’ buying preferences. To help define customer preferences, many business owners turn to client surveys to guide their decision-making.With respect to consumers’ directives for beef producers, Kansas State University agricultural economists recently surveyed people across the country to see what is of the greatest importance to them in making decisions about buying retail beef.“The four factors that consumers consistently rank at the top are product freshness, price, flavor and safety,” K-State ag economist Ted Schroeder said on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “Consumers just expect that the beef they purchase will have these qualities.”Having a consistent demand for beef aligns with the industry’s goal of economic sustainability, said Phillip Lancaster, K-State beef cattle nutritionist and sustainability expert for the university’s Beef Cattle Institute.“From a beef industry perspective, we categorize sustainability in three pillars — economic, social and environmental,” Lancaster said.He defined economic sustainability as profitability at the ranch level, while social sustainability relates to the public’s perception of how beef producers care for the animals. Environmental sustainability encompasses soil health, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. “From a beef production standpoint, consumers rank animal welfare of greater importance when making purchasing decisions, over greenhouse gas concerns,” Schroeder said.He added that it is important to remember that not all consumers rank their priorities the same way.“Consumers are heterogeneous, meaning niche markets are present for even low-rank product attributes,” Schroeder said.He also said that policymakers need to be cognizant of the costs associated with additional regulations relating to beef cattle production.“We want to produce beef that is profitable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable, and those are all good things. But we have to be careful about imposing regulations on the industry to meet certain criteria because that will add cost, and we know that price is one of the biggest factors that drives consumer beef purchases,” Schroeder said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the Cattle Chat podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Consumer priorites for beef production

K-State cattle experts offer management advice when feed supplies run low

When consumers are trying to extend their buying dollar at the grocery store, meal planning and shopping the sale items are two ways that they can manage their spending to get the most for their money.

In a similar way, some cattle producers are already looking at ways to extend their feed resources because of the lack of moisture that may have cut those supplies short, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/27/beef-dairy-cross-genetics-managing-hay-shortages-have-weaning-weights-improved/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster recommends turning out the cattle on crop residues as a way to extend the time before they need to feed them hay.

“Grazing corn or sorghum stalks are a good feed resource for cows in mid-gestation that have their calves weaned off already,” Lancaster said.

Another option he mentioned was the fall planting of cool-season annuals.

“Those cool season annuals should provide some early grazing options in the spring assuming we get enough moisture for them to grow,” Lancaster said.

If those strategies are not options, K-State veterinarian Bob Larson suggests producers limit the number of hours in the day that the cows are given access to hay. Larson said that cows given free choice access to the hay tend to eat the most appealing part of the hay and don’t as readily consume the less digestible parts.

“To waste less hay, make the cows eat all of one bale before they get the next one,” Larson said. “Another tip is to limit the cows’ access to the hay to 6-12 hours per day.”

In a situation where feed resources are even more limited, K-State Research and Extension beef cattle geneticist Bob Weaber said it may mean some voluntary culling to reduce the herd size.

“Anytime there is a short supply, changing the demand is an effective strategy, and that can be done through the early weaning of the calves as well culling some of the cows,” Weaber said.

He added: “If you are going into a feeding period where hay is elevated in price, you can decrease the demand for the hay by reducing the herd size down to the essential group of cows you want to preserve.”

He suggested producers look at the current market prices as a factor when deciding which cows to sell.

“If the choice is between selling a mature bred cow and a bred replacement heifer, think about which one will generate more value next spring when she calves,” Weaber said. “On average, the mature cow will raise a heavier calf than the bred heifer.”

The experts agreed that if feed resources are challenged and with the current favorable market prices, it may be better to sell now rather than feeding cattle through the winter and selling them in January.

“Most importantly, producers need to have a plan now for what happens when feed runs short,” Weaber said.

To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/06/whats-next-in-genetic-technologies-supplemental-protein-selecting-for-sustainability/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699186824403.jpeg" alt="Cattle Chat: Stretching feed resources " />
 <figcaption>Cattle Chat: Stretching feed resources </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State cattle experts offer management advice when feed supplies run low</h2>By LISA MOSERKSRE&nbsp;When consumers are trying to extend their buying dollar at the grocery store, meal planning and shopping the sale items are two ways that they can manage their spending to get the most for their money.In a similar way, some cattle producers are already looking at ways to extend their feed resources because of the lack of moisture that may have cut those supplies short, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/27/beef-dairy-cross-genetics-managing-hay-shortages-have-weaning-weights-improved/">Cattle Chat</a>&nbsp;podcast, K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster recommends turning out the cattle on crop residues as a way to extend the time before they need to feed them hay.“Grazing corn or sorghum stalks are a good feed resource for cows in mid-gestation that have their calves weaned off already,” Lancaster said.Another option he mentioned was the fall planting of cool-season annuals.“Those cool season annuals should provide some early grazing options in the spring assuming we get enough moisture for them to grow,” Lancaster said.If those strategies are not options, K-State veterinarian Bob Larson suggests producers limit the number of hours in the day that the cows are given access to hay. Larson said that cows given free choice access to the hay tend to eat the most appealing part of the hay and don’t as readily consume the less digestible parts.“To waste less hay, make the cows eat all of one bale before they get the next one,” Larson said. “Another tip is to limit the cows’ access to the hay to 6-12 hours per day.”In a situation where feed resources are even more limited, K-State Research and Extension beef cattle geneticist Bob Weaber said it may mean some voluntary culling to reduce the herd size.“Anytime there is a short supply, changing the demand is an effective strategy, and that can be done through the early weaning of the calves as well culling some of the cows,” Weaber said.He added: “If you are going into a feeding period where hay is elevated in price, you can decrease the demand for the hay by reducing the herd size down to the essential group of cows you want to preserve.”He suggested producers look at the current market prices as a factor when deciding which cows to sell.“If the choice is between selling a mature bred cow and a bred replacement heifer, think about which one will generate more value next spring when she calves,” Weaber said. “On average, the mature cow will raise a heavier calf than the bred heifer.”The experts agreed that if feed resources are challenged and with the current favorable market prices, it may be better to sell now rather than feeding cattle through the winter and selling them in January.“Most importantly, producers need to have a plan now for what happens when feed runs short,” Weaber said.To hear the full discussion, listen to the&nbsp;<a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/06/whats-next-in-genetic-technologies-supplemental-protein-selecting-for-sustainability/">Cattle Chat</a>podcast online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Stretching feed resources  

K-State cattle experts discuss what to expect if anaplasmosis is identified in the area

By LISA MOSER K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN, Kan. — When hiking, many know to check their bodies for ticks to avoid getting Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Many of these tick diseases are region-specific.

In the same way, ticks can also carry diseases that make animals sick, said the veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarian Brad White said anaplasmosis is a blood-borne pathogen carried primarily by ticks and can impact cattle in certain regions of the country.

“Because it is a blood-borne pathogen, cattle with anaplasmosis become anemic and that can lead to spontaneous abortions and in some cases, death,” White said.

K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said this disease often impacts a certain group of cows the most.“Anaplasmosis typically impacts the older cows the hardest because they have a harder time with the anemia,” he said.

With anemia, the first sign is often that cattle hold their heads down and act depressed, according to White. Spontaneous abortions can also be a sign that anaplasmosis is impacting the herd, he said.

“The abortions are related to the cattle getting sick systemically, meaning they get the disease and become sick enough that they can’t maintain the pregnancy,” White said.

If anaplasmosis is suspected in the herd, Lubbers said it is important to test the sick animals for an accurate diagnosis. He said that with a blood sample, veterinarians have three ways to confirm the presence of it in the herd.

“We can test the blood sample by looking for parasites on the blood cells, but that doesn’t typically show up until the cattle are clinically sick,” Lubbers said. “Other options are a PCR test where we look at the parasite's DNA, or a serology test where we look for antibodies in the blood, which would indicate exposure to the disease.”

If the disease is suspected, the sick animals are typically treated with tetracycline antibiotics, Lubbers said.

Not all herds will come in contact with ticks that carry anaplasmosis, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.

“This disease does have a geographic component to it, and the longer the disease is in the area the magnitude of the harm will decrease because the herd will build stability over time,” he said.

He also said that fall is the time of year when cases will peak in the Midwest.

“We tend to see peak cases a few weeks after the tick populations are at their highest, so that means September through November is often when the cattle show sickness,” Larson said.

White agreed, adding: “The delay of sickness results from the time it takes from the initial infection until when they show signs of illness from the infected blood cells.”

Because this disease is extremely difficult to keep out of the herd once the carrier ticks arrive in the area, White and the others agree it is important for producers to work with their local veterinarians to come up with a management plan ahead of anaplasmosis infecting the herd.

White said, “There is not a lot producers can do to prevent exposure to anaplasmosis, and so monitoring and control will be important in the management plan for this disease.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to the <a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/20/growing-your-operation-anaplasmosis-grazing-failed-beans/">Cattle Chat podcast</a> online or through your preferred streaming platform.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698156287871.jpeg" alt="Older cattle are more susceptible to anemia caused by anaplasmosis. Image Courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Older cattle are more susceptible to anemia caused by anaplasmosis. Image Courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>K-State cattle experts discuss what to expect if anaplasmosis is identified in the area</h2>By LISA MOSER K-State Research and ExtensionMANHATTAN, Kan. — When hiking, many know to check their bodies for ticks to avoid getting Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Many of these tick diseases are region-specific.In the same way, ticks can also carry diseases that make animals sick, said the veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute.Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarian Brad White said anaplasmosis is a blood-borne pathogen carried primarily by ticks and can impact cattle in certain regions of the country.“Because it is a blood-borne pathogen, cattle with anaplasmosis become anemic and that can lead to spontaneous abortions and in some cases, death,” White said.K-State veterinarian Brian Lubbers said this disease often impacts a certain group of cows the most.“Anaplasmosis typically impacts the older cows the hardest because they have a harder time with the anemia,” he said.With anemia, the first sign is often that cattle hold their heads down and act depressed, according to White. Spontaneous abortions can also be a sign that anaplasmosis is impacting the herd, he said.“The abortions are related to the cattle getting sick systemically, meaning they get the disease and become sick enough that they can’t maintain the pregnancy,” White said.If anaplasmosis is suspected in the herd, Lubbers said it is important to test the sick animals for an accurate diagnosis. He said that with a blood sample, veterinarians have three ways to confirm the presence of it in the herd.“We can test the blood sample by looking for parasites on the blood cells, but that doesn’t typically show up until the cattle are clinically sick,” Lubbers said. “Other options are a PCR test where we look at the parasite's DNA, or a serology test where we look for antibodies in the blood, which would indicate exposure to the disease.”If the disease is suspected, the sick animals are typically treated with tetracycline antibiotics, Lubbers said.Not all herds will come in contact with ticks that carry anaplasmosis, said K-State veterinarian Bob Larson.“This disease does have a geographic component to it, and the longer the disease is in the area the magnitude of the harm will decrease because the herd will build stability over time,” he said.He also said that fall is the time of year when cases will peak in the Midwest.“We tend to see peak cases a few weeks after the tick populations are at their highest, so that means September through November is often when the cattle show sickness,” Larson said.White agreed, adding: “The delay of sickness results from the time it takes from the initial infection until when they show signs of illness from the infected blood cells.”Because this disease is extremely difficult to keep out of the herd once the carrier ticks arrive in the area, White and the others agree it is important for producers to work with their local veterinarians to come up with a management plan ahead of anaplasmosis infecting the herd.White said, “There is not a lot producers can do to prevent exposure to anaplasmosis, and so monitoring and control will be important in the management plan for this disease.”To hear the full discussion, listen to the <a href="https://ksubci.org/2023/10/20/growing-your-operation-anaplasmosis-grazing-failed-beans/">Cattle Chat podcast</a> online or through your preferred streaming platform.

KSRE Cattle Chat: Managing tick-related sickness in the herd

Beck's, the industry's third-largest seed brand and largest family-owned retail seed company, broke ground on a new distribution and research facility in Salina, Kansas. 

Joined by state leaders and key stakeholders, Beck's commemorated their expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 11, 2023.

The 140-acre property located on North Ohio Street next to Foley’s Equipment in Saline County is the location for Beck’s first permanent location in Kansas.

Plans for the new site include a 96,000-squarefoot distribution building and 100 acres dedicated to Practical Farm Research (PFR)® studies that will provide farmers with educational and localized agronomic support.

"We are excited to break ground and establish roots in Kansas," said Sonny Beck, CEO of Beck's. " 

This investment is a reflection of our commitment to farmers in the West, allowing us to serve them faster and more efficiently with the high-quality products and support they need to succeed.

The new facility is situated off I-70 and will serve as a resource for farmers to learn and make decisions from Beck’s PFR program. Designed with the farmer in mind, PFR highlights various management practices and inputs to help farmers make better decisions and increase profitability.

“The expansion of Beck’s into Saline County is an investment that will drive economic growth and support our critical agricultural community here,” said D. Mitch Robinson, executive director at Salina Community Economic Development Organization. “The support Beck’s provides to it’s customers will help our farmers maximize their operations that will ultimately provide new resources to our local community.”

To support growing demand, Beck’s continues establishing roots to support their western expansion. In August of 2023, Beck's celebrated the grand opening of their new distribution and PFR facility in Goehner, Nebraska, and their first-ever Nebraska Field Show with nearly 1,000 farmers in attendance. On January 1, 2022, Beck’s acquired the Hartung Brothers facility in Coon Rapids, Iowa, for corn and soybean production, processing, and distribution.

“Kansas has targeted the food and agriculture sector as key to growing the state economy,” Kansas Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Beck’s is a perfect example of the kind of company we were hoping to attract. Their impact will be felt not only in Salina but across the state.”

 In August 2021, Beck’s purchased a processing facility for soybean processing and production in Beaman, Iowa. In addition, Beck's has facilities in Colfax, Mount Pleasant, and Marshalltown, Iowa, to serve their customers in the West.

Beck's construction in Salina is expected to be completed in 2024 and create several new jobs in the Salina community. The facility will also host hundreds of farmers each year at Beck's Kansas Field Show.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697837738873.jpeg" alt="Left to Right: Mitch Robinson, Tim Zimmerman, Bill Longbine, Sonny Beck, Scott Beck. Images courtesy Beck's Seed" />
 <figcaption>Left to Right: Mitch Robinson, Tim Zimmerman, Bill Longbine, Sonny Beck, Scott Beck. Images courtesy Beck's Seed</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedBeck's, the industry's third-largest seed brand and largest family-owned retail seed company, broke ground on a new distribution and research facility in Salina, Kansas. Joined by state leaders and key stakeholders, Beck's commemorated their expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 11, 2023.The 140-acre property located on North Ohio Street next to Foley’s Equipment in Saline County is the location for Beck’s first permanent location in Kansas.Plans for the new site include a 96,000-squarefoot distribution building and 100 acres dedicated to Practical Farm Research (PFR)® studies that will provide farmers with educational and localized agronomic support.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697838248857.jpeg" alt="Sonny Beck delivers remarks at the groundbreaking event." />
 <figcaption>Sonny Beck delivers remarks at the groundbreaking event.</figcaption>
 </figure>"We are excited to break ground and establish roots in Kansas," said Sonny Beck, CEO of Beck's. " This investment is a reflection of our commitment to farmers in the West, allowing us to serve them faster and more efficiently with the high-quality products and support they need to succeed.The new facility is situated off I-70 and will serve as a resource for farmers to learn and make decisions from Beck’s PFR program. Designed with the farmer in mind, PFR highlights various management practices and inputs to help farmers make better decisions and increase profitability.“The expansion of Beck’s into Saline County is an investment that will drive economic growth and support our critical agricultural community here,” said D. Mitch Robinson, executive director at Salina Community Economic Development Organization. “The support Beck’s provides to it’s customers will help our farmers maximize their operations that will ultimately provide new resources to our local community.”To support growing demand, Beck’s continues establishing roots to support their western expansion. In August of 2023, Beck's celebrated the grand opening of their new distribution and PFR facility in Goehner, Nebraska, and their first-ever Nebraska Field Show with nearly 1,000 farmers in attendance. On January 1, 2022, Beck’s acquired the Hartung Brothers facility in Coon Rapids, Iowa, for corn and soybean production, processing, and distribution.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697838357644.png" alt="Beck’s new facility in Salina will provide western farmers with sales support, distribution, and PFR" />
 <figcaption>Beck’s new facility in Salina will provide western farmers with sales support, distribution, and PFR</figcaption>
 </figure>“Kansas has targeted the food and agriculture sector as key to growing the state economy,” Kansas Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Nadira Hazim-Patrick said. “Beck’s is a perfect example of the kind of company we were hoping to attract. Their impact will be felt not only in Salina but across the state.” In August 2021, Beck’s purchased a processing facility for soybean processing and production in Beaman, Iowa. In addition, Beck's has facilities in Colfax, Mount Pleasant, and Marshalltown, Iowa, to serve their customers in the West.Beck's construction in Salina is expected to be completed in 2024 and create several new jobs in the Salina community. The facility will also host hundreds of farmers each year at Beck's Kansas Field Show.

Beck's breaks ground at new research, distribution facility in Saline County

Salina, Kan. –Tim VanDonge and Lindsay Garber, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents, and Saline County Farm Bureau are teaming up to fight hunger across Saline County. 

From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth, Salina, agents and their staff will be collecting non-perishable food items. In addition, until Wednesday, Nov. 15, community members can drop off non-perishable items at Farm Bureau Financial Services offices at 2740 Belmont Blvd or 145 N Ohio. 

All items collected will be donated to Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank - an organization that strives to serve everyone in Saline County and will be tracked in a state-wide competition.

The End Hunger Food Drive is a state-wide program that brings county Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents and Kansas State University Wildcat fans together to gather food donations and participate in a friendly competition with other agents and county Farm Bureaus.

“There are hungry people in our community and together we can provide help to those in need,” Les Berndt, Saline County Farm Bureau President, said.

The winning county will be recognized at the Saturday, Nov. 25 Iowa State University vs. Kansas State University football game in Manhattan. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697831297392.jpeg" alt="Food collection station for the drive. Photo courtesy Saline County Farm Bureau" />
 <figcaption>Food collection station for the drive. Photo courtesy Saline County Farm Bureau</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedSalina, Kan. –Tim VanDonge and Lindsay Garber, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents, and Saline County Farm Bureau are teaming up to fight hunger across Saline County. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth, Salina, agents and their staff will be collecting non-perishable food items. In addition, until Wednesday, Nov. 15, community members can drop off non-perishable items at Farm Bureau Financial Services offices at 2740 Belmont Blvd or 145 N Ohio. All items collected will be donated to Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank - an organization that strives to serve everyone in Saline County and will be tracked in a state-wide competition.The End Hunger Food Drive is a state-wide program that brings county Farm Bureaus, Farm Bureau Financial Services agents and Kansas State University Wildcat fans together to gather food donations and participate in a friendly competition with other agents and county Farm Bureaus.“There are hungry people in our community and together we can provide help to those in need,” Les Berndt, Saline County Farm Bureau President, said.The winning county will be recognized at the Saturday, Nov. 25 Iowa State University vs. Kansas State University football game in Manhattan. Besides non-perishable food donations, monetary donations are accepted online at www.kfb.org/endhungerfooddrive. For every dollar donated and tagged for the Saline County community, we will receive credit for one pound of food.To see how the Saline County community is competing in the state-wide competition, go to www.kfb.org/endhungerfooddrive. Donations will be weighed and turned in on a weekly basis.For more information, contact Leslie Manning at 785-312-7929. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 15 at Farm Bureau Financial Services offices at 2740 Belmont Blvd and 145 N Ohio.