News Update
April 14, 2010

AngusSource Regulars Keep it Up

Two Angus producers with established reputations for high quality topped the first-quarter standings in the AngusSource® Carcass Challenge (ASCC).

Although that January-through-March quarter does not fit many of the calf-fed cattle enrolled in the program, the level of quality in the two leading groups did not falter, according to Sara Snider, AngusSource director.

As usual, Mike Kasten, Millersville, Mo., fed his 39 steers from the Central Region at Irsik & Doll Feedyard, Garden City, Kan. As usual, they blew the doors off, with a combination of 82.1% Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) brand and Prime, 18% of those in that top grade.

As usual, John Osborn, Savannah, Mo., fed his 39 mixed steers and heifers at home, having purchased them from five local allied herds. As usual, they gave Kasten’s group a good run for the money, coming in at 73.7% CAB and Prime, winning in the Northeast Region for the quarter. Read more.

Injury Prevention — Working With Livestock

Many farmers never stop to think of their personal safety when working with livestock. Farmers may work carefully around livestock most of the time; however, because an animal’s behavior can be unpredictable at times, individuals can be injured because of preoccupation, haste, impatience, or even anger. Injuries that are common when working with livestock include bites, kicks, being stepped on, pinned against a solid surface, or overcome by a single animal or the whole herd. Some general guidelines when working with livestock include:

• Understand and study the typical behaviors of the livestock you are working with.

• Herd livestock such as cattle or sheep can become agitated or stressed when one animal is isolated from the herd.
  

• Maternal female livestock can become aggressive in an effort to protect their young.
  

• Mature male livestock can become aggressive in an attempt to show dominance.
  

• Understand aggressive warning signs such as showing of teeth, ears laid back, or stomping of feet.
  

• Avoid startling an animal by making it aware of your approach before getting too close.
  

• Move calmly, deliberately and patiently around livestock. Avoid quick movements or loud noises that may startle animals.
  

• Excessively changing the animal’s environment or daily routine can take the animal out of its comfort zone.
  

• Avoid being in travel paths during the feeding of a herd or large group of livestock.
  

• Be aware of your surroundings and always leave an escape route when working in close quarters with livestock.
  

• Bottle-fed or show livestock can become playful because of constant handling. After being placed back in with the general livestock as an adult, they may still approach you in a playful manner when you are not expecting it.
  

• Be patient and avoid frustration when working with difficult or stubborn livestock. Back injuries, muscle strains and slip/fall injuries can occur when frustrations lead to overaggressive handling practices.
  

— Release by Ohio AgrAbility Program.

Extension Workshop in Tucumcari Focuses on Current Water Issues

The latest advancements in technology and updates on current water issues in New Mexico will be topics of interest at the annual “Agricultural and Home Economics Seminar” May 6 in Tucumcari.

The Quay County Cooperative Extension Service, through New Mexico State University (NMSU), is hosting the event, which aims to educate agricultural producers and homeowners about current issues in their community.

Extension specialists will hold sessions throughout the morning where they will discuss a variety of topics.

Leeanne DeMouche, Extension water resource specialist, will discuss how to collect and report precipitation data. In a separate session, she will also talk about water conservation in the home.

Craig Runyan, Extension water quality specialist, will give sessions on how to design low-cost, water-saving irrigation systems for small-acreage farms and how to monitor soil moisture in crop production.

Curtis Smith, Extension horticulture specialist, is offering two sessions to talk about xeriscaping.

This annual event is aimed at bringing the public information on the latest technologies available to them to implement in their homes or on their farms and ranches, as well as give them up-to-date information about current events that may affect them.

There is no charge to attend the event, and lunch will be provided by area businesses.

Between sessions there will be time for participants to visit with local business people who will have exhibits at the seminar.

Registration for the seminar begins at 8 a.m. The sessions begin at 9 a.m., and the lunch program will begin at noon. The luncheon speaker will be Tim Farmer, District VII manager for the Office of the State Engineer, who will give a talk about water for New Mexico.

The event will be at the Tucumcari Convention Center. Anyone with questions can call the Quay County Extension Service at 575-461-0562.

— Release by NMSU Cooperative Extension Service

— Compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc..