After a mild fall and hopefully a prosperous breeding season, many sheep producers are turning their attention to lambing season and management of bred ewes. “A primary concern as we transition to winter months is feed resources and identifying expected grain and forage requirements for pregnant ewes,” said Travis Hoffman, sheep specialist with North Dakota
Manage ewes now for lambing success
A little attention now will make the most of feed and allow producers to be proactive on livestock health
Hunter or farmer, here’s how to beat avian flu
The peak outbreaks of 2022 are past, but avian flu is still a risk this fall
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is still hanging around in wild birds, and extension staff at North Dakota State University urge hunters and bird owners to be careful. Why it matters: HPAI has killed or led to the cull of 58.84 million domestic birds in the U.S. since the start of 2022 and 7.77 million
Spring moisture brings mould hazard
Danger brought by flooding doesn’t drop off once the water recedes
Flooding and seepage from saturated soils force many to clean wet buildings this spring. Ken Hellevang, a North Dakota State University Extension engineer, has these tips to help the cleanup go smoothly and safely: Stay safe When using wet/dry vacuums and other cleaning equipment, use an extension cord with a ground fault circuit interrupter or
Is your flooding checklist ready to go?
From feed caches to clean water supply, producers should think about how to weather flooding this spring
Spring flood risk is back and it’s time for at-risk ranchers to implement plans for accessible feed and livestock assistance if water starts to rise. Options may include safety in enclosed structures, higher pasture ground, evacuation to higher ground or relocation to local alternatives such as an auction barn or fairgrounds. “Beef cattle out on
Take precautions when using heat lamps for newborn livestock
The use of heat lamps increases the risk of fire, but with proper safety precautions they can be a helpful tool
As spring approaches, many ranchers prepare a clean, dry and warm place for newborn animals. Frigid temperatures make it a challenge to keep newborn livestock warm and protected from harsh winter elements. One option is to provide supplemental heat from heat lamps but severe risks can accompany their use inside a barn. “As livestock producers,
Prepare for cold-weather calving
Adequate preparation for winter calving can help reduce the risk of disease spread
The winter of 2022-23 has already been challenging for beef producers. With the ground not entirely frozen due to the insulation effect of early snows, many are set up for wet, muddy, and unsanitary conditions for calving. “For cattle operations that begin calving during this time, cows must have access to some type of confinement
Kochia control waning in North Dakota
Two popular products also widely used in Manitoba seem less effective
A North Dakota State University study showed that some kochia populations in western North Dakota likely have developed resistance to commonly used pre-plant burndown herbicides. For many years, no-till farmers have used Aim (carfentrazone) and Sharpen (saflufenacil) either just before or just after planting to control emerged kochia and other annual weeds. In Manitoba, carfentrazone is the active ingredient in Aim EC,
Coccidiosis can affect calves
Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasite that may contaminate feed and water
Ranchers have seen calves with signs of coccidiosis this fall and winter, according to Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension’s veterinarian. Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects several different animal species. In cattle, it may produce clinical symptoms in animals from one month to one year of age. Coccidia is a protozoan parasite
Consider feed requirements for beef cattle during cold weather
As cold temperatures arrive, good-quality feed and protection from wind are key
The coldest part of the winter is here, and that may have a significant impact on livestock in areas that experienced relatively mild fall conditions. North Dakota State University Extension livestock specialists Karl Hoppe and Janna Block note that although most cattle in the region are acclimated to a cold environment, long periods of severe cold may require
Weaning considerations for healthy calves
This is the second-most stressful period in a calf’s life, and management is key to success
Whether calves will be retained and backgrounded or sold shortly after weaning, it is important to consider the impacts of weaning strategies on calf health and performance, says Janna Block, North Dakota State University Extension livestock systems specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. Many producers wean calves at the same time every year but
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