Tall fescue, Missouri’s most used pasture grass, provides fall and winter grazing with proper management. With growing concern about the lack of stored forage, grazing offers potential feed this year. Fescue grows in two distinct seasons, spring and fall. Fall growth isn’t as robust as in spring. With good management, fescue gives grazing well […]
Tag: heat stress
Beat the heat from farm to fair with these tips
Fair season and heat put three key groups at risk of heatstroke: livestock, their owners and spectators. Timing and flexibility are critical when transporting animals to and from the fair, says Daniel Mallory, University of Missouri livestock field specialist. Take animals to the fair early in the morning when temperatures are cooler so animals remain […]
Five ways to help cows beat the summer heat
As summer temperatures rise, dairy animals benefit from heat abatement, says Joe Zulovich, a University of Missouri Extension specialist in livestock housing systems. Lactating cows face the most risk from heat, says Zulovich. Dry cows and pre-weaned calves also fare better with heat abatement systems in place. Heat abatement systems are economically beneficial for dairy […]
Educational session on improving farming profits to be held at University of Missouri Forage Systems Research Center
Area dairy farmers can investigate ways to improve the bottom line of their farms and their profits during an educational training session near Linneus. North Missouri Dairy Day will be held at the University of Missouri Forage Systems Research Center east of Linneus on the morning of February 18th at 10 o’clock. Extension Dairy Field […]
Cows heat stressed after breeding may have unseen pregnancy losses
Prolonged heat stress this year may bring a smaller calf crop next year. Herd owners are seeing cows known to be pregnant coming back into heat to be rebred. Pregnancy losses are due to several reasons, says Scott Poock, University of Missouri Extension veterinarian. “The first is increased internal temperature of the cow.” In July, […]
Close-up cow’ barns help cows avoid heat stress, produce more milk
Martin Prairie Farms near Humansville treats dairy cows like guests. The family-owned dairy farm north of Humansville in Hickory County dedicates itself to top-of-the-line herd nutrition and care, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Reagan Bluel. Freddie and Mary Martin, son David, and David’s spouse, Alana, own and operate the nearly 3,000-acre farm. Almost […]
Beef producers workshop to be held in Trenton
An informational workshop for beef producers is scheduled in Trenton June 7th, with the Barton Farm Campus hosting visiting livestock specialists and educators from two universities. The workshop is expected to focus on topics such as marketing, economic analysis, and risk management in the cattle-raising business. Representing the University of Wyoming are Bridger Feuz who is […]
Cows’ summer heat stress increases when grazing toxic fescue pastures
The summer slump in cool-season grass growth got a knockout punch from heavy rains in July across much of Missouri. Good growth for most grasses won’t be good for toxic tall fescue pastures, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist. “Keep your eyes open,” Roberts tells cow herd owners. “The rapid grass growth […]