Livestock Auction Guide 2.25.13

Spring 2013Spring 2013

Country Folks • February 25, 2013

Page 2


Angus Calves at Auction Bring Record PremiumsRecord-high calf prices last year spelled good news for most U.S. ranch-ers, but there was an extra bonus for many of them.

That came in the form of record-high premiums paid for Angus calves atauction compared to non-Angus contemporaries, as reported to CertifiedAngus Beef LLC (CAB). The database on more than 300,000 calves soldin 13,794 lots at 10 markets since 1999 is part of the company’s “Here’sthe Premium” project.

“Everybody who sold calves enjoyed the market response to supply anddemand, but some may not have noticed the price differentials still held,”said Steve Suther, the CAB director of industry information who initiatedthe study.

Data from nine cooperating auction markets last fall showed the all-timehigh Angus premium in absolute terms (see Fig. 1 on page 3 of thisrelease).That was $5.30 per hundredweight (/cwt.) for the combination of504-pound (lb.) heifers and 511-lb. steers sold in 660 lots.

On the steer side, it was $6.20/cwt., down 8.6% from the 2008 record, but

17% above the 2006 figure. Meanwhile, the heifers set a 14-year high of

$4.40/cwt. above non-Angus (Fig. 2).

As always, market managers reported the winning bids on known Angus-

based genetics from 450 lb. to 550 lb., noting breed type, sex, weight and

price vs. non-Angus steers and heifers, keeping muscling, frame and

other non-breed factors constant. They also note any preconditioning,

management or sale factors.

Kansas State University agriculture economist Kevin Dhuyvetter, who

has analyzed the data from the start, says lots identified as weaned or

vaccinated earned premiums of $7.36/cwt. compared to other lots,

regardless of breed type.

Premiums for Angus calves have grown in a near linear trend since 1999.

Dividing those 14 years into two equal periods (Fig. 3) shows a per-head

Angus steer advantage growing from $21.21 in the first seven reports to

$31.40 in the four reports representing the last seven years. Angus heifers

moved up from $15.05 to $19.72 per head in those same averages.

“I’m not sure if there’s a replacement heifer phenomenon or simply that

as prices in general have increased, the premiums associated with

Angus genetics have increased in absolute terms,” Dhuyvetter says.

“It does stand to reason that if people start rebuilding herds, we would

see a narrowing of the steer-to-heifer spread,” he adds “If Angus calves

continue to bring premiums, then Angus heifers that might be going as

replacements should be gaining in value to non-Angus heifers.”

People raising Angus cattle have seen ever-better maternal traits and

weaning weights over those years, Suther said. “If they followed the

calves’ progress through the feedlot, they saw an uptrend in their abilityto gain and grade, and the carcass premium rewards are on the rise, too.”

That could explain data from Superior Livestock video auctions since

2000 showing combined steer and heifer Angus premiums have dominat-

ed values by breed type for that similar span of time (see sidebar).

Angus cattle show “Superior” valueData from 13 years of marketing 4.9 million cattle in 40,799 lots on the

leading U.S. video auction shows a clear dominance of Angus genetics.Most of the calves sold on the video include data on breed type, which

has always had an effect on sale price.

In the first two years, the lowest premium above the Brahman-cross basewere English and English crosses.

Since 2002, the breed category with the smallest premium over those

“cattle with ear” has been English-Continental crosses.

In 12 of 13 years, and including 2012, the breed category with the high-est premium was “Primarily Angus.” The only year it did not show the

highest premium was in 2011, when it was edged out by black and blackwhiteface calves.

Data analyst Mike King began to break out and quantify those reported

breed type variables in 2000.

He set strict guidelines to classify cattle, based on seller description, intoone of five categories: mixed English or English crosses, English-

Continental crosses primarily Angus black or black-whiteface and cat-

Brangus calves would fall into King’s latter category. On the other hand,a pen of mostly black English calves with less than a 90% share of blackindividuals only qualified as English/English crosses. Lots of black orblack-whiteface calves had to be at least 90% black hided, and primarilyAngus calves had to be described as at least 90% Angus by the seller.

The spread showed its narrowest range ever in 2012, but primarily Anguscalves sold at a premium $4.40/cwt., which was 55 cents above the black

and black whiteface, and 51 cents above English and English cross pre-mium (see line graph below).

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Page 4

CattleFax Projections IncludeDecline in Beef Supply,Rising Prices in 2013

TAMPA, Fla.– Cattlemen and women gathered at the2013 Cattle Industry Convention and NationalCattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show tohear CattleFax market analysts’ projections for the yearahead. Creighton University Professor Emeritus ArtDouglas said that there is a chance some regions of theUnited States will see a return to more normalprecipitation patterns during the upcoming spring andsummer growing season. That was welcome news toparticipants, many of whom have been enduring anongoing, multi-year drought which has affected morethan 70 percent of cattle country.

If precipitation returns to near-normal levels for the 2013growing season, CattleFax predicts farmers in the U.S.will plant a record number of acres in both corn andsoybeans. CattleFax Grain Market Analyst ChadSpearman told the audience that would lead to lowerfeed grain prices this year.

“If we see anything close to trend line yields, we’ll seerelief on the supply side and the result will be price relief,particularly in the second-half of 2013,” said Spearman,who added that the additional moisture will help mitigatehay prices after harvest begins this summer.

“With a little help from Mother Nature, we will be in muchbetter shape with regard to hay supply and prices duringthe second half of the year,” he said.

Although input costs may provide relief, analyst MikeMurphy provided a note of caution, saying that a possibleeconomic slowdown could put pressure on beef pricesand demand among consumers. He projected that netincome in the U.S. would be flat, with incomes strugglingto keep pace with inflation. However, he predicted beefexports would continue to provide support for prices.

‘We expect to see an increase in exports, due in largepart to an increase in shipments to Japan since thatmarket recently opened to beef from cattle under 30months of age,” said Murphy. “Imports will also be upsubstantially as well, due to tighter supplies in the U.S.at a time when we have strong demand for 90 percentlean trim.”

Overall, CattleFax Senior Analyst Kevin Good predictedbeef production in the U.S. will fall, with per-capita supplydeclining 2.2 percent. However, he said the decrease willbe partially offset by increasing carcass weights

decline by 1 percent, due to a 1 percent decline in realincome of consumers.

Good said he expects that there will be a shift inleverage with the loss of packing capacity in the U.S.after the closure of a southern Plains packing plantearlier this year.

“As a result of that decline in capacity, feedlots will get asmaller percentage of the wholesale value of beef,” saidGood. He added that CattleFax is projecting averageprices will be higher for all classes of cattle during 2013compared to the prior year.

Prices are expected to average $126 compared to $123during 2012, an increase of 2.5 percent.Yearling pricesare expected to average $155, an increase of 5 percentfrom the 2012 average of $147. According to Good, calfprices will average $175, up 5 percent from last year’saverage of $167.

“The cow-calf sector will remain in the driver’s seatduring 2013, particularly if they have feed,” said Good.

CattleFax CEO Randy Blach summarized the year aheadby saying it will be a difficult year for margin operators inthe cattle business. He emphasized the importance ofrisk management due to continued volatility and risingcapital requirements. Packer margins, though, should seesome improvement as the result of the decline incapacity, a trend that he expects to continue.

“Don’t be surprised if we see the loss of another one ortwo plants before we’re done with the consolidationphase,” said Blach. Likewise, he said the industry canexpect cattle feeding capacity to continue its decline dueto the current market situation.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has representedAmerica's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage andstrength of the industry through education and public policy. As the

largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create newmarkets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible

through membership contributions.To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or [email protected].

© Copyright 2012 National Cattlemen's Beef Association, all rights

reserved.


Page 5

Free BQA Certification This Month forBeef and Dairy Producers

Are you doing your part for theindustry by getting BQA certified?Well, if you haven't,have we got a deal for you!

Your checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)program is giving you the chance to become certified forfree thanks to a partnership with Boehringer IngelheimVetmedica, Inc. and the Beef Cattle Institute (BCI)housed at Kansas State University. The cost of BQAcertification is normally $25-$50; however, between Feb.11, 2013 and March 15, 2013, Boehringer IngelheimVetmedica, Inc. will defray the cost of the certification,making it free for producers. Those interested in takingadvantage of this BQA certification opportunity shouldstart at www.BIVI-BQA.com.

“BQA provides cattlemen with the tools they need toproduce the safe, high-quality beef while also looking atways to make their operations more efficient andproductive,” says Ryan Ruppert, senior director of BQA.

BQA is the gold standard of livestock handling andanimal-welfare programs, Ruppert says, and BoehringerIngelheim Vetmedica Inc.’s support of BQA onlinecertification demonstrates the company’s commitmentto improving the industry and telling consumers aboutthe sound production practices most cattlemen useevery day.

BQA has customized programs specific to cow/calf,stocker, feedlot or dairy operations. Developed and

managed by the independent Beef Cattle Institute, theseeasy-to-use modules teach sound managementtechniques they can apply to their operation. The cattleindustry has embraced BQA because it is the right thingto do, and certification is the next step to show yourcommitment producing the best beef possible. It alsohelps cattle operations tell their story to consumers whomight not understand all of the safety measurescattlemen take in producing the food on the table.

"We're proud to bring this certification program to moreAmerican cattlemen and dairy producers," says DavidKorbelik, director of cattle marketing for BoehringerIngelheim Vetmedica, Inc. "Much like our 'PreventionWorks' approach to animal health, BQA is aboutmonitoring and making incremental improvementsthroughout the lifecycle to prevent disease and ensure aquality end product."

Ruppurt says it is "clear that Boehringer IngelheimVetmedica, Inc. is committed to helping consumersunderstand that beef is produced in a safe and humanemanner," adding that "this partnership will help producerslearn about the latest industry advancements anddemonstrate the ways they continue to provide atop-quality food product.”

Show you care. Start today by visitingwww.BQA.org/team or www.BIVI-BQA.com.For more information about your beef checkoff,visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.

CONTACT US ABOUT ADVERTISING

IN THE LIVESTOCK AUCTION GUIDE!This will be published quarterly and

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Page 6

Dairy CowHeat Detection

New University of Wisconsin research has concluded that yourchances of success for detecting heat in high-producing cows isjust over half the rate for average milking animals. If youroutinely check for heat only once or twice per day, yoursuccess rate drops even more.

Wisconsin researchers report that high-producing cows are inestrus for a shorter period of time than lower producingherdmates. A regular, frequent heat detection routine coulddetect standing heats more successfully.

Heat detection is basic to reproductive success in artificiallybred dairy herds, yet estrus detection rates have decreased inrecent years. A study of southeastern U.S. Holstein herds, forexample, showed heat detection rates dropped to 41.5 per centin 1999 from 50.9 per cent in 1985.

Reduced heat detection success tends to be blamed onincreased herd sizes and more cows per person, as well ashigher milk production per cow.

Higher milk production is related to negative energy balance,which occurs when cows simply can't eat enough to replacebody weight used to produce milk. Researchers have generallyattributed delayed first ovulation and smaller follicle size-factorscontributing to reduced fertility rates-to negative energybalance.

Part of the negative relationship between fertility and high milkproduction may be genetic. However, the genetic component incow fertility performance tends to be small.

This leads to the question of whether shorter estrus durationsmake heats more difficult to detect. Dr. Milo Wiltbank andassociates in Wisconsin studied lactating dairy cows tomeasure duration. They used the HeatWatch system that fitscows with radio transmitters, and allows continuous monitoringand recording of mounting activity.

The study monitored 267 early-lactation cows housed in afree-stall barn and milked twice daily. The HeatWatch system letresearchers record number of mounts and how often theyoccurred. They checked ovulation by ultrasonic exam for alldetected estruses.

Researchers made comparisons according to lactation number,days since calving, and the amount of milk given 10 daysbefore the day of estrus. That let them make sure theproduction level was linked closely to when the estrus occurred,not overall lactation milk.

When the cows were grouped according to high and lowproduction, estrus duration [standing to be mounted] wasshorter for the high-production group, the researchers found.This group, averaging 46.4 kilograms of milk per day, were inestrus 6.2 hours on average, compared with the lowerproduction group at 10.9 hours.

There was a negative correlation between milk production andestrus duration. The high group had more intense mountingactivity, with more mounts during the shorter time period. Still,the lower production group averaged 8.8 mounts versus 6.3 forthe high-producing group.

NCBA Statement on Japan'sEasing of Trade Restrictions

for U.S. BeefWASHINGTON (Jan. 28, 2013) – The NationalCattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has learned thatas of Feb. 1, Japan will begin accepting beef and beefproducts from cattle under 30 months of age. The newterms and conditionsexpand market access from cattleunder 20 months to cattle under 30 months. It isestimated that this change in protocol will result inhundreds of millions of dollars in additional exports ofU.S. beef.

“This is great news for cattlemen and women and is asignificant milestone in our trading relationship withJapan,” said NCBA President J.D. Alexander. “Japan is agreat market for U.S. beef and we look forward tocontinuing to meet Japanese consumer demands. Thismove is an important step forward in paving the waytoward greater export opportunities to one of our largest

t k t ”

Through November 2012, Japan was the second largestexport market for U.S. beef totaling $849 million andnearly 130,000 metric tons. Alexander added that thisannouncement is a shot in the arm to a market andproducers facing continued drought, high input costs andincreasing federal regulation.

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented

America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage andstrength of the industry through education and public policy. As thelargest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new

markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possiblethrough membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at1-866-BEEF-USA or [email protected].

© Copyright 2012 National Cattlemen's Beef Association, all rightsreserved


Page 7

Determining The Value Of SilageTo Buyers And Sellers

The shortage of forage and high grain prices have leftmany cattlemen searching for livestock feed, and manylong white bags in a cornfield will draw questions if silageis available, and if so, what is the price. While a fair priceis a function of the availability, how is that determined?

Determining the price of a quantity of corn depends onits volume and quality characteristics. And that canusually be quickly determined. But determining the priceof silage takes longer because of all the variables thathave to be reconciled. Michigan State UniversityExtension Specialist Craig Thomas says silage pricesdepend on the quality, moisture content, and the graincontent per ton of silage, which are all considerations ofthe buyer. But he says the seller has valueconsiderations as well as they pertain to the value ofthe biomass removed from the field.

Thomas offers a pricing scheme for corn silage based oncompensating the seller for the value of the shelled cornand comparing the silage to alternative feeds the buyermust purchase. He says negotiate a price, then adjustthat price, “It is primarily based on the price of dryshelled corn, but also accounts for the seller’s cost ofbringing dry shelled corn to market, the value of thestover for fertilizer, and for variation in dry matter (DM).Once an initial negotiable price has been calculated bothseller and buyer should consider several non-quantifiablefactors to arrive at the final price.”

Determining the grain valueThe grain price should be the local cash price at the timethe silage was harvested. The quantity will varydepending on the environmental conditions during the

growing season, and 2012 will create some problemswith that determination. Research points to a total of7.5 bushels of corn per wet ton of silage, based on agrain yield of 125 to 150 bushels per acre. Thomas saysthe silage should be sold on the basis of 35%dry mattercontent.

Adjust thesilagepriceThe seller’sadjustmentsinclude severaldeductions thatare notexpenses, sincethe corn was notsold as grain.Those include

drying, transportation, and storage costs. Thomas saysthe grain yield, multiplied by the seller’s adjusted grainprice is the sellers adjusted value of the silage at 35%dry matter.

Adjustments to the fertilizer value ofthe stoverThe seller is losing the value of the stover to returnphosphate and potash to the soil. Those values aredetermined by the dry stover yield in weight, multiplied bythe value of the nutrients per pound. Since the seller islosing that value, the final price of the silage should beadjusted to compensate him.

Adjustment for changes in dry matterThe dry matter of the silage may vary considerably dueto stage of maturity of the corn and any delay in harvest,so the moisture content should be checked to determinethe moisture. If the dry matter is below 35%,the wet price is reduced, and if the dry matter content isabove 35% the price is increased. Thomas recommendsweighing every load.

Final considerationsOnce the negotiated and adjusted silage price of dollarsper wet ton of silage is calculated, that becomes theinitial negotiating point, says Thomas. He says that is theminimum price for the seller, based on his breakevenprice that would have been an alternative to harvestingshelled corn. Other considerations for the seller includesoil compaction at harvest time for the silage and thevalue of the stover to prevent soil erosion. The buyershould consider alternative feed availability based onprice and nutrition. Another adjustment may also includea trade of manure application in return for the stover loss.Thomas offers a spreadsheet to help calculatethe various equations.

Summary:One farmer’s corn is another farmer’s silage, but

determining thevalue to each has toinclude manyconsiderations. Thevalue of the drymatter in the silageshould bedetermined, andthen adjusted bymany factorsincluding factorsboth beneficial anddetrimental to theseller, and factors

that the buyer must


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Page 10WASDE - 515 Approved by

the World Agricultural Outlook BoardFebruary 8, 2013

LIVESTOCK, POULTRY,AND DAIRY: The 2013 forecastof total red meat and poultryproduction is raised from last monthreflecting higher forecast beef, pork,broiler, and turkey production. Beefproduction is raised based mostly onheavier carcass weights. The beefproduction forecast is also raised ascow slaughter in the first quarter isexpected to be relatively high. Porkproduction is raised as carcassweights are expected to reflect moremoderate feed costs. Broilerhatchery data pointed to continuedexpansion of bird numbers andweights at slaughter have beenincreasing. Thus, the broilerproduction forecast is raised from

last month. Turkey production israised slightly on hatchery data. Eggproduction is raised on higherproducer prices and lower forecastfeed prices. Estimates of 2012 meatand egg production are adjusted toreflect December data.

The beef export forecast for 2013 isunchanged as trade restrictions byRussia are offset by gains to Japanand other markets. Pork exports arelowered on trade restrictionsimposed by Russia although there isexpected to be some offset in higherexports to other markets. Broiler andturkey export forecasts are raisedfrom last month on stronger demandfrom a number of markets. Import

forecasts are unchanged fromJanuary. Beef and pork exportestimates for 2012 are lowered dueto slower-than-expected shipments inNovember. Poultry is raised basedon larger-than-expected Novembershipments.

Cattle, hog, and turkey prices for2013 are unchanged from lastmonth. Broiler and egg prices areraised on expected demand strengthin 2013.

The milk production forecast for 2013is raised. Milk cow numbers areraised as USDA’s Cattle reportindicated that the number of cows onJanuary 1 was about unchangedfrom 2012.

Milk per cow forecasts are raised aslast quarter-2012 estimates werehigher than expected and lowerforecast feed costs support highermilk yields in 2013. Fat-basis tradeestimates for 2013 are unchanged.The skim-solids export estimate for2013 is raised largely onexpectations of stronger nonfat drymilk (NDM) shipments, but theimport forecast is unchanged. Milkproduction estimates for 2012 areraised, reflecting end-of-yearproduction data. Dairy tradeestimates for 2012 reflect the paceof trade through November.

Cheese prices are unchanged fromlast month, but the price range isnarrowed. NDM and whey prices areraised reflecting stronger demand,but the butter price is lowered.Despite a higher whey price, theforecast Class III price is unchangedalthough the range is tightened.Lower butter prices are more thanoffset by higher NDM prices resultingin a slightly higher forecast Class IVprice. The range of all milk price for2013 is narrowed to $18.90 to$19.70 per cwt.

Enter the drawing by completing the information onthe form below and fax or mail to:

First Name ____________ Last Name ________________

Farm Name ____________________________________

Address ________________________________________

City ________________ State ________ Zip Code ______

* Email Address __________________________________

* Business Phone ________________________________

* Cell Phone ____________________________________

* Average # of beef cattle sold per week ____ per month ____

* Average # of dairy cattle sold per week ____ per month ____


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Page 12

Bull buying,have a game plan

by Dr. Scott P. Greiner,Extension Animal Scientist, VA TechHave a game plan heading into bull buying season.Evaluate the current herd sire battery for their physicaland reproductive soundness, as well as the performanceof their progeny. With the spring bull sales just around thecorner, now is the time to spend some time planning forthose new purchases. The following outline providessome coaching suggestions to establish your game plan:

1) Examine Herd Goals -Herd goals serve as the foundation for sire selection andprovide guidance as to traits with the most economicimportance. Defining the production and marketingsystem, along with management strategies andenvironment are key factors.

2) Determine Herd Strengthsand Weaknesses -Basic records are necessary to identify herd strengthsand weaknesses. Performance parameters such ascalving percentage, weaning percentage, weaningweights, sale weights, carcass merit, feed usage, etc. arenecessary to serve as the basis for assessing areas ofstrength and those needing attention.

3) Establish Selection Priorities -Concentrate on those factors which stand to have thelargest impact on profitability. Remember that income isderived from performance which in influenced by bothgenetics and environment/management. Focus on thehandful of priority traits rather than attempting to changemany traits simultaneously.

4) Utilize Selection Tools -Genetic differences across breeds have been wellestablished, and utilization of different breeds in acomplimentary fashion through structured crossbreedingplans provides the opportunity for improvement inmultiple traits. Most importantly, heterosis attainedthrough crossbreeding has been shown to havesignificant favorable impacts on traits such asreproductive efficiency and cow longevity which arecritical for herd profitability. EPDs and indexes areavailable for many traits of economic importance. Again,with the large number of EPDs at our disposal, thecritical step is to determine the EPDs which are mostimportant and establish benchmarks relative to each.

5) Establish Benchmarks - Several tools canbe utilized to assist in the determination of EPDspecifications. EPD values for current and past sires canbe used as benchmarks. With these benchmarks, EPDspecifications can be set to reflect desired increase,moderation or stabilization of performance for a

6) Find Source -There are many sources of bulls that warrantconsideration- production sales, test stations, and privatetreaty sales. Of critical importance is that the bull be froma reputable source and breeder which will stand behindtheir product.

7) Do Your Homework -Closely study the sale catalog, performance pedigree,and data. On paper, determine which bulls meet the EPDand other specifications that have been established andeliminate those which do not. Stay firm to the selectioncriteria and qualifications/specifications that have beenestablished. All this can and should be accomplishedprior to attending a bull sale.

8) Take a Look -Once the list has been narrowed to only bulls which meetthe criteria, these bulls can be further evaluated andselection refined. Having a list of suitable bulls prior toarrival at the auction or farm will not only save time, butalso assist in making sure the right bull for the situation ispurchased. Upon narrowing the potential candidates onpaper, the bulls can be evaluated for suitability ofphenotypic traits and the potential candidate listshortened even further.

9) Make a Sound Investment -For many cow calf producers, purchasing a new bull is arelatively infrequent occurrence. This emphasizes theimportance of selecting the right bull, particularly insingle sire herds. The value of the right bull cannot beunderestimated. Investments in good genetics will paydividends both short and long-term through the influencethe bull has on each calf crop as well as his daughtersthat are retained in the herd.

10) Proper Management -Lastly, proper management and nutrition are essential forthe bull to perform satisfactorily during the breedingseason. With most new herd sires purchased as yearlingbulls- management prior to, during, and after the firstbreeding season is particularly important. Plan ahead byacquiring a new yearling bull at least 60 to 90 prior to thebreeding season so that ample time is available to allowfor adjustment to a new environment, commingling withother bulls, and getting the bull in proper breeding bodycondition.

For more information visit Virigina Cooperative Extensionat www.ext.vt.edu

Source: Livestock Update, January 2013


Page 13

Pasture Management and Electric FencingGood pasture management leads to increased milk andmeat production, as animals are grazing fresh, highenergy, palatable pasture.

Pasture management is dependent on three basic areasof animal control:

1. Control of the area to be grazed.2. Control of the number of animals to be grazed.3. Control of the grazing time.These three controls are fundamental to any pasturemanagement programme.

Control of the area to be grazedControl of a grazing area is achieved economically withGallagher power fence systems, using either permanentor portable fences. Fencing allows specific areas ofpasture to be grazed, while ensuring other pasture areasrest and re-grow.

When a pasture is rested, the plants " tiller " or produceleafy shoots from the base of the plant. Tillering produceshigh quality, palatable pasture. To encourage theseshoots to grow, regular but controlled grazing is required.

Control of the number ofanimal numbers to be grazedThis control factor determines the stocking density of thegrazing area. The stocking density is the number ofanimals in a given grazing area for a stated point of time.Stocking density determines how efficiently the available

Control of the grazing time Control of the grazing time, determines the annualproduction of the pasture area. It is important that theplants are not grazed down too low, as the leaves arerequired for the process of photosynthesis.Photosynthesis is vital for the plant itself to grow andfeed its own root system. Good root reserves are neededto provide healthy tillering and leaf growth.

Pasture that is maintained at the tillering stage is young,lush, green pasture with high protein and high energylevels.

Farm animals have a very acute sense of taste and smelland will only eat pasture 4-6 weeks after dung and urinehave been deposited.

Subdivision with high stocking density of pasture ensuresanimal manure is spread more evenly over the wholegrazing area.

To achieve quality pasture rotational/controlled grazing isthe preferred grazing method. Rotational/controlledgrazing involves grazing paddocks in rotation by shiftingthe power fence regularly to allow the stock an allocatedration. The stock are contained by both a front and aback fence. The back fence protects the recently-grazedarea to allow it to recover so it can be grazed again at alater stage.

Set stocking can also be used to successfully managepastures, however, care must be taken to achieve theright balance between the number of animals containedin a grazing area and the length of grazing time. Thegrazing area or paddocks generally vary in size. Setstocking should be done for each, individual paddock.Large paddocks, can be fenced off into smaller moremanageable grazing areas, with a portable power fence.

For additional resources go to:http://www.forages.psu.edu/topics/pastures/management/index html


Page 14

How to ImproveRFID Ear Tag Retention

RFID ear tag retention is one of the most important physical elements of livestock ear tags. With mostlivestock agencies such as The USDA, and the CanadianCattle Identification Agency (CCIA) retention is highpriority on the scale for approving livestock ear tags, aftermaterial safety. This is the reason why only a few tagmanufacturers are approved for use in livestock, versusthe many other manufacturers on the market.

To improve tag retention there is some basic tagmaintenance that should be performed before tagginglivestock, such as cattle, bison, elk, deer, sheep, goats,and pigs.

The most important tip, is to use the correct tagapplicator with the ear tags you are using, also youShould be using the most current tag applicator, if themanufacturer had designed a newer version of theapplicator, then you should be using the current version.

If the applicator allows you to change the tips, then thisshould be inspected and tips changed frequently. Wornout or bent tips in the applicator, makes it difficult to taglivestock correctly and efficiently, and will decrease tagretention.

If tagging livestock with an applicator and you feelmovement as you apply the tag to the ear,chances are retention will not be good, and that tag willeventually will get removed from the ear.

Additional Tips to Improve RFID Tag Retention:

Ear-Tag-Position

• Make sure you are tagging the RFID ear tag in thecorrect location.• Make sure you are using the correct applicator withthe ear tag.• Make sure you are using the correct backing studsthat came with the RFID ear tag.

Following these tips, will improve RFID tag retention,these are steps that are often overlooked.

Read more:http://livestock-id.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-improve-rfid-ear-tag-retention.html#ixzz2KBFR5RM1

© Copyright 2010 Livestock-ID

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“They could only wiggle their ears,” says Jeff Martindale,Brewster, Nebraska. “We used the SILENCER Hydraulic

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Available on all eight SILENCER Hydraulic SqueezeChute Models, The Hydraulic Neck Bars offer Operatorand Animal Safety.

Visit www.molymfg.com for more information and video.


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Documents

Livestock Auction Guide 2.25.13