What is grass tetany and why is magnesium important? Grass tetany, also known as grass staggers, magnesium (Mg) tetany, hypomagnesemia, and wheat pasture poisoning, is a nutritional disorder caused by either 1) an inadequate amount of dietary Mg, or, 2) other mineral related factor that is preventing (antagonizing) dietary Mg from being properly absorbed […]
This past month as a part of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Conference in South Dakota, I was given the opportunity, along with many other agents from across the country, to tour ranches and feedyards. Several that we visited have redesigned their working facilities using the “Bud Box” and double alley system to […]
Cattle ranchers have a great training opportunity for both themselves, and their employees. For a limited time, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc (BIVI) is covering the cost of up to $50 per person, for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training. BQA is more than just giving shots correctly. BQA means training everyone who works in the beef […]
During the hot summer month algae can become a problem in livestock water tanks. Some species of algae can be toxic to livestock. Most are just an unsightly nuisance. There are some tactics that can be used to eliminate the problem. Periodically cleaning the tank to reduce nutrients can slow algae growth. This is easier […]
Stockmanship, like sustainability, is a commonly used word that many might find hard toclearly define in a few words. Stockmanship has been defined as the knowledgeable and skillful handling of livestock in a safe, efficient, effective, and low-stress manner and denotes a low-stress, integrated, comprehensive, holistic approach to livestock handling (Stockmanship Journal). However, stockmanship is […]