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Ag Decision Maker

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Arguably the most common health nuisance on pasture, pinkeye, doesn't have an easy vaccine solution with consistent efficacy. In part, this is because pinkeye is complicated, involving multiple bacteria strains and risk factors. The solution? Prevention, prevention, and early intervention.

Time’s running out to treat biennial thistles with herbicide this spring. Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist with Iowa State University, said if you want to effectively use herbicide, you need to do so before the plants bolt.

Temperatures are warmer, grass is greening up nicely, and yes, it's time for ticks. But are ticks on cattle a concern? Absolutely, said Iowa Beef Center program specialist Beth Reynolds, because of disease transmission opportunities.

Iowa State University extension livestock specialist Russ Euken is the recipient of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2025 staff Outstanding Achievement in Extension and Outreach Award. He’s been with ISU Extension and Outreach for more than 40 years, serving with expertise, teamwork, and a focus on client needs.

Using an esophageal feeder is an integral part of raising cattle, yet many producers are not completely comfortable using them. A new publication from Iowa Beef Center, Proper Use of an Esophageal Feeder, provides step-by-step instructions on properly preparing, inserting, and removing the feeder tube.

Newborn calves are susceptible to various illnesses and injuries, and even the best calving seasons can be peppered with occasional health challenges. Iowa State University extension beef specialist Chris Clark said one such challenge is fracture of limbs.

Those in the beef industry know calving management is critical to production and profitability of the cow herd. Knowing how to prepare, what to do and not do, and when to take action all are critical aspects of correctly managing calving in your herd. That’s why the Iowa Beef Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach developed the online Calving Management Manual.

 

 

News Archives

Columns

Denise Schwab in The Cattleman Magazine.

Denise Schwab, interim IBC director, writes this monthly column featured in Iowa Cattleman Magazine.

May 2025

It’s hard to believe that first cutting hay will be ready for harvest soon. Are you ready for how and where to store it? I recently researched the topic of hay storage for the ISU Hay School, which can be found at  https://go.iastate.edu/A7CXW3  and thought I’d share a few key points on hay storage here.

Read the rest of this column.

Iowa Cow-Calf Commentary

Iowa Beef Center and extension cow-calf specialist Randie Culbertson writes the "Iowa Cow-Calf Commentary" featured in the Iowa Cattleman Magazine.

May 2025

In March, I traveled to Bendigo in Victoria, Australia, to present at a dairy conference, Herd '25. Now you might be asking yourself – what in the world is the ISU beef cow-calf extension specialist doing talking at a dairy conference? The irony of this was not lost on me, either. I was invited by the planning committee of Herd '25 to speak about the U.S. perspective on beef on dairy and to discuss some of the challenges the beef industry has encountered.

Read the rest of this column.