Agriculture is on the front lines of COVID-19

Cattle and calves

Although it is not seen in the nightly news, agriculture is quietly going about the business of feeding all of us in the middle of this pandemic even as we social distance and shelter in place. Farmers are still tending their crops, dairies are still milking cows, ranchers are still feeding cattle and calving their cows, broiler and egg houses still producing chicken and eggs, and swine operations still farrowing and raising pigs. Food processors, both plant and animal, are still operating and we are all producing the… Read More →

Rx Required

By Susan Himes Food and Drug administration Is continuing the phasing in of a law that requires a prescription for any antibiotic use in animals raised for human consumption. No longer will producers who need injectable antibiotics for their cattle be able to just grab them at their local feed store or order them online. Producers should be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is continuing the phasing in of a law that requires a prescription for any antibiotic us in animals raised for human consumption,… Read More →

Along for the Ride

Dr. Chelsie Husman, assistant professor and equine specialist, developed a series that starts April 8, 2020, called “Along for the Ride.” This series is an opportunity for the Texas 4-H Equine Ambassadors to meet via Zoom with leading equine professionals to learn about specific disciplines within the horse industry. The Texas A&M Equine Ambassadors have also been invited to join in on this wonderful opportunity. For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please email ansccommunications@tamu.edu… Read More →

Baling decisions, storage can reduce waste

round hay bales in a field

Management decisions, equipment maintenance and proper storage can have a big impact on waste and efficiency when baling hay. Andy McCorkill, a University of Missouri livestock specialist, says producers should tailor bale size to their facilities and animals, but overall bigger bales are more efficient. “The larger diameter bales, you’ll have less loss,” he says. “Smaller bales, you have basically two times the surface area exposed for the same amount of hay.” Jason Banta, an Extension beef specialist with Texas A&M University, says it is important to get… Read More →

Meat Perspectives: Here today, gone tomorrow

By Jeff Savell and Kerri Gehring COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — For those in the beef industry, the fact that beef is larger and heavier than it was in the past is not breaking news. Cattle are heavier, making carcasses weigh more. Subprimals are larger and heavier, making retail cuts larger. This trend began about 40 years ago, and we do not know where it will end. However, we do know that developing effective merchandising strategies to help retail and foodservice channels deal with how best to market beef is… Read More →

Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at San Angelo changes leadership

Dr. Reid Redden

Redden assumes interim center director role, Walker returns to full-time research By Susan Himes; Susan.Himes@ag.tamu.edu The Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo has a new interim director. Reid Redden, Ph.D., is expanding his role by joining Texas A&M AgriLife Research as the part-time interim center director. This is in addition to his Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service affiliation, where he currently serves as the sheep and goat specialist. “I am looking forward to the opportunity of taking on a leadership role here at the center and getting… Read More →

Texas Crop and Weather Report – March 24, 2020

goats in feild

By Adam Russell Sheep prices steady, goats great amid uncertain market conditions Texas sheep and goat producers are experiencing a mixed bag of good-to-stable prices amid increased market uncertainty as they get farther into 2020, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist, San Angelo, said goats and sheep were experiencing two markets beset by myriad factors, good and bad. Thompson recommends the new AgriLife Extension Lamb and Goat Market Forecast app to stay up to date on the latest price and market… Read More →

South Texas Ag Symposium online program set for April 14

man using computer in barn

By Paul Schattenberg – 210-859-5752; paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu The 2020 South Texas Agriculture Symposium: Advocating for Agriculture, presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in collaboration with the Texas Department of Agriculture, will be held from 8 a.m to 1 p.m. April 14. Due to concerns with COVID-19, the program, sponsored by the Bexar County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, will be conducted online. The cost is $10 to participate. Registration will be through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Conference Services at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ag and will close at midnight April 12. Registrants will receive… Read More →

COVID-19: Self-care crucial during times of anxiety, stress

AgriLife Extension offers mental health tools, tips By Susan Himes It is normal for adults and children to experience anxiety during stressful events like the current worldwide pandemic surrounding the novel coronavirus. Whether it’s the fear of contracting COVID-19, disruptions to work and school schedules, or the myriad of related concerns, stress is an expected and normal response. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service realizes the coronavirus has changed the way many people must go about their day-to-day lives. The agency, in response, offers free resources like the AgriLife… Read More →

Extra good: Which mineral supplement is needed?

cattle grazing in field

By Robert Fears Mineral nutrition is very important for successful beef production because it impacts animal growth, reproduction, milk production and health. Cattle obtain part of their mineral requirements from forage, water and protein supplements, but the remainder of their requirements must be met through mineral supplements. The big question is: “Which mineral supplement is needed for my cattle?” Selection of the right mineral is dependent on the geographical region, forage system, cattle production stage and other factors. Jason Banta of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provided some considerations… Read More →