Extension Experience – Insights into Oklahoma Agriculture

Articles tagged with: Beef

Is Retained Ownership of Calves a Good Option this Fall?

Tune in this week for a discussion between Dana Zook and NE Extension Ag Economist Scott Clawson about retaining of ownership of calves on this farm. Without a solid grazing option of wheat pasture, many producers are weighing the decision of sell vs. retain on their fall calves. Tune in for a breakdown of this [ Read More ]

The Asian Longhorn Tick – What you need to know.

OSU Extension Factsheet on the Asian Longhorn Tick Link to submittal form of suspected Asian Longhorn Tick to OK Disease Diagnostic Lab Transcript of episode ### Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy [ Read More ]

Heifers and Herd Expansion with Dr. Peel

This week Dana and Dr. Peel come together to discuss the economics of heifer retention and herd expansion. This is chock full of discussion about what is going on behind the scenes of the cattle industry with prices and expansion. Tune in! Interested in receiving Cow Calf Corner Newsletter? – Click or tap to visit [ Read More ]

Revisiting the Misbehavior of the Eastern Redcedar

This week, the Extension Experience Podcast provides a re-run of a very popular episode from 2023 about the Eastern Redcedar. Dana invites Dr. Laura Goodman back to discuss the negative impacts of Eastern Redcedar on our nations grasslands. They discuss how the Eastern Redcedar has become commonplace in our grasslands across the U.S. and the [ Read More ]

What’s your Annual Vaccination Plan?

This week we have a discussion with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs about yearly vaccinations in the beef herd. No matter the time of the year, a discussion about your vaccination plan is important. Tune in! Want to keep your vaccines cool? Make a vaccine cooler – instructions here! A planning calendar for beef cattle herd health [ Read More ]

Creative Teaching at the OSU Vet College

This week we talk with Dr Melanie Boileau about a new feature at the Oklahoma College of Veterinary Medicine, the Clinical Skills Lab. Tune in for an inside look at some of the training our veterinarians receive before they head into the industry. Episode Transcript Episode Resources: OSU Vet College Website Dr. Melanie Boileau

Back to the Basics of Bovine Respiratory Disease with Dr. Jared Taylor

This week we continue our partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine as I have a discussion with Dr. Jared Taylor about bovine respiratory disease . This disease complex is one very common to every beef producer in the industry. We vaccinate for this disease and have excellent treatment methods but Dr. Taylor and I [ Read More ]

Cattle Lameness with Dr. Meredyth Jones

This week, we return to our series at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine for a discussion with Dr. Meredyth Jones about lameness in beef cattle. Many producers are comfortable treating what they assume is foot rot, however there are many different issues that cause lameness that are not foot rot. Many of these other [ Read More ]

Its the season for Flies! with Dr. Jonathan Cammack

The week we round out our two-part series with a discussion that we recorded in April about fly control in beef cattle. Dr. Cammack is back with Dana to discuss the in’s and outs of managing flies on our livestock. PDF Transcript ### Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable [ Read More ]

What livestock owners need to know about ticks – with Dr. Cammack

This week kicks off a short two part series on external parasites. We are focusing on ticks this week and will follow with horn flies in the next episode. Dana discusses ticks with Dr. Jonathan Cammack, our new livestock entomologist at Oklahoma State. Ticks discussed in this episode are the 1.) Gulf Coast Tick, 2.) [ Read More ]

What’s up with these cattle markets?

This week we dive into the cattle markets with our Northeast Area Ag Economist Scott Clawson. We discuss beef demand, crazy prices, and risk management. Check out these other resources that are related to today’s discussion: A Strategy for Building the Beef Cow Herd Are replacement heifers worth the cost? – SunUP TV segment Transcripts [ Read More ]

Got Worms? Dewormer Resistance with Dr. John Gilliam

This week the Extension Experience Podcast returns to the Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine where I spoke with Dr. John Gilliam about deworming management and the emerging issue of anthelmintic resistance to many of our current dewormers. He also explains the OSU Parasite Resistance Project and how Oklahoma producers can get involved. Interested in [ Read More ]

Vet Insight: Orphan Calf Care

This week we start a new series that will be offered throughout the year from Veterinarians from the OSU Veterinary College in Stillwater. This week, I spoke to Dr. Rosslyn Biggs about orphan calf care. Transcripts available upon request. ### Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state [ Read More ]

Water Consumption and Parasites

This week Dana is joined by Dr. Dave Lalman to provide a update on two focuses in his beef research team. On tap this week is water consumption in cold by mature lactating beef cows and the Parasite Resistance Project. Want to find out more about the parasite resistance project? Click the link, access more [ Read More ]

Livestock Markets and Ag Insights with Trent Milacek

We are back this week with Trent Milacek, Risk Management Advisor with CoMark Equity Alliance. Trent talks livestock markets but also some insights on how to remain flexible and relevant in todays ag climate. Utilizing Livestock Risk Protection for Feeder Cattle – this publication is a little old but a good resource for giving you [ Read More ]

Crop Markets with Trent Milacek

This week Josh and Dana were joined by Trent Milacek for a discussion on the crop markets. Trent gives his insights about ARC vs. PLC on this recent YouTube Video Transcripts are available upon request. ### Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and [ Read More ]

Tis the season for Bloat!

This week Dana invites Dr. Paul Beck to talk about the bloat in cattle on wheat pasture. February and March is prime time for bloat in wheat pasture calves making it a very relevant discussion. Tune in to hear about the different types of bloat, why it occurs, and what products are available to manage [ Read More ]

Using Urea in Beef Cattle Diets

This week, Dana has a discussion about Urea use in beef cattle diets with Dr. Dave Lalman. Resources: Considerations of Urea Use in Beef Cattle Diets – SDSU Article Urea and NPN for Cattle and Sheep – Colorado State Article A Comparison of Cottonseed Meal and Urea in Low Protein Winter Range Supplements for Cattle [ Read More ]

The Likelihood of Returns from Preconditioning Management

This is the second part of a two part series on OQBN and the various management practices associated with it. In this series, Dr. Kellie Raper reports on her finds as the “lady behind the numbers” in the OQBN program. Dana and Kellie look at the value of preconditioning, lot size, sex, castration and dehorning. [ Read More ]

Is Preconditioning Worth it?

This starts a two part series on OQBN and the various management practices associated with it. In this series, Dr. Kellie Raper reports on her finds as the “lady behind the numbers” in the OQBN program. Dana and Kellie look at the value of preconditioning, lot size, sex, castration and dehorning. View the OQBN website [ Read More ]

Beef Dairy Cross Calf Performance Part 2

This week, Dana follows up with Dr. Paul Beck on the finishing performance of beef/dairy cross calves in a research study at the OSU Willard Sparks Research Center.

Beef – Dairy Cross Calf Performance with Dr. Beck

This week, Dana Zook speaks with Dr. Paul Beck about his groups research on the performance of beef x dairy cross calves.

“Even cows need to earn their keep!” with Dr. Barry Whitworth

Tune in this week to hear a discussion about pregnancy checking, the options, and benefits of this under-utilized management practice. A Planning Calendar for Beef Cattle Herd Health (link) Bovine Trichomoniasis (link) Beef Cull Cow Management and Marketing Alternatives (link)

Big Changes to OTC Antibiotics after June 11th

This week Dana speaks with Dr. Barry Whitworth about how over the counter antibiotics are not going to be available after June 11th, 2023. After this time, all antibiotics will require a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. Producers who haven’t consistently used a veterinarian in the past will need to establish a working relationship with [ Read More ]

The Misbehavior of Eastern Redcedar

This week, Dana invites Dr. Laura Goodman back to discuss the negative impacts of Eastern Redcedar on our nations grasslands. They discuss how the Eastern Redcedar has become commonplace in our grasslands across the U.S. and the importance of control to maintain rangeland health. Sources for this episode include: Eastern Redcedar as a Hazardous Fuel [ Read More ]

Preserving Native Range in Drought

This week Dana speaks with Dr. Laura Goodman, OSU Extension Range Specialist about the impacts of drought on native range. We discuss stocking rate and the new Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) tool that can help producers anticipate forage growth in the upcoming growing season. Click the link for the Rangelands Analysis Platform (RAP) To look [ Read More ]

Spring Prep for Deer Season

This week, Dana joins Dr. Dwayne Elmore for a discussion on the spring and summer preparations hunters and landowners can do to prepare for fall hunting season. OSU Factsheet – Quality Deer Management in Oklahoma OSU Factsheet – Reducing Mortality of Grassland Wildlife During Haying and Wheat Harvesting Operations OSU Factsheet – White-tailed deer Habitat [ Read More ]

Pasture Fertility Need is Different in Drought

This week Josh and Dana spoke with Dr. Brian Arnall after one of the Spring Forage Meetings held across NW OK. We talk about Small Grains and Perennial Pastures. We cover Nitrogen but also the increased need for Phosphorus and Potassium in drought and overgrazed forages. Soil sampling is also a big topic. Check out [ Read More ]

Developing a Successful Relationship with your Veterinarian

This week, Dana sits down with Dr. Meredyth Jones, Associate Professor at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine to discuss a survey that she did with Rural Oklahoma Veterinarians. Through the survey, Dr. Jones asked for perspective on what makes the livestock producer-veterinarian relationship successful. Veterinary Viewpoints: Cultivating veterinarian and producer relationships – article by [ Read More ]

Happy Trails, Trent!

This week, Trent bids us farewell as he moves on to a new position. Transcripts of episode available upon request. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of [ Read More ]

Manage Risk with LRP

This week, Trent discusses Livestock Risk Protection, a great program for producers to manage risk on cattle. Tune in to hear about how this product is an alternative to hedging and can be useful for smaller groups of cattle. LRP OSU Factsheet – this is a little out of date but is a good reference [ Read More ]

Cold Weather Preparations for Livestock

This week, Trent, Dana and Josh discuss cold weather preparations for livestock. Tune in for discussion on feeding, water, liquid feed, and safety during cold weather! Stay warm out there! Important Links: Cow Calf Corner Newsletter featuring info on Cold Weather Nutrition Podcast from the past on Managing Cold Stress in Beef Cows Interested in [ Read More ]

Nitrate and Prussic Acid: Is it Poisonous or Toxic?

In this episode Josh, Dana and Trent discuss nitrate toxicity and prussic acid poisoning risks for livestock utilizing summer forages. Transcripts of episode available upon request. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of [ Read More ]

Is Worthless Hay Worth Less?

In this episode Dana, Josh and Trent discuss the value of hay and traditional supplements to assist producers with the difficult chore of purchasing rations for winter feeding. Transcripts of episode available upon request. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as [ Read More ]

Feeding Cows in Drought with Dr. Dave Lalman

This week Dana is joined by Dr. Dave Lalman to talk about supplementation and feeding the beef cows this winter amidst continued drought and low forage supplies. Request a copy of the OSU Beef Cowculator a ration balancer for Beef Cattle of all production stages Limit Feeding Concentrate Diets to Beef Cows as as Alternative [ Read More ]

Get Ready to Plant Wheat

In this episode Trent and Josh recap the summer extension season and give producers some tips on planting wheat this fall. Transcripts of episode available upon request. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments [ Read More ]

A Hybrid of Grain and Forage Finished Beef with Dr. Paul Beck

This week Dana continues the finishing beef conversation with Dr. Paul Beck. Forage or grass finished beef has it’s market share with consumers but it actually can be very challenging to produce. Forage management is key to having high quality forage at all times of the year, even through a tough Oklahoma drought! Paul discusses [ Read More ]

The Basics of Finishing Beef with Dr. Paul Beck

This week, Dana starts a two-part series with Dr. Paul Beck about small scale finishing beef. This episode will discuss nutrition, facility, selection and health considerations for those who might be interested in finishing their own beef on their farm. Finishing Beef Cattle on the Farm AFS-3303 An Introduction to Finishing Beef AFS-3302 Transcripts of [ Read More ]

Stockpiling Forages to Decrease Feed Costs with Brian Pugh

This week, Dana talks with Brian Pugh, OSU Extension Northeast Area Agronomist for insight into stockpiling Bermudagrass and other forages. Stockpiling is a way to reduce both hay feeding and supplementation in livestock operations. Mother nature has a role in the success of stockpiling but opportunities exist in both the Eastern and Western parts of [ Read More ]

Addressing the Rural Vet Shortage

This week, Dana sits down with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs to discuss the fact that rural Oklahomans are experiencing a severe shortage in large animal veterinarians. Through grant funding, Dr. Biggs and many others at OSU are hosting a new in person module series called the OSU Integrated Beef Program to address this. Interested Veterinarians and [ Read More ]

A Closer Look at Pinkeye with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs

This week Dana sits down with Dr. Rosslyn Biggs to discuss a common summer issue in beef cattle called Pinkeye. OSU Pinkeye Factsheet Dr. Barry Whitworth explains Pinkeye on Sunup Dr. Glenn Selk explains the heritability of eye problems in Beef Cattle on Sunup Transcripts of episode available upon request. Oklahoma State University, in compliance [ Read More ]

Wheat Needs a Drink

Josh and Trent discuss the current Oklahoma wheat crop and what producers should think about in terms of input management and harvest time decisions. Feel free to ask us a question! extensionexperience@okstate.edu

Calf Vaccine Research Direct from OSU

This week Dana talks with OQBN coordinator Jeff Robe about his Masters Thesis project focused on vaccination timing of calves using OQBN vaccine protocols. For more information about his research, contact Jeff Robe at 405-744-4268 Find out about the upcoming Calf Health Clinics offered by a OSU County Extension Office near you: Extension Meeting Host [ Read More ]

What’s Up With the New Farm Bill?

In this episode Josh and Trent are joined by Dr. Amy Hagerman to discuss farm bill deliberations and possible changes that could be coming with a new farm bill. https://experts.okstate.edu/amy.hagerman https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/farm-management-and-finance/e-farm-management-training/index.html We would love to answer your questions! Please email any questions to extensionexperience@okstate.edu

Have You Managed All That Risk?

In this episode Josh and Trent talk with Dr. Amy Hagerman about risks on the farm and ways to mitigate losses in the event that disaster strikes. We cover insurance and FSA programs that can be useful to producers in their times of greatest need. https://experts.okstate.edu/amy.hagerman https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/farm-management-and-finance/e-farm-management-training/index.html We would love to answer your questions! Feel [ Read More ]

The Big Question: Haul the Feed or Haul to Town

This episode Dana, Trent, and Josh continue their discussion on the state of the wheat as a forage crop. This is a good discussion about the reality of the drought and what little wheat is left to graze. Do producers hang on to calves in hopes for summer grass or do they cut their ties [ Read More ]

Managing Cold Stress in Livestock

This week Dana, Trent and Josh discuss cold and inclement weather and what it means for beef cows. Check out the Cattle Comfort Advisor on the Oklahoma Mesonet Estimating Water Requirements for Mature Beef Cows AFS-3299 If you are interested in the feeder calibration clinics mentioned at the end of the episode check out the [ Read More ]

Pesticide Applicator Training Updates

In this episode Josh and Trent discuss changes to the private and certified applicator training process for Oklahoma producers. There is a new testing procedure and new opportunities for CEU for private applicators which has not been available before. If you are a certified or private applicator, listen in to see how the changes affect [ Read More ]

Wheat Pasture COG: Are You Valuing Your Wheat?

In this episode, Josh and Trent discuss the penalty from grazing wheat in a dual purpose system and how much it will cost producers to run cattle on this forage source. With the increased cost of wheat and higher input costs, producers should analyze their budget situation to make sure they are receiving enough money [ Read More ]

Preconditioning Defined

This episode we invited Jeff Robe back to discuss calf preconditioning and the OSU preconditioning program, Oklahoma Quality Beef Network. If you would like to order tags, visit the OQBN website and look for “Order Tags Online” on the right. Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Website

Beef Demand Behind the Scenes

This week Dana invites back Heather Buckmaster, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Beef Council. This week the focus is beef demand and the 35th Anniversary of the Beef Checkoff. Tune in to find out how OK consumers rank against other consumers outside our state. We also take a behind the scenes look at how the [ Read More ]

What does the OK Beef Council do for you?

This week Dana is joined by Heather Buckmaster, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Beef Council. They discuss the origins of the state beef councils, the checkoff and how the OBC promotes beef within the state, nation and around the world. Visit the Oklahoma Beef Council Website Interested in learning more about the Beef Checkoff? View [ Read More ]

Preserving Bale Quality

This week, Dana Zook and Marty New dive into round bale storage. Does round bale storage impact hay quality? Tune into the discussion and the announcement of several hay storage demonstration opportunities across the state. Round Bale Hay Storage Factsheet – BAE-1716 Reducing Winter Feeding Costs – PSS-2570

Educator Spotlight: Brian Freking

In this episode we get to talk with Brian Freking the Southeast Area Extension Livestock Specialist. Brian Hails from Iowa and now wears many hats in Extension as both an area specialist and filling in for vacant county ag positions in his area. Join us for a discussion with one of the great extension specialists [ Read More ]

Are your Cows Prima Ballerinas?

This is part two of addressing breeding season readiness in the beef herd. Earl Ward joins us from Northeast Oklahoma to address this timely topic. Body condition, feeding and supplementation are all on tap in this episode. Supplementing Beef Cows ANSI-3010 Body Condition Scoring of Beef Cows ANSI-3283

Educator Spotlight: Marty New

This week, we have another episode highlighting one of the extension educators in the OSU Cooperative extension system. It was our honor to speak with Marty New, SW Area Extension Livestock Specialist. Marty is a Comanche County Native that has had a long history in OSU Extension as a county educator and now as an [ Read More ]

Does Wheat Pasture Work for Mature Cows?

This week your hosts discuss how to use wheat pasture for mature cows. Scenarios of full access to wheat and limit grazing are discussed along with the economics of this unique grazing option. OSU Weekly Ranchers Lunchtime Series YouTube Video: Supplementing Cows on Wheat Supplementing Beef Cows Factsheet: Using High Quality Pastures to Supplement Low [ Read More ]

Beef Cow Mineral Overview

This week your hosts talk about minerals for beef cows. We cover a variety of topics including mineral consumption, limiting mineral intake, mineral forms and feeders, and the four main minerals needed for beef cows. Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Cattle E-861

Farm to Market with Dr. Derrell Peel

This week we has the pleasure of visiting with Dr. Derrell Peel, OSU Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist. We of course discuss livestock markets but dive into many other facets of Dr. Peels career and life. His continued love of learning and fascination with global agriculture has lead him on trips all over the world. We [ Read More ]

Educator Spotlight: Rick Nelson

This week, we have another episode highlighting one of the extension educators in the OSU Cooperative extension system. It was our honor to speak with Rick Nelson, the Garfield County OSU Extension Ag Educator. Rick hails from the tiny town of Canton, OK. Devoted to the service of agricultural producers, Ricks career spans the extension [ Read More ]

Beef Nutrition: Fall to-do List

Your hosts are back to summarize some simple things to get a jump start on fall and winter nutrition for the beef herd. Identify the target (Cows or calves), get a forage test, local feed and supplement options, supplement for cows, and feed for back-grounding calves for wheat or sale are all on the docket [ Read More ]

Educator Spotlight: Greg Highfill

This week we get the pleasure of interview, Greg Highfill, Woods County Ag Extension Educator. Greg has an extensive history in OSU Extension. From his initial role in extension as a 4H Educator in Woodward County to Area Livestock Specialist in Enid and then on to Woods County, Greg has wore many hats over the [ Read More ]