“Understanding Cattle Genomics” Workshop P enn State Extension and the PA Beef Working Group is offering three statewide meetings to assist producers in understanding beef cattle genomics and the use of these tools in their herds and feedlots. Kelli Retallick, Genetic Services Director, Angus Genetics, Inc. will present “Breeding Cattle Tomorrow in a Genomic Era” and will be geared toward both registered and commercial producers. The program will focus on EPDs genomic testing for both registered and commercial cattle, genomic enhanced EPDs, and the impact of genomic test scores incorporated into EPDs, and utilizing all of this information for bull selection in the real world. Kelli will be using actual examples to show the impact of genomic scores on EPDs and there will be time to ask any questions you may have about the performance programs. There is no charge for the event, but interested producers can register at http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/ events or contact Cheryl Fairbairn at 610-696-3500 or Dustin Heeter at 724-837-1402. Livestock Notes Dates to Remember 5th Annual Western PA Cattle Feeders Seminar Wednesday, February 8, 2017 Westmoreland County Extension Office 6:00 PM—8:45 PM (see attached flyer) Understanding Cattle Genomics Wednesday, February 15, 2107 Belle Vernon, PA Thursday, February 16, 2017 Franklin, PA (see attached flyer) Annual Winter Beef Meetings Wednesday, February 22 & March 1, Belle Vernon, PA Thursday, February 23 & March 2, Franklin, PA Calf Fed Holstein Beef Meeting Thursday, February 23, 2017 9:30 AM—3:00 PM (see attached flyer) 20th Annual NW PA Grazing Conference Thursday, March 16, 2017 8:15 AM—4:00 PM Trinity Point Church of God Clarion PA. Westmoreland County ǀ January 2017 Continued on page 2 Photo by USDA Grazing Bites: Time To Frost Seed Clover? Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist/Grazing Specialist I know there are a lot of people who really enjoy winter. I’m not one of them. The only good thing about winter is - I don’t have to mow the yard and I might find more time to catch up on my reading. The best part of winter is when it’s over! Winter does tend to be one of the better times for me to do some maintenance. I spend time fixing or building fences, as long as the ground isn’t frozen too much, recycling old metal, removing brush, and frosts-seeding clover. Just like fences need some periodic maintenance to keep them in good shape, keeping a sufficient amount of clover present in the pastures also takes a little attention. Most of our white clovers do a fairly good job of sticking around from year to year. Typically they are white Dutch type clovers, a Ladino, or more likely a cross between the two. They are heavy nitrogen producers and add a lot of value to a pasture, boosting yield and feed quality. Some of the newer varieties of white clovers are a lot more aggressive than the older Dutch clovers. They are typically Ladino crosses and do a better job of getting leaves up higher in the canopy and competing with the grasses present. This competition can be a problem. If it is a newly planted pasture, the more aggressive Ladino type clover can start growing in the early spring before the grass takes off, and become quite competitive for the existing grasses. Time to frost seed.
10
Embed
Westmoreland County ǀ January 2017 “Understanding Cattle ... · The program will focus on EPDs genomic testing for both registered and commercial cattle, genomic enhanced EPDs,
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
1
“Understanding Cattle Genomics” Workshop
P enn State Extension and the PA Beef Working Group is offering three
statewide meetings to assist producers in understanding beef cattle
genomics and the use of these tools in their herds and feedlots. Kelli
Retallick, Genetic Services Director, Angus Genetics, Inc. will present
“Breeding Cattle Tomorrow in a Genomic Era” and will be geared toward
both registered and commercial producers.
The program will focus on EPDs genomic testing for both registered
and commercial cattle, genomic enhanced EPDs, and the impact of
genomic test scores incorporated into EPDs, and utilizing all of this
information for bull selection in the real world.
Kelli will be using actual examples to show the impact of genomic
scores on EPDs and there will be time to ask any questions you may have
about the performance programs. There is no charge for the event, but
interested producers can register at http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/
events or contact Cheryl Fairbairn at 610-696-3500 or Dustin Heeter at
724-837-1402.
Livestock Notes
Dates to Remember
5th Annual Western PA Cattle
Feeders Seminar
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Westmoreland County
Extension Office
6:00 PM—8:45 PM
(see attached flyer)
Understanding Cattle Genomics
Wednesday, February 15, 2107
Belle Vernon, PA
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Franklin, PA
(see attached flyer)
Annual Winter Beef Meetings
Wednesday, February 22 &
March 1, Belle Vernon, PA
Thursday, February 23 &
March 2, Franklin, PA
Calf Fed Holstein Beef Meeting
Thursday, February 23, 2017
9:30 AM—3:00 PM
(see attached flyer)
20th Annual NW PA Grazing
Conference
Thursday, March 16, 2017
8:15 AM—4:00 PM
Trinity Point Church of God
Clarion PA.
Westmoreland County ǀ January 2017
Continued on page 2 Photo by USDA
Grazing Bites: Time To Frost Seed Clover?
Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist/Grazing Specialist
I know there are a lot of people who
really enjoy winter. I’m not one of them.
The only good thing about winter is - I
don’t have to mow the yard and I might
find more time to catch up on my reading.
The best part of winter is when it’s over!
Winter does tend to be one of the better
times for me to do some maintenance.
I spend time fixing or building fences, as long as the ground isn’t frozen too
much, recycling old metal, removing brush, and frosts-seeding clover. Just
like fences need some periodic maintenance to keep them in good shape,
keeping a sufficient amount of clover present in the pastures also takes a
little attention.
Most of our white clovers do a fairly good job of sticking around from
year to year. Typically they are white Dutch type clovers, a Ladino, or more
likely a cross between the two. They are heavy nitrogen producers and add
a lot of value to a pasture, boosting yield and feed quality. Some of the
newer varieties of white clovers are a lot more aggressive than the older
Dutch clovers. They are typically Ladino crosses and do a better job of
getting leaves up higher in the canopy and competing with the grasses
present. This competition can be a problem. If it is a newly planted pasture,
the more aggressive Ladino type clover can start growing in the early
spring before the grass takes off, and become quite competitive for the
existing grasses.
Time to frost seed.
2
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part By Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of PA, and the U. S. Department
of Agriculture.
Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.
If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Dustin Heeter at 724.837.1402 in advance of your participation or visit. Visit Penn State Extension on the web: extension.psu.edu.
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of
harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and
federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender
identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes
the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice Provost for
Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, email: [email protected], phone: 814-863-0471.
Sincerely,
Dustin D. Heeter Extension Educator/Livestock
Continued from page 1
This tends to be more of a problem if the clover and
the grass are planted at the same time. It generally is
better to plant the grasses first, such as in the fall,
and then come back and over-seed or frost-seed the
clovers during the winter dormant months. That
gives the grass a bit more of an advantage that first
spring. If planted at the same time, and especially if
too much clover is planted, then stands in the spring
can sometimes be sixty percent or better. Clover,
especially white clover, that dense can cause bloat
issues.
In pastures where the grasses are already
established, the opposite is quite often true. The
grasses can be too much competition for the clover
to get established. This is one case where some pre-
dormant, tighter grazing can help. By grazing the
grass closer and not maintaining the normal
prescribed stop grazing heights of three or four
inches for cool season forages, you can delay the
growth of the grass for the spring, which will help
establish the frost-seeded clovers.
Red clover can also be a good legume for
pasture. Red clovers are not as long living as the
white clovers and usually tend to thrive for two to
three years. If you are going to be cutting the field
for hay, red clover is a better choice over white
clover. It yields better and certainly dries better then
white clovers. It tends to have a fairly shallow root
system, especially in wet years. If cutting for hay in
a wet year, it’s best to cut a little bit higher than
normal, at least three inches. I have seen almost
ninety percent stand loss from cutting short and then
the weather turning dry. There is some research that
indicates that isoflavones in red clover may help
reduce tall fescue toxicosis. It’s been preached for a
long time that while diluting the alkaloids in tall
fescue with clover and other species certainly helps,
red clover may go beyond just diluting and may
actually offset potential damage from the fescue
alkaloids and also help ruminants digest protein
more efficiently.
The negative aspect of red clover, or more
precisely the isoflavones produced by it, can
interfere with the estrous cycle in sheep and reduce
lambing rates. This can be avoided by not grazing
areas with high amounts of red clover at least 30 days
prior to breeding.
Right now is a good time to be thinking about
adding clover to your pastures or hay fields. Frost
seeding is certainly one of the least expensive ways to
enhance the stand of legumes in your pastures. It is
basically the process of broadcasting the legume seed
onto the soil surface during the winter dormant
months. For the most part, I usually say the ideal time
period is somewhere between Christmas and
Valentine’s Day.
A light snow on the ground serves for a couple
good purposes. First, it helps “catch” the seed and
transports it to the ground. Second, it serves as a great
marker for the tractor or ATV. A good heavy frost can
also work. It just happens that I’m getting some snow
as I write this today and have some clover that needs
to be sown. Guess I know what I’ll be doing soon.
I usually recommend slightly higher seeding rates
for frost seeding than for conventional seeding. White
clovers can be seeded at 1-1.5 lb. per acre,
remembering that it is a much smaller seed than red
clover and will be around longer. You can get it on
too thick and yes, I know, it’s hard to seed that small
amount! I’ve found cat litter is not too bad of a carrier
if needed; just make sure to mix it all well to
distribute the seed evenly or have your seed dealer
mix it for you, than allow for that carrier to get the
correct seeding rate. Red clover should be seeded at
6-8 lbs. per acre. All legumes should be inoculated
with the appropriate inoculants for that species to
insure proper bacteria, good germination, and growth.
That inoculant also helps to maximize nitrogen
fixation, and you certainly want to take advantage of
that! Most legumes have a specific Rhizobia (soil
bacteria that fix nitrogen) so select the ones for the
species being planted. Quite often, the inoculant is
included on coated seed which is also easier to plant.
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part By Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of PA, and the U. S. Depart-ment of Agriculture. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no
endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons
with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions
about the physical access provided, please contact Dustin Heeter at 724.837.1402 in advance of your participation or visit.
Visit Penn State Extension on the web: exten-sion.psu.edu. This publication is available in alternative media on request.
The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the
University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race,
color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the
uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy,
pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gen-der, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or
political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity
of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educa-
tional mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regard-ing the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice
Provost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University
6:35 pm “Alternative Feeding Strategies for Your Feedlot”
Dr. Tara Felix, Assistant Professor, Beef Extension Specialist, Penn State University
7:15 pm “Beef Industry Updates”
Ann Nogan, PA Center for Beef Excellence
Courtney Cowden, PA Beef Council/BQA
7:45 pm Short Break
8:00 pm SPECIAL GUEST: Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, Professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management, University of Minnesota
“Choosing Your Corn Crop Endpoint”
Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo is staying over from the Lancaster Cattle Feeders program to speak to us.
Wrap Up
Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Place: Rehoboth Presbyterian Church
442 Rehoboth Church Road
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
Time: 7:00 PM
There is no charge for this event, but registration is required for program materials and refreshments. Please register at: http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/events or by calling Westmoreland County Extension Office: 724-837-1402
Other meetings being held across the state include:
Thursday, February 16, 2017 at
7:00 PM
Venango County Extension
867 Mercer Road
Franklin, PA 16323
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 7:00 PM
Lancaster Farm & Home Center, Training Room (014), 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
Understanding Cattle Genomics
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is
committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants
without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Photo by: Cheryl Fairbairn, Penn State University
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs
and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of
accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Dustin Heeter
(724.837.1402) in advance of your participation or
visit.
Calf Fed Holstein Beef MeetingEducational programming will focus on the use of Holstein steer
calves raised on high-grain feedlot diets to supply the beef market.
Sponsored By:
Agenda: 9:30 AM Registration
10:00 AM Calf Health
11:00 AM Calf Nutrition
NOON Lunch
1:00 PM Feedlot Nutrition and Implants of Holstein Steers
2:00 PM Economics of Feeding Holsteins from the 2016 Penn State Research Project
2:30 PM Question and Answer
February 23, 2017, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
To register online go to http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/events or contact Dustin Heeter at 724-837-1402 or [email protected]
Westmoreland County Extension Office, Donohoe Center, 214 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601
Lunch will be served and the event is being offered free of charge. pre-registration is requested.
The 2017 Program
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Dr. Tara Felix, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Penn State University
Feed Efficiency…The Future is now! A look at a trait that really can change the bottom line of feeding cattle.
Cheryl Fairbairn, Livestock Extension Educator, Penn State University
Don’t let calf prices get you down. What buyers want? Exploring and discussing what feedlot operators are looking for from your calves.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Dustin Heeter, Livestock Extension Educator, Penn State University
Understanding all the data a bull sale catalog puts in front of you! EPD’s, Actual, Ultrasound, Genomics, clearing the fog!
Program Direction and Fall workshops We want to keep you informed of what we are working on and what your needs are!
South of Exit 44, off I 70. Next exit west of Rt. 51 exit on
Headwaters RC&D Council USDA-Natural Resources Conservation
Service Clearfield County Conservation District Jefferson County Conservation District Penn State Extension Foundation for PA Watersheds PA Grazing Lands Coalition Northwest Community Foundation Dean’s Dairy
Headwaters is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
DIRECTIONS TO TRINITY POINT
CHURCH OF GOD 180 W. Trinity Drive, Clarion, PA 16214
814-226-5329 www.trinitypointchurchofgod.org
From DuBois I-80 West: Take EXIT 62, toward Clarion, turn left onto PA-68W toward Sligo. Drive ½ mile. Turn right onto W. Trinity Drive which leads directly to the church. Behind Tractor Supply.
From Mercer, I-80 East: Take EXIT 62, toward Clarion. Turn right onto PA-68W toward Sligo. Drive ½ mile. Turn right onto W. Trinity Drive which leads directly to the church. Behind Tractor Supply.
There are many nearby hotels available for your stay, such as Park Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Super 8, Quality Inn and
Suites, and Comfort Inn.
THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017 8:15AM - 4PM
~ NEW LOCATION!!! ~ TRINITY POINT CHURCH OF GOD
CLARION, PA
20TH ANNUAL NORTHWEST
PENNSYLVANIA GRAZING CONFERENCE
CELEBRATING
MILESTONES
See the trade show and merchandise
available for on-site purchases
Pre
-So
rt S
td
US
Po
sta
ge
PA
ID
Du
Bo
is,
PA
Pe
rmit
#1
99
AGENDA March 16, 2017
SPEAKERS
Keynote: Jim Gerrish of May, Idaho is a noted author, and owner of American GrazingLands Services, LLC which is dedicated to effectively managing grazing lands for economic and environmental sustainability. Jim’s experience includes over 20 years of beef-
forage systems research and outreach while on the faculty of the University of Missouri, as well as 20 years of commercial cattle and sheep production on their family farm in northern MO. Jim will share his experience on a 260-acre commercial cow/calf and contract grazing operation where he converted a worn out marginal crop farm to a highly productive grass farm. Dave White Enjoyed a 33-year career with NRCS, retiring as Chief of the Agency. He will discuss some of the milestones that forward-thinking graziers and conservation minded farmers have made in protecting our nation’s resources. Aaron & Melissa Miller live in Kinsman, Ohio and are co-owners of Miller Livestock Co., Inc., They have been farming for nearly thirty-five years, and raising grass-fed and pastured livestock for direct-to-market sales since 1999. They will be talking about the economics of grass finishing beef on their farm. Jay Fuhrer is a Conservationist with NRCS in Bismarck, North Dakota. He has been working with cropping systems, grazing systems, and cover crops for the last 35 years. He shares his experience working with farmers in ND to show how integrating livestock, multispecies covers, and using a holistic approach can improve soil health and the farm enterprise. Baxter Black is a rancher and retired large animal veterinarian from Benson, AZ famous for his appearances on RFD-TV reciting his humorous and entertaining ‘cowboy poetry’. He will NOT be at the conference but has graciously agreed to provide a pre-recorded video welcome for our 2017 conference attendees.
REGISTRATION (Register by mail, or online by visiting
www.headwaterspa.org)
The registration fee includes continental breakfast and hot buffet lunch .
Name(s):
1)_____________________________________
2)_____________________________________
3)_____________________________________
4)_____________________________________
Primary Livestock: _______________________
Business: ______________________________
Address: _______________________________
City: _______________________________
State/Zip: ______________________________
Phone: ________________________________
Email: _________________________________
$40.00 registration
due by March 10, 2017.
Number attending: ______ X $40.00
Total Amount Enclosed: $________
Mail registration fee payable to: Headwaters RC&D Council Attn: Brittany Dittemore