NDSU Experts Share Cattle Management Tips at Big Iron

By Scout Nelson

NDSU Extension is offering livestock education sessions at the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show in West Fargo, North Dakota, September 15-17. The sessions will focus on important cattle production issues that can become more difficult during drought conditions.

The Livestock Seminars will be held indoors in the Ellingson Livestock Barn at Big Iron. The program brings together NDSU Extension specialists who work in livestock production, nutrient management, veterinary care, and livestock marketing.

The first session will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15. Karl Hoppe, livestock specialist at the CREC, will discuss feeding cattle after a drought. Drought can reduce the amount and quality of available forage, making feeding decisions especially important for cattle producers.

Hoppe’s session will focus on what producers can consider when managing cattle after drought conditions. Feed availability and animal needs can change as producers move from drought conditions toward more normal production.

Mary Keena, nutrient management specialist at the CREC, will also be present at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 15. Her session covers composting animals as a disposal method. Proper animal disposal is an important part of livestock management and can help producers handle difficult situations in a safe and responsible way.

The second day of the livestock session will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16. Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian, provides an update on drought and cattle water quality.

Tim Petry, NDSU Extension livestock marketing specialist, will also speak on Wednesday. He will provide comments on the current cattle market outlook. Market conditions can affect decisions about when to sell cattle, how to manage herds, and how to plan for future production.

Together, the sessions will cover several areas that are important to cattle producers. Drought feeding, animal disposal, water quality, and cattle markets can all influence the cost and success of a livestock operation.

Big Iron also provides producers with access to additional agricultural information. NDSU Extension specialists have exhibits at the east end of the Hartl Ag Building throughout the show. Visitors can use the exhibits to learn more about Extension programs and agricultural topics.

Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university