Sept./October 2008

Collier

Hendry Lee

Charlotte Glades

Hendry County Extension Po Box 68

LaBelle, FL 33975 (863) 674­4092

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity—Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IFAS, FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM, AND BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING.

‘Fall’ or Rise:

Volume 1, Issue 4

Bovine Headlines

Hopefully this newsletter finds you with little to no damage from the Tropical Storm Weather!

Floating on top of all the water are hard eco­ nomic times that call for drastic measures. Cat­ tle prices may have decreased, but profitability can still be achieved. Many producers are searching for ways to simply breakeven and while there isn’t a ‘magic’ solution to the prob­ lem, there are a few ‘tricks’ you can still try. For example, pg 6 explains how you can “Carry More Livestock on the Same Number of Acres”!, and the following page has a few facts about EQIP, which is FREE government money!

On another note; sometimes we put things off until the last minute—like supplementing. I know, I know; it’s another expensive input cost that we can’t afford. Right now is the most criti­ cal time for your females with growing calves inside them. To the naked eye she may seem ‘fat & sassy’, but she also has a 6­8 month old fetus inside her making her appear to have suffi­ cient cover. The calf has the largest growth spurt during the last 3 months of gestation. As you know, when the milk is let down, so is the weight. So put the troph or tank in front of her NOW! Don’t wait until she’s already thin. This will also bring you better returns for next year’s calf crop because it is much easier to get a healthier cow pregnant as compared to a thin cow who can not come into heat. Last, but not least, check out page 5 for tips on how to stretch your fertilizer budget.

Until next time,

Lindsey F. Wiggins

What’s goin’ on? ♦ Wildlife Field Day Tours (Call 863-674-4092 for more info.)

- Sept 18 @ Longino Ranch, Sarasota - Sept 19 @ Quail Creek Plantation, Okeechobee

♦ FCA Heifer Sale - September 26, Arcadia

♦ FCA Ranch Rodeo & Cowboy Heritage Festival - October 3-4, Kissimmee

♦ Weed Field Day - Oct. 15 @ Ona Range Cattle Research & Education Center

♦ Reproductive Management School (pg. 3) - Oct. 21-23 @ the Turner Center in Arcadia

Vaccinate horses NOW! Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

are encouraging horse owners to vaccinate for encephalitis. Sev­ eral Florida horses have been diagnosed with Eastern Equine En­ cephalitis. One week in July proved to be the most fatal with six EEE cases being euthanized. You may have read the last issue of “Bovine Headline” and read that EEE is a mosquito­vectored dis­ ease, which makes our area more prone to disease. EEE can also be fatal to humans—so take action now! OR ELSE:

Internal parasites affect reproduction, growth, performance, and the overall well­being of our horses; so it is vital to the health of your animal that parasite control is your top priority. While no single protocol for parasite control will fit every situation, there are certain guidelines that all good horse owners can follow in establishing a parasite management program. More than 150 types of internal parasites are known to infect horses. However, from a practical standpoint, the 4 most significant ones are strongyles, ascarids, pinworms, and bots.

When should I de­worm? This graph illus­ trates the level of Strongyle EPGs (Eggs per Gram) by month. EPG is merely a unit of measure that is used in determining how many parasite eggs are in 1 gram of ma­ nure. As you can see, EPG count is the

highest in Spring and Fall. The count is so high in the Spring because that is when nature puts vulnerable foals on the ground, as well as other young species. When you think about it, almost every animal and plant has offspring in the Spring. Flow­ ers are blooming and baby birds & horses are coming into the world in the Spring. It

is obviously a survival of the fittest situation. A foal is more susceptible to being infested with parasites as opposed to a ma­ ture, healthy adult that is dewormed regularly. *Note: This study took place in North Florida where the grass is actually affected by the cold weather that the Fall may bring. During the Fall, rainfall decreases as well as the quality & quantity of forages. Many times the pasture is grazed to the ground during this time of the year­creating an ideal environment for parasites. The parasite load is increased for several rea­ sons: for one, the decrease in heat plays a huge role. The direct sunlight can actually kill the larva in the manure on the pas­ ture, which is why we recommend dragging your pastures during the Summer months.

Why is this information important to you? Over the years we have created a parasite that is “resistant” to our dewormers. Resistant means that the parasites have grown immune to the chemicals in the dewormer and are not affected by the chemical exposure. You can create resistant parasites by: giving an underdosage of dewormer/underestimating the animal’s weight; deworming more frequently than necessary; using the incorrect dewormer; or using ineffective dewormer. Once a horse has resistant parasites in his gut, other horses that come in contact with his manure are exposed to resistant parasites as well and that is how a problem is created. It is important that we utilize other methods of control to reduce the risk of resistant parasites. For example, drag pastures during the Summer, use a minimum number of deworming treatments, do a pre and post treatment EPG to insure efficacy of dewormer, and last but certainly not least—consult your veterinarian! Your vet will be the one to calculate EPGs and help you make an informed decision about choosing the correct dewormer.

In the next issue of “Bovine Headlines”, I will discuss other aspects of parasite control. If you have any questions about any of this material please call me @: (863)674­4092. ­

Source: Dr. Saundra TenBroeck. Revised by Lindsey Wiggins

“Survival of the fittest applies to parasite vs. horse.”

They’re Better Dead: “Internal Parasites” (part I) Bovine Headlines Page 2

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 450 250 1500 2400 1750 450 525 350 950 1250 250 300

Strongyle EPG’s

You bring the manure! We will utilize microscopes to determine EPG’s and the types COMING SOON: of parasites YOUR HORSE has by examining the manure. Keep looking in fu­

2008 SFBFP Repro School Agenda October 21 – 23, 2008

Turner Center Exhibit Hall and Barns

Many of you received a mailing in July discussing some of the upcoming events, and one of them was this Repro. School. The cost will be $350.00 with a registration deadline of October 3rd. If you or someone you know is interested in attending this event; call Lindsey @ (863)674­4092 to get registered today! Space is limited so it is ‘first come, first serve.’

Tuesday – October 21, 2008 8:00 Introductions 8:30 Pregnancy Testing 10:00 Break 10:10 Quiet Handling of Beef Cattle 11:00 Pregnancy Testing Video 11:30 Lunch (provided) 12:15 Intact Tracts Lab 1:00 Lab­Hands on Pregnancy Testing 3:30 Heifer Development and Management of Young Cows 4:15 Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation 5:30 Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation­Live Animal Demo

Wednesday – October 22, 2008 8:00 Genetic Management for Efficient Reproduction 8:30 Coping with Calving Problems 9:15 Breeding Season Management 9:45 Break 10:00 Health Management­Vaccination Program for Reproduction 10:30 Nutrition for Reproduction ­ Economics of Supplementation 11:15 Reproductive Implications of Body Condition and Nutritional Management 12:00 Lunch (provided) 12:30 Laboratory: Hands on Pregnancy Testing 3:30 Utilizing Performance Records

Thursday, October 23, 2008 8:00 The Role of Artificial Insemination in Beef Cattle 8:30 Herd Bull Selection 9:00 Estrus Synchronization and Heat Detection 9:30 Break 9:45 Nutrition for Reproduction – Forage Quality­ 10:15 The Role of Ultrasound in a Beef Cattle Herd 10:45 Program Summary and Evaluation 11:00 Hands­on Laboratory – End of Reproductive Management School

Learn rectal palpation to determine pregnancy!

Learn the importance of bull/ sperm evaluations.

Learn how nutrition affects reproduction.

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“Sponsors” Special Thanks to the “Bovine Headlines” sponsors for their generous contributions and support. The sponsors make this publication possible, and if you would like to be among them ­ call Lindsey @ (863)674­4092.

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(863) 635­4473 FAX (863) 635­4880

930 C.R. 630 West Frostproof, FL 33843 Tommy Mann & Charles Stevens 863­781­1410 863­673­1798

Feed * Animal Health * Saddlery * Fencing Supplies

LABELLE RANCH SUPPLY, INC. 281 South Bridge Street LaBelle, Florida 33935

(863)675­4240

T.J. Steele Farrier Service

Jacque Braswell Global Animal Management, Inc. Sales Representative 448 Rylane Street

Deleon Springs, FL 32130 Phone (386) 985­3038

Mobile (386) 547­1491 Customer Service: jacque.braswell@mygamonline.com 800 235 9824 http://www.mygamonline.com

Bill and Linda Maddox

At:

Deep Cypress Ranch & Cattle, Inc.

LaBelle, FL

Call (863) 674-4092 to have your business card right here!!

Vacant

an excellent opportunity to advertise your business!

Vacant

Page 5 Volume 1, Issue 4

Maximize your fertilization dollar! As I write this article, the price of fertilizer is predicted to rise over $1,000/ton in the near future! If it is applied at a low rate of 60lbs./acre the cost would be $30/acre. If 100 acres are fertilized

then you will spend $3,000 on pasture improvement. This is a very important topic to cover because the cost of fertilizer has many producers questioning whether fertilizing is even an option. A few management strate­

gies and considerations could significantly decrease fertilization requirements and maximize forage utilization.

First: ♦ Producers need to determine their fertilization requirements based on soil­test results. Proper pH, adequate phos­

phorous, potassium, and nitrogen levels must be considered and matched to the forage species. Sometimes the pH is the only factor that is hindering forage production. Lime application is still relatively inexpensive. A basic soil test costs $7.00 and it is worth every penny if utilized correctly.

♦ Remove the weeds! If 20% of the pasture is weed cover and you have a 100 acre pasture, then 20 acres are non­ grazable/wasted/might as well be concrete. When a weedy pasture is fertilized the grass doesn’t get the full bene­ fit of the $1,000/ton fertilizer. And in this scenario, $600 worth of fertilizer is fed to the weeds ($30/acre X 20 weedy acres = $600). The removal of weeds, alone, decreases competition for light and other resources for your desir­ able forage.

Then find out what’s free: Have you ever heard of Nitrogen fixing legumes? About 110 million tons of N are required for the world’s annual food production, and about 7 million tons are supplied by the chemical industry. Where does the rest of it come from? ­ legumes. Aeschynomene, Rhizoma Perennial Peanut, Florida Capron Desmodium, Stylo, Clover, and Alfalfa are all examples of legumes. Legumes have the ability to make use of the Nitrogen in the air we breathe, which is about 70% pure nitrogen! There are approximately 35,000 tons of this free Nitrogen above every acre of land. Soon after a legume begins to grow, special nitrogen­fixing bacteria invade the tiny root hairs and multiply in large numbers. The roots, in reaction to this infection, form tumorlike swellings, called nodules, on the root surface. Bacteria inside the nodules absorb air from the soil and convert (fix) gaseous nitrogen

Other Options: AgriLife research forage management scientist, Gerald Evers, suggests utilizing recycled nu­ trients in the pasture. According to Evers, “over 90% of the nitrogen, phosphorous, and pot­ ash that’s in the forage a cow eats is actually excreted.” I realize that dragging is not an option for large scale opera­ tions, but others should consider the management strategy. Rotational grazing is something else we can do to maxi­ mize forage production and a great program is outlined on the following pages.

Native range Many pastures in South Florida are still in their natural stance and there are a few native forages that are extremely palatable to cattle like: Chalky bluestem, maiden cane, other bluestem varieties, etc. These pastures do not require fertilization and provide a great habitat for many wildlife species, especially ground traveling birds like quail and tur­ key. Another advantage of grazing native forages is the ability of the hardy, native species to maintain sufficient ground cover and therefore, out compete invasive weeds that we commonly encounter in improved pastures (Tropical Soda Apple, Smut Grass, Dog Fennel, etc.). If you have questions about how to properly manage a native rangeland, contact myself or your local NRCS office.

What are you doing to save money? Call (863)674­4092 and share your tips with me!

Source: Polk County Livestock Report, Bridget Carlisle. Florida Forage Handbook.

Nodules on legume root

“How to carry more livestock on the same number of acres” Grazing methods include rotational or continuous grazing. Rotational grazing is defined as alternating periods of grazing and rest for 2 or more pastures in a grazing management unit. Continuous grazing is a method of grazing livestock on a specific unit of land where animals have unrestricted and uninterrupted access throughout the grazing season. Rotational grazing has shown advantages over con­ tinuous grazing in several measures of forage and beef cattle production. In the following sections, we will describe some of the bene­ fits of rotational grazing for forage production and utilization, animal production, nutrient distribution, and management flexibility. Potential disadvantages will also be mentioned. Before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of rotational grazing, it is impor­ tant to note that the most critical grazing management decision is not grazing method but stocking rate. Stocking rate is defined as the amount of land allotted to each animal to graze. If the stocking rate is incorrect, then neither rotational nor continuous grazing will correct the problem. So, the first and most important step in developing a grazing program is to choose the correct stocking rate for your conditions. Forage Production and Utilization Production of new growth after grazing depends upon the amount of residual leaf and carbohydrate reserves that will supply energy for plant growth. Rotational grazing with the correct stocking rate will maintain adequate stubble height and carbohydrate reserves after grazing to maximize forage regrowth. Stewart et al. (2005) verified that bahiagrass under rotational grazing can produce more forage than under continuous grazing. Rotational grazing with 1, 3, 7, and 21 days of pasture occupation (21­day rest period between graz­ ings) resulted in greater forage production than pastures that were grazed continuously. In addition to increased regrowth rates, rota­ tional grazing also aids in pasture persistence by allowing better stubble height control. Controlling target stubble height on rotation­ ally grazed pastures is important, not only to maximize forage regrowth, but also to extend the life span of the pastures. Overgrazing can result in loss of desirable species and an increase in weeds. Results from Florida studies confirm the beneficial effect of rotational grazing on persistence of some grasses. For example, Callie bermudagrass pastures were rotationally or continuously grazed for two years at the same stocking rate; pastures contained 90% Callie and 10% common bermudagrass at the beginning of the study. After 2 years of grazing, Callie percentage was 86% in rotationally grazed pastures and 62% in continuously grazed pastures. Callie persisted better under rotational grazing because during the rest period between grazings it grew taller and shaded common, while under con­ tinuous grazing the lower­growing common bermudagrass was not shaded nearly as much. Rotational grazing has the potential to in­ crease grazing efficiency, the percentage of forage produced that animals actually consume. In continuously grazed pastures, a greater proportion of forage is trampled, soiled, and rejected by the animals than in rotationally grazed pastures. Animal Production In general, grazing method does not affect average daily gain of beef cattle grazing warm­season grasses; however, the greater forage production and utilization allow greater stocking rates that typically result in greater liveweight gain per unit of land. Matthews et al. (1994) found that stocking rates could be increased by as much as 20% when forages were rotationally versus continuously grazed. Average daily gain did not differ between grazing methods; however, the increase in stocking rate with similar average daily gains resulted in greater liveweight gains per acre.

Nutrient Distribution Cattle retain approximately 20% of the nutrients ingested from forages and the remaining 80% is excreted through feces and urine. Feces and urine are important sources of nutrients for forages, mainly for grazing systems with low inputs. However, in warm cli­ mates, the animals tend to concentrate their excreta close to water and shade. Under continuous grazing in warm climates, animals deposited 80% of the excreta in 30­40% of the pasture area. Rotational grazing increases the uniformity of distribution of the excreta. Dubeux showed that feces were more uniformly distributed on pastures grazed rotationally than continuously. At times of increasing fertilizer costs, better distribution of the excreta results in improved use of the nutrients by forages and may reduce the amount of com­ mercial fertilizers used in the long run.

Management Flexibility Rotational grazing allows producers to make management decisions based on the seasonal variability in forage production and animal requirements. During the months of the year with excessive forage production, rotational grazing allows some pastures to be deferred and used for hay production or stockpiled forage for the winter. In addition, the producer utilizing rotational grazing has the opportu­ nity to better match animal requirements with the pastures ability to supply nutrients. Animals with greater nutrient requirements (ex: replacement heifers, first calf heifers) can have access to pastures 1st and graze the greater nutritive value forage. They can be fol­ lowed by cattle with lower nutrient requirements (ex: mature cows). Lastly, the periodic handling of the cattle permits managers to inspect the herd frequently so that timely herd management decisions can be made.

Disadvantages of Rotational Grazing The main disadvantages of rotational grazing compared with continuous grazing include: Initial investment on fences and water, labor availability to move the cattle, and more management decisions.

Seem Expensive? Page 7 outlines a government program (EQIP) that gives money to producers who build internal cross­fences and implement a rota­ tional grazing management system. Read ahead to find out more! Source: Joao Vendramini and Lynn Sollenberger. Revised by: Lindsey Wiggins

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Page 7 EQIP: How can it help you? Overview The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary program that provides assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, the Natural Re­ sources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance to agricultural producers in a manner that will promote agricul­ tural production and environmental quality as compatible goals, optimize environmental benefits, and help farmers & ranch­ ers meet Federal, State, Tribal, and local environmental requirements. EQIP is reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). Funding for EQIP comes from the Commodity Credit Corporation. How EQIP Works The objective of EQIP, optimize environmental benefits, is achieved through a process that begins with the definition of Na­ tional priorities. The National Priorities are: ♦ Reduction of non­point source pollution, such as nutrients, sediment, pesticides, or excess salinity in impaired water­

sheds, consistent with Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) where available, as well as reduction of groundwater con­ tamination and conservation of ground and surface water resources.

♦ Reduction of emissions, such as particulate matter nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds, and ozone pre­ cursors and depleters that contribute to air quality impairment violations of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

♦ Reduction in soil erosion and sedimentation from unacceptable levels on agricultural land. ♦ Promotion of at­risk species habitat conservation. Eligibility Persons engaged in livestock or agricultural production are eligible for the program. Eligible land includes cropland, range­ land, pasture, private non­industrial forestland, and other farm or ranch lands. Persons interested in entering into a cost­ share agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for EQIP assistance may file an application at any time. To be eligible to participate, applicants must: ♦ Be an agricultural producer; ♦ Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill;

♦ Provide the Social Security number of all individuals who will benefit from the assistance; and

♦ Develop an EQIP plan of operations, including:

* The participant’s specific conservation and environmental objectives to be achieved; One or more conservation practices in the conservation management system to be implemented to achieve the conservation and environ mental objectives; and The schedule for implementing the conservation practices.

NRCS works with the participant to develop the EQIP plan of operations. This plan becomes the basis of the cost­share agreement between NRCS and the participant. NRCS provides cost­share payments to landowners under this agreement that can be up to 10 years in duration. The 2008 Farm Bill limits the total amount of cost­share and incentive payments paid to an individual or entity to an aggre­ gate of $300,000, directly or indirectly, for all contracts entered into during fiscal years 2009 through 2014. The Adjusted Gross Income provision of the 2008 Farm Bill impacts eligibility for EQIP and other ‘08 Farm Bill programs. Individuals or entities that have an average adjusted gross income exceeding $1million for the three tax years immediately preceding the year the contract is approved are not eligible to receive program benefits or payments. However, an exemp­ tion is provided in cases where 66% of the adjusted gross income is derived from farming, ranching, or forestry operations. Practice Payments Cost­sharing may pay up to 75% of the costs of certain conservation practices, such as grassed waterways, filter strips, cap­ ping abandoned wells, removal of Brazilian Pepper Trees & Tropical Soda Apple, construction of interior cross fence, and other practices important to improving and maintaining the health of natural resources in the area. How to Apply for EQIP Applications may be obtained and filed at any time with your local USDA Service Center or conservation district office. Their number is: (863)674­4160. Source: NRCS EQIP Fact Sheet.

Grazing Management School & Tour On Sep. 4 approximately 20 people showed up at the Hendry County Extension Office to learn about grazing systems and a variety of forages. The day was jam packed with speakers who discussed everything from: pasture establishment to the new & popular Mulato grass that everyone is asking about. Then, on Sep. 5 we all loaded up and went to: Spirit of the Wild to see native rangeland and learn how it can be managed for palatable, quality forages; from there we traveled to Alico Ranch where we looked at an amazing stand of Hemarthria grass and listened to Tommy McGill discuss their pasture management; and our last stop of the day was at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research Center in Immokalee. At the Research Center we discovered the possibility of growing Rhizoma Perennial Peanut and Mulato in our own pastures! To get the full effect, we were able to look at research plots of both forages, which was a huge hit. I am so appreciative of those individuals who attended the School and I hope that you learned new concepts to apply to your opera­ tions.

Note: This newsletter can also be found (in color) at: http://hendry.ifas.ufl.edu. Under the Agriculture list on the left side of the screen, find & click on Livestock. Current and previous newsletters will be posted regularly. Also, if you would like to receive an electronic copy of “Bovine Headlines”, via e­mail ­ call Lindsey @ (863)674­4092.

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