Cattle HQ

The Economic and Production Benefits of Artificial Insemination (AI) on the Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch

The Wilson family has been focused on having an elite cowherd since 1888 and the tradition continues with Jaclyn Wilson, the 5^th generation on the Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch.  The ranch located on the western edge of the Sandhills of Nebraska has been using artificial insemination (AI) for over 30 years to help accomplish their goals.  During this episode of Cattle HQ, listeners will hear Jaclyn share their story on the reasons why they have continued using AI as a reproductive tool including:

• The economic benefit of AI to the ranch.
• The improvement of overall reproductive management.
• Increased longevity of the cowherd.
• Incorporation of AI into their summer grazing management.
• How they have made using AI efficient on their operation.   

The Importance of Vitamin A in the Cow Herd

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Robin Salverson and Madison Kovarna explore the importance of Vitamin A to the cowherd, including the newborn calf from Dr. Hannah Speer. 

• How to build liver storage of vitamin A in the cow’s diet.
• How to build vitamin A in the colostrum.
• How vitamin A is transferred to the newborn calf.
• How vitamin A is regulated in the cow.

 

Dr. Hannah Speer is an assistant professor with Montana State University. 

Grazing Smart Following Dry Fall and Winter Seasons

SDSU Kaylee Wheeler, an Extension Range Field Specialist, and Dr. Krista Ehlert, an Assistant Professor and Extension Range Specialist.

Mother Nature’s facuet seemingly turned off in the fall of 2024 for a majority of South Dakota. Moisture has not been falling even as temperatures drop, and winter settles in across the state. Many producers are looking out over pastureland with extremely limited snow cover and low soil moisture. What does this mean for grazing this spring? During this episode, Kaylee and Krista will share their thoughts about planning ahead for the 2025 grazing season. Topics discussed include monitoring weather through the SD Mesonet system, questions to ask yourself when looking ahead, the value of snow cover for grassland plants, and so much more. It is never too early to start crafting a grazing plan!

Making Waves in Pasture Water Systems (Part 2)

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna finishes the conversation with Pete Bauman, a Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, from SDSU Extension and Wayne Vincent from Common Sense Solar.

Pete and Wayne’s passion for water quality and developing alternative water sources shines in this episode. Water systems are not a one-size-fits-all and have many pieces that fit into the puzzle. In this second half of the alternative water source conversation, the trio dives deeper into water supply questions, working with above and in-ground piping, freezing and thawing concerns and more.

Making Waves in Pasture Water Systems (Part 1)

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Pete Bauman, a SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, and Wayne Vincent from Common Sense Solar.

Water is the center point in being successful in any beef operation. This nutrient is vital for cattle survival and for these animals to reach production goals we set for them. During this episode, this trio will start a conversation on alternative watering systems. They will discuss Wayne and Pete’s passion in pushing the innovation limits of water systems, questions that Wayne commonly asks when designing systems, and the importance of providing high quality water to your livestock. This conversation will be continued in the next episode of Cattle HQ.

Unpacking BQA Training

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Addie Womack, a Livestock Production and Stewardship Field Specialist, from SDSU Extension. Addie also is South Dakota’s Beef Quality Assurance, BQA, coordinator.

During this episode, we will discuss all things BQA and programs that Addie is working on developing in her position. Beef quality assurance certification can be required for cattle producers for a variety of reasons, but becoming certified is painless and easy. In-person trainings are available across South Dakota for producers to attend to gain their 3-year BQA certification. Reach out to Addie if you have any questions about BQA or livestock production/stewardship practices.

Effective Cull Cow Management for Herd Success

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Heather Gessner from SDSU Extension. Heather is a Livestock Business Management Field Specialist. She primarily works with farm and ranch families on farm management issues including but not limited to: livestock budgets and marketing, risk management, estate planning, and farm transitions and whole farm business planning.

Proper management of cull cows is paramount to fully utilizing this source of income on an operation. Madison and Heather discuss the seasonality of the cull cow market, yellow versus white fat, and management choices or thoughts when it comes to cull cows.

Beef: Its for School Lunch

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Anna Tvedt, a Nutrition Field Specialist, from SDSU Extension and Dr. Mendel Miller, the South Dakota Assistant State Veterinarian.

During this episode, this trio will discuss a program named Beef to School which is a spin off the Farm to School national program. Many local South Dakota schools are serving South Dakota raised beef in their lunchrooms, but how can producers become involved? How can we increase the number of schools serving local beef? Anna speaks to the Beef to School program while Dr. Miller brings in important thoughts about inspection and locker considerations.

Mental Health in the Agriculture Field

On this episode of Cattle HQ, Addie Womack chats with Andrea Bjornestad from SDSU Extension to discuss mental health in the agriculture field. Andrea is an Associate Professor and the SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist based on campus in Brookings.

In this episode the topics listed below were part of the discussion:

• Stressors in the agriculture industry
• Figuring out what healthy coping mechanisms work for you
• Opening the conversation and available resources
• Finally remembering the joys that come with working in production agriculture

For more information on the topics we talk about in this episode, contact Andrea.

Stalk to Stock: Grazing Corn Residue

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Heather Gessner, SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist. Heather primarily works with farm and ranch families on farm management issues including but not limited to: livestock budgets and marketing, risk management, estate planning, and farm transitions and whole farm business planning.

Combines have been hard at work in the fields, leaving behind fields of corn residue. Producers can utilize these leftovers as a feed source for their cattle and livestock as the weather cools down. Heather and Madison discuss considerations for grazing corn residue, baling corn stalks, water sources, and rental agreements in this episode.