Country of Origin Labeling or COOL as it is know in the industry, has been a topic of conversation among livestock producers since it was first introduced with the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (aka the 2002 Farm Bill). Implementation of COOL for all but fish and shellfish was delayed until 2004 and then again until 2006.
My Sunday Ag Biz column for the June 1 Tyler Morning Telegraph discusses tips for handling cattle during the summer. To help reduce cattle stress, provide adequate water, shade, work animals slowly and deliberately, and pay attention to the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) which is similar to the Heat Index normally reported by local weather forecasters during the summer months. If possible, avoid stressing cattle when the THI is above 84.
A link to a Temperature Humidity Index for cattle can be found on the following web site.
Tips for reducing cattle handling stress can be found on the following web site.
The Texas Beef Quality Producer program is a FREE training devoted to assisting cattlemen in producing a safer, more wholesome food product.
A Level I and Level II training will be held Friday, May 2, at the Kinzie Community Center in Poole Park in Lindale (912 Mount Sylvan Road, aka FM 849). Registration begins at 7:30 AM and the meeting concludes around 5:00 PM.
Pre-registration by April 29th is requested to Ms. Stacy Fox with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) at 1-800-242-7820 or sfox@texascattleraisers.org
This meeting is sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension Serivce, the TSCRA, and the Texas Beef Council. A flier for the meeting can be found by clicking on the following file: 2008Lindale.pdf
The Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Overton is hosting "Surviving High Fertilizer & Fuel Costs" on Friday April 18, 2008, to address the concerns of area livestock and forage producers.
The conference will start at 930 AM and conclude around 330 PM. Cost is $20 per person and includes lunch. There will be no pre-registration for the event. Just come on out and learn. Call 903-834-6191 for more information. See you there!
Topics:
- Fertilization & Liming
- Using clovers and other legumes to reduce commercial nitrogen use
- Nutrient supplements needed for cattle grazing poor quality forages
- Lengthening the grazing season, shortening the winter feeding period
- Adjusting stocking rates and nutrient recycling
For directions to the Texas AgriLife Overton Center, visit their web site.
