Crop And Cow Day Adds Cattle Production Session
US - North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center has added a programme for beef cow producers to this year’s crop day event.The center’s Crop and Cow Day programme will be on December 9th. The daylong event will start with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by corn and soybean production updates and a session on crop economics. The beef sessions start at 1 p.m.
Carl Dahlen, NDSU’s Extension Service beef cattle specialist, will speak on synchronization protocols for breeding cows and heifers via artificial insemination (AI). Because high-accuracy expected progeny difference-proven bulls are available with the use of AI, superior genetics will improve the calf crop and cow herd. Synchronizing estrus makes breeding multiple animals at one time an easier chore.
Kadee Hande, North Dakota Department of Agriculture, will discuss the North Dakota Verified age and source verification program and how producers can use it. Cattle exports are at a 10-year high, and third-party age verification is required to export to Pacific Rim countries.
John Dhuyvetter, area Extension livestock specialist at NDSU’s North Central Research Extension Center near Minot, will speak on the complexities of developing heifers into productive cows. The US cattle inventory is at its lowest level since 1959. If cattle prices are improving, producers will be interested in breeding heifers.
Dry bean and sunflower production updates also will be offered as concurrent sessions during the afternoon.