Most of the Western U.S. and parts of Western Canada are deep into a drought this summer. When the map below of the U.S. Drought Monitor for the week of July 27, 2021, was released, an addendum noted that the data showed that, as of that week, “the highest percentage of the U.S. is in an extreme/exceptional drought since the data series began in 2000”.
Early weaning stress: Helping calves cope
As I write this blog, it’s a typical, stuffy summer morning in southern Ohio. The air is still, the fog is thick and the forecast is calling for humidity in the 80s and temperatures in the 90s. This is not exactly a perfect recipe for cows to comfortably maximize their grazing abilities in our fescue pastures, but there is plenty of quality forage available for them to consume.
There’s one thing that we can all agree on: It’s HOT!
There is an endless amount of variation in the cattle business. Currently, in the United States and Canada, some regions are experiencing severe drought, while other areas are abnormally wet.
The all-new CRYSTALYX app: Download it today!
Imagine what life today would be like without a cell phone. You may sometimes think to yourself, “I sure could get a lot more done without this phone constantly going off” — but think of all the conveniences it also brings.
Garlic: Another option to combat flies
It seems that we are hearing more about the practice of using garlic as a feed supplement for livestock to reduce the negative impact of fly populations. The practice of feeding garlic or garlic-derived compounds isn’t new, but more supporting evidence and research into the benefits is starting to appear.
Performance is served — digitally: Apps, blogs, podcasts and social media
One of my most senior customers started texting this week, which confirms that we have reached the digital age. All jokes aside, it is a digital world. The cell phones we all carry have more capacity than the computers aboard Apollo 13 did when it landed on the moon. One benefit of the digital world is being more connected to our family and friends, as well as to our customers — and not just to customers of CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements, but to the ultimate customer: the beef consumer.
Why should you buy a nutritional supplement for beef cattle?
Commodity prices have been increasing in cost since last September. While many of us are hoping for good news (i.e., rain) during the spring planting season, commodity prices are still inching higher as I write this in early-May.
How can I get my cows out of the shade and grazing fescue pasture?
Yay, spring is here! For me, spring is best time of year, because I love to see the grass, trees and flowers come to life. I think, for the most part, livestock probably like this time of year as well, as the temperatures are more moderate and better-quality forages become available.
Trillions, billions, thousands and hundreds: For a few cents more, you can control flies
1.6 billion, 200, four and 20 to 40 are not numbers related to government spending on the pandemic but, rather, are numbers associated with the impact of fly pressure on animal performance.
The investment in a bull
Bull-buying season is in full swing. Many cattlemen spend the time leading up to the sale flipping through catalogs to find bulls that will fit in with their operation and continue to progress their herd genetically.
