Are You Ready for Summer?

Are You Ready for Summer?

Memorial Day is this weekend! With the holiday's arrival, marks the unofficial start of summer. As summer arrives, focus should shift towards herd maintenance issues. Taking the time to prep for herd health concerns will ensure a healthy cow herd through the duration of the hot, stressful summer months for cattle.

Some tips for cattle management throughout the summer months are:

• Water
• Provide constant fresh water source for cattle on pasture. Cattle require more water during the summer months than one may realize. Consider the minimum requirements for cattle at 90F. 
• 400 lb Calves: 9.5 gallons/min per day
• Lactating Cows: 16.2 gallons/min per day
• Mature Bulls: 20 gallons/min per day
• Mineral Program
• Cattle should continue to receive a high quality mineral supplement while on summer pastures. Consider the demands of hot weather, terrain, and lactation on cows; supplement accordingly for increased conception rates and herd heath.
• Fly Control
• With summer, comes the return of flies. Flies are a major nuisance for cattle and producers. Flies are able to spread pink eye and mastitis through the herd, as well as increase herd stress. Consider multiple options when seeking to control fly population. Methods that make a difference include fly control mineral supplements, fly tags, insecticide dispensing rubs for cattle, among others. Evaluate the needs of your herd for the most effective program to suit your needs. 

From everyone at the American Shorthorn Association, enjoy your holiday weekend!

Welcome to ASA, Rachel!

Monday marked the first day of Rachel Linder's summer internship at the American Shorthorn Association! After making the long trip from Louisville, Ohio, Rachel is settling into the office; she is already busy and hard at work with Jr. National entries and other tasks for the big event next month!

Rachel  is a dual major in Animal Sciences-Animal Industries and Agriculture Communications major at the Ohio State University. She is the daughter of Clifford and Julie Linder. Rachel was raised on a small Simmental farm. Growing up in agriculture and participation in 4-H livestock expositions sparked her interest in the livestock industry from a young age. Linder was an active participant in the Ohio and American Junior Simmental Associations. Rachel’s interests include showing cattle, spending time with her family and playing volleyball and softball.

When asked what she was most looking forward to during her internship, Linder commented that she is looking forward to “being totally immersed in a breed of cattle that I would normally not get to be around. I also look forward to meeting many new people and to gain new experiences in the industry.”

From all of us at the American Shorthorn Association, Welcome Rachel! 

Changes to ASA Genetic Testing Procedures

The American Shorthorn Association is transitioning to utilizing GeneSeek for all genetic testing. As a result of the change, there are several new forms and processes members should be aware of.

• GeneSeek Sample cards (hair or blood) will now be the only accepted cards for testing. Sample cards can be obtained by filling out the online request form at: http://shorthorn.org/registrations/genetictesting/gthowto_registrations.html or by contacting the American Shorthorn Association at (402) 393-7200.

• Samples returned on cards from other labs will be charged a $2 re-carding fee by the lab.

• All DNA samples (hair, semen, blood) must first be sent to the American Shorthorn Association with appropriate forms and fees. The association will make weekly shipments to the GeneSeek lab.

• Updated forms for use can be found online at : http://shorthorn.org/registrations/genetictesting/gthowto_registrations.html

• Forms available include the Genetic Testing Form to order any genetic testing desired and a parental testing form for verification of unknown parentage.

As always, if any questions arise, please contact Jake Alden at the American Shorthorn Association at (402) 393-7200. 

Shorthorn Spring

Spring has finally arrived. After a winter that seemed would never end and cold early spring weather, temperatures in the 70's and 80's are a welcome relief. It is always a highlight of the year to watch the trees and flowers wake up from their winter hibernation and bloom into their springtime beauty.

With spring comes the greening of pastures. Green grass pairs impeccably well with cows that are equally excited about the arrival of spring with an unquenchable hunger for fresh green grass. As cattle producers, springtime is an excellent time to check off important items off the herd “to do list.” As cattle will soon be turned out to pastures, taking the time to make sure all fencing is in top shape can save you lots of time this summer with fence repairs or chasing down pasture escapees. In May, you have either already started breeding season, or its arrival is quickly approaching. Take the time now to make sure all breeding bulls have been evaluated for breeding ability and that all AI supplies have been ordered and are ready for use.

Any way you look at it, spring is an exciting time for all! I love taking time to watch the calves playing together on nice spring days! I caught this calf taking a break after playing last weekend on my farm.

Happy Spring!