AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES NEWSLETTER

Bourbon County Cooperative Extension Service

Kimberly Wilson County Extension Agent, Ag and Natural Resources

Bourbon County Extension Service 603 Millersburg Road Paris, KY 40361 Office: (859) 987-1895 Toll Free: 1-888-317-2555 Fax: (859) 987-3210

March 2017

Save the Date March 1st Mid-South Stocker Conference, Manchester TN

March 7th Central KY Grain Producers Mtg. Scott Co. 1-4:00 PM

March 7th Farm Management Meeting, Bourbon Co. 5:30 PM

March 7th Goat Producers Meeting 7:00 PM

March 9th Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop, Lexington KY

March 11th Fayette Co. Farm Bureau Equipment Auction

March 21st National Ag Day

March 22nd Farm Bureau Young Farmer Color Point Tour 6:00 PM

April 3rd Tobacco GAP Video Training – 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM

April 25th Soil Conservation Banquet

Farm Management Meeting Bourbon County Fairgrounds

March 7th, 6:00 PM

Jordan Shockley, Farm Management Specialist

Farm business plans, decision making process and resources for farm finances

Ben Robin, Loan Officer, Central Ky Ag Credit

Financial performance and understanding the cost of production.

Meal will be served at 5:45 PM.

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Central Kentucky Grain Producers Meeting Scott County Extension Office

March 7th 1:00 - 4:00 PM

T I M I N G F E R T I L I Z E R A N D P A S T U R E Y I E L D S Many producers have already started planning pasture and hayfield fertilization. Pastures require nutrients to reach peak productivity. These nutrients are derived from several sources including residual nutrients in the soil, the breakdown of manure and soil organic matter, and nitrogen produced by N-fixation in legumes. Most importantly, nutrients are supplied to plants through the application of commercial fertilizer and lime. Soil testing is the first step to knowing how to manage the fertility of your pastures and hayfields. Then nutrient management decisions are based on these test results. The only true way to know what you need to apply is to determine what nutrients are available in the soil and what nutrients the forage you are growing requires. Producers should take soil samples once per year from hayfields and every 3 years from their pastures. Hayfields need to be checked more frequently since large amounts of nutrients are removed in hay.

Fertilizers are sold based on the percent nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and potash (K) they contain. One hundred pounds of 19-19-19 contains 19 % nitrogen, 19 % phosphorus and 19 % potassium or 19 lbs. of each nutrient. After soil testing match the recommended nutrients needed to the N-P-K ratio in your fertilizer. Agriculture dealers will always make custom blends depending on your needs. Although P, K and lime can be added anytime, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied when pastures or hayfields will have the best opportunity to have a yield response. Usually a majority of the nitrogen applied as a part of commercial fertilizer is gone in 60 days. Additionally, applying a high rate of N in one application provides more N than a grass crop can use at one time. This leaves grass pastures and hay fields deficient towards the middle through end of the growing season. Fields that receive high levels of nitrogen also tend to become acidic and require more frequent applications of lime. For cool season grass pastures, research shows that split applications of fertilizers generally maximize yields when N is applied in the late summer, early spring and occasionally in the late spring. Most grass pastures only require late summer applications because extra N in the spring often produces more growth than livestock can consume. Mid-summer N applications are never recommended for cool-season grasses since they typically do not respond and summer weeds are stimulated. For grass hayfields, apply N when plants are in an active growth phase and will uptake the most N. Ample precipitation and/or soil moisture along with cooler temperatures provide plants the best chance to respond. Timely application will result in less loss due to leaching or denitrification. A split application can maximize overall forage production, and is recommended for hayfields and for pastures when animals unit per acre are high. The best management practice to improve nitrogen levels in pastures is to interseed legumes. Legumes, like red and ladino white clovers, have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air and convert it into a mineral form usable by for plants. This is an excellent way to economically increase production of grass pastures. The use of frost seeding is a simple technique of broadcasting seed between mid-February and early March when the ground is still going through periodic freeze/thaw cycles. This allows clover plants to fill in bare spots and improves forage quality and yield. For more information on fertilizer applications for pastures and hayfields call your local extension office or go to the following publications:

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr1/AGR1.PDF or https://www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/ProfitabilitySpringHayfield NitrogenApplications2011.pdf

TALL FESCUE RENOVATION WORKSHOP

UK is offering a workshop to give producers more information on incorporating novel endophyte tall fescue varieties into their forage and livestock operations. Topics include: symptoms & causes of toxicosis, profitable animal production, establishment and first year management of fescue, calibrating a seed drill, seed quality and testing, and management of fescue. A tour of the UK research plots will be included. The Tall Fescue Renovation Workshop is March 9 at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and Spindletop Research Farm in Lexington from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sign up at www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage.

WHY ANTIBIOTICS FAIL Michelle Arnold, DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL)

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be the most common cause of feedlot death loss, despite improved vaccines and expensive long-acting antibiotics formulated specifically against the bugs commonly found in a diseased bovine lung. Beyond death loss due to severe pneumonia, the costs of treatment (antibiotics) and prevention (vaccines), loss of production, and reduced carcass value in chronic cases must also be considered to understand the full economic loss to the industry. In the face of these challenges, consumers are increasingly demanding reduced antimicrobial use in the production of wholesome beef. The FDA, concerned that overuse of antibiotics in animals will create resistance and reduce their effectiveness in people, has already limited the use of antibiotics in feed through the Veterinary Feed Directive. Many cattle producers are concerned injectable antibiotics may be FDA’s next target. While antibiotic resistance does occur, it is not the only reason for treatment failure. Given the need to continue using antibiotics in food-producing animals, it is important to review their correct usage and why antibiotics may fail to work.

BRD relies on the mixture of host susceptibility, pathogens (viral and bacterial) and the environment to cause disease. Mannheimia hemolytica (formerly known as Pasteurella hemolytica), the most common bacteria found in bovine pneumonia, is an opportunist that gets in the lungs when the calf’s defenses are down due to a respiratory virus and stress. Weaning, co-mingling, transportation, castration and dehorning, bad weather, overcrowding, and poor quality air are known to compromise a calf’s immune system. A persistently-infected (BVD-PI) calf in a pen results in continuous exposure of the pen mates to the BVD virus and a constant reduction in their ability to fight sickness. Lightweight calves weaned on the truck that have not begun eating and drinking are at exceptionally high risk for disease and death. Each of these situations leads to poor antibiotic response.

It is important to understand why successful treatment of pneumonia is not simply a matter of grabbing a bottle of the latest and greatest antibiotic, drawing up a dart-full, shooting it in the sick calf and waiting for the magic bullet to take effect. Instead, full recovery is a joint effort between the calf’s immune system and the selected drug to stop the growth of bacteria and destruction of lung tissue. Antibiotics hold bacterial growth “in check” and give the calf’s immune system time to gear up and effectively fight the disease. Treatment failure may be due to calf factors including overwhelming stress, infection with BVD virus, or nutrition-related factors such as trace mineral deficiencies or subacute ruminal acidosis. Sound

nutrition and management, especially around weaning, will substantially increase the response to antibiotics. Calves vaccinated 2-3 weeks pre-weaning against respiratory viruses are known to respond faster and better to antibiotic therapy if needed. A good environment with plenty of shade, space, clean water and bunk space reduces stress. Identification and removal of PI calves is accomplished through a simple, inexpensive ear notch skin test. Trace mineral deficiencies can be addressed quickly through an injectable trace mineral supplement while calves are transitioning on to a trace mineral mix.

Treatment failure due to human errors may include poor timing, use of the wrong drug, improper dose or route of administration, mishandling issues or failure to recognize treatment response. Timing is crucial; if calves

are treated early in the course of disease, almost any antibiotic will work. Conversely, if calves are treated late in the course of the disease, nothing will work. In addition to timing, dosage is crucial because antibiotics only work if they reach concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration or “MIC”.

Figure 1 above graphically displays the difference between antibiotics that are considered “time dependent” (effectiveness depends on exposure to the drug for a certain length of time) versus “concentration dependent” (bacteria must be exposed to a high concentration of the drug). If label directions are not followed and only a partial dose is administered or perhaps a second dose is required but not given, the drug is unlikely to work effectively because it cannot reach the necessary minimum target concentration. Selection of the best antibiotic class or “family” is an equally important success factor.

Figure 2 (next page) is an illustration of the mechanisms antibiotic classes use against bacterial cells. Beta-lactams (penicillin, Excede®, Naxcel®, Excenel®) cripple production of the bacterial cell wall that protects the cell from the external environment. Aminoglycosides (gentamicin) and Tetracyclines (LA-300®, Biomycin®, and many others) interfere with protein synthesis by grabbing on to the machinery in the ribosome needed to

(Why Antibiotics Fail Continued)

build proteins. Macrolides (Draxxin®, Micotil®, Zactran®, Zuprevo®, Tylan®) and Chloramphenicol derivatives (Nuflor®) also interfere with protein synthesis although at a different location on the ribosome. The Fluoroquinolones (Baytril®, Advocin®) block genetic replication by interfering with DNA and RNA synthesis. Why is this information important? If a calf requires retreatment, selection of an antibiotic from a different class will attack the bacteria through a different route and often enhances treatment response. Another good example is treatment for Mycoplasma bovis, a bacterium frequently found in chronic pneumonia cases. Mycoplasma has no cell wall so treatment with a Beta-lactam (such as penicillin or Excede®) will prove absolutely useless. A veterinarian is well-trained in antibiotic selection and is the best source of information when choosing therapy. Another issue that may affect success is mishandling the product; an antibiotic that gets too hot or is allowed to freeze inactivates the drug in most cases. Sometimes treatment failure is not a “failure” but rather an inability to recognize recovery. A calf that is eating, drinking and looks better after treatment but still has a slight fever often just needs time, rather than more medicine, to fully recover since fever is one of the last clinical signs to disappear.

Strategic and correct use of antibiotics will continue to be of importance for the cattle industry from this point forward. Careful attention to timing of treatment, drug selection, dose, and handling of the product will reduce the human factors that contribute to antibiotic failure. Calf factors including overwhelming stress, infection with BVD, environmental or nutrition-related disorders must be minimized in order for the calf’s immune system to work effectively with the antibiotic to stop disease

in its tracks. Judicious or proper use of antibiotics will ultimately curb the development of antibiotic resistance and help protect human health, a win-win situation.

BEEF HERD EXPANSION CONTINUES DESPITE LOWER PRICES Dr. Kenny Burdine, Livestock Marketing Specialist, University of Kentucky

USDA’s annual estimate of the number of cattle in the US held some surprises this year. While this report is typically not a short-term market mover, it has considerable implications in the long-term as we consider the size of the US cowherd. It was not surprising that the US beef herd grew over the course of 2016, but it did grow at a rate that exceeded most expectations. According to the report, US beef cow numbers grew by 3.5% from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2017. This represents a little over one-million cows, after a slight downward revision to the January 2016 estimate. The immediate implication is for even more calves moving through markets this year than expected.

As I have talked with producers across the state, many seem extremely surprised by this change in national numbers. I think much of that surprise stems from the fact that we didn’t see the same pattern in KY. The USDA estimate for our state was very consistent with our expectations as Kentucky cow numbers were relatively flat. However, we also have to remember that while Kentucky is home to more than one-million beef cows, this only represents about 3.3% of the US beef cowherd. Considerable growth in beef cow numbers was seen in Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kansas and this really worked to drive the national inventory.

Heifer retention provides us an indication of future herd growth expectations and does suggest more moderate expansion for the current year. The number of beef heifers held for replacements was up by a little more than 1%. Ultimately, weather and profitability at the cow-calf level will determine where beef cow numbers go in the future. While both are difficult to predict, it is worth thinking about factors that will impact calf prices for 2017.

(Continued on next page)

Figure 2. Drawing of a bacterium illustrating the ways different “classes” of antibiotics attack them.

Reminder: Free Deceased Animal Removal and Free Soil Testing in

Bourbon County. Deceased Animal Removal Contact: 1-888-744-1186

COST SHARE PROGRAM UPDATE Reminders for turning in completed projects:

NO CASH PURCHASES

No reimbursements for purchases from or payments to immediate family members

No purchase of transport equipment (trailers, wagons, carts)

Only one individual per household is eligible to receive CAIP funds within a program year. If applicable, proof of residency may be requested to verify that multiple individuals within the same household are not applying.

For funding, a producer must submit all paperwork: Producer Report, Educational Certification, Cancelled checks, receipts, pictures and any additional documentation required

Beef Quality Assurance Certification (BQA) is required for purchases made in the Large Animal category.

Call to schedule a farm visit! You can email pictures of your completed project to kimberlywilson@uky.edu

Let’s start by getting on the same page about 2016. The calf market reached a bottom in late October / early November with Medium / Large frame #1-2 steers selling around $120 per cwt on a state average basis. Obviously, larger high quality groups did much better than this and smaller groups and singles did much worse, but that should help set the baseline. Those same steer calves, in early February of 2017, were selling in the low $130’s on a state average basis and are very likely to continue to see price increases as we move towards grass this spring. The seasonal increase in calf prices that typically occurs from fall to spring is driven by stocker demand, not a change in the fundamentals of the beef market.

As we think about expectations for fall 2017, we have to think about what fundamental market factors will be different this year. We are very likely to see increases in beef, pork, and poultry production for 2017, all of which will put pressure on fed cattle prices in the foreseeable future. This expectation can be seen by looking at CME© Live Cattle futures, which are currently trading into April 2018 and suggest declining fed cattle prices over this time period. As we sell feeder cattle in the future, they will be sold with an expectation of lower values at their eventual harvest, which will make them less valuable for placement into finishing programs.

While I know the general tone of this article has not been encouraging, I have always preferred a direct and straightforward approach. Barring something unexpected, I don’t think we have seen the bottom of the calf market yet. Cost control and efficiency are usually keys in these types of markets. Here are a few ideas that might be worth consideration.

First, truly work to understand your cost per cow. Leave it to an economist to start with this one, but it is impossible to manage what you don’t measure. Through tracking of expenses, producers can get a feel for what it costs them to maintain a cow for a year. Then it is easy to consider what calf prices need to be to cover those costs and leave you with an acceptable return.

Second, don’t be afraid to cull hard. With calf

markets as high as they were in 2014 and 2015, it was possible to justify keeping some poorer producing cows around. In the current market, cows really need to earn their keep. Additionally, reducing your stocking rate has the added benefit of allowing you to stretch your grazing season and reduce your dependence on winter feed.

Third, consider post-weaning programs. There appears to be some premium right now for weaned and well managed calves which, when combined with weight gain, might make pre-conditioning programs attractive. Again, this is one where you want to push the pencil, but it is common for these programs to become more attractive when there are more calves on the market.

About two years ago, I was talking about how decisions that we make during good times have implications for how we get through the challenging times. I really wish that I could have talked about that a lot longer, but here we are already, talking about challenges. The decisions that we make today, will have implications for us several years from now. As you manage your way through 2017, be sure to think about where you want to be in 3-5 years.

The USDA report is summarized in the table below and the full report can be accessed at:

http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/Catt/Catt-01-31-2017.pdf

(Beef Herd Expansion Continued)

WINTER WHEAT AT ADVANCED GROWTH STAGES DUE TO WARM

WINTER IN KY Carrie Knott, Extension Agronomist-Princeton, University of Kentucky , Lloyd Murdock, Emeritus Extension Soil Specialist, University of Kentucky, Edwin Ritchey, Extension Soil Specialist-Princeton, University of Kentucky. Unseasonably warm temperatures in KY since wheat planting (October 15, 2016) may become a major challenge to wheat yield and profitability this year. Since Oct 15, 2016, KY has accumulated about 2000 GDD growing degree days (GDD) or heat units. In most years, only about 1500 GDD are accumulated by mid-February, while 2000 GDD are typically accumulated around the end of March in KY. These extraordinarily warm days and large number of GDD have resulted in wheat crops that are at a more advanced growth stage for this time of year. Typically, most of KY wheat in mid-February is beginning to break dormancy and initiate active growth: Feekes 3, Green-up.

However, there are several reports in KY that wheat is jointing (Feekes 6; Figures 1 & 2). This is very concerning because at jointing (Feekes 6) the growing point (developing wheat head) is above the soil surface and is vulnerable to damage, including freeze damage. The risk of freeze damage is quite high because throughout KY there is still at least a 6 to 9

week window that a freeze typically occurs (Table 1). Table 1 (right): Probabilities for the date of the last spring freeze (32°F) in Kentucky based upon data from 1981 to 2010 (Arguez et al., 2010 provided by S. Foster, State Climatologist for Kentucky). Probabilities that the last spring freeze will occur on or after the date listed. For example, for 90% probability the last spring freeze will occur on or later than the date listed 90% of the time (nine out of ten years), while at the 10% probability level the last spring freeze will occur on or later than the dates listed 10% of the time (one out of ten years).

Figure 2. Wheat plant at jointing with dissected wheat head.

Figure 1

(Continued on next page)

Considerations:

For wheat crops that have not received any nitrogen, consider a single nitrogen application as late as Feekes 6 or 7 growth stage. Delaying nitrogen application may reduce plant growth and the risk of freeze damage.

Research in KY has shown that with sufficient tillers, nitrogen application can be delayed as late as Feekes 6 or 7 with little or no yield reduction.

Normally nitrogen is applied by Feekes 5 or 6 to maximize yield. With the accelerated growth this year, delaying nitrogen application until Feekes 6 or 7 could retard wheat development and provide additional freeze protection, depending on when a freeze occurs.

Yield will be reduced if nitrogen application is delayed beyond Feekes 7, such as delays due to weather or field conditions.

For wheat crops at jointing, Feekes 6, that have already received nitrogen applications, there is nothing that will protect the crop from freeze damage. The best approach is to consider delaying the second nitrogen

application until Feekes 6 or 7, potentially reducing the severity of freeze damage.

Freeze injury occurs when temperatures fall to 24°F or below for 2 or more hours at the jointing growth stage: Feekes 6.

If freezing temperatures remain above 24°F there is only a slight risk of freeze damage.

In Western KY, the wheat crop does not appear to be as advanced as other areas of the state. Last fall there was a considerable drought that may have resulted in ‘dormant’ wheat in the fall (due to lack of water) when other areas of the state wheat was actively growing. These areas will likely be most profitable following ‘normal’ wheat management recommendations.

Be prepared to scout fields much earlier than usual for insects and plant diseases. The warm winter temperatures have also resulted in greater insect populations in KY, specifically cereal aphid species, which may increase the incidence of barley yellow dwarf virus.

(Winter Wheat Continued)

WARM WINTER COULD AFFECT TALL FESCUE TOXICOSIS IN BROODMARES

Mild weather this winter is likely the cause of higher than average concentrations of a toxic substance in tall fescue called ergovaline that has been observed in Fayette and Bourbon pastures in Central Kentucky, according to University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment experts,. Tall fescue toxicosis in broodmares, which is caused by ingesting ergovaline, is rare in the early months of the year due to typically cold winter temperatures.

Naturally occurring tall fescue is often infected with an endophytic fungus that can produce ergovaline, a known vasoconstrictor – something that causes the narrowing of blood vessels. This has been blamed for prolonged gestation and low milk production in late term pregnant mares. The UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program sampled three farms in Fayette and Bourbon counties this year and found a handful pastures with higher than average ergovaline concentrations for the time of year.

“These levels would not be alarmingly high in May, because pastures would have other forages such as bluegrass and orchardgrass actively growing, providing sufficient dilution in the total diet. However, other grasses are not active in February, therefore horses are likely to consume more tall fescue, especially in pastures that were overgrazed last fall,” said Krista Lea, UK Horse Pasture Evaluation Program coordinator.

According to Ray Smith, UK forage extension specialist, dilution is the key to minimizing the effects of ergovaline.

“Farms should move mares to pastures where more desirable forages are available and tall fescue is less prevalent,” he said. “Keeping good quality hay in front of mares on pasture will also dilute any ergovaline the horses may consume.”

He urged farm managers whose mares experience foaling complications to work closely with their veterinarian to evaluate all possible causes.

“There are so many ways and reasons foaling can go wrong,” said Cynthia Gaskill, veterinary toxicologist at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. “Any time foaling complications are observed, all appropriate tissues and samples should be sent to us to evaluate possible causes immediately.”

According to Gaskill, no direct test is available for ergovaline levels in animal tissues, so diagnosing suspected cases of tall fescue toxicosis includes ruling out other possible causes and determining ergovaline concentrations in forages or bedding. In certain situations, domperidone can be administered to alleviate the symptoms of tall fescue toxicosis, but this can have other side effects and is costly, making prevention the ideal treatment.

Pasture, hay and bedding can all be evaluated for ergovaline concentrations at the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for $52 per sample. Pasture samples of tall fescue should be frozen and transported on ice to the lab immediately. Hay and bedding samples should come from several bales and can be transported at ambient temperature out of direct sunlight. Detailed instructions on sampling can be found at the following website: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Forage/Tall%20fescue%20sampling.doc

Local county extension agents can assist farms in sampling pastures, hay or bedding. More information can be found on the UK Forage Extension website, http://www.uky.edu/ag/forage or by emailing UK’s forage group at UKForageExtension@uky.edu You may also contact Kimberly Wilson at the Bourbon County Extension Service at 859-987-1895 for assistance in sampling.