Dr. Derrell Peel from Oklahoma State University talks about the history of the US cattle market and how that has played a role in current price trends. A longer publication about the topics discussed can be found that includes illustrations, can be found at https://www.afpc.tamu.edu/research/publications/710/cattle.pdf

Dr. Jaymelynn Farney ([email protected]) talks about the importance of testing forages for nutrients as we are coming into the winter. She talks about what information needs to be captured, the general differences in cool season and warm season harvested forages, and methods of collecting samples.

Mr. Callahan Grund, executive director of the US CattleTrace program (www.uscattletrace.org) was guest for the week talking about the voluntary cattle traceability program for US cattle producers and beef industry.

We highlight an undergraduate research project conducted at Kansas State University. Former undergraduate student, Zachary Buessing presented the data from a project where they measured cattle performance and stress based on the interval between arrival at feedlot and initial processing.

Janna Block ([email protected]) from North Dakota State University was guest for the week talking about grass tetany. She talks about several different forage types and managing for grass tetany.

Justin Waggoner ([email protected]) was guest for the week talking about the use of alfalfa in cow-calf diets.

Dr. AJ Tarpoff ([email protected]) was guest for the week talking about a recent project he completed looking at different methods of castration for 700 pound bulls.

Graduate student from Kansas State University, Drew Lakamp, talks about his M.S. thesis project. He discusses land-use efficiency based on cow size, lactation potential, and when needing to supplement cow-calf operation which is more energetically efficient - corn or milo.

Blake Layton, Mississippi State extension entomologists, talks about the effects of army worms on forages and ways to control this pest.

Graudate student, Will Shaffer ([email protected]), under guidance of Dr. Megan Rolf ([email protected]) talks to us this week about the concept of phenotypic plasticity and potential usage in genetic evaluations for cattle.