This is Megan Silveira, assistant editor for the Angus Journal, with the August 23, 2023, update from the AJ Daily. Today’s update contains tips for using high-nitrate forage, a report on corn yield estimates, an announcement from Certified Angus Beef about winners of its 2023 Colvin Scholarships, and a story about minimizing weaning stress. 

Tips for Using High-nitrate Forage

Adapted from an article by Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska

Given drought conditions in some locations this year, many producers may be asking themselves how to handle the annual forages they have standing in the field that may not have grown as much as would be expected under normal conditions. These drought-stressed forages can be high in nitrates and may be potentially toxic to cattle.

With careful management, you can reduce the risk of grazing drought-stressed forages.

So, what are the options?

Most recommendations for the level of nitrates in forages that cause issues are based on hay, and it is suggested that levels above 2,100 ppm N03-N are toxic. 

To read more, visit angusbeefbulletin.com/extra and select the health and nutrition tab. 

August WASDE: Dialed-Back Yields Still Suggest Large Corn, Soybean Crops 

Adapted from a Market Intel report by Betty Resnick, American Farm Bureau Federation

USDA’s August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report is the first report of the year to incorporate survey-based yield estimates for summer crops based on the simultaneously published August Crop Production report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Both reports are predominantly sourced from a telephone survey. Wheat yields were based on samples from field plot surveys. In this Market Intel, we will dive into a few major insights gleaned from the August WASDE Report.

Corn

The report is neutral for corn, falling in line with industry expectations. The new yield estimate for the 2023-24 marketing year is 175.1 bushels per acre, slightly below industry average expectations of 175.5 bushels per acre and a drop of 2.4 bushels from the July WASDE report. 

For the full article, go to fb.org. 

The 2023 Colvin Scholarship Fund Awards Future Beef Leaders 

Adapted from a release by Courtney Weekley, CAB Communication Specialist

The Colvin Scholarship Fund supports the next generation of leaders in agriculture who are devoting their studies and careers to making the beef industry better. This year, 23 students were awarded $81,500 through the Colvin Scholarship Fund. 

Each Colvin Scholarship Fund recipient strives for a career in production agriculture, industry research or an agricultural pursuit that influences the beef business. The students recognized for this scholarship are carrying the legacy of the Certified Angus Beef co-founder and executive director for 22 years, Louis “Mick” Colvin. 

The 24-year-old fund has now reached 144 students with $500,000 in scholarships. 

The recipients recognized are impact leaders who have a strong commitment and passion for the beef industry. 

For more information, go to cabcattle.com or click on the link in the show notes of this episode. 

Weaning From a Calf’s Point of View 

Adapted from an article by Paul Vining, Oklahoma Quality Beef Network Program Coordinator

Oklahoma Quality Beef Network, known as OQBN, Vac-45 sales will continue, beginning in November. Like many certified calf preconditioning programs, the OQBN Vac-45 program requires that calves be weaned a minimum of 45 days before sale. This 45-day period provides calves an opportunity to overcome the stress associated with weaning, bolsters immune function and provides proper nutrition, allowing for maintained health and performance upon entering the next phase of the beef supply chain. 

Weaning stressors include removal from the dam, nutritional changes, a new environment and altered social structure. These stressors are often referred to collectively as “weaning stress”; however, each is unique and provides its own challenge to calf welfare. Understanding this critical time will allow a better understanding of the importance of a 45-day weaning period. 

For the full story, click on the link in this episode’s description. 

The AJ Daily is compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor for theAngus Journal.  For more Angus news, visit angusjournal.net.