AGRICULTURE &NATURAL RESOURCE

NEWSLETTER

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IN THIS ISSUE:

A Note From Your Agent:

Cooperative Extension Service

Cows should be on good pasture with clover andpreferably low endophyte levels in fescue for thespring breeding season. Keep pastures vegetativeby clipping or making hay. They should haveabundant shade and water. Our goal is to havecows become pregnant before July whentemperatures and heat stress can ruin the “spring”breeding season.Observe the cows and bulls as the breeding seasoncontinues. Watch bulls for injury or lameness andchange bulls if a high percentage of cows arereturning to heat. Record cow breeding dates todetermine next year’s calving dates and keeprecords of cows and bulls in each breeding group.Keep a good pasture mineral mix, which containsadequate levels of phosphorus, vitamin A, seleniumand copper, available at all times.Consider a special area for creep grazing calves, orpractice “forward grazing” this summer, allowingcalves to graze fresh pasture ahead of the cows.This can be accomplished by raising an electric wireor building a creep gate.

Pregnancy test cows if not done previously.Cull cows at weaning time

Smooth-mouthed cowsCows weaning light weight and/or poor-qualitycalvesOpen cows“Problem cows” with bad feet, teats, udders, etc.

Select replacement heifers on the basis of:age – heifers born early in a calving season aremore likely to become productive cowstemperamentconformationweaning weightdam and sire recordsSelect more than needed to allow for cullingafter a short breeding season

Spring-Calving Cow Herd

Fall-Calving Herd

Finish harvesting excess pasture as haysoon! It should be cut before it becomestoo mature. Be sure and replenish yourreserves. Try to put up more than youthink you will need in case of a latesummer drought.Pasture should supply adequate energy,protein and vitamins at this time. However,be prepared for drought situations. Don’tovergraze pastures so that recovery timewill be faster. Overgrazed pastures willrecover very slowly during July/August.Keep pastures small for rotational grazingso that nutritive quality can be maintained.They should be small enough so cattle donot graze longer than a week. As theseason progresses, you need severalpaddocks to give each properly stockedpasture about 4 weeks’ rest. Maintain a clean water supply and check itroutinely. Water is extremely important inhot weather.Control flies. Consider changinginsecticides and/or methods of control thisyear, because insecticide resistant fliesmay have developed if you have used thesame chemical year after year. Considerpour-on and sprays that allow you to putcattle in the corral or through the chutewith little stress on them. It will makesubsequent trips through the “chute” lessstressful.Prevent/Control pinkeye

consider vaccinatingcontrol fliesclip tall, mature grasstreat problems quickly

Clip grazed-over pastures for weed controland so that seed heads do not irritateeyes. Pastures should be kept in avegetative state for best quality

General

Timely TipsDr. Les Anderson, Beef Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

In February at the Mid-South Stocker Conference we had Dr.Strickland provide an update on the Asian longhorned tick(Haemaphysalis longicornis). Last week while on a conference callwith two colleagues in North Carolina we got talking about this newpest which first appeared in 2017 on sheep in New Jersey. It hassince been found along the east coast from Connecticut down toNorth Carolina and as far west as the northwest corner of Arkansas. My NC colleagues have seen it more than we have to date, but withthe cattle influx we have it is only a matter of time before it startsshowing up more I fear. This tick was found in Kentucky last yearalready. I would encourage those of you bringing in cattle from theeastern states, particularly Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina,New York and east Tennessee, to quarantine and thoroughly lookover the animals for ticks before turning them in with other livestock. This tick is unique as it is parthenogenic meaning females reproducewithout males. A mature female tick will feed on a host, drop off thehost and lay 1,000-4,000 eggs in the litter on the ground. Theseeggs hatch and the six-legged larvae quickly find a host to feedupon. After feeding they drop off the host to molt into the nymphstage within two weeks. The nymphs find another host, feed for 3-8days and drop off the host to molt into the adult stage. In about 3-8weeks, the nymphs molt and emerge as eight-legged adult ticks. The adults will then search for a host to feed upon to restart thelifecycle. Thus, this is a three-host tick that can quickly replicate andinfect a farm. The tick can go from egg to adult in six months or less.The tick is not host specific and according to Dr. Strickland has beenfound on dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks, rabbits,groundhogs, goats, deer, elk, cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, geese,hawks, and people. This tick does well in warm, humid climates. Temperatures in themid-60’s to mid-80’s allow for rapid replication and development ofthe tick. The Asian longhorned tick (ALT) dwells in forest edges andpastures seeking hosts. This tick moves quickly up tall forage andanimals. This tick will be commonly observed on the ears, tail headand between the rear legs of cattle. Kentucky provides an idealclimate and habitat for this invasive tick. The Asian longhorned tick can transmit diseases to the host animal. In New Zealand and Australia, the tick has shown to transmitTheileria annulata that leads to theileriosis in cattle. Last yearresearchers found that ALT here in the states can transmit theparasite Theileria orientalis Ikeda genotype that can have severeimpacts on cattle. The protozoa affects red blood cells andleukocytes leading to severe anemia and potentially death. Otherpathogens found in ALT include those the can lead to babesiosis,Rocky Mountain spotted fever and anaplasmosis. However, studiesneed to determine if this tick can transmit these pathogens. Thus,this tick should be of concern not only for the health of the livestockbut those individuals that are outdoors and may become a host forticks. Use repellents (ie. DEET, picaridin, IR3535) and checkyourself regularly for these freeloaders. View the following websitefor information on repellents that are effective for tick control andhours of duration for products: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents. For tick control on livestock, investigate common fly controlproducts which contain pyrethroids and organophosphates and readthe labels to ensure they provide tick control. Topical avermectin

containing products can also be effective for ticks. Eartags impregnated with insecticides can also help reduceinfestations. As with fly control, a combination ofmethods (ie. sprays, rubs, tags) will provide the bestresults. Identification of ALT from other ticks can be difficult andrequire a trained eye. Examples of common ticks areshown below. However, to properly identify ticks,collect them and preserve them in an alcohol solution(greater than 70% is best). Record the location andhost animal along with the date the tick was collected. Submit the ticks for identification to Dr. JonathanLarson at the UK Department of Entomology. Foradditional information on this pest and others, be sureto check out the Kentucky Pest News. Being informed is our first step in managing this newpest. If you need additional information on tick andother parasite control strategies, contact yourveterinarian or local county Extension agent. Slowdown and take some time monitor your cattle thissummer periodically. Hopefully, this will also give you abit of satisfaction seeing the cattle and reinforce whyyou do what you do to keep your cattle healthy andproductive. Until I see you again, stay healthy. Acknowledgments: Thank you to Dr. Ric Bessin, UKExtension Entomologist, with this article.Top view of a female Asian Longhorned tick in nymphand adult stage. Source: cdc.gov/ticks/longhorned-tick/index.htmlThe images below show differences in common tickswith regards to markings, head shade, and body size. Source: cdc.gov/ticks/longhorned-tick/index.html

Watch for Freeloaders on CattleJeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, PAS Associate Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

“Now, we are forced to accept the reality that chemical control of helminths [worms] is not, by itself,sustainable. Strategically and effectively applied chemical intervention, coupled with a raft of non-chemicalmeasures designed to lessen ‘economic parasitism’ is the recommendation that most parasitologists appearto be advocating.” (Yazwinski et al, Proceedings KVMA, 2018) “Anthelmintic resistance” means the dewormers (anthelmintics) available are losing their effectiveness in thefield with no new products on the horizon to take their place. Although new drug “classes” entered the marketevery decade from the 1950s to the 1980s, it has now been nearly 40 years since ivermectin was introducedin 1981. Basically ‘we have what we have’ which is 3 major chemical classes or families of dewormersknown as the Benzimidazoles (SafeGuard®/ Valbazen®/Synanthic®), the Macrocyclic Lactones or MLs(Ivomec®/ Cydectin®/ Eprinex® & LongRange®/Dectomax®/generic ivermectins) and the Imidazothiazoles/Tetrahydropyrimidines (Rumatel®/ Strongid®/ Prohibit® or Levasol®). “Resistance” is the term used for theability of a parasite to survive after treatment with a chemical dewormer given according to label directions. After any dewormer is given, a portion of the parasites in the gut will not be killed by the chemical. Onlythese parasites that survived treatment will go on to reproduce and pass their resistance genes to theiroffspring. Resistance is caused by a slow buildup of “resistance genes” in parasites from repeated drugtreatment over many years. These genes accumulate undetected over time until the point when so manyresistant worms survive there is an obvious treatment failure. Resistant worms are not more aggressive ordeadly but they simply survive in high numbers after deworming, causing disease. Resistance issues aremostly seen in younger animals, especially stocker calves and replacement heifers, since adults will developimmunity to the effects of parasites. Calves under a year of age have poor immunity to parasites soproduction losses are certain from Cooperia and Haemonchus without proper control. Two-year olds havemoderate immunity so clinical disease is less of a problem but production losses likely without good controlas more Ostertagia (the brown stomach worm) are active in this age group. Three-year olds and above havegood immunity with little clinical disease and only slight production losses. Unfortunately, the reliance onwhat were very effective chemical dewormers has allowed selection of bulls and replacement females withhigh production numbers but has ignored their genetic inability to resist parasite issues. Additionally,chemical deworming has allowed neglect of husbandry and pasture management factors that keep wormburdens naturally low. For example, overstocking a pasture means more feces, more worm eggs and larvaeafter egg hatching, shorter grass and more parasites in animals. This is a management problem and not thefault of the animal or the dewormer. Parasites cause appetite suppression so the number one sign of a resistance problem is lower than expectedweight gain. This resistance is potentially costing producers millions of dollars in unrecognized losses fromreduced weaning weights, delayed puberty, decreased fertility and pregnancy rates, reduced feed intake,reduced feed efficiency and immune suppression in all classes of cattle. How is it possible to know ifdewormer resistance is a problem in a herd? The best way to test is a Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test(FECRT) based on the knowledge that dead worms don’t lay eggs. This basically involves taking a fecalsample from an animal (the sample will be sent to a laboratory for a fecal egg count) and then administeringthe correct dose of a dewormer. A second fecal sample is taken from the same animal 14 days later that isalso sent to the same laboratory for a fecal egg count. If the dewormer worked effectively, there should be atleast a 90% reduction in the number of eggs from the first sample to the second sample. “Resistance” ispresent when the normal dose of the drug fails to give at least the 90% level of control. This test is bestapplied on a herd basis so it is recommended to sample a group of sufficient size (20 is advised) in order toreduce the sample variation. The test should be conducted in weaned animals under 16 months old and isnot as reliable in adult cattle. Work with your veterinarian for sample collection and submission procedures. Once parasites become resistant to a drug family, they never go back to being susceptible.

What Was Old is New Again - Parasite Problems Returning inCattle Due to Dewormer ResistanceDr. Michelle Arnold, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Reduce treatment frequency and/or modify treatment strategies. In cattle, treat only 80, 90 or 95%of adult population of the herd, leaving heaviest and best-looking untreated. Deworm all first andsecond calf heifers and adult cows with body condition score less than 5. Deworm bulls pre-breeding. After deworming, do not turn on to fresh or new pasture right away because only theresistant parasite eggs will be shed immediately after treatment. Keep them on a contaminatedpasture at least a week before moving to clean.Never deworm all animals in the herd and turn them immediately on to “clean” pasture. In addition,never deworm older cows going into summer in the south. Either of these practices allow resistantworms to survive and build up quickly.Deworm spring-born calves mid-summer or pre-weaning and fall-born calves near or at weaningwith effective drug combinations (see #6 below). Avoid using permanent pastures for stockers because they are the biggest source of resistantparasites. Instead, follow stockers with adult cows or goats to vacuum the calf parasites from thepasture. Alternatively, take a cutting of hay or grow a crop to remove parasites.Only use long acting dewormers for stockers going to feedyards. Do not treat replacement heiferswith long-acting dewormers and return them to the herd. Ensure the treatments administered are very effective. Use of drug combinations is essentialbecause they kill more resistant worms! An example of this is using a ML injectable (for example,Dectomax® injectable) and using a drench dewormer (SafeGuard®/ Valbazen®/Synanthic®) at thesame time. The purpose of the second drug is to kill any worms that survived the first drug, resultingin much fewer worms left to reproduce. Conversely, if drugs are underdosed or administered in amanner with reduced bioavailability or absorption (such as a pour-on), then partially resistant wormsare more likely to survive and mate to produce fully resistant worms.Pour-on dewormers are not as effective as drench dewormers or injectables. Without question,drench dewormers deliver the most parasite exposure to active drug in the gut. Injectables reachthe parasites through the bloodstream so there is reduced exposure to the drug in the gut where theparasites live. Pour-on formulations rely on absorption through the skin to reach the bloodstreamand have consistently under-performed in deworming trials. Culling the “wormiest” animals.

Avoid resistant worms being introduced to the herd by performing a FECRT on any newlypurchased/leased breeding stock to avoid contamination of the farm before allowing them to mix withthe rest of the herd. How can we slow the development of resistance to dewormers? Reducing unnecessary treatment withdewormers, making sure the dewormers used are effective, and strategic culling all contribute to fewerresistant genes in parasites.

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8. The 80/20 Rule is in effect when it comes to parasites in cattle. Approximately 20-30% ofanimals in the herd have 80% of the parasites. Culling the wormiest-looking poor doersremoves a significant number of parasites and stops the passing of genetic “wimpy-ness toparasites” to their offspring.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE..... Dewormer Resistance

Last summer, intern Garrett Hatfield conducted a defoliation experiment that looked at theimpact of grazing height and frequency on soil and crown temperature of a tall fescue stand.The results of Garrett’s experiment were dramatic. Garrett clipped the plots to a height of either 1” or 4.5” every week from mid-May to Septemberor monthly to 4.5” . The weekly clipping treatments represent what you would expect in acontinuously grazed pasture, with the 1” defoliation height representing a high stocking rate andthe 4.5 inch defoliation height representing a more moderate stocking rate. The monthlydefoliation treatment represented a rotational grazed pasture, where stands are grazed andthen rested for 30 days. The primary objective of this study was to document the impact of the defoliation treatments onthe crown and soil temperatures in tall fescue pastures. Increased crown and soil temperaturesduring the summer months likely stresses cool-season grasses, negatively impacting standpersistence and productivity. Temperatures were documented by installing dataloggers thatautomatically measured and recorded temperature every 15 minutes. On hot days, the temperature at the base of the tall fescue plants was more than 10 degreeshigher when the stand was clipped to 1” vs. 4.5”. Even when averaged over the entire summer,plots that were clipped close had soil temperature about 10 degrees higher. One of the interesting observations was that after only 4 to 5 weeks of 1” clipping, we saw thecomposition of the grass stand change from tall fescue to crabgrass. Crabgrass is a summerannual grass that fills in coolseason grass stands as they thin. Now crabgrass is a high qualityforage, but it’s going to die out after frost and leave patches of bare soil over winter for weedsto grow. Another interesting observation was made this spring. Plots that had been clipped to1” every week the previous summer, were thinner, weedier and contained more common whiteclover. Common white clover can survive under close and frequent defoliation, but its yieldpotential and drought tolerance is low. Take Home: From a practical standpoint, the results of this study indicate the importance of 1)not grazing pastures closer than about 4” and 2) resting pastures between grazing events,especially during the summer months. ~ excerpt from Chris Teutsch’s column in Cow CountryNews. See full article at https://kycattle.org/cowcountrynews.html

Grazing Height Matters!!!Chris Teutsch, Extension Associate Professor, University of Kentucky

A landowner in Woodford County contacted me about two months ago asking for guidance on utilizing someproperty that he and his brother own. His family has not been Extension users in the past and he knew I was “inAg”. After several discussions with the landowners, the UK Beef IRM Team has decided to develop a new seriesdocumenting the numerous decisions and the process of taking a piece of property and transforming it into a viablebeef enterprise. These landowners had cattle when they were kids but are inexperienced. The property is typical ofsouthern Woodford County; rolling hill farm, thin soil in spots, decent fence, no handling facilities, a pond, a cattlewaterer on city water, and, of course, a tobacco barn. This series will be a challenge to shoot while being sociallydistant and will include mainly interviews with Extension Specialists, ANR Agents, and other Ag professionals. Weplan to post videos twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) to the UK Department of Animal and Food ScienceYouTube page. The next four episodes are: Episode 5: Developing a Forage Management System – Lehmkuhler and AndersonEpisode 6: Determining Stocking Density – Lehmkuhler and AndersonEpisode 7: How much can I give for heifers? – Laurent and AndersonEpisode 8: Water Quality Management – Amanda Gumbert and Anderson Upcoming episodes include cattle receiving, setting up the rotational grazing system, and rotating the heifersthrough our paddocks. To watch this docuseries, follow this link to the Department of Animal & Food Science YouTube page, subscribe,and click the notification bell. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4t18Zo2E_4_DBBELPjPMg

Choosing the Best Forage Variety Plan to attend the upcoming KFGC/UK Virtual Field Dayfrom the comfort of your home. Although we are all looking forward to in-person field days in thenear future (hopefully), for now KFGC and UK specialists are working hard to find alternativesto deliver important information. The virtual field day will include a video tour of the UK ForageVariety Test plots managed by Gene Olson. We will show the performance of varieties of tallfescue, orchardgrass, red and white clover, alfalfa and many other forage species. The fieldday will include presentations by UK specialists on how to choose the best varieties for youfarm and your individual hay fields and pastures. To join the field day use the following link:https://uky.zoom.us/j/6435014290

New Video Series – I Bought a Farm…..Now What?Les Anderson, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

June 12—Virtual Forage Field Day | 12:00 to 1:00pm

FREE 2020 CALENDARSBEEF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT CALENDARKENTUCKY GRAZING CALENDARKENTUCKY SHEEP & GOAT MANAGEMENT CALENDAR

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE ONE...606.845.4641

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT YOURLOCAL FSA OFFICE 606.845.4841

CALL606.845.4641

FOR INFO

Worldwide, there are approximately 600 species of Ranunculus, commonly known asbuttercup or crowfoot. According to the current USDA PLANTS database, nearly 30 differentRanunculus species are found in Kentucky. Fresh Ranunculus leaves, flowers, and stems havea sharp, pungent taste and are usually avoided by grazing livestock. Some Ranunculusspecies contain varying quantities of ranunculin, a compound hydrolyzed to protoanemoninwhen plants are damaged – for example, by grazing or mowing. Protoanemonin is avesicant, causing blistering of the skin, mouth, and digestive system on contact. Ranunculusspecies with high ranunculin concentrations are the most toxic. Dried Ranunculus isexpected to lose toxic potential fairly rapidly, although specific research has not beenpublished to confirm this. Protoanemonin forms a non-vesicant compound, anemonin,upon drying.  Ranunculus ingestion can cause mouth pain, blisters, drooling, oral and gastric ulcers, colic,and diarrhea. Clinical signs can be severe if large quantities of Ranunculus are ingested, butthe acrid taste usually deters further grazing in horses and cattle. Clinical signs are typicallyseen only when other forage is unavailable and animals are forced to consume Ranunculus.Sheep may be more likely than other grazing animals to eat the plants, particularlyimmature stages. Horses are probably the most sensitive species to the gastrointestinaleffects of Ranunculus. One anecdotal report has suggested a possible association betweenpresence of Ranunculus in pastures and abortions in cattle. Another suggests the samepossible association in horses. Attempts to reproduce the disease have not been successfulin either horses or cattle, and the hypothesized association remains unconfirmed. A review of UKVDL records over the last 13 years found no cases of livestock deathsattributable to Ranunculus ingestion. It is possible that cases of colic or diarrhea have beencaused by Ranunculus ingestion but were never attributed to the plant. Because animalsavoid grazing Ranunculus when possible, it proliferates in overgrazed pastures. Overgrazingis prevented by maintaining appropriate stocking rates. Ranunculus poisoning is most likelyin starving animals. The risk in Kentucky is minimal as long as plenty of other forage isavailable; unpalatable fresh plants are generally avoided when possible, and dried plants areless toxic than fresh.

Ranunculus ( buttercup) risk in pasture and hayDr. Megan Romano, DABVT, Clinical Toxicologist, Veterinary Diagnostic LaboratoryUniversity of Kentucky

RECORDINGSAVAILABLE OF

PRIOR SESSIONS

FLEMING COUNTYFARMERS MARKET

JUNE 13- OCT. 31

TUESDAYS: 2PM-6PM OR SELLOUTSATURDAYS: 8AM- 1PM OR SELLOUT

If you need CAIP education, please check out the following link.

You will sign up using the instructions provided on the website.

Once it is completed the County ANR Agent will receive

notification that you have completed the requirement.

https://anr.ca.uky.edu/caip-training

CAIP EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

UK forestry extension offers weekly webinar ‘From the Woods Today’

Wednesdays at 11 AM ET

Prior to each show, a new linkwill be placed on

www.FromTheWoodsToday.com

EMAIL APRIL.WILHOIT@UKY.EDU IF YOU WOULD LIKE TOREGISTER FOR THE BEEF WEBINAR SERIES

It seems that every year an outbreak of salmonellosis can be traced back to backyard poultry flocks. We arebeginning to see such an outbreak now. According to the CDC https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyardpoultry-05-20/map.html) as of May 15 there have been 97 patientswith 28 states involved. Kentucky has nine cases which is tied for the second highest state. It is important to remember this is just the beginning of the outbreak. It is important to get the word out that itis important to stay safe around their chicks and poultry. Last year, there were 1134 cases in 49 states with 219people hospitalized and 2 deaths. Kentucky was one of the states with high numbers – 41 cases last year. Common trends that contribute to these outbreaks have been:o Brooding and raising poultry in the houseo Having birds run loose and deposit drooping everywhereo Not washing hands after handling eggs and birdso Washing dirty eggs in kitchen sinks and not disinfecting afterwardso Allowing birds close contact near the mouth and nose of people especially young children. A large number of the cases have involved children under 5 years of age.

STAYING HEALTHY WITH BACKYARDFLOCKS- DR. JACQUIE JACOBPRESENTATIONhttps://learn.extension.org/events/3757CDC RESPONSIBLE FLOCKOWNERSHIP FLYERhttps://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/resources/backyard-flock-8x11.pdfSELLING EGGS FACT SHEEThttp://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ASC/ASC229/ASC229.pdfSAFE HANDLING OF CHICKS FLYERhttps://afs.ca.uky.edu/files/safe_handling_of_chicks.pdf

ADDITIONAL INFO ONBACKYARD FLOCKS

BACKYARD POULTRY FLOCKS- SALMONELLOSIS Dr. Tony Pescatore & Jacquie Jacob, UK Extension Poultry Specialists

JUNE 8-12 - 52nd Annual BIF Research Symposium (TIMES VARY) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 9- The Impact of Selenium on Beef Cattle Fertility (8:00PM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 10- From the Woods Today: Forestry 101, Tree of the Week, Healthy Woods App (11:00AM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 10- Hort Webinar Wednesday: How Cool are Fungi: Plant Disease Basics (2:00PM) VIA Zoom

JUNE 12- Virtual Forage Field Day (12:00PM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 13- Fleming County Farmers Market Opening Day (8:00AM) Fleming County Extension Office Parking Lot

JUNE 16- Ruminant Physiology and Nutrition Research &Planning the Winter Feeding Program (8:00PM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 17- From the Woods Today: Heating with Wood, Tree of the Week, Snake ID (11:00AM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 17 - Hort Webinar Wednesday (2:00PM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 23- Basics of Baleage & Temperament Relation to Performance in Growing Cattle (8:00PM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 24- From the Woods Today: Getting Forestry & Wildlife Assistance, Tree of the Week (11:00AM) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 24- Hort Webinar Wednesday: Attracting Polinators (2:00pm) VIA ZOOM

JUNE 30- Basics for a Complete Mineral Program & Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue (8:00PM) VIA ZOOM

IMPORTANT DATES