Blister beetles have made their appearance in North Dakota and are feeding on alfalfa fields. “The name ‘blister beetle’ stems from a naturally occurring toxin called cantharidin produced by the beetle that causes blistering of skin when the beetle is crushed and the toxin is released,” says James Rogers, Extension forage crops production specialist at […] Read more
Blister beetles in hay are a danger for livestock
Timely maintenance can prevent round baler fires
Getting a visual assessment of your baler and tractor is a good place to start
Even though most of North Dakota has received adequate rainfall this summer, reports of round baler fires are occurring. “It seems odd to think about the risk of baler fires right now, as the grass is still green in many areas where hay is still being harvested,” says Tom Clays, North Dakota Forest Service director. […] Read more
Drought-stressed canola a possible forage for livestock
Poor canola stands may provide an alternate forage option for drought-stricken livestock producers
Drought stress has resulted in poor canola stands that are unable to be harvested in North Dakota. Poor canola stands may provide an alternate forage option for drought-stricken livestock producers. “Livestock producers facing forage shortages may be able to feed their cows canola, provided they take certain precautions,” says Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University […] Read more
High numbers of blister beetles in hay pose a danger for livestock
The amount of poison produced by the insects varies by species
This year’s dry weather is increasing the blister beetle threat to cattle and other livestock, North Dakota State University specialists say. “Blister beetles tend to be more numerous when grasshopper populations are high because the immature stage of blister beetles feeds on grasshopper eggs, and we have higher numbers of grasshoppers in drought years like […] Read more
Pinkeye in cattle can be costly
Producers should take a holistic approach that begins with preventing its spread
Pinkeye, or keratoconjunctivitis, is an infectious disease of cattle that costs producers money in several ways. “These include increased labour, cost of antibiotics, decreased weaning weights and decreased price paid at market for animals with scarred eyes,” says Gerald Stokka, North Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and livestock stewardship specialist. One study shows that calves affected with pinkeye […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
