OLDSERA41: Beef Cattle Production Utilizing Forages in the Southeast to Integrate Research and Extension Programs across State Boundaries

(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[04/29/2010] [04/28/2011] [04/06/2012] [03/29/2013] [02/25/2014]

Date of Annual Report: 04/29/2010

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/07/2010 - 02/07/2010
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2009 - 09/01/2010

Participants

Russ Muntifering, (muntirb@auburn.edu) - Auburn University;
Matt Hersom, (hersom@ufl.edu) - University of Florida;
Ken Coffey, (kcoffey@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Lawton Stewart, (rstewart@uga.edu) - University of Georgia;
Jim Neel, (jneel@utk.edu) - University of Tennessee;
Lisa Kriese-Anderson, (lkriese@acesag.auburn.edu) - Auburn University;
Guillermo Scaglia, (gscaglia@agcenter.lsu.edu) - Louisiana State University Agricultural Center;
Jeff Lehmkuhler, (jeff.lehmkuhler@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky;
Matt Poore, (matt_poore@ncsu.edu) - North Carolina State University;
David Lalman, (david.lalman@okstate.edu) - Oklahoma State University;
Wayne Greene, (greenlw@auburn.edu) - Auburn University;
Tom Troxel, (ttroxel@uaex.edu) - University of Arkansas;
Darrell Rankins, (drankins@acesag.auburn.edu) - Auburn University;
Warren Gill, (wgill@mtsu.edu) - Middle Tennessee State University;
John Waller, (jwaller@utk.edu) - University of Tennessee;
Charles Long, (c-long@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Monty Rouquette, (m-rouquette@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Joe Vendramini, (jv@ufl.edu) - University of Florida;
Gary Hill, (gmhill@uga.edu) - University of Georgia;
Rocky Lemus, (rlemus@pss.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University;
Gerald Horn, (gerald.horn@okstate.edu) - Oklahoma State University;
Holly Boland, (holly.boland@msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University;
David Morrison, administrative advisor, (dmorrison@agcenter.lsu.edu) - LSU AgCenter

Brief Summary of Minutes

The immediate goal of the meeting was to discuss, strategize, and implement actions to address the deficiencies expressed by the SERA Review Committee. The long term goal of the participants is to achieve approved status of SERA041 for the 5 year period of 2010 through 2014. The discussion addressed the key comment by the Review Committee that the original proposal needed to develop specific, tangible, measureable objectives, procedures, and outcomes, particularly in research and Extension. David Morrison as administrative advisor indicated that in discussion with the Review Committee members, the original outcomes and impacts were too generic for the SERA Review Committee and more detail was required. Specific details include defining identified needs for including in the proposal and to define specific/tangible outputs. Discussion ensued indicating that the group has already defined many needs associated with research and extension in the southeast. Likewise, specific and tangible outputs are already occurring within and across states. Ultimately the issue regarding the proposal is to document with specificity what is and will occur for each of the objectives and define tangible outputs.

Much discussion of the repackaging of the 3 objectives in the current proposal occurred. Ultimately, it was decided that the original Objective 1 would be split into 3 components (Objective 1a, 1b, and Objective 2). The original Objective 2 would be re-numbered to Objective 3. Finally, original Objective 3 would be incorporated into new Objective 1b and Objective 2. A provisional interpretation of those actions within the context of the original proposal is below.

Objectives

1. Develop a Southern Extension/Research Activity for (1a) identifying and prioritizing beef/forages research and
extension programming issues in the Southeast, (1b) develop cooperative extension and research programs across
Southern state boundaries, (2) develop strategies for funding high-priority research and extension programs.

2. (3) Enhance relationships between the Land-Grant University missions of research and extension with beef cattle
commodity groups through State Beef Cattle Associations and other beef cattle organizations.

3. This objective is incorporated into 1b and 2Achieve greater efficiency, productivity and impact by sharing informational, technological, and human resources for beef cattle and forages extension programming.

Working groups were created to address revision of the objectives and identify specific-tangible outputs that would occur as a result of the SERA041 group associated with each objective. The working groups were assigned relative to the original proposal and will handle the revision of the objective. The groups are listed below.

Objective 1 Jim Neel , UT (chair), Lisa Kriese-Anderson - AU, Guillermo Scaglia , LSU AgCenter, Jeff Lehmkuhler - UK.
Objective 2 Matt Poore , NCSU (chair), Dave Lalman - OSU, Tom Troxel UA, Wayne Greene - AU. It was agreed that Objective 2 Enhancing relationships& necessitated an administrative individual as part of the committee to facilitate, therefore Wayne Greene was placed on the group.

The final revised proposal will need to be received by the chair (Matt Hersom , UF) by approximately May 1, 2010 so that it can be distributed to select department heads for review before being uploaded for submission by June 1.

Specific outputs and activities were discussed. These items would be associated with strengthening the proposal through identifiable and tangible outputs as listed below. Items are listed in no particular order.

1. The SERA041 group would function as the initiating entity for the Interdisciplinary Beef Cattle Symposium that would occur annually at the Southern Section ASAS meeting.

2. The SERA041 group would be used to initiate and explore research/extension funding opportunities.

3. Make an annual report at the NCBA Region 2 meeting.

a. Update/Output report for that meeting.

b. Request/Offer to participate in the program with a presentation of activity

c. Tom Troxel and Dave Lalman are on the Producer Education Committee and could potentially forward that agenda.

4. Development of webinars. (This was mentioned last year but I am not aware of any multistate webinars from this group, or none were mentioned.)

5. Facilitate distance-education tie for other programs in states.

6. List specifically state partnership actionable items (these may already be occurring and would be a good place to start for the outcomes of objectives)

7. Create an annual report by synthesizing from states reporting the 3 top beef-forage program outputs. This report would be circulated internally and could be utilized for item 3.

Discussion of re-instituting state reports at the annual SERA041 meeting. This activity had ceased during the past 2 years in which ongoing discussion of the SERA proposal occurred. Provisionally, 1/3 of the 13 states would report in any given year. Both significant research and extension activities would be discussed.

Discussion regarding the use of native warm season grasses for dual biofuel-cattle production was initiated by John Waller (UT-Knoxville). The utilization of balage/haylage/round bale silage was inquired about. UF, UGA, LSUAC, UT, MTSU, and USDA-ARS El Reno were reported to have active efforts.

Jeff Lehmkuhler (UK-Extension) was elected the new Secretary for the group.

Compiled and submitted by Matt Hersom - UF

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 04/28/2011

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/06/2011 - 02/06/2011
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2010 - 09/01/2011

Participants

Ken Coffey, University of Arkansas - Research;
Jeff Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky - Extension;
Jimmy Henning, University of Kentucky - Extension Admin. Advisor;
Joao Vendramini, University of Florida - Research;
Ryan Izard, Animal Science Products - Extension;
David Lalman, Oklahoma State University - Extension;
Lawton Stewart, University of Georgia - Extension;
Frank Owsley, Auburn University - Extension;
Darrell Rankins, Jr., Auburn University - Extension;
Russ Muntifering, Auburn University - Research;
Reyna Speckmann, University of Florida - Extension;
David Morrison, Louisiana State Univ. Agric.Center - Research Admin. Advisor;
John Waller, University of Tennessee - Research;
Guillermo Scaglia, Louisiana State Univ. Agric. Center - Research;
Brian Campbell, University of Tennessee - Extension;
Matt Poore, North Carolina State - Extension;
Jim Neel, University of Tennessee - Extension;
Monte Rouquette, Jr., Texas A&M Agri-Life - Research;
John Arthington, University of Florida - Research;
Paul Beck, University of Arkansas - Research;
Vanessa Carriher, Texas A&M Agri-Life - Extension;
Bill Pinchak, Texas A&M Agri-Life - Research;
Ryan Reuter, Noble Foundation, OK - Research;
Matt Hersom, University of Florida - Extension;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Matt Hersom, chair, welcomed everyone to the annual SERA-41 meeting. He invited everyone to introduce themselves. Dr. Jimmy Henning, Extension administrative advisor, provided the group with input regarding the project and requirements to be successful. Dr. David Morrison, Research administrative advisor, congratulated the group for staying the course to ensure the project proposal was approved. He then restated the need to ensure the group accomplishes the goals set forth for the project.

The chair then opened the floor for nominations for incoming secretary with a reminder that the rotation went to research. Guillermo Scaglia was nominated by Russ Muntifering and accepted. Seconded by Paul Beck and Venessa Carriher. (check names). Unanimous vote in favor of Dr. Scaglia to be the incoming secretary.

Annual report Each state should designate an individual to assemble and submit a state report that will be sent to Jeff Lehmkuhler. Secretary would then submit report to David Morrison for submission into the NIMSS system. Follow the objectives and submit the accomplishments to the state coordinator, the state coordinator will assemble the state report following the guidelines that were emailed to the group prior to the annual meeting. Deadline is 60 days from today to submit the report into NIMSS. Suggested March 15th as a deadline to get them to Jeff. Emphasize linkages among the states and groups. Matt Poore asked about a template for the report, suggested to follow the report format Matt Hersom circulated. Bill Pinchak indicated that planning of a multi-state SERA-41 program hosted by the group or something in the next year or two and/or joint publication would be the key to success. Matt Hersom indicated that there were 13 states and he broke these around Geographic regions to have the annual reports given. They follow the location of the meetings for the life of the project. Annual reports were given by Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Monte Rouquette Texas Report (handout provided). Monte gave a nice overview of the state with precipitation, forage type areas, and research stations. He has been at Overton since 1970. Rye/ryegrass stocker work. Tifton Bermuda also works well for stockers. Kanes here in Corpus Christi killing Brahman influenced cattle which are bought on live basis w/ no discount. He discussed the BeefSYS database that is being used to calculate full production systems data. Bonsmara and Brahman breeding programs to generate efficiency data. Monte stressed that fee-based extension programs are being implemented. Beef Cattle Short Course is the largest (1400 attendees), attend the workshop which makes it the largest program. Little support and limited funding make it necessary to use funds across areas. Ranch and property fragmentation giving rise to novices and new clientele. Driving fee-based programming to deliver new information.

David Lalman Oklahoma Report (oral presentation). Forage research is down to Lalman and Horn. Dr. Richards and Kreibel work on systems research, but it is limited. Hay feeding systems, cow efficiency area but limited because of lack of resources to do this work. Ryan, Noble Foundation, doing some work in similar topics. No improvement in reproductive cow efficiency in the last 20 years with 81-82% weaning percentage while North Dakota is in the 90s. Oklahoma is the fastest Angus registration state in the nation even though crossbreeding is still being discussed. Matching forage needs to cow nutrient needs. Need a better job of benchmarking and track if progress is being observed along the reproductive data. Overshot the forage base support to support the level of milk production in cows. Also have a handful of fee-based programs for example 28 hours in Master Cattleman. To get large audiences, need to spend more dollars on speakers, more hands-on work, and more extravagant meetings to get the folks to come and becoming more of a challenge. Muscling increased selection for is rapidly driving nutrient requirements up while stocking rates are being exceeded.

Ken Coffey Arkansas report (ppt). Research project AFRI / NRI project novel endophyte fescue work. Slow producer acceptability due to costs, land limitations and persistence questions. Discussed the research activities of this collaborative work. Targeted 30 days pre-breeding and/or 30 days pre-weaning to be on novel fescue. Just moving cows off toxic fescue during the breeding season, preg rates increased from 44% to 80%. Fall calving increased weaning weights by nearly 90 lbs. Extension demonstration 300 days of Grazing has had large impacts. There are a number of demonstrations involving reducing stocking rates and stockpiling forages. Four demonstration on-farm sites as part of the program. Dissemination of information is being conducted by the participants themselves.

Guillermo Scaglia LSU AgCenter (ppt and hand-out). Beef cattle and forages interaction research presented is that linked to the objectives of SERA041. . Other research is conducted (reproduction, breeding and genetics, etc.) which is not considered part of the objectives. In the state and considering all disciplines there are 5 research stations that involved beef cattle research (Iberia, Hill Farm, Red River, Central, and Dean Lee) . Recent hires in these areas (2 in the last 8 months) and Guillermo has been there only 3 years. Ryon Walker plans to study the impact of cow size on the Hill Farm Station and alternative winter feeding strategies. Karl Harborth is in Baton Rouge and he is 70% Extension and 30% research. His work will concentrate on the influence of pre- and post-weaning management. Mike McCormick (dairy nutrition) is doing balage research at the Southeast Station. Scaglia research determines hay needs for stockers grazing high quality forages. Finishing steers at 1,100 lbs on 3 different forage systems in 17-19 months with economic evaluation. Spatial arrangement of forage and legumes to determine effect on grazing behavior and performance of beef replacement heifers. Guillermo is collaborating with Dr. H. T. Boland (Mississippi State) on this topic. Pasture walks at the station twice a year. Field days in each parish area about every 6 to 9 months.

Matt Hersom mentioned that Matt Poore wanted to remind the group of the Integrated Beef Symposium Monday morning. That meeting originated from the SERA 41 group.

Matt Hersom turned meeting over to incoming chair, Ken Coffey, to lead the discussion. John Arthington asked if the reports would be similar to the multi-state report. John suggested that a template be provided to the states preventing the need to interpret things. It was mentioned that most of the state reports lack the ability to catch the collaborations between Faculty which will be needed for the report. Bill mentioned to be sure to list the outreach objectives. Examples of multi-state efforts need to be listed with the discussion. Be sure to list the multi-state programs that were already on-going and list those on the report. Jim Neel indicated the need to continue to focus on the stocker aspect for programming research. Ken Coffey indicated that there is a lack of enthusiasm on retained ownership programs, but an area to focus on in the future. John Waller indicated that the stocker is an entry point for younger generations to be able to start farming. Matt Poore is also seeing addition of the larger farms backgrounding the cattle in North Carolina. Explosion of local finishing seems to be a trend in NC. Several states seeing similar interest, but the question of market demand needs to be fully investigated. Jim Neel questioned about what should the focus of the future for this group be? Monte asked how to link up to find out what each member of the group is doing and how to access research supported information to answer clientele questions. This was great discussion supporting the need for this SERA-41 project and these questions are objectives which we hope will be accomplished with the project.

Jimmy Henning introduced to give input and thoughts. Challenge the group to think why do we want a SERA 41 group? Place emphasis on extension aspects that are really strong. First thing is the clientele at the state level. If the objectives are not correct, then rewrite them. Several good ideas were discussed in this session already. Jimmy stated that he wont wait five years, he works for the group to help the project be successful and wants to work with the group starting early. White paper on grassfed beef may be a good example of a multi-state project. Mentioned that he is grateful to be a part of the group.

Bill Pinchak stated that he would like then group to identify which of the questions or needs (research or outreach) were universal across the states. What were the researchable questions, then take the entire base of knowledge and write a research review paper on some of these questions. Have any extension papers been written in the last 20 years as a method to help answer these questions? John Waller mentioned the fescue update that is hosted on the Oregon website. Fescue, soyhull/coproduct symposia, or hosting a SE grazinglands conference hosted by SERA 41 were discussed. Matt suggested that the Southern ASAS meeting as a host to conduct the beef symposia at the meeting. Bill suggested a grazinglands conference be conducted in conjunction with national ASAS meeting when it is in the region. Perhaps Fescue is the focus of the symposia for next year in Alabama. Ken asked the group to email the group ideas about the symposia and Matt mentioned that hell work with the symposia again. John Waller asked if grazing and heat stress management would be the focus.

Ken wanted to thank the committee for the work to improve project. Get the reports turned in to Jeff. Guillermo suggested to be sure to email everyone again about following up with the states to ensure that folks that are on the project in the NIMSS system get the emails. Jeff will work with David Morrison to get the minutes and email about reports out through NIMSS.

Ken adjourned the group.

Accomplishments

Objectives for SERA 041 1. Identify and prioritize beef-forage research and Extension issues in the Southeast. Develop multi-institutional research projects that will assist producers to achieve greater efficiency and productivity, and design develop and implement Cooperative Extension educational programs to maximize knowledge transfer and impact through local and regional county agents/educators. Sub-Objective 1: Research Initiatives (1) Seek input from stakeholders and create advisory groups that will help develop research programs which will aid in securing external funding. Arkansas Evaluate the performance and production systems of beef cattle utilizing forage and biomass residues associated with cellulosic biofuel production. Activities: Grazing research trial investigated spring and fall-calving cows grazing either wild-type endophyte infected (E+) or novel endophyte infected (NE+) tall fescue to evaluate the effects of calving season and use of NE+ on cow-calf performance, economics, and soil characteristics. Outcomes: A fall-calving season may be more desirable for cows grazing E+, resulting in greater calving rates, cow weight, and BCS at critical times, and heavier calves at weaning and per cow exposed. Limited access to NE+ may improve cow weight at weaning, calf weight through weaning, and may increase calving rates of both spring and fall-calving cows. Alabama Members of SERA41 met with the National Cattlemens Beef Association Beef Cattle Production Research Committee in Denver, CO to discuss and revise the Beef Cattle production research priorities. The shift of available USDA Competitive Grant funding away from beef cattle production research has negatively affected the production of beef protein for a growing world population. Without this funding the sustainability of extension, production research, and the land grant faculty with expertise in beef research, teaching, and outreach will be jeopardized. A subcommittee was appointed for the development of white papers on key research themes for the use in the development of a coordinated policy effort to affect federal funding. Florida Through the advisory council of the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, an endowment funding effort has been initiated. This effort follows a previously successful campaign, which generated $280,000 in private support for the funding of a new conference room and graduate student residence. The new campaign is focused on funding a meeting pavilion that will accommodate 60 guests participating in educational activities at the Center. Outcome: To date, $21,000 of the targeted $50,000 has been committed. Texas Stakeholder advisory groups have met on an annual or biannual basis at the various Research & Extension Centers in which forage-beef production is being conducted. Louisiana Activities: An advisory group of producers for the forage fed beef project was created. They have been instrumental in the increase participation of other producers in outreach activities like pasture walks, field days and farms visits. Their support has always been a help in securing external funding. Annual meetings are conducted coinciding with an outreach activity. Outcomes: Better organization of outreach activities, help recruiting new producers, and support of other activities. (2) Evaluate the performance and production systems of beef cattle utilizing forage and biomass residues associated with cellulosic biofuel production. Florida A research project was conducted for three years to evaluate the potential biomass production and phytoremediation of 15 species/cultivars of warm-season grasses. A subset of ten species/cultivars were evaluated for haylage nutritive value and fermentation characteristics. Outcome - This research effort identified potential forages species with greater biomass and phytoremediation potential. Texas The most comprehensive research on biofuel residues has been conducted by Dr. Jim McDonald. This research has been targeted at use of dry distillers grain and has received extramural funding. (3) Evaluate forage systems that incorporate the use of native grasses and/or legumes in conjunction with perennial grasses on cow-calf, stocker, and finishing cattle performance and products; forage nutrient availability; and optimizing fertilizer inputs. Arkansas Activities: Research comparing nitrogen fertilizer to interseeded clovers or alfalfa in bermudagrass pastures for growing calves. Outcomes: Daily gains and BW increased linearly with increasing N rate. Daily gains and BW of steers from alfalfa pastures did not differ from 56 kg N rate, but were less than 112 kg N rate. Gains of clover steers were less than 56 and 112 kg N rate. Grazing-d/ha and gain/ha increased with increasing N rate. Grazing-d/ha of clover and alfalfa pastures were greater than 112 kg N rate. Pastures containing clover produced more BW gain/ha than 56 kg N rate but did not differ from 112 kg N rate. Gain/ha of alfalfa was greater than clover and the 112 kg N rate. Alabama Activities: In the winter of 2009-2010, 18 cow/calf (October-born calves) pairs were assigned to 3 treatments: (1) stockpiled tall fescue for 4 hrs/day ([ acre parceled out every 3 days), (2) free-choice access to hay + 7 lbs soyhull pellets/day, and (3) restricted access to hay for 4 hrs/day + 7 lbs soyhull pellets/day. In general, as time progressed, crude protein percentage in the fescue decreased, as did NDF and ADF values. However relative feed value significantly improved by project end, probably due to slight regrowth of the fescue. Outcome: There were no significant differences in cow or calf weight performance due to treatment. Thus, by proper forage management, a producer with 100 cows and 60 days of additional grazing would have total feed costs of $767 (stockpile) vs $6,195 (soyhulls and continuous access to hay). Results are interpreted to mean that stockpiled tall fescue was a cost-effective alternative to hay and supplement under the conditions of this study. Florida The use of cowpea as forage for cow-calf production was evaluated for 2 years. In addition, a study to evaluate the effects of overseeding Syltosanthes sp. on bahiagrass pastures grazed by beef heifers has been conducted. Treatments were bahiagrass pasture with no fertilization, bahiagrass + 56 kg N/ha, or bahiagrass overseeded with Stylosanthes. Outcome: The inclusion of warm-season grasses on bahiagrass did not improve animal performance and did not replace N fertilization in short-term studies. Texas Native legumes have been evaluated for persistence and seeding characteristics by Dr. Jim Muir. Bermudagrass pastures overseeded with clover or ryegrass are components of a long-term nutrient cycling experiment for use by cows and calves. The F-1 (Angus or Hereford x Brahman) cows from two calving seasons provides for cow-calf, stocker, and feedlot-carcass data sets. Stockers have been grazed on Tifton 85 bermudagrass (fall-calvers) under continuous vs rotational stocking, or on rye + ryegrass (winter calves) under stocking rate regimens. The Brahman cow herd at Overton has had weaning heifers and bulls phenotype for Residual Feed Index (RFI). Heifers ranked as positive or negative are being bred to RFI- positive and negative Hereford bulls. The RFI-ranked Brahman bulls have been assessed for intake under grazing conditions using alkanes. Various breeds of steers and heifers have been assessed for RFI via Growsafe technology at TAMU-College Station. Mississippi Experiment 1 evaluated grazing systems consisting of spatially separated monoculture grasses and legumes within the same paddock (SS) to address constraints with the widespread adoption of utilizing legumes in pastures. A grazing quantified pasture and animal responses of four forage systems (FS) grazed at two stocking rates (SR; 3 or 6 animals ha 1). Using Marshall annual ryegrass and Durana white clover, FS treatments included SS, monoculture grass (MG), monoculture legume (ML), and a binary mixture of grass and legume (MIX). Experiment 1: The results indicated that a grazing system with spatially separated monoculture grasses and legumes within the same paddock has potential to improve pasture productivity. Studies planned for the current season will seek to determine the appropriate ratio of legume to grass in the spatially separated system that optimizes animal performance. Experiment 2: One year of the study was completed and Year 2 evaluation is currently ongoing. Visual estimates determined that tall fescue composition was 56% in TF, 29% in NWC, and 18% in DWC swards. White clover composition was greater in DWC than NWC but swards of all three forage systems had about the same proportion of weeds to desired species. Average daily gain was not different between overseeded treatments but both were greater than the control. Average herbage mass was similar across treatments, but herbage accumulation was greater for overseeded pastures than the control. This led to greater herbage disappearance, indicating potentially more forage intake on the overseeded treatments. The preliminary results demonstrate that pasture quality, indicated by animal performance, and pasture growth rate were improved by overseeding deteriorating tall fescue pastures with white clover. Activities: The performance and reactions of cattle from grazing Jesup AR542, AGRFA-140, AGRFA 144, and AGRFA-150 tall fescue were documented in terms of steer average daily gain, gains per acre, hair coat score, and rectal temperature. The feedlot performance and carcass data of all cattle processed from the pasture treatments were monitored. Cows and calves were utilized for a project on Decreasing the Stress of Weaning and Transport in Beef Cattle. Treatments included 1) traditional weaning by abrupt separation (control), 2) two-stage weaning with a "one-size fits all" nose-clip, 3) two-stage weaning with an adjustable size nose-clip, and 4) fence-line weaning. Nose-clips were worn for 5 days and fence-line treatment calves were placed in a paddock adjacent to their dam for 5 days. A simulated transport study was also conducted during the post-weaning period. Accomplishments: In the stocker grazing trial, there were no treatment differences within date for forage availability. Cattle grazing Kentucky-31 E+ exhibited reduced average daily gains and signs of fescue toxicosis. Average daily gain and other animal performance data show the elite tall fescue cultivars to be superior to existing tall fescue options. Louisiana Activities: The project generated outputs in the form of oral presentations at two Pasture Walks. The significance of developing this project is that it serves as a framework for outreach activities in topics of interest for beef cattle and forage producers in the region. Outcomes: Legumes and grass in mixed swards, adjacent monocultures of grass and legumes, and legume monocultures improved average daily gains of stocker heifers by 0.25 kg when compared to ryegrass monoculture. Heifers on mixed swards walked more than those grazing ryegrass monocultures, with no difference in activity between the heifers grazing on treatments where clovers are available. (4) Evaluate the role of multiple industries co-products as supplements for beef cattle offered forage-based diets and their impact on beef cattle production. Arkansas Activities: Research effect of daily or alternate day distillers grains supplementation with or without Rumensin on performance of growing heifers. Outcomes: Supplementation increased final BW by 33 kg, but there were no statistically significant effects of Rumensin addition or supplementation timing. Rumensin addition to the supplement numerically increased daily BW gains by 6% and supplemental feed efficiency by 18%, which corresponds with observations in previous research. Alabama During the reporting period a study was conducted to replicate last years work with pelleted peanut hulls. Information from the feeding trials was disseminated at 8 producer meetings across Alabama and 2 southeastern regional meetings. Two abstracts were presented at the Southern Section Animal Science meetings. Our work indicated that pelleted peanut hulls could be used as an effective fiber source when soyhulls or corn gluten feed was the main dietary ingredient. Stockpiled Tifton-85 bermudagrass for cow/calf production: Cow/calf pairs were assigned to 2 treatments: (1) stockpiled Tifton-85 bermudagrass and (2) 4 to 6 lbs whole cottonseed/day. Cow weight loss was 234 and 101 lbs, and calf weight gain was 141 and 125 lbs for the whole-cottonseed and stockpiled forage treatments, respectively, over a 2-month period. Stockpiled Tifton-85 was a satisfactory alternative to whole cottonseed for meeting winter-nutrition needs of brood cows under the conditions of this study. Florida Three experiments were designed to evaluate the use of dried distillers grains (DDG) as supplements to bermudagrass round bale silage particularly for developing replacement beef heifers. Ascertaining the appropriate supplement regimen for growing beef heifers can aid beef cattle producers to optimize feed resource inputs in a category of cattle that often have high input costs. Texas Supplementation and/or forage conservation experiments have been conducted in previous years and are most likely to be initiated upon receipt of extramural grant funds. Mississippi Activities: A study was implemented at the White Sand Branch Unit, Poplarville, MS examining the use of a novel cotton ginning by-product as a supplemental feed for cattle. The by-product is cotton gin trash, gin mote, cottonseed meal, molasses, and a vitamin/mineral package pressed together in the form of a 227 kg bale. This was compared to a conventional supplement program of limit fed soybean hulls/dried distillers grain. Accomplishments: Cattle consuming soybean hull/dried distillers grain supplement had greater ADG and conversion compared to the gin trash bale, however, when comparing cost of gain, due to the lower cost of the gin-trash bale, similar cost of gain was achieved. Georgia Utilization of Corn Byproducts in Corn Silage Based Beef Stocker Programs. Expanding the beef stocker segment in Georgia has potential to improve profitability and economic stability for beef cattle producers. Response: The corn byproducts distillers grains and corn gluten feed are potential sources of protein for corn silage based diets. A trial was conducted to compare these corn byproducts to a traditional corn/soybean meal supplement in corn silage based stocker diets. The results of the trial were presented at the 2010 Mountain Beef Field Day in Blairsville. (5) Evaluate methods of harvesting and conserving forage and the subsequent impact on forage quality and cattle performance. Florida A study to test the effects of inoculants and additives on Tifton 85 and Mulato II silage was conducted in 2010 and it will be repeated in 2011. Outcome: The two inoculants tested had variable impacts on warm-season grasses silage nutritive value and fermentation parameters. Tifton 85 bermudagrass hay or round bale silage (RBS) supplemented with dried distillers grains (DDG) or wet brewers grains (WBG) was studied. Cows offered RBS had slightly greater BW and BCS, but cows offered any of the four treatments maintained acceptable levels of performance. Forage type (hay or RBS) did not affect forage DMI, but DDG tended to increase forage DMI compared to WBG. Supplement DMI tended to be greater for Hay compared to RBS. Ruminal pH and ammonia-N concentration were maintained in ranges adequate to support normal ruminal metabolism and support adequate cattle performance. Utilization of RBS as an alternative conservation method for forages is an effective practice to feeding beef cows. An experiment was conducted to compare the effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (Biocellulase A20) or anhydrous ammonia (4% DM) treatment on the nutritive value, voluntary intake, and digestion kinetics of Coastal bermudagrass hay harvested at two regrowth intervals. In a digestion trial, ammonia treatment decreased most fiber fractions and increased the crude protein (CP) concentration particularly for the mature lignified 13-wk hay. Enzyme treatment did not affect most nutritional components but slightly increased CP concentration. Enzyme application did not affect intake measures but ammoniation decreased intake. In Experiment 2, ammoniation increased hay DMI and tended to increase final BW and ADG. Enzyme treatment increased DMI of the 5-wk hay but had no effect on growth performance. Ammoniation improved the nutritional composition and digestibility of the hays and resulted in a trend for increased growth. Enzyme treatment improved hay CP concentration, and improved the intake and NDF and hemicelluloses digestibility of the 5-wk hay but did not improve growth. Louisiana Activities: This objective was developed after receiving feedback from producers requesting information dealing with the more efficient use of high nutritive value pasture (i.e. ryegrass). Outcomes: The use of hay as a supplement for stocker steers grazing ryegrass is under evaluation. (6) Evaluate the use of supplemental nutrients to enhance animal immunity and health being grown on southern forages. Arkansas Activities: A 3-year study was conducted to determine how limited access to novel endophyte (NE+) affects immune function in calves weaned from wild-type endophyte (E+) pastures. Outcomes: Concentrations of neutrophils, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were greater, while concentrations of eosinophils and basophils were lower for Fall vs. Spring calves. Concentrations of lymphocytes and red blood cells were greater for calve with access to NE+ prior to weaning compared to continuous accesss to E+. Concentrations of total white blood cells, neutrophils, and serum prolactin were greater with access to NE+. Florida An experiment was completed with the objective of assessing the effect of injectable trace minerals, provided after a transport stress, on measures of tissue trace mineral stores during a 30-day feedlot receiving period. Outcome : Injectable trace minerals resulted in greater liver tissue concentrations of Cu, Se, and Zn, and a greater acute phase protein response, but less ADG, compared to calves receiving saline control. A study was conducted that compared preconditioning supplements that contained an ionophore, antibiotic, or yeast-based additive, or simple control supplement for weaned calves grazing bahiagrass-bermudagrass pastures. Calf body weight gain was greater utilizing the yeast-based additive compared to other additives. Weaned and backgrounded calf plasma acute phase proteins are being analyzed to assess stress response. The use of feed additives in the preconditioning diet is one means to positively affect the health status of fresh-weaned calves during preconditioning. Texas Stocker experimentation on wheat pastures have been conducted to characterize parameters of bloat. (7) Meet annually to discuss ongoing research, Extension programs and build collaborations for future programs. Florida a. Florida Forage Workers Tour. Texas Both the Texas Pasture & Forage Work Group and the Texas Beef Work Group meets once a year to report/update scientists on existing and future programs. These two workgroups meet at the same place and date to make efficient use communication, of time, and funds. Meeting sites are rotated among College Station and Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Centers. Sub-Objective 1: Extension Initiatives (1) Seek input from stakeholders in developing educational programs priorities as well as securing financial support for developing and implementing Extension educational programs in beef cattle and forage management. Arkansas Activities: The AFRI grant that supported the AR research presented previously under Objective 1. Sub-objective 1 sections (2) and (6) also supported one county agricultural Extension agent training meeting and two on-farm field days. Research information and recommendations were presented at these meetings as well as at one producer field day on a university research station and at one vocational agriculture instructor in-service training meeting. Outcomes: Twenty-two county agents and 23 vocational agriculture instructors were given the latest information about managing tall fescue toxicosis along with the latest information pertaining to genetic technologies that are available to cattle producers today. In excess of 100 people were in attendance at the university field day and in excess of 50 producers were in attendance at each of the two on-farm field days. Kentucky Master Stocker/Backgrounder program was presented to the Kentucky Beef Network and approved by the Agricultural Development Board providing funds for two years to develop and deliver the program during 2011 and 2012. The Master Grazer program secured funds from the Agricultural Development board for 2011 and 2012 to continue to deliver educational programming focused on managed grazing. This is a multi-disciplinary program with the focus on managed grazing practices. Two grazing schools were conducted in 2010 with enrollment exceeding the cap of 45 attendees for both schools with attendees from 7 states. An additional 11 Applied Master Grazer sessions were delivered with 42 counties participating during 2010. Texas County-wide stakeholders representing commodities of forage, pastures, and beef cattle meet annually with County Extension Agents and Specialist to develop educational program priorities. (2) Develop educational programs that can be delivered via web-based technology and distance education through regional and multi-state efforts to address forage management for cow-calf, stocker, and finishing systems for county agents/educators and ultimately clientele. Florida The Forage Extension Laboratory conducted a survey to evaluate the satisfaction and the use of this management practice among forage and beef cattle producers. Texas Web-based technology continues to be developed for county and multi-county meetings. Georgia Southeast Cattle Advisor: Beef Cattle Marketing School. Utilization of distance education technology has the ability to deliver educational programs to beef cattle producers at multiple locations. Response: The Southeast Beef Cattle Advisor is a multi-state, collaborative group comprised of individuals from South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. This group has secured grant funding to develop risk management education programs that include 1) a production newsletter, 2) a website to serve as a clearing house of information from Extension websites, and 3) distance education programs. (3) Design and deliver multi-state and multi-disciplinary educational programs that address southeast specific issues for beef production systems including cattle nutrition, marketing, health, genetics, and management decisions. Arkansas Activities: In an effort to help livestock producers better manage their bottom line, the 300 Day Grazing Program was developed. The objectives were to demonstrate cost effective practices to decrease production costs through reducing the dependency of harvested forages and commercial fertilizer and improving efficiency for beef cattle producers. Outcomes: Over the past two years, 99 demonstrations were implemented in 42 Arkansas counties. Whole farm demonstrations were implemented in Lawrence, Randolph and Van Buren Counties to achieve 300 days of grazing. The third implementation of the 300 Day Grazing program was established a cow herd at the Livestock and Forestry Station at Batesville to apply research-based management practices to demonstrate 300 days of grazing. Florida The Beef Cattle Short Course serves as an educational venue for a large cross-section of the Florida and Gulf Coast beef cattle producer population. The BCSC brings together cattlemen, allied industry representatives, county extension faculty, UF Department of Animal Sciences faculty, and nationally recognized out of state speakers to be educated and exchange ideas. 92% of all survey respondents indicated that valuable insights were gained and applicable to their beef cattle enterprise. 100% of participants in the last year indicated that they gained knowledge to make better decisions and 98% indicated that the program would have an impact on their beef cattle enterprise. Over 90% of participants indicated that their learning expectations were met and will make changes based upon the management information that they received. Kentucky The Mid-South Stocker Conference is a joint effort between the University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee and supporting industry representatives. The conference provides attendees with 9-10 hours of educational programs focusing on forage-based beef stocker and backgrounding management for the upper Southeast. Approximately 175-200 people attended the conference in 2010 in Tennessee. Mississippi In November of 2010, a Beef Field Day was conducted at White Sand Branch Unit, with speakers from Auburn, Louisiana State University and Mississippi State University, with topics ranging from beef cattle genetic selection, beef cattle marketing, current research results from LSU Ag-Center and MSU Ag and Forestry Experiment Station, and results from forage variety trials. (4) Incorporate data generated in the different states through research and demonstration programs to develop economic models to evaluate the efficiency of the different segments of beef cattle production. (5) Share education program evaluation tools to improve data capture, demographics, and information needs of clientele within states and the region. (6) Develop and publish translational science-based information for distribution via websites and eXtension community of practice. Arkansas Activities: Delivered a number of educational newsletters and videos electronically. Outcomes: A four tier electronic communication approach was developed: Livestock and Forage Management searchable CD containing resource information (factsheets, pictures, newsletters, spreadsheets, etc.), electronic newsletters (Beef Champs, Animal Science E-News, Beef Management Tips, Dairy Digest, Small Ruminants, Purebred E-News, Beef Cattle Research Update and Equine), videos of presentations from multi-county meetings, field days, etc. placed on the internet for viewing, and Facebook (Youth Livestock, Equine and 300 Day Grazing). Florida The Florida Beef Research Report is a visible and effective conveyance of the research activity to our peer institutions; out-side of the peer-reviewed process. This document is produced on a bi-annual basis. Production occurred during 2010 with publication in 2011. In 2010, the last 15 Beef Research Report publications received 475,027 website hits and the 2009 Beef Research Report received 48,158 hits. (7) Coordinate a Beef-Forage symposium at the annual meeting of the Southern Section American Society of Animal Sciences (ASAS) meeting. North Carolina An interdisciplinary Beef-Forage Symposium focused on Beef Heifer Development was presented at the 2011 Southern Section ASAS meetings. Speakers addressed heifer development strategies, forage/nutrition systems, advances in reproductive management technology, and integration of multiple technologies into heifer development systems. The symposium was attended by approximately 60 beef cattle researchers and extension personnel from multiple disciplines. 2. Enhance relationships between the Land-Grant University missions of research and extension with beef cattle commodity groups through State Beef Cattle Associations and other beef cattle related organizations. Arkansas Activities: Work with the Arkansas Cattlemens Association to provide educational information in the areas of beef cattle and forage management practices. Outcomes: Provide monthly articles (Animal Science: Today and Tomorrow and Arkansas Beef Improvement Program) for publications in the Arkansas Cattle Business, the official magazine of the Arkansas Cattlemens Association. Extension maintains membership on the Arkansas Cattlemens Association Producer Education Committee. The Producer Education Committee determines the educational program at the Arkansas Cattlemens Association annual convention. Activities: Work with the National Cattlemens Beef Association to provide educational information and direction in the areas of beef cattle and forage management practices. Outcomes: An Extension faculty member was selected by the Arkansas Cattlemens Association to represent them on NCBAs Producer Education Committee. Texas Some of the state beef cattle commodity groups and meetings have included the following: a. Beef Cattle Short Course 1) 2.5 days duration 2) average attendance = 1400 3) multiple, concurrent program agendas 4) 95% of attendees indicated an economic benefit 5) estimated net returns attributed to value of impact information at $1.1 M b. Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Assn. 1) annual meeting with >2500 attendees 2) Cattlemens College with various forage-beef subject matter is major content with Beef Cattle Associations c. Multi-county Cow-Calf Programs 1) with 254 counties in Texas, there are several C-C programs delivered each year with individual attendance from 50 to 300 persons (Livestock & Forage Specialists). d. Texas Beef Quality Producer Program e. County and regional livestock shows & fairs 1) These events are numerous with state-wide attendance exceeding several thousand producers and youth North Carolina Through work with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the North Carolina Cattlemens Association, extension personnel helped to establish and coordinate a voluntary assessment program that will generate $1 per head from cattle sales in the state. At least 10% of these funds will be targeted at each of 5 priority areas including: 1) youth programs, 2) production education, 3) applied research, 4) issues management, and 5) feeder cattle and product promotion. These funds will be awarded on a competitive basis and are expected to generate at least $120,000 per year to fund extension beef cattle youth and adult education and applied research programs. 3. Develop strategies for funding high-priority integrated research and extension programs. Florida Faculty (3) are members of the Florida Cattlemens Association and participate in most of the quarterly meetings in the research and education committee. Texas Strategies for funding have included: a. State wide Beef Cattle Initiative-Texas AgriLife Research b. Federal Beef Improvement Initiative c. Grant submissions to selected or partially-related subject matter pertaining to environment, biofuel, etc. North Carolina Accomplishments: Forage and Beef Cattle Extension personnel are collaborating with extension agronomists and animal scientists, and state and federal conservationists in North and South Carolina, and Georgia to develop educational programs. Currently an educational initiative has been underway for two years in North Carolina to demonstrate winter grazing as a winter feeding option. In the winter of 2009 and 2010 16 demonstrations were to support producers as they grew and strip-grazed stockpiled pastures. In 2010-2011 demonstrations were repeated on 4 of the farms used in 2009-2010, and an additional 20 farms were added to the project. Currently proposals are pending to expand this effort into Georgia and South Carolina, and to expand the work in North Carolina.

Publications

Refereed journal articles: Anders, M. M., P. A. Beck, B. K. Watkins, S. A. Gunter, K. S. Lusby, and D. S. Hubbell, III. 2010. Soil aggregates and their associated carbon and nitrogen content in winter annual pastures using different tillage management options. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 74:1339-1347. Araujo, D.B., R.R. Cooke, G.R. Hansen, C.R. Staples, and J.D. Arthington. 2010. Effects of rumen-protected polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on performance and physiological responses of growing cattle after transportation. J. Anim. Sci. 88:4120-4132. Boland, H.T., S. Bowers, S. T. Willard. 2010. Assessment of thermal signatures of nose-clip weaned calves using digital infrared thermography. J. Anim. Sci. 88:686 (E-Suppl.2). Bungenstab, E.J., A.C. Pereira, J.C. Lin, J.L. Holliman and R.B. Muntifering. Productivity, utilization and nutritive quality of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) as influenced by stocking density under continuous or rotational grazing. Journal of Animal Science. doi 10.2527/jas.2010-3102. Castillo, M. S., L. E. Sollenberger, J.M.B. Vendramini, K. R. Woodard, J. T. Gilmour, G. A. OConnor, Y. C. Newman, M. L. Silveira, and J. B. Sartain. 2010. Municipal biosolids as an alternative nutrient source for bioenergy crops: II. Decomposition and organic nitrogen mineralization. Agron. J. 102:1314-1320. Castillo, M.S., L. E. Sollenberger, J. M.B. Vendramini, K. R. Woodard, G. A. OConnor, Y. C. Newman, M. L. Silveira, and J. B. Sartain. 2010. Municipal biosolids as an alternative nutrient source for bioenergy crops: I. Elephantgrass biomass production and soil responses. Agron. J. 102:1308-1313. Collier, C.T., J.A. Carroll, T.R. Callaway, and J.D. Arthington. 2010. Oral administration of citrus pulp reduced gastrointestinal recovery of orally dosed Escherichia coli F18 in weaned pigs. J. Anim. Vet. Adv. 9:2140-2145. Francis, P. B., T. G. Montgomery, W. A. Whitworth, K. P. Coffey, and P. A. Beck. 2010. Annual ryegrass response to increased seeding rate and nitrogen fertilization. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2010-0604-01-RS. Gadberry, M.S., P. A. Beck, M. Anders, B. Watkins, and J. T. Richeson. 2010. Case Study: Extension demonstrations to examine wheat yield responses to grazing within on-farm production environments a survey of thoughts on establishment methods and enterprise diversification in Arkansas. Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:115-122. Gadberry, M. S., P. A. Beck, M. S. Morgan, D. S. Hubbell, J. Butterbaugh, and B. Rudolph. 2010. Effect of dried distillers grains supplementation on calves grazing bermudagrass pasture or fed low-quality hay. Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:347-355. Hersom, M.J., G.R. Hansen, and J.D. Arthington. 2010. Effect of dietary cation-anion difference on measures of acid-base physiology and performance in beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 88:374-382. Hughes, A.L., M.J. Hersom, J.M.B. Vendramini, T.A. Thrift, and J.V. Yelich. 2010. Comparison of forage sampling method to determine nutritive value of bahiagrass pastures. Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:504-510. Inyang, U., J.M.B. Vendramini, L.E. Sollenberger, B. Sellers, A. Adesogan, Paiva, L., and A. Lunpha. 2010. Effects of stocking rates on animal performance and herbage responses of Mulato and bahiagrass pastures. Crop Sci. 50:179-185. Inyang, U., J.M.B. Vendramini, L.E. Sollenberger, M.L.A. Silveira, B. Sellers, A. Adesogan, Paiva, L., and A. Lunpha. 2010. Harvest frequency and stubble height affects herbage accumulation, nutritive value, and persistence of Mulato II brachiariagrass. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2010-0923-01-RS. Obour, A. K., M.L. Silveira, J.M.B. Vendramini, M.B. Adjei, and L.E. Sollenberger. 2010. Cattle manure application strategy effects on subsurface leaching and runoff of phosphorus from a Florida spodosol. Agron J. 102:1511-1521. Poore, M.H. and M.E. Drewnoski. 2010. Review: Utilization of stockpiled tall fescue in winter grazing systems for beef catle. Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:142-149. Silveira, M.L.A., J.M.B Vendramini, and L.E. Sollenberger. 2010. Nutrient management and water quality problems in grazingland ecosystems. Intern. J. Agron. doi:10.1155/2010/517603 Vendramini, J.M.B., and J.D. Arthington. 2010. Supplementation strategies effects on performance of beef heifers grazing stockpiled pastures. Agron. J. 102:112-117. Vendramini. J.M.B., A.T. Adesogan, M.L.A. Silveira, L.E. Sollenberger, O. C. Queiroz, and W.E. Anderson. 2010. Nutritive value and fermentation parameters of warm-season grass silage. Prof. Anim. Sci. 26:193-200. Watkins, K.B., J.A. Hignight, P.A. Beck, M.M. Anders, D.S. Hubbell, III, and S. Gadberry 2011. Stochastic dominance analysis of returns to stocker grazing on conservation tillage winter wheat forage in Arkansas. J. Soil Water Cons. 66: 51-60. http://www.jswconline.org/cgi/content/abstract/66/1/51?ct=ct Proceedings papers: Beck, P. A., C. B. Stewart, S. A. Gunter, and D. Singh. 2010. Evaluation of tall fescues for stocker cattle in the Gulf Coastal Plains of Southwest Arkansas. In: Proc. 2010 Amer. Forage Grassl. Counc. Beck, P., B Stewart, S. Gunter, D. Singh. 2010. Evaluation of Tall Fescues for Stocker Cattle in the Gulf Coastal Plain of Southwest Arkansas. American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting. June 21 23, 2010, Springfield, MO. Beck P., M. Morgan, T. Hess, D. Hubbell, S. Gadberry, M. Manders, and B. Watkins. 2010. Effect of establishment method of wheat pasture and fall stocking rate on performance of growing steers. Page 213. in Proc. 4th Grazing Livestock Nutrition Conference. B. W. Hess, T. DelCurto, J.G.P. Bowman, and R. C. Waterman eds. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. Champaign, IL. Caldwell, J., K. Coffey, C. West, D. Philipp, J. Jennings, D. Hubbell, III, J. Tucker, A. Young, T. Hess, D. Kreider, M. Looper, M. Popp, M. Savin, E. Kegley, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Use of novel endophyte fescue for cows. Proc. Am. For. Grassl. Council. June 21-23, 2010, Springfield, MO. Coffey, K. P., L. A. Hardin, A. E. Killion, J. D. Caldwell, D. Philipp, W. Coblentz. 2010. Effect of a lactic acid-lactobacillus preservative and moisture concentration at baling on intake and digestibility of crabgrass hay by lambs and in-situ digestibility by heifers. Proc. Am. For. Grassl. Council. June 21-23, 2010, Springfield, MO. Scientific abstracts: Apolinário, V.X.O., J.C. B. Dubeux Jr., A. C. L. Mello, J.M.B. Vendramini. M. A. Lira, and A. A. Felix. 2010. Massa de serrapilheira em pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. sob diferentes intensidades de pastejo e níveis de adubação nitrogenada. Brazilian Society of Animal Sciences Annual Meeting, 2010. Salvador, Brazil. Apolinário, V.X.O., J.C. B. Dubeux Jr., A. C. L. Mello, J.M.B. Vendramini, F.C. Teixeira, and R.B. Torres. 2010. Teor de Nitrogênio da serrapilheira em pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. sob diferentes intensidades de pastejo e níveis de adubação nitrogenada. Brazilian Society of Animal Sciences Annual Meeting, 2010. Salvador, Brazil. Arthington, J.D., P.G.M.A. Martins, and R.F. Cooke. 2010. Effect of Mannheimia haemolytica vaccination and copper status on measures of the acute phase protein reaction in beef calves. 8th European Colloquium on Acute Phase Proteins. Helsinki, Finland. p. 24. Arthington, J.D., T.D. Maddock, G.H. Marquezini, V.R.G. Mercadante, and G.C. Lamb. 2010. Effect of primary and secondary Mannheimia haemolytica vaccination on haptoglobin concentrations and performance of beef calves. 8th European Colloquium on Acute Phase Proteins. Helsinki, Finland. p. 13. Ata, M. A. K. P. Coffey, J. D. Caldwell, E. B. Kegley, M. L. Looper A. N. Young, D. Philipp, C. P. West, G. F. Erf, D. S. Hubbell, III, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Immune function responses by spring and fall-born calves weaned from wild-type or non-toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):54. Beck, P. B. Stewart, H. Gray, J. Smith, and S. Gadberry. 2010. Effect of cow-size and stocking rate during summer grazing on calf growth and cow herd efficiency. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-suppl. 3):17 (Abstr.). Beck, P., D. Hubbell, T. Hess, K. Haas, and J. Jennings. 2010. Replacing synthetic N with clovers or alfalfa in bermudagrass pastures for growing calves. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-suppl. 2):195 (Abstr.). Boland, H.T., J.A. Parish, G. Scaglia, T.F. Best, W. Epperson, S. T. Willard, and M. Howell. 2010. Evaluation of nose-clip designs for weaning beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 88:27 (E-Suppl. 3) Bungenstab, E.J., A. C. Pereira, J. C. Lin, J. L. Holliman and R. B. Muntifering. 2010. Productivity, nutritive quality and beef cattle production from dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) under continuous or rotational grazing. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (Suppl. 3): 17. Annual Meeting, Southern Section, American Society of Animal Science, Orlando, FL, February 7-10. Caldwell, J., K. Coffey, M. Looper, D. Kreider, E. Kegley, J. Jennings, C. West, D. Hubbell, III, J. Tucker, A. Young, T. Hess, M. Popp, M. Savin, D. Philipp, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Biological parameters by spring and fall-calving cows grazing with full access, limited access, or no access to endophyte-infected tall fescue 2-year summary. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):54. Caldwell, J., K. Coffey, D. Philipp, J. Jennings, D. Hubbell, III, J. Tucker, A. Young, T. Hess, D. Kreider, M. Looper, M. Popp, M. Savin, E. Kegley, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Using limited acreage of non-toxic, novel endophyte-infected tall fescue for spring and fall-calving cows grazing toxic, wild-type endophyte infected fescue. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3):12. Caldwell, J., K. Coffey, D. Philipp, K. Krehbiel, B. Holland, J. Jennings, D. Hubbell, III, J. Tucker, A. Young, T. Hess, D. Kreider, M. Looper, M. Popp, M. Savin, E. Kegley, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Post-weaning performance by spring and fall-born steers weaned from full access, limited access, or no access to endophyte -infected tall fescue 2 year summary. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3):133. Callaway, T.R. T.S. Edrington, J.A. Carroll, J.D. Arthington, S.C. Ricke, P. Crandall, K. Genovese, R.C. Anderson, N. Krueger, and D.J. Nisbet. 2010. Dietary orange peel and pulp can reduce Salmonella populations in the intestinal tract of sheep. Rowett/INRA Intern. Gut Microbiol. Conf. Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. 20-24 June, 2010. Campistol, C., H.G. Kattesh, J.C. Waller, E.L. Rawls, J.D. Arthington, T.E. Engle, and J.A. Carroll. 2010. Effects of two-stage and total vs. fenceline weaning on the physiology and performance of beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 88:(E-Suppl. 2):107. Carroll, J.A., C.T. Collier, T.R. Callaway, and J.D. Arthington. 2010. Oral administration of citrus pulp reduces gastrointestinal recovery of orally dosed Escherichia coli F18 in weaned pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 88:(E-Suppl. 3):19. Cline, M.K., J. C. Lin,B. Gamble, C. R. Kerth and R. B. Muntifering. 2010. Beef cattle performance, forage productivity and quality from mixed small grain/ryegrass pasture. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (Suppl. 3): 9. Annual Meeting, Southern Section, American Society of Animal Science, Orlando, FL, February 7-10. Dillard, S.L., L. E. Sturgeon, C. W. Wood, J. L. Holliman, R. B. Muntifering, and W. F. Owsley. 2010. Productivity and nutritive quality of Johnsongrass as influenced by interseeded ladino clover and fertilization with commercial fertilizer or broiler litter. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (Suppl. 3): 9. Annual Meeting, Southern Section, American Society of Animal Science, Orlando, FL, February 7-10. Eicher, S.D., D.C. Lay, Jr., J.D. Arthington, and M.M. Schutz. 2010. Rubber flooring impact on health of dairy cows. J. Anim. Sci. 88:(E-Suppl. 2):14. Erickson, J., Z.R. Helsel, L.E. Sollenberger, K. Woodard, J.M.B. Vendramini, and L.O. Ingram. 2010. Sweet sorghum as a potential biofuel feedstock for Florida. 2010 Farm to Fuel Summit. Fedenko, J., J. Erickson, L.E. Sollenberger, K. Woodward, R. Gilbert, J. Vendramini, and Z. R. Helsel. 2010. Nitrogen and phosphorus removal of potential biofuel grasses. In: 2010 Annual meeting abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. Fedenko, J., J. Erickson, L.E. Sollenberger, K. Woodward, R. Gilbert, and J. Vendramini. 2010. Tissue Chemistry of Potential Bioenergy Crops. 2010 FESC Gadberry, M. S., P. A. Beck, K. Simon, and D. Hubbell. 2010. Distance to water effects on forage mass pattern for cattle grazing toxic and non-toxic fescue. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-suppl. 3):18 (Abstr.). Hawley, J., J. D. Caldwell, E. B. Kegley, and K. P. Coffey. 2010. Comparison of management strategies commonly used to lessen or alleviate the symptoms of fescue toxicosis in cattle using meta-analysis. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):55. Hawley, J., E. B. Kegley, K. P. Coffey, T. E. Davis, and J. A. Hornsby. 2010. Effects of dried distillers grains on performance of stocker cattle grazing bermudagrass. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 3):24. Kanani, J., D. Philipp, K. P. Coffey, A. N. Young, R. Rhein, and J. D. Caldwell. 2010. Nutritive value of pearl millet hay as affected by moisture concentration and bale sampling depth. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E-Suppl. 2):56. Kerth, C.R., C. W. Rowe, R. B. Muntifering, K. R. Willian, and C. L. Bratcher. 2010. Effects of serial harvest of fall-born steers grazing warm- and cool-season forages on carcass characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (Suppl. 3): 15. Annual Meeting, Southern Section, American Society of Animal Science, Orlando, FL, February 7-10. Macoon, B., and J. Bouton. 2010. White clover effect on improving tall fescue pastures. In Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. Martins, P.G.M.A., D.B. Araujo, and J.D. Arthington. 2010. Evaluation of beef cow and calf separation systems to improve reproductive performance of first-calf cows. J. Anim. Sci. 88:(E-Suppl. 2):769. Martins, P.G.M.A., J.D. Arthington, A.B. Mancio, T.S. Acedo, A.L.N. Medeiros, C.A. Nascimento. 2010. Evauation of cow and calf seperation managments to improve reproductive performance of first-calf beef cows. 47th Reunião Annual da Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia. Salvdor, BA. Brasil. pp. 1 4 Martins, P.G.M.A., R. Cassiolato, F. Frigoni, M. Meneghetti, G.C. Lamb, D.G. Riley, B.H. Carter, T.H. Friend, and J.D. Arthington. 2010. Evaluation of a distinct white Angus crossbred phenotype in southern Florida. J. Anim. Sci. 88:(E-Suppl. 2):683. Monari, A. M., E. M. McKinniss, M. J. Hersom, and J. V. Yelich. 2010. Effects of supplementation with dried distillers grain (DDG) in yearling Brangus (BN) and Angus (AN) heifers fed round bale silage (RBS). I. Growth performance and body composition. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E Suppl 3):25. Monari, A. M., E. M. McKinniss, M. J. Hersom, and J. V. Yelich. 2010. Effects of supplementation with dried distillers grain (DDG) in yearling Brangus (BN) and Angus (AN) heifers fed round bale silage (RBS). II. Puberty and reproductive performance. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E Suppl 3):26. Obour, A.K., M.L.A. Silveira, J.M.B. Vendramini, and G.A. OConnor. 2010. Phosphorus mass balance for bahiagrass pastures growing on a typical Florida spodosol. In: 2009 Annual meeting abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. Romero, J.J., A.T. Adesogan, M.A. Zarate, O.C.M. Queiroz, J. Han, K.G. Arriola, C.M. Huisden, C.R. Staples and M. Garcia. 2009. Effect of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme or ammonia on fiber concentration, feed intake, digestibility, and ruminal pH of steers fed bermudagrass hay harvested at two maturity stages. J. Anim. Sci. 87 (Suppl. 2):137 Romero, J.J. A.T. Adesogan, M.A. Zarate, O.C.M. Queiroz, J.H. Han, J.H. Shin, C.R. Staples, and W.F. Brown. 2010. Exogenous fibrolytic enzyme or anhydrous ammonia effects on digestion kinetics of steers fed bermudagrass harvested at two regrowth intervals. Proc. ASAS-ADSA-PSA Annual meeting, 2010. Denver, CO. Abstract 454. Ramos, M.H. and J.W. Lehmkuhler. 2010. A meta analysis comparing nitrogen fertilization versus interseeded legume on performance of ruminants. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (E-Suppl. 3): 136. Rowe, C.W., C. R. Kerth, R. B. Muntifering, K. R. Willian and C. L. Bratcher. 2010. Effects of cool- and warm season forages on instrumental color characteristics, Warner-Bratzler shear force and cooking loss of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 88 (Suppl. 3): 14. Annual Meeting, Southern Section, American Society of Animal Science, Orlando, FL, February 7-10. Sollenberger, L.E., J. Erickson, Z.R. Helsel, R. Gilbert, K. Woodard, J.M.B. Vendramini, and L.O. Ingram. 2010. Perennial grasses as potential biofuel feedstock for Florida. 2010 Farm to Fuel Summit. Orlando FL. Thomas, M. V., M. J. Hersom, and J. V. Yelich. 2010. Utilization of wet brewers grains (WBG) or dried distillers grains with soluble (DDGS) as supplements to round bale silage (RBS) or dry hay for young beef cows. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E Suppl 3):24. Thomas, M. V., M. J. Hersom, and J. V. Yelich. 2010. Utilization of wet brewers grains (WBG) or dried distillers grains with soluble (DDGS) as supplements to round bale silage (RBS) or dry hay on intake and digestibility in steers. J. Anim. Sci. 88(E Suppl 3):25. Vendramini, J.M.B., A.T. Adesogan, M.L.A. Silveira, L.E. Sollenberger, O. C. Queiroz, and W.E. Anderson. 2010. Nutritive value and fermentation parameters of warm-season grass silage In: ASAS-ADSA-PSA Annual meeting, 2010. Denver, CO. Vendramini, J.M.B., J.D. Arthington, and A. Adesogan. 2010. The use of cowpea as forage for cow-calf production in Florida. 2010. In: 2010 Annual meeting abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. Vendramini, J.M.B., J.D. Arthington, C. Carr, F. Frigoini, P.G.M.A. Martins, M.M. Salin, and R. Cassiolato. 2010. Performance and carcass traits of pasture- vs. grain-finished steers in Florida. J. Anim. Sci. 88:(E-Suppl. 3):7. Extension: Warren, M., E. Jennings, M. Hersom. 2010. Winter feed estimator: A practical tool for the beef cow-calf producer. IFAS EDIS document. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AN244 Thomas, M., M. Hersom, T. Thrift, and J. Yelich. 2010. Wet brewers grains for cattle. IFAS EDIS document. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AN241 Hersom, M., T. Thrift, and J. Yelich. 2010. What does it cost to develop a replacement heifer? IFAS EDIS document. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AN238 Department reports: Ata, M.A., K.P. Coffey, J.D. Caldwell, A. N. Young, D. Philipp, E. Kegley, G.F. Erf, D.S. Hubbell, III, and C.F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Immune function responses of spring and fall-born calves weaned from wild-type or novel-endophyte infected tall fescue. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 584:16-19. Briggs, B. E., T. G. Montgomery, K. P. Coffey, D Philipp, P. B. Francis, J. D. Caldwell, W. A. Whitworth, and A. N. Young. 2010. Growth Performance by Heifers Grazing Sod-Seeded Annual Ryegrass Pastures Fertilized with Nitrogen or Overseeded with Crimson, Ladino, or both Crimson and Ladino Clovers Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 584:24-25. Boland, H.T., J. A. Parish, J.R. Parish, J. D. Rhinehart, and T. F. Best. 2010. Factors influencing transportation stress in beef cattle. Producer Advisory Council. Div. Agri. Forestry and Vet. Med., Mississippi State Univ., North MS Research and Extension Center, February 18. Verona, MS. Boland, H.T., J. A. Parish, and R.C. Vann. 2010. GrowSafe Feeding Facilities at Mississippi State University. Producer Advisory Council. Div. Agri. Forestry and Vet. Med., Mississippi State Univ., North MS Research and Extension Center, February 18. Verona, MS. Boland, H.T., J. A. Parish, G. Scaglia, T. F. Best, W. Epperson, S. T. Willard, M. Howell. 2010. Two-stage weaning with different nose-clip designs. Producer Advisory Council. Div. Agri. Forestry and Vet. Med., Mississippi State Univ., North MS Research and Extension Center, February 18. Verona, MS. Parish, J. A., J. R. Parish, H. T. Boland, T. F. Best, J. D. Rhinehart, and C. Young. 2010. Stocker Steer Performance Grazing Elite Tall Fescue Cultivars. Producer Advisory Council. Div. Agri. Forestry and Vet. Med., Mississippi State Univ., North MS Research and Extension Center, February 18. Verona, MS. Caldwell, J., K. Coffey, C. West, D. Philipp, J. Jennings, D. Hubbell, III, J. Tucker, A. Young, T. Hess, D. Kreider, M. Looper, M. Popp, M. Savin, E. Kegley, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Performance by spring and fall-calving cows grazing with full access, limited access, or no access to wild-type endophtye-infected fescue 3-year summary. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 584:10-12. Caldwell, J., K. Coffey, D. Kreider1, D. Philipp, D. Hubbell, III, J. Tucker, A. Young, M. Looper, M. Popp, M. Savin, J. Jennings, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2010. Post-weaning performance by spring and fall-born calves weaned from full access, limited access, or no access to wild-type endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures 2 year summary. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 584:12-15. Philipp, D. B. Briggs, K. Coffey, John Jennings, and R. Rhein. 2010. Clovers in response to broadcast vs. no-till drill planting second year results. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 584:86-88. Troxel, T. R., J. A. Jennings, M. S. Gadberry, B. L. Barham, K. Simon, J. Powell, D. S. Hubbell, III and J. D. Tucker. 2010. 300 day grazing demonstration - Year 2. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Research Series. Troxel, T. R., J. A. Jennings, M. S. Gadberry, B. L. Barham, K. Simon, J. Powell and D. S. Hubbell, III. 2009. 300 day grazing demonstration. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station. Research Series 574. E. Vanzant. 2010. STOCKING RATES AND GAIN IN GROWING CATTLE: LESSONS FROM THE LITERATURE. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. E. Vanzant. 2010. STOCKING RATES FOR EARLY-SEASON GRAZING OF ENDOPHYTE-INFECTED TALL FESCUE. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. Foote, A.P., J.L. Klotz, D.L. Harmon, L.P. Bush, and J.R. Stickland. 2010. EFFECT OF ERGOT ALKALOIDS ON BOVINE FOREGUT VASCULATURE. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. Koontz, A.F., L.P. Bush, K.R. McLeod, and D. L. Harmon. 2010. DEVELOPMENT OF A PRECISE REPEATBLE MODEL FOR FESCUE TOXICOSIS. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. Randolph, J., W.R. Burris, and L. Anderson. 2010. FALL VERSUS SPRING CALVING FOR BEEF COWS ON HIGH OR LOW ENDOPHYTE FESCUE. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. Porter, L., W.R. Burris, and K. B. Knight. 2010. MASTER CATTLEMAN PROGRAM. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. Laurent, K., T. Dietrich, and W.R. Burris. 2010. SUMMARY OF KENTUCKY CERTIFIED PRECONDITIONED FOR HEALTH (CPH-45) FEEDER CALF SALES. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. W.R. Burris, K. Laurent, and K.B. Knight. 2010. MONITORING TEMPERATIRE SETTINGS IN REFRIDGERATORS STORING ANIMAL HEALTH VACCINES. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. W.R. Burris, J. Randolph, K. Laurent, and J.W. Lehmkuhler. 2010. BY-PRODUCT FEEDS FOR POSTWEANING BEEF CALVES. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. D. Bullock, A. Hennan, and L. VanRensberg. 2010. SUMMARY OF KENTUCKY BEEF CATTLE PERFORMANCE DATA ACQUIRED THROUGH THE INTEGRATED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL RECORDS PROGRAM. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. J. Lehmkuhler and E. Vanzant. 2010. FORAGE ANALYSES: SURVEY OF FORAGE LABORATORIES AND PROFESSIONALS. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. W.R. Burris, L. Anderson, J. Randolph, D. Bullock and J. Lehmkuhler. 2001. FORAGE/MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS FOR COW-CALF PRODUCTION. SR-104 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report. Macoon, B. 2010. An alternative management system for forage legumes. NRCS-GLCI In-Service Training Day. Prairie Research Unit, Prairie, MS. 21 Oct. 2010. (Invited). Juan K.Q. Solomon. 2010. A novel approach to grass legume management. M.S. thesis. Mississippi State Univ. Mississippi State. Segers, J.R., R.L. Stewart Jr., R.O. McKeith, B.K. Lowe, T.D. Pringle, M.A. Froetschel, and A.M. Stelzleni. 2010. Effects of corn by-product supplementation in southeastern stocker systems. UGA-ADS Departmental Report.

Impact Statements

In Arkansas, the value of beef calves weaned from endophyte-infected tall fescue-exposed fall-calving cows was $226 greater than that of spring-calving cows. Adding 25% of the total pasture area as novel endophyte infected tall fescue improved weaning calf value per cow exposed by $114 when considered across both spring and fall-calving cows, and by $177 per cow within spring-calving cows.
Legumes interseeded into bermudagrass pastures can be as effective as N fertilization from commercial sources. The primary benefit of legumes is to extend the grazing season by supplying forage earlier in the summer and providing forage that has greater crude protein and digestibility.
Based on total fixed and variable costs associated with operating a ranch vehicle, feeding DDGS on alternate days will save producers approximately $900 over a 90-day feeding period with round-trip distances of 32 kilometers.
The combination of using beneficial pre-weaning grazing strategies and identification of specific SNP genotypes may impact carcass measurements. Allowing calves limited access to novel endophyte infected tall fescue prior to weaning may enhance certain aspects of immune function.
Producers will be better educated about tall fescue toxicosis and the latest genetic technologies and thus better able to make informed management decisions.
The direct savings to producers enrolled in the 300 Day Grazing Program was $12,692 for 2008 - 2009 and $114,825 for 2009 - 2010 for a total of $127,517. Due to the hands-on nature of the program and excellent follow-up with agents, producers learned these practices well enough to continue on their own and they are talking about the results with their neighbors.
In North Carolina, complete data was obtained from 7 cow/calf farms that participated in stockpiled pasture grazing demonstrations in the central piedmont region. Full cost of winter feeding averaged $1.42 per cow daily for the grazing days as compared to a projected $2.33 per day for a comparable hay feeding system.
The envisaged savings associated with reduction of N fertilizer by using legumes in pastures in Mississippi will be substantial.
Participation by producers brings to the table ideas, opinions and a perspective that many times help the researcher. Producer insight enriched the experience of the research work.
The use (strategically or permanently) of hay as a supplement for stocker steers grazing ryegrass may provide a better understanding of how to use feed resources to improve production efficiency in stockers.
Corn byproducts can be utilized in silage-based stocker operations to minimize feed cost without compromising animal performance and subsequent profitability.
High prices for seed, fertilizers and fuel negatively impacts all farmers.

Date of Annual Report: 04/06/2012

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/05/2012 - 02/05/2012
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2011 - 09/01/2012

Participants

J. Henning, University of Kentucky - Extension;
D. Rivera, Mississippi State University - Research/Extension;
J. Neel, University of Tennessee - Extension;
Warren Gill, Middle Tennessee State University;
J. Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky - Extension;
J. Rhinehart, University of Tennessee - Extension/Research;
B. Campbell, University of Tennessee - Research;
J. Waller, University of Tennessee - Research;
A. Aguiar, University of Florida - Graduate Student;
P. Beck, University of Arkansas - Research/Extension;
P. Moriel, University of Florida- Graduate Student;
T. Wickersham, Texas A&M University - Research;
H. T. Boland, Mississippi State University - Research/Extension;
R. Walker, LSU AgCenter - Research;
T. Wistaba, Novus International;
J. Andrae, Clemson University - Extension;
J. Vendramini, University of Florida - Research/Extension;
C. Lacy, University of Georgia - Extension/Research;
L. Stewart, University of Georgia - Extension/Research;
N. Schrick, University of Tennessee - Department Head;
M. Poore, North Carolina State University - Extension/Research;
R. Muntifering, Auburn University - Research;
A. Cooper, Texas A&M University-Commerce - Research;
G. Scaglia, LSU AgCenter - Research;
K. Coffey, University of Arkansas - Research;
S. Oliver, University of Tennessee - Research;

Brief Summary of Minutes

2012 SERA041 Meeting

Location: Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex

Chair: Ken Coffey, UA

Meeting started at 1 PM.

Sign-up sheet was sent around and attendees were asked to complete their information (Table at the end of this document).

Ken Coffey as chair of the group welcomed all present and invited everyone to introduce themselves. Following introductions, Ken introduced the Administrative Advisors and each of them gave a presentation. Dr. Jimmy Henning (Extension) provided the group with suggestions as to how to be successful. He recommended seeking stakeholders input, use of electronic communication to involve more producers and increase the outreach. He also suggested the need to determine the impact of the different programs. From the standpoint of improving collaborations between members of the group Dr. Henning suggested the use of eXtension, indicating the existence of two communities (CoP Beef and Forages) that should be available for participation. Dr. Steve Oliver (Research) became the advisor for the group after Dr. Morrisons retirement. He indicated that he likes the name of the SERA 41 since it reflects the intention of collaborative work across state boundaries. He directed the attention to the report (handout) from USDA and the small success of proposals. He observed that since priorities are set by stakeholders, they are a moving target from one year to the other.

The Chair then explained how the reports should be submitted; indicating that each State report should have just a couple of sentences about the accomplishments under each of the objectives. Neal Schrick also indicated the need to include activities within each of the States. Henning suggested that if needed the group can reduce the number of objectives.

The Chair opened the floor for nomination for incoming secretary (Extension); Jeff Lehmkuhler nominated Lawton Stewart who accepted. Dr. Stewart was elected by unanimous vote of acclimation.

Coffey then asked to the delegations of AL, MS, KY and TN to present their reports.

Russ Muntifering presented the report for AL. He gave an excellent presentation (Powerpoint) describing the type of soils, productivity and the different research stations. When describing the stations he provided the number of acres, heads of cattle and research/extension projects in each of them. In summary: 1) Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center (536 ac., clipping studies on tall fescue varieties, annual ryegrass, legumes and triticale; triticale indicated as the most promising and underutilized of the small seed crops); 2) Upper Coastal Plain (735 ac., planting dates and varieties of cool/warm season varieties. Little on animal science projects); 3) Black Belt Research and Extension Center (1116 ac., evaluation of tall fescue, wintering systems for cow/calf production, methods of enhancing productivity and quality of dallisgrass for summer grazing. Some crossbreeding done by Kriese-Anderson); 4) Smith Research Center (3816 ac.; winter annual grazing research and forage breeding; dairy unit; implant and shrink studies at the new backgrounding facility; new faculty members also has some projects); 5) Stanley Wilson Beef Facility (2 animal metabolism rooms and prep labs for beef cattle; cow herd, pasture based; project dealing with runoff measuring volumes, loading rates, pathogens, sediments conducted by a graduate student under Muntiferings supervision). Finally an overview of the current situation, indicating the fact that there is an ear-mark at the State budget that provide funding to the Department. Split appointments are very common at Auburn.

Holly Boland and Daniel Rivera presented (orally) the State report for MS. Boland made reference to her work with warm season native grasses and a joint outreach activity planned on this issue with UT for this summer. She reported the availability of a Growsafe facility at the Prairie Unit as well as the yearly meeting with a Producer Advisory Committee (in MS there is one per region) composed of 52 producers for her region. Rivera indicated that at his Research Station he conducts work on gin supplementation, alternative crops such as soybeans and the increasing work on baleage in collaboration with Mike McCormick (LSU AgCenter, Southeast Station). Finally he reported work on the use of implants on calves grazing ryegrass. Jim Neel questioned Rivera about the economics of using baleage in beef systems. Rivera indicated that based on his results it may not be an economical practice.

Jeff Lehmkuhler presented (orally) the report for KY. He indicated that there are dollars going to extension that come from the tobacco industry settlement. KY is recovering from a drought that was not nearly what happened in TX for example. However, he was able to observed weakened pasture stands, overgrazing, and increased weed pressure. Row crops have increased, reducing the area of pasturelands, but this opens an opportunity too, changing to more favorable aspects for stockering systems. Beef cattle and forages research is conducted in three research stations with approximately 300 Angus cows. There is a strong program (UT-UK) with the stocker conference. Meetings add up to 250 participants in each conference. At UK, a project dealing with forage fed beef and funded through Risk Management dollars is being conducted. It is a multidisciplinary project (animal science, agronomy, ag economics). Conferences on this issue have been very well attended with positive feedback. Farmer markets are thriving and local foods movement is becoming more and more important. Pasture walks are being conducted in the afternoon from 6:30 to 8 PM, trying to rebuild the image of a station located north of Lexington. In terms of research being conducted at UK: 1) Feeding of co-products especially distillers grains (Vanzant); 2) Grazing standing corn (Vanzant); 3) Level/form of protein (DIP/UIP) associated with direct-fed microbials (McCleod, Vanzant, Lehmkuhler); 4) Mathews is working on the impact of Se on turning on specific genes. Finally, Jeff indicated that there is an ARS group that focuses on fescue toxicosis. From this group, Aiken is linked to the applied work. Seedhead suppression with chemicals seems to improve performance considerably.

Waller and Rhinehart presented (Powerpoint) the report (research and extension, respectively) for TN. Waller referred to 7 topics as the main ones in research: 1) native warm season grasses (mainly switch grass and eastern gamagrass); short term grazing (30 d) then let re-grow for biofuels vs. long term grazing (all summer); team working on this topic will hit the raod presenting seminars in KY, MS, and SC/GA; 2) winter annuals for stocker cattle; MaxQ was the best option, ryegrass was successful with some supplementation; 3) Hay vs. balage from switchgrass and tall fescue, 4) Rye balage plus commodity feeds (DDG) for cattle; 5) Genetic markers for fescue toxicosis; SNP for production of prolactin, there is a shift in the allele frequency in spring calving herds related to resistance to fescue toxicosis. 6) Spring vs. Fall calving; 18 years of data showing that fall calving herds have more calves with lower weaning weights but make more dollars than spring calving herds. 7) Matching hay quality to cows needs. Fall calving herds get 8% more nutrients than spring calving herds. Rhinehart indicated as projects of extension/research the following topics: 1) P and vitamin B12 supplementation, 2) fescue balage, 3) Uterine health, 4) Carcass data and stayability, 5) Bull selection data.

Rhinehart indicated that there are 900 cows in 6 different research stations that are include in the synchronization program across the state. As extension activities the priorities are: BQA, master beef producer, reproductive learning center, heifer development program, Beef/Forage Center (it is a centralized place where to see all the information together). It is something similar to what Iowa State has. It will serve to communicate with producers, get feedback for research topics, and coordinate resources across stations.

Coffey then asked Lehmkuhler to address the organization of Webinars to be sponsored by the SERA041. Reinhardt indicated that webinars are usually user-friendly and that we may able to get impact reports. Discussion about the need or use of chat rooms was promoted but the need to control them can be an issue, especially when there are a lot of attendees. Poore suggested having a schedule of seminars with time to prepare. Lehmkuhler suggested the idea to create a committee in charge of the organization of the webinars. Coffey nominated Paul Beck who accepted the nomination. Stewart nominated Rhinehart but he did not accept at this moment. Poore nominated Lehmkuhler who will chair this committee, and Jeff nominated Matt Hersom who accepted the position. The next discussion was how to approach the organization of these webinars. It was accepted that we need to think of webinars to be regional within the Southeast region because of the diversity of topics of interest and reality in each of the states. After some discussion the Webinar Committee was asked to prepare an agenda of webinars with the first one to be presented in early March.

Coffey then ask for suggestions for next years- Interdisciplinary Beef Symposium. Several possible themes were presented: 1) Heat stress (Beck) which was also presented as a possibility in our last years meeting, 2) Nutrient cycling on pastures, carbon sequestration (Poore, Coffey), 3) Water quality (Coffey), 4) Beef cow size and adaptability to the environment; few comments by Andrae, Scaglia referring to the lack of a dataset that can deal with the topic, and the fact that a similar symposium was presented in the last ASAS Annual Meeting; 5) Grazing research methodology, statistical approaches, sampling methodology (Muntifering); Russ suggested Sollenberger as possible speaker. Beck suggested that this could be a great topic to include in the Pastures and Forages section.

Finally, Scaglia reminded the group about the deadlines; State Reports should be submitted to Guillermo Scaglia (gscaglia@agcenter.lsu.edu) BEFORE March 23, 2012 (as early as possible, thanks). Guillermo will consolidate all reports into one to be submitted BEFORE April 5, 2012.

Meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM.

Accomplishments

Objectives for SERA 041 1. Identify and prioritize beef-forage research and Extension issues in the Southeast. Develop multi-institutional research projects that will assist producers to achieve greater efficiency and productivity, and design develop and implement Cooperative Extension educational programs to maximize knowledge transfer and impact through local and regional county agents/educators. Sub-Objective 1: Research Initiatives (1) Seek input from stakeholders and create advisory groups that will help develop research programs which will aid in securing external funding. Louisiana Accomplishment: An advisory committee of producers and agents was formed 3 years ago. This committee meets at least once a year at the Iberia Research Station. Impact: Discussion of the progress of an externally funded project as well as to collaborate in extension activities (pasture walks, field days, seminars). It served as feedback from stakeholders as to what issues/topics to address in new areas of research. Mississippi The North MS Producer Advisory Council meets every February in Verona, MS to discuss topics that stakeholders would like to see research conducted on. This group has had yearly meetings for nearly 60 years. Topics in 2011 included: nitrogen use for hay crops, dealing with predators, recreational enhancements, and acorn toxicity. (Boland) North Carolina Faculty in the NCSU Forage-Based Beef Production program continues to work with the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association to set research priorities for the state. Funding from the NC Cattlemen's Assessment Program is providing funding for high priority research projects. (2) Evaluate the performance and production systems of beef cattle utilizing forage and biomass residues associated with cellulosic biofuel production. Arkansas In Arkansas, post-weaning performance was monitored over a 3-year period on fall and spring-born calves that were weaned from different tall fescue grazing systems. Overall post-weaning gains were greater by spring-born steers than by fall-born steers, primarily due to differences in forages available during the post-weaning period. Removing calves from toxic tall fescue for one month prior to weaning had little impact on post-weaning performance. Reductions in weaning weight because of grazing toxic fescue prior to weaning were not completely compensated for during a post-weaning grazing or feedlot periods. Tennessee One study at three locations compared early-season (30 d) to full-season (~90 d) using stocker steers on stocker steers grazing either switchgrass, eastern gamagrass, or a combination of big bluestem and indiangrass. Animal daily gains were greater for big bluestem/indiangrass followed by switchgrass and then eastern gamagrass. Switchgrass was allowed to regrow following early-early season grazing for biofuel production. (3) Evaluate forage systems that incorporate the use of native grasses and/or legumes in conjunction with perennial grasses on cow-calf, stocker, and finishing cattle performance and products; forage nutrient availability; and optimizing fertilizer inputs. Alabama An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of different N-fertilization regimes on foliar P uptake and P utilization by grazing cattle in plots with high soil-test P. In October 2010, 6 0.28-ha plots were overseeded with triticale (Triticum secale) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) into a tall fescue (Lolium arundinacea)/bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) sod and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (2 plots/trt.): 100% of N recommendation for tall fescue in a split application (100N), 50% of N recommendation (50N), and 0% of N recommendation (0N). In October 2010, 6 0.28-ha plots were overseeded with triticale (Triticum secale) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) into a tall fescue (Lolium arundinacea)/bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) sod and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (2 plots/trt.): 100% of N recommendation for tall fescue in a split application (100N), 50% of N recommendation (50N), and 0% of N recommendation (0N). In the second year of a 3-year grazing study, we evaluated beef cattle performance from continuously stocked triticale (T,Triticale secale), wheat (W, Triticum aestivum) and ryegrass (R, Lolium multiflorum). No differences were observed for steer ADG among forage treatments (1.32, 1.40 and 1.48 kg/d for T, W and R, respectively). Stocking-density, steer-grazing-day, forage-mass and forage-quality data have yet to be analyzed. Louisiana 1) Accomplishments: In May 2011 (second year of data), 18 steers from the forage fed project were harvested (6 steers/treatment), carcass data collected and steaks obtained. Shear force values were determined from each of the steaks and beef samples were analyzed for fat content and fatty acid profile. In June 2011, the third year (grazing season) began with a new group of steers. Up to date, steers have been grazing summer pastures until November, with conserved forages being fed thereafter until the end of the year. Performance has been as expected, with moderate gains during the months of direct grazing and limited gains during the hay-feeding period. Impact: Major relevance for established and new producers who are diversifying their enterprises or starting to market this product (direct marketing, retailers, restaurants) in Louisiana and neighboring states. 2) Accomplishment: Allowing the grazing animal to express free dietary choice between legumes and grasses during grazing might help achieve greater consistency of nutrient supply to the animal from pasture, greater control of intake, and production. Heifers grazing pastures with access to clovers (clover pure stand, mixed, or adjacent monocultures of ryegrass and clovers) gained on average 0.25 kg more when compared to grass monoculture (ryegrass). Heifers on mixed swards walked more than those grazing adjacent monocultures, notably explaining the search for the legume component. Impact: Legumes improved daily gains of replacement heifers, allowing them to reach target weights at the start of the breeding season. 3) A project is designed to determine if selection for larger size beef cows with the intent to produce faster growing calves would improve efficiency over smaller size beef cows. These improvements will result in increases in red meat production as well as reductions in environmental impact due to more efficient utilization of feed resources. Mississippi Prairie Research Unit is conducting a study evaluating native warm season grasses (Indiangrass, Big & Little Bluestem) and common Bermudagrass for stocker production. The first year of grazing was completed in 2011. Preliminary cattle performance data show that native grasses can provide comparable if not superior body weight gains. Insect and bird response in these pastures was also evaluated. Cattle will be followed through both feedlot and forage-finishing systems and meat quality evaluated. (Boland, Riffell, Schilling) North Carolina Winter annual legumes overseeded on bermudagrass pasture were evaluated over two years. Crimson clover, hairy vetch, Austrian winter pea, and arrowleaf clover all increased biomass production and led to increased uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen compared to bermudagrass alone. Tennessee Summer grazing of switchgrass or combination of big bluestem and indiangrass by pregnant dairy heifers indicated that these native grasses provide adequate nutrition for these animals. (4) Evaluate the role of multiple industries -co-products as supplements for beef cattle offered forage-based diets and their impact on beef cattle production. Arkansas In Arkansas, lactating ruminally-cannulated cows that were fed a bermudagrass hay basal diet were offered hominy feed or ground corn at 0.25 or 0.5% of BW. Total DM intake was greater from cows offered 0.5% of BW as either corn or hominy feed. The potentially degradable hay fraction was greater from cows offered hominy feed at 0.25% of BW, but few other advantages were observed for hominy feed compared with ground corn. Georgia 1) Byproducts increasing in availability in Georgia (sunflower meal and canola meal) were evaluated as supplementation for stocker cattle fed a corn silage-based diet. Accomplishment: One year of data is summarized and the second years data is currently being collected. Impact: Preliminary data indicate both meals maintained animal performance compared to soybean meal while decreasing cost of gain by $2.90 and $4.20/cwt. for canola meal and sunflower meal, respectively. 2) Diets utilizing bulk commodities (50:25:25 soybean hulls, corn, and corn gluten feed or dried distillers grains) were evaluated as a replacement for a commercial ration (traditionally used in the Georgia Bull Test Program) for developing yearling bulls. Accomplishment: One year of data is collected and summarized. Impact: Bulls consuming the corn gluten diet gained similar to the commercial diet while bulls on the distillers - grains gained less (3.9, 4.0, and 3.5 lb/d, respectively). However, all gains are acceptable for developing bulls, and both the corn gluten and distillers grains diets decreased the cost of gain compared to the commercial diet ($75.70, $76.30, and $94.00/cwt). Kentucky 1) Coproducts readily available in Kentucky were selected to develop a specialty pellet for backgrounders in Kentucky. Accomplishment: Preliminary data has shown the pellet to be palatable and provide excellent performance. Impact: Additional research with slight formula alterations is being conducted prior to releasing the formula to the public. 2) The level of dried distillers -grains for stocker cattle grazing tall fescue was investigated in 2011. Accomplishment: A graduate student was trained in ruminant research techniques. Data regarding feeding dried distillers grains to stockers grazing fescue was obtained. Impact: Information will be utilized in making recommendations to stocker operators regarding the appropriate supplementation level of dried distillers- grains when grazing tall fescue. Louisiana Activities: We evaluated hay waste efficiency, animal, and fertility performance of beef cows fed medium- to poor quality carry-over warm-season grass hay supplemented with a liquid-base protein supplement or dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) during the winter. Accomplishments: Cows fed carryover hay supplemented with the liquid protein supplement poured into bales at 10% of bale weight had numerically greater dry matter intake (21.8 vs. 19.6 lb) and wasted less hay (21 vs. 23.9%) than cows fed DDGS. However, beef cows gained 13.2 and 12.6 lb more during late gestation when supplemented with DDGS compared to the liquid protein supplement poured into a bale or provided in a lick tank. Conception rates to AI were greater for cows supplemented with DDGS (76%) compared to the liquid protein supplement (60%). Impacts: Pouring a liquid protein supplement into round bales allowed for controlled supplemental intake. With the high cost of production in the beef industry and due to previous droughts, producers are actively searching for methods to reduce input (or feed) cost by reducing waste and utilizing cheaper feed stuffs. Providing a liquid-based protein supplement poured into bales can provide producers opportunities to utilize poor quality (possibly carryover) hay without impacting hay waste and hay intake. However, dried distillers grains supplementation during late gestation may have more benefits on fertility. Mississippi Several studies were conducted in 2012 at the White Sand Unit. Implant management of calves, examined time of implanting on performance of pre and post weaned calves. Results have shown that implanting calves whether at calfhood or at weaning resulted in increased weight gain and daily gain. Additionally, if implanting at weaning, it might be more beneficial to wait at least 60 d prior to shipment to gain the full benefit of the implant. Protein supplementation to heifers fed ryegrass baleage. Providing a source of by-pass protein resulted in increased ADG of growing beef heifers. Additionally, supplements high in lysine tended to decrease intake compared to supplements not high in lysine. Results suggest that due to the high digestibility of baleage, a by-pass supplement is required. (Rivera) North Carolina Research continues to determine optimal feeding strategies for byproduct-based concentrates. Research was published that showed with hay-based stocker cattle diets that feeding a mix of soyhulls and corn gluten feed 3 times a week or 2 times a week compared to daily feeding (at the same weekly total) did not reduce animal gains, but did reduce hay intake and improved feed efficiency. Tennessee Rye balage was supplemented with dried distillers grains, corn gluten feed or a 50:50 combination of the two in a feedlot study. Distillers grains provided the greatest daily gains with corn gluten feeds the lowest gain while the combination was intermediate. (5) Evaluate methods of harvesting and conserving forage and the subsequent impact on forage quality and cattle performance. Arkansas The University of Arkansas SWREC and the Hill Farm Station in Homer, LA are cooperating on cow calf research through the sharing of equipment, and collaboration in a study to evaluate the impact of cow size on DM intake of silage. Louisiana Accomplishment: The use of hay as a strategy to reduce the area of ryegrass needed to sustain a profitable stocker system is under evaluation (2011 was the first year). Hay is offered: 1) no hay, control, only grazing ryegrass; 2) ad libitum access to a round bale of bermudagrass hay; 3) when forage mass (ryegrass) is below 1000 kg/ha, a round bale of hay is provided; 4) alternate days of grazing ryegrass and hay fed using calan gates; 5) 4 days on ryegrass and 3 consecutive days in the barn when hay is fed. Steers in treatments 3 and 4 had reduced performance but greater production per unit of land. Impact: Positive results in beef produced by unit of land may help small producers to maximize their income. Mississippi Prairie Research Unit conducted a study evaluating cattle preference for hays harvested at different times of day (AM or PM). The GrowSafe Feeding Facility at Prairie was utilized to measure DMI of stockers when offered a choice between these different hays which included two sudangrass varieties and common bermudagrass. Data are currently being analyzed from the trial. (Boland) Tennessee Laboratory silo were used to compare harvesting dates for switchgrass and tall fescue. Each forage was harvested as balage at 40 or 60% moisture and as hay. Nutrient composition comparisons are underway (6) Evaluate the use of supplemental nutrients to enhance animal immunity and health being grown on southern forages. Louisiana Activities: Parasite control recommendations are in a state of flux due to the increase in anthelmintic resistant cattle parasites, such as Cooperia ssp. This project evaluated the effects of moxidectin, oxfendazole, or a combination of on fecal egg count and performance of weaned fall-born calves turned out on late spring/summer forages. Accomplishments: Parasite load was most controlled by a combination of Synanthic given in early summer followed by Cydectin applied 74 d later (mid-summer) compared to Cydectin only given at early summer, Synanthic only given at early summer, Cydectin given at early summer followed by Synanthic given 74 d later, and a control. Shrunk BW gain and ADG from grazing warm-season Coastal Bermudagrass pastures was greatest for calves receiving Synanthic plus Cydectin treatment (147 and 1.33 lb), over time, compared to Cydectin only (116 and 1.05 lb) and the Control (106 and 0.96 lb), but similar compared to the Cydectin plus Synanthic (138 and 1.24 lb) and Synanthic only (135 and 1.22 lb) treatments. Impacts: Parasites can detrimentally affect profitability of cattle production through poor health and poor animal performance. Providing a combination of dewormers that include an Oxfendazole up front may provide the most control on larvae during the summer grazing period, and offer the most gain performance. North Carolina A two year study was completed evaluating byproduct supplementation level for replacement heifers developing on stockpiled fescue. The initial level of supplementation (0.5% of body weight) improved artificial insemination and overall breeding rates compared to un-supplemented heifers. Higher levels of supplement improved growth rate but had little impact on breeding rates. (7) Meet annually to discuss ongoing research, Extension programs and build collaborations for future programs. Georgia Attended the annual SERA-41 meeting. Accomplishment: Information was exchanged from various states regarding extension and research activities. Impact: Contacts were identified in different states as a source of information. Kentucky Attended the annual SERA-41 meeting. Accomplishment: Information was exchanged from various states regarding extension and research activities. Impact: Contacts were identified in different states as a source of information. Louisiana Attended the annual SERA-41 meeting. Accomplishment: Information was exchanged from various states regarding extension and research activities. Personal contacts with scientists open the door to future talks trying to identify common ground for future projects. Impact: Contacts were identified in different states as a source of information. This may allow increasing future collaboration. Mississippi J.D Rivera and H.T. Boland attended the 2012 SERA 041 meeting in Birmingham, AL. H.T. Boland also met with researchers from LA (G. Scaglia) to discuss collaborative research and extension programs. A working group Sustainable Native Grass Based Biofuel Production was developed with multiple MSU departments to develop and submit proposals. Rivera works with the LSU SE Ag Experiment Station in Franklinton as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ag Center and the South MS Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville. (Boland, Rivera, Riffell) Sub-Objective 1: Extension Initiatives (1) Seek input from stakeholders in developing educational programs priorities as well as securing financial support for developing and implementing Extension educational programs in beef cattle and forage management. Arkansas The University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science Extension Faculty has a county agent advisory committee. This committee meets once or twice a year and the purpose of this committee is to determine the direction of the state-wide animal science extension programs (including beef/forage). This stakeholder input is vital to insure that the programs implemented are pertinent and timely. For the past 10 years, the Department of Animal Science Extension secured grants from Farm Credit of Western Arkansas specifically for supporting educational programs related to beef and forage production management. Dr. Tom Troxel serves on the NCBA Producer Education Committee. A stakeholder meeting was held at the Livestock and Forestry Branch Station in Batesville, AR to determine direction to the research and extension programs. Georgia An advisory group consisting of producers, specialists and industry representatives from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina was assembled to develop the Southeastern Cattle Advisor. Accomplishment: Funding was secured for FY 2011 through a grant from the Southern Risk Management Education Center. A multifaceted program was developed that included a website, seminars, and decision aides to help producers manage risk in marketing and production (including forage systems). Impact: The seminars were available in person, at satellite locations, and via personal web connections. This allowed 155 producers across five states to participate. Kentucky An advisory group consisting of producers, specialists and county agents was assembled to develop a Master Stocker educational program. Accomplishment: Working with the Kentucky Beef Network, financial support for 2011 and 2012 was obtained for the program from the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund. Impact: Approximately 225 Kentucky producers participated in the new Master Stocker program in 2011 from about 40 counties across Kentucky. Mississippi The North MS and Southeast MS Producer Advisory Council meets every February in Verona, MS, and Biloxi, MS, respectively to discuss topics that stakeholders would like more educations programs conducted on. Several extension publications and workshops were developed that addressed topic areas provide by these stakeholders. (Boland and Rivera). North Carolina In North Carolina, faculty are interacting with state and national representatives of NRCS to provide a variety of educational programs for conservation staffs. A course, Pastureland Ecology 1 is delivered funding and cooperation of the National Educational Development System of NRCS. This 8 day course is very popular and includes range and pasture specialists and other conservations from across the Country. Additional interagency training is conducted for extension agents, Department of Agriculture staff, and state and national conservationists. These programs have led to improved team efforts in many areas and have led to improved education and services for beef producers. Tennessee Stakeholder meeting was held to obtain input into development of Master Beef Producer Plus program for Tennessee. (2) Develop educational programs that can be delivered via web-based technology and distance education through regional and multi-state efforts to address forage management for cow-calf, stocker, and finishing systems for county agents/educators and ultimately clientele. Arkansas Beginning in November of 2009, the University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science Extension began video recording of conference presentations and posted on the internet. From November 2009 through September 2011 64 videos were posted. Total videos loads were 21,044. Sixty-four percent were loaded from Vimeo and 36% were embedded video loads. Georgia The Southeast Cattle Advisor utilized a web-based seminar series and website to deliver risk management education via distance technology Accomplishment: A seminar series covering production and financial risk management plus marketing strategies was offered via distance technology. Additionally, information and decision aids were made available on a website. Impact: The seminars were attended by 155 people in person and remotely. Additionally, website statistics indicated over 58,000 unique users visited the website and 9,400 that visited multiple times. Tennessee All sections of Master Beef Program were video-taped and will be uploaded to the web for use by producers and educators. (3) Design and deliver multi-state and multi-disciplinary educational programs that address southeast specific issues for beef production systems including cattle nutrition, marketing, health, genetics, and management decisions. Arkansas At the 2012 Cattlemen's College at National Cattlemen's Beef Association in Nashville, TN, the 300 Day Grazing Program was presented by University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science faculty. Approximately 200 cattle producers from around the country attended. The Arkansas Fescue Management Conference was held in Harrison, AR on August 25, 2011 and was attended by cattle producers from Arkansas and Missouri. The research-based program addressed numerous areas of tall fescue management and was supported by USDA-AFRI grant # 2006-55618-17114. Paul Beck (Arkansas) and Claude Bess, SE OK district director, have started discussion on a beef and forages meeting for SE OK and SW AR. Paul Beck (Arkansas) gave a presentation entitled 'No-Till Wheat Pasture Production' at the Oklahoma No till Conference in June. Georgia In a collaborative effort with the University of Florida, Auburn University, and Clemson University, the Southeast Cattle advisor was developed to make production and financial risk management education material and tools available to cattle producers in the Southeast. Accomplishment: In addition to the accomplishments in sections Ext-1 and Ext-2, a newsletter was developed and webcast and presentations were made available via the internet . Impact: Newsletters were distributed to county Extension offices and made available online. Presentations and decision aids are available for download. Kentucky In a collaborative effort with the University of Tennessee and allied industry partners, the Mid-South Stocker Conference hosted a multi-state program focused on the stocker & backgrounding segments of the beef industry in Bowling Green, KY in February of 2011. Accomplishment: Approximately 200 individuals registered and/or participated in the conference representing in excess of 30,000 head of cattle managed and an average of 550 head/operator. Impact: Post-program evaluations revealed an increase in participants knowledge of all areas presented using a scalar pre- and post-knowledge approach. Management changes that were reported to be changed as a result of participating in the conference included: composting mortalities, new health protocols for receiving calves, pasture management changes, increasing number of stockers, economic risk management. Louisiana Accomplishment: Participation (Scaglia, presenter) in different activities including the Acadiana Cattle Producers Spring Field Day at the Iberia Research Station, Oak Creek Farm Field Day (Chappell Hill, TX); and the Louisiana Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting. Impact: Approximately 200 producers were reached in these presentations. Mississippi A Beef Cattle Boot camp was conducted at White Sands and Prairie Research Unit in April of 2011. These programs were developed to provide information to novice cattle producers. (Rivera, Boland) A Forage Field Day was conducted at White Sands in April 2011, and examined the role that baleage plays in cattle production. (Rivera) A Beef Unit Field day was conducted at White Sands in October 2011 and highlighted research conducted at the station. (Rivera) North Carolina One key program is Amazing Grazing. This program is a Pasture-based Livestock Education Initiative which focuses on production management of livestock in pasture-based systems and pastureland ecology. This program involves both livestock and forage management, and focuses on the complex interactions in a pasture agroecosystem. This program is targeted at livestock producers, extension agents, conservationists and other advisors (e.g. veterinarians), and information is regularly delivered through the Amazing Grazing monthly column in the Carolina Cattle Connection which is distributed to producers throughout North and South Carolina. During 2011 we conducted 2 three day interagency training schools (one in Raleigh and one in Waynesville) that reached 46 advisors, and we also conducted a national Amazing Grazing seminar at the American Association of Bovine Practitioners convention in St. Louis, MO. In addition we conducted one producer targeted full day seminar, and presented the Amazing Grazing concept to producers at a variety of area beef conferences and NC Forage and Grassland conferences. Amazing Grazing was presented to local audiences in South Carolina and West Virginia, and in Costa Rica the Amazing Grazing program concept at 2 producer meetings (in Spanish). Currently an educational initiative has been underway for two years in North Carolina to demonstrate winter grazing as a winter feeding option. In the winter of 2009 and 2010 16 demonstrations supported producers as they grew and strip-grazed stockpiled pastures. In 2010-2011, demonstrations were repeated on 4 of the farms used in 2009-2010, and an additional 20 farms were added to the project. In these demonstrations producers saved $1.15 per cow for every day of additional winter grazing compared to hay feeding. This project has provided producers with a kit of temporary grazing supplies to incentivize their participation. As a result many producers have tried this technology for the first time, and documented cost savings have encouraged them to continue improving their grazing management. Increasing participation in workshops and requests to participate in demonstrations indicates increasing interest in thoughtful grazing management. Tennessee Mid-south Stocker Conference was a success and video tours of stocker operations were added to the education program at the meeting. The Tri-State Beef Conference was held for producers from TN, NC and VA. (5) Share education program evaluation tools to improve data capture, demographics, and information needs of clientele within states and the region. Arkansas The University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science shared market barn data sheets with the faculty of Mississippi State University to assist them in determining the factors affecting the selling prices of calves. (7) Coordinate a Beef-Forage symposium at the annual meeting of the Southern Section American Society of Animal Sciences (ASAS) meeting. SERA-41 coordinated an interdisciplinary Beef Cattle Symposium at the Southern Section Animal Science meetings in Birmingham, Alabama. The focus topic was opportunities in stocker cattle production and included information on 1) the economic outlook for stocker cattle production compared to cow/calf production, 2) optimal production systems for stocker cattle in the southeast, 3) physiology of the receiving stocker calf, and 4) the influence of various stocker systems on feedlot performance and stocker quality. The symposium was well attended with the audience ranging from 60 to 80 persons, and the activity stimulated discussion of forage-based production systems by faculty from multiple states and institutions. 2. Enhance relationships between the Land-Grant University missions of research and extension with beef cattle commodity groups through State Beef Cattle Associations and other beef cattle related organizations. Arkansas University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science faculty assisted the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association in planning and making presentations at the Producer Education Seminars conducted at their annual Convention. Dr. Tom Troxel serves on the Arkansas Cattlemen's Education Committee. University of Arkansas Department of Animal Science faculty assisted with the Arkansas Farm Bureau Beef Cattle Commodity Committee. North Carolina A representative from this group (Dr. Matt Poore) sits on the executive board of the NC Cattlemen's Association and gives input on setting priorities for applied research and extension programs. Planning for educational programs includes Area Beef Conferences, the State Beef and Dairy Conference, and other targeted programs funded by the NC Cattlemen's Association. North Carolina is in the third year of a supplemental Cattle Industry Assessment Program. One dollar per head marked is assessed at the point of marketing in this voluntary program (producers can request a refund). At least 10% of the funds collected have been targeted at youth livestock programs, producer education programs, and applied production research. These funds are generating approximately $120,000 per year for beef programs at NCSU and NCA&TSU. A column in the Carolina Cattle Connection called Amazing Grazing targets beef producers in North and South Carolina. This column addresses all aspects of pasture-based beef cattle production and uses guest authors, co-authors on specific topics. Tennessee Developed a proposal for a Beef/Forage Center for Tennessee. The center will serve the beef industry as a portal for research and extension activities and aid in communication between beef producers and university research and extension personnel. 3. Develop strategies for funding high-priority integrated research and extension programs. North Carolina As a result of discussions at the annual meeting of SERA-041, a collaboration has been developed with Clemson University to sample and analyze beef fat and fatty acid composition and tenderness from various brands of local beef being sold in North Carolina. Detailed production history of this beef from diverse programs will be collected. Information from this project will be used in an extension publication contrasting the nutritional value of beef from various production systems with other protein sources.

Publications

Refereed Journal Articles Boland, H.T., and G. Scaglia. 2011. Giving Beef Calves a Choice of Pasture-type Influences Behavior and Performance. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27: 160-166. Boland, H.T., G. Scaglia, D.R. Notter, A.J. Rook, W. S. Swecker, Jr., A. O. Abaye, and J. H. Fike. 2011. Grazing behavior and diet preference of beef steers grazing adjacent monocultures of Tall fescue and alfalfa: I. Spatial allocation. Crop Sci. 51(3):1314-1324. Boland, H.T., G. Scaglia, D.R. Notter, A.J. Rook, W. S. Swecker, Jr., and A. O. Abaye. 2011. Grazing behavior and diet preference of beef steers grazing adjacent monocultures of tall fescue and alfalfa: II. The role of novelty. Crop Sci. 51(4):1815-1823. Bungenstab, E.J., A. C. Pereira, J. C. Lin, J. L. Holliman, and R. B. Muntifering. 2011. Productivity, utilization, and nutritive quality of dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) as influenced by stocking density and rest period under continuous or rotational stocking. J. Anim. Sci. 89:571-580. Drewnoski, M.E., M.H. Poore, and G. A. Benson. 2011. Effect of frequency of supplementation of a soyhulls and corn gluten feed blend on hay intake and performance of growing steers. Animal Feed Science and Technology 164:38-44. Abstracts Anderson, M.E., K.A. Gray, G.R. Hansen, M.H. Poore, C.S. Whisnant, and J.P. Cassady, 2011. Evaluation of the phenotypic correlations between feed efficiency measures in postweaning heifers and cows during their first lactation. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 187. Anderson, L.H., K.D. Bullock, J.D. Rhinehart, J.W. Lehmkuhler, W.R. Burris. 2011. Using Estrus Synchronization and AI to improve market value of calves. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2):24. Boland, H.T., S. T. Willard, K. Umemura, G.Scaglia, J. A. Parish, and T. F. Best. 2011. Pre-separation behavior of calves being weaned by different methods. J. Anim. Sci. 89:9 (E-Suppl.1). Burris, R., L. Anderson, D. Bullock, J. Lehmkuhler and J. Randolph. 2011. Forage/management systems for beef cow calf production. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2):23. Campbell, B.T., Backus, W.M., Dixon, M.C., R. J. Carlisle, and J. C. Waller. 2011. Comparison of spring and fall calving beef herds grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 2):604. Campbell,B.T., J. B. Neel, F. D. Kirkpatrick, C. D. Lane, Jr, and W. W. Gill. 2011. Effect of producer characteristics on size of beef operations and management practices. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):36. Freeman, S. R., M.H. Poore, A.D. Shaeffer, and H.M. Glennon. 2011. Seeding winter legumes into Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) pastures: forage yield and impact on subsequent summer hay crop. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 27. Junell, B., G. Huntington, M. Ashwell, M. Poore, and A. Rodger. 2011. Ingestion of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) seed reduces surface temperature of Angus steers in a thermoneutral environment. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 28. Lehmkuhler, J.W., K. Burdine, and W.R. Burris. 2011. Assessing variability in On-farm post-weaning feeder calf performance. J. Anim. Sci. (Suppl. 2): 34. Lehmkuhler, J.W., S.R. Smith, G.D. Lacefield, M. Bilderback, and W.R. Burris. 2011. Using Electronic Forms for Rapid Response. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 34. Neel, J. B., B.T. Campbell, C. D. Lane, Jr, F. D. Kirkpatrick, and W.W. Gill. 2011. Effect of age of beef producers on type of operation and use of computers J. Animal. Sci. 87 (E-Suppl.3). Neel, J. B., F. D. Kirkpatrick, C. D. Lane, Jr, W.W. Gill, and B.T. Campbell. 2011. Effect of size of beef operations on management techniques. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1):36. Poore, M.H., S.R. Freeman, S.M. White, G. Whitener, A.D. Shaeffer, and S.L. Vick. 2011. Intake and digestibility of corn stover by beef cattle. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 26. Poore, M.H., J.P. Cassady, M.A. Alley and K.A. Gray. 2011. Influence of crude glycerin in the growing diet on Angus and Braunvieh-sired steer calves. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 22. Ramos, M. H. and J.W. Lehmkuhler. 2011. Comparison of dry matter intake of cattle grazing cool season grasses receiving nitrogen or interseeded with legumes. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 67. Rowntree, J., K. Guidry, G. Scaglia, G. Gentry, and L. Southern. 2011. A mineral survey of Louisiana Beef cow/calf production systems. J. Anim. Sci. 89 Suppl. 2: 321(Abstr.) Scaglia, G., J. Rodriguez, K. McMillin, G. Gentry, and J. Gillespie. 2011. Performance of beef steers finished on three forage systems in the deep South. ASAS Southern Section Meeting, 64:21(Abstr.) Scaglia, G., J. Rodriguez, K. McMillin, G. T. Gentry, and H. T. Boland. 2011. Total fat and fatty acid composition of steaks from steers finished on three different forage systems in the Gulf Coast Region. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 89, E-Suppl. 1: 317 (Abstr.). Shaeffer, A.D., M.H. Poore, M.J. Kistler, J.A. Moore, and M. L. Alley. Building confidence and skills of female livestock extension agents. J. of Anim. Sci. 89 (Suppl. 2): 36. Proceedings Rhinehart, J. 2011. Cattle selection for grass-fed beef. In Proc. Tennessee Forage and Grasslands Council. November 4, 2011. Nashville, TN. Rhinehart, J. 2011. Crossbreeding to optimize heterosis. In Proc. Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo. October 13, 2011. Greeneville, TN. Scaglia, G. and H. T. Boland. 2011. Impact of spatial arrangement of grass and legumes on performance and grazing behaviour of beef heifers. Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores in Advances in Animal Biosciences Vol. 2(2) p. 257 Schrick, F. N., J.P. Harris, J. L. Edwards, J. C. Waller, and F. M. Hopkins. 2011. Nutritional influences on reproduction: Effects of endophyte-infected tall fescue on beef cattle performance. Pages 273-280 in Proceedings of the Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle. Joplin, Missouri. Walker, R. S., S. L. Bird, G. I. Crawford, and A. DiCostanzo. 2011. Evaluating cow efficiency at the producer level: The Northwest Minnesota Beef Improvement Program. J. Anim. Sci. 89 (E-Suppl. 1): 510. Extension Halich, G., K. Burdine, and J. Lehmkuhler. Valuing Corn Silage for Beef Cattle Feed 2011 Guide (AEC-2011-17). Higgins, S., S. Wrightman, and J. Lehmkuhler. Strategic Winter Feeding of Cattle Using a Rotational Grazing Structure. ID-188. 2011. Lacy, R.C., R.L. Stewart, Jr., J.W. Prevatt, G.C. Lamb, D. Mayo, B. Beer, and T.D. Davis. 2011. The Southeast Cattle Advisor website. Available online at (www.secattleadvisor.com). Lane, Jr, C. D., J. Rhinehart, J. B. Neel, F. D. Kirkpatrick, F. M. Hopkins, and G. E. Bates. 2011. 2011 beef integrated resource management calendar. UT Extension Publication 1663-2011. Lehmkuhler, J. W. and W. Roy Burris. Distillers Grain Coproducts for Beef Cattle. ASC-186. Neel, J. B. 2011. 2011 Beef Cattle Time. Quarterly, Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Extension. Neel, J. B. 2011. Guidelines for conducting Junior Beef and Sheep Shows in Tennessee. UT Extension, University of Tennessee. Neel, J. B. 2011. Official Entry Form, Tennessee 4-H/FFA Beef heifer or Breeding Ewe Lease Agreement, F 789. UT Extension, University of Tennessee (Rev.) Neel, J. B. 2011. Official Entry Form, Tennessee Junior Beef Heifer Show, F 730. UT Extension, University of Tennessee (Rev.). Neel, J. B. 2011. Tennessee Master Beef Producer Manual. University of Tennessee Extension. PB 1722 (Rev.) Neel, J. B. 2011. Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program. UT Extension, University of Tennessee (Rev.) Smith, R., G. Lacefield, R. Burris, D. Ditsch, B. Coleman, J. Lehmkuhler, and J, Henning. Rotational Grazing. ID-143. 2011. Departmental reports Gillespie, J., G. Scaglia, H. T. Boland, and W. Wyatt. 2011. The economics of supplementing beef stocker calves grazing ryegrass. LSU Agricultural Center Beef and Forage Report, 36:40-43. Scaglia. G., H. T. Boland, G. T. Gentry, C. C. Williams, and W. E. Wyatt. 2011. Effects of Time of Supplementation on Beef Stocker Calves Grazing Ryegrass. I. Animal Performance. 2011 LSU Agricultural Center Beef and Forage Report, 36: 32-35. Scaglia, G., H. T. Boland, G. T. Gentry, and C. C. Williams. 2011. Effects of Time of Supplementation on Beef Calves Grazing Ryegrass. II. Behavior and Dry Matter Intake. LSU Agricultural Center Beef and Forage Report, 36:36-39. Popular Press Bates, G. E. 2011. Don t Forget the Red Clover. Beef Cattle Time vol. 29 no. 1. Bates, G. E. 2011. Improve Pasture Use Through Rotational Grazing Beef Cattle Time v. 29 no. 2. Boland, H.T., 2011. How weaning management can get calves off to the right start for stockering. Stocker Cents , Cattle Business in Mississippi, September issue. Boland, H.T., 2011. Grazing Behavior Basics. Stocker Cents , Cattle Business in Mississippi, March issue. Boland, H.T., 2011. How weaning management can get calves off to the right start for stockering. Drovers Cattle Network. August 10. http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-resources/baby-calf-health/How-weaning-management-can-get-calves-off-to-the-right-start-for-stockering-127259898.html Boland, H.T., 2011. Grazing Behavior Basics. Drovers Cattle Network. March 8, 2011. http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-resources/healthy-heifer/Grazing-behavior-basics-117599234.html. Scaglia, G. 2011. Issues to consider in forage-fed beef production. Part 1. Louisiana Farm and Ranch Magazine. Vol.7(7):30-33. Scaglia, G. 2011. Issues to consider in forage-fed beef production. Part 2. Louisiana Farm and Ranch Magazine. Vol. 7(8):28-29. Scaglia, G. 2011. Issues to consider in forage-fed beef production. Forage systems under evaluation at the Iberia Research Station. Part 3. Louisiana Farm and Ranch Magazine. Vol. 7(11): 34-35.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 03/29/2013

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/03/2013 - 02/03/2013
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2012 - 09/01/2013

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

See attached for meeting minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Publications

Refereed Journal Articles Bass, A.E., D. Philipp, K.P. Coffey, J.D. Caldwell, R.T. Rhein, A.N. Young, W.K. Coblentz. 2012. Chemical composition, intake by sheep, and in-situ disappearance in cannulated cows of bermudagrass hayed at two moisture concentrations and treated with a non-viable Lactobacillus actic acid preservative. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 117:43-51. Boland, H. T., G. Scaglia, D. R. Notter, A. J. Rook, W. S. Swecker, Jr., and A. O. Abaye. 2012. Diet composition and dry matter intake of beef steers grazing tall fescue and alfalfa. Crop Sci. 52(6):2817-2825. Dillard, S.L., L.E. Sturgeon, W.F. Owsley, C.W. Wood, J.L. Holliman and R.B. Muntifering. 2012. Productivity and nutritive quality of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) as influenced by commercial fertilizer, broiler litter and interseeded white clover (Trifolium repens). Applied and Environmental Soil Science vol. 2012, Article ID 234103, 6 pp. Mullenix, M.K., E.J. Bungenstab, J.C. Lin, B.E. Gamble and R.B. Muntifering. 2012. Productivity, quality characteristics and beef cattle performance from cool-season annual forage mixtures. Professional Animal Scientist 28: 379-386. Scaglia, G., J. P. Fontenot, W. S. Swecker Jr., B. A. Corl, S. K. Duckett, H. T. Boland, R. Smith, and A. O. Abaye. 2012. Performance, carcass, and meat characteristics of beef steers finished on 2 different forages or on a high-concentrate diet. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:194203. Smith, S. A., J. D. Caldwell, M. P. Popp, K. P. Coffey, J. A. Jennings, M. C. Savin, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2012. Tall Fescue Toxicosis Mitigation Strategies: Comparisons of Cow-calf Returns. J. Agric. Appl. Econ. 44(4):577-592. Huntintgon, G., J. Cassady, K. Gray, M. Poore, S. Whisnant, G. Hansen. 2012. Use of digital infrared thermal imaging to assess feed efficiency in Angus bulls. Prof. Anim. Sci. 28:166-172. Drewnoski, M.E. and M. H. Poore. 2012. Effects of supplementation frequency on ruminal fermentation and digestion by steers fed medium-quality hay and supplemented with a soybean hulls and corn gluten feed blend. J. Anim. Sci. 90:881-891. Abstracts Jennings, J. A., K. J. Simon, K. P. Coffey, P. A. Beck, C. P. West, M. L. Looper, and D. S. Hubbell, III. 2012. Extensions response to the fescue endophyte problem. In Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council Conference. January 2012. AFGC Berea, KY. Abstract. Kanani, J., D. Philipp, K. P. Coffey, E. B. Kegley, C. P. West, S. Gadberry, J. Jennings, A. Young, and R. Rhein. 2012. Digestibility and fecal output prediction using acid-detergent lignin, alkaline-peroxide lignin, and acid-detergent insoluble ash in cattle offered bermudagrass hays of varying quality. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):289. Kanani, J., D. Philipp, K. P. Coffey, E. B. Kegley, C. P. West, S. Gadberry, J. Jennings, A. Young, and R. Rhein. 2012. Diurnal variation in fecal concentrations of indigestible-acid detergent fiber, acid-detergent insoluble ash, and alkaline-peroxide lignin from cattle offered bermudagrass hays of varying quality. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):289. Madzonga, Z., A. Young, K. Coffey, D. Philipp, and E. Kegley. 2012. Intake, in situ disappearance, and ruminal fermentation of bermudagrass hay by lactating beef cows offered hominy feed or corn as supplements. J. Anim. Sci. 90(E-Suppl. 2):19. Neel, J.B. Neel, B.T. Campbell, F.D. Kirkpatrick, C.D. Lane, and W.W Gill. 2012. Producer evaluation of the TN Master beef producer program. J. Anim. Sci. 90 (Suppl. 1)33. Scaglia, G., J. Rodriguez, and H. T. Boland. 2012. Evaluation of three bermudagrass varieties for grazing and hay production. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 90, Suppl. 1:86 (Abstr.). Smith, W.B., R. Muntifering, E. van Santen, E. Guertal and D. Ball. 2012. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) production and quality as influenced by planting date and irrigation during early seedling development. Journal of Animal Science 90 (Suppl. 1): 3. Smith, W,B., R. Muntifering, E. van Santen, S.L. Dillard, E. Guertal and D. Ball. 2012. Evaluation of forage quality predictors in early- and late-maturing cultivars of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Journal of Animal Science 90 (Suppl. 3): 830. Proceedings Backus, W.M, J.C. Waller, P.D. Keyser, G.E. Bates, C.A. Harper, and R.J. Carlisle. 2012. Performance of stocker steers grazing native warm-season grasses during the summer in Tennessee. Proceedings, Southeastern Prairies: Remnants, Conservation, and Working Lands, Starkville, MS, May14-17, 2012. Backus, M., J. Waller, B. Campbell, E. Doxon, P. Keyser, G. Bates, and C. Harper. 2012. Two strategies for grazing NWSG in Southwest Tennessee. Eighth Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Charlottesville, VA, Oct 1 4, 2012. Backus, M., J. Waller, B. Campbell, E. Doxon, P. Keyser, G. Bates, and C. Harper. 2012. Two strategies for grazing NWSG on the Highland Rim in Middle Tennessee. Eighth Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Charlottesville, VA, Oct 1 4, 2012, poster. Birckhead, J., C. Harper, P. Keyser, G. Bates, J. Waller, E. Doxon, and M. Backus. 2012. Avian habitat response to hay and biofuels production in native warm-season grass stands in the Mid-South. Eighth Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Charlottesville, VA, Oct 1 4, 2012. Birckhead, J., C. Harper, P. Keyser, J. Waller, G. Bates, E. Doxon, and D. McIntosh. 2012. Avian habitat response to grazing native warm-season forages in the Mid-South. Eighth Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Charlottesville, VA, Oct 1 4, 2012. Doxon, E. J. Waller, P. Keyser, G. Bates, and N. Schrick. 2012. Responses of replacement heifers grazing NWSG. Eighth Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Charlottesville, VA, Oct 1 4, 2012. Keyser, P.D. 2012. Prairie Restoration and Working Grasslands in the Southeast: Plenary presentation (invited). Proceedings, Southeastern Prairies: Remnants, Conservation, and Working Lands, Starkville, MS, May14-17, 2012. Keyser, P., E. Doxon, J. Waller, and G. Bates. 2012. Web-based Economic Decision Tool for Summer Forage Production. Proceedings, Southeastern Prairies: Remnants, Conservation, and Working Lands, Starkville, MS, May14-17, 2012. Lehmkuhler, J. 2012. Role and Importance of Alfalfa in Beef Diets. Proceedings of the 32nd Kentucky Alfalfa Conference. V. 32 No. 2. pp. 23-29. McIntosh, D., G. E. Bates, P. D. Keyser, C. A. Harper, J. Birckhead, J. C. Waller, and M. Backus. 2012. Integrated forage-biomass system for the mid-South. AFGC conference proceedings, Louisville, KY, Jan 9-11, 2012. McIntosh, D., G. Bates, P. Keyser, C. Harper, J. Birckhead, J. Waller, and M. Backus. 2012. Harvest opportunities in a forage-biomass system using native warm-season grasses. Eighth Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Charlottesville, VA, Oct 1 4, 2012. Extension Steve Higgins, Sarah Wightman, and Jeff Lehmkuhler. Feedlot Design and Management for Backgrounding and Stocker Operations. AEN-110. 2012 (at press). Jeff Lehmkuhler, Roy Burris, Donna Amaral-Phillips. Mineral and Protein Blocks and Tubs for Beef Cattle. 2012 (in review). K. D. Bullock, R. Burris, J. Henning, L. Anderson, J.W. Lehmkuhler, B. Mikel, P. Scharko, and D. Shepherd. 2012. Beef Integrated Resource Management Calendars. AGR-CAL. Departmental reports Ata, M., K. P. Coffey, J. D. Caldwell, E. B. Kegley, M. L. Looper, D. Philipp, J. D. Tucker, D. S. Hubbell, III, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr., 2012. Relationship between polymorphisms in the prolactin promoter and cytochrome P450 genes and pre-weaning performance by steers weaned from wild-type or non-toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 597:60-62. Ata, M., K. P. Coffey, J. D. Caldwell, E. B. Kegley, M. L. Looper, D. Philipp, J. D. Tucker, D. S. Hubbell, III, and C. F. Rosenkrans, Jr., 2012. Relationship between polymorphisms in the prolactin promoter and cytochrome P450 genes and post-weaning performance by steers weaned from wild-type or non-toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 597:63-68. Briggs, B. E., T. G. Montgomery, K. P. Coffey, D. Philipp, P. B. Francis, J. D. Caldwell, W. A. Whitworth, and A. N. Young. 2012. Growth performance by heifers grazing annual ryegrass pastures fertilized with nitrogen or overseeded with crimson, ladino, or both crimson and ladino clovers during spring: Three-year summary. Arkansas Animal Science Department Report. Arkansas Agri. Exper. Sta. Research Series 597:135-136. Scaglia, G. 2012. Evaluation of three bermudagrass hybrids for grazing and hay production in South Louisiana. Louisiana Agriculture Magazine. Pp. 6-8. Vol. 55, No. 3. Summer issue. Sheffield, R., K. Harborth, G. Scaglia, B. D. LeBlanc, K. Pope. 2012. Sustainable Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Beef Production. LSU AgCenter Communications. Popular Press Scaglia, G. 2012. Do cattle know what to eat when? Part 1. In Louisiana Farm and Ranch. Vol. 8, No. 8:30-32. August issue. Scaglia, G. 2012. Do cattle know what to eat when? Part 2. In Louisiana Farm and Ranch. Vol. 8, No. 10:36-37. October issue.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 02/25/2014

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 02/02/2014 - 02/02/2014
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2013 - 09/01/2014

Participants

See attached for participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Lawton Stewart, University of Georgia Livestock Extension Specialist, called the meeting to order.

Introductions of the officers

Guillermo Scaglia, Louisiana State University, President (could not attend);
Lawton Stewart, University of Georgia, President-elect (presiding);
Paul Beck, University of Arkansas, Secretary;
Jeff Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky, Past President;
Jimmy Henning, University of Kentucky, Administrative Advisor –Extension (could not attend);
Steve Oliver, University of Tennessee, Administrative Advisor – Research (could not attend);
Neal Schrick, University of Tennessee, Acting Administrative Advisor

Jason Banta, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, was elected as Secretary for the 2015 meeting.

Welcome to the meeting and brief overview of the SERA 41 Objectives was presented by Lawton Stewart.

Report from the Administrative Advisors (offered by Neal Shrick).

Department heads are very supportive of this project. Because of the overwhelming positive support, they are requesting a rewrite and reapplication by this SERA group as it is approaching the end of its run. Extension efforts by this group show very good collaboration across state lines and is used as a model example of how regional collaborative efforts should be done. Research efforts must improve in collaboration.

It was pointed out that this project (which is due July 1, 2014)must be made more concise and focused. Four Objectives with 10 to 15 sub objectives is too much. Department heads want this group to continue and suggest that members of the Reproduction group that just ended be involved.

Annual Report Update.

States were requested to put together their reports and submit to Paul Beck by March 4, 2014. Final reports are due to be submitted to NIMSS by 60-days following the meeting. April 4, 2014.

State Representatives Responsible for Compiling State Reports
Person State
Lawton Stewart Georgia
Matt Hersom Florida
John Andrae South Carolina
Dat Macoon Mississippi
R. Muntiferring Alabama
R. Nave Tennessee
G. Scaglia Louisiana
K. Coffey Arkansas
J. Banta Texas
C. Richards/D. Lalman Oklahoma
M. Poore NorthCarolina
J. Lehmkuhler Kentucky

Texas SERA 41 Report - Monte Rouquette, Texas A&M AgriLife - Research Overton

Importance of the beef industry and forages to Texas was described and contrasted with the level of industry support from beef vs row crops (cotton, corn, wheat) industry. Currently, Texas AgriLife Extension down to 2 forage specialists (down from >10). Funding from crop industries pushes Research and Extension funding across state, thus limited potential for forage-animal interface research or collaborative research across Texas.

Successful Regional Collaborative Extension Program Report - SE Cattle Advisor – Lawton Stewart.

The SE Cattle Advisor is a collaborative effort from Florida, Clemson, Auburn, and Georgia, funded by the Southern Risk Management grant program. Offers regional workshops and other conventional Extension efforts, and electronic media (website, Blog, mobile apps, and webinars).

Integrated Multistate Collaborative Research Efforts Report – Jeff Lehmkuhler .

Members of the SERA 41 group put together a grant through USDA-NIFA AFRI program, Adapting Genetic and Management Tools to Improve Heat Tolerance in Beef Cattle. Although this was not funded it provides a model for potential further collaborative research efforts. Funds may be available to put groups together for regional grant opportunities.

6th Southern Section ASAS Interdisciplinary Beef Program – Matt Poore.

Is one of the groups most successful research collaboration efforts. Has been renamed the “Bill E. Kunkle Interdisciplinary Beef Symposium” and is supported through generous donation by Novus International. Leadership for this symposium is from the SERA 41 officers and chairs of SS ASAS Program Planning Committees and is chaired by the Past President of SERA 41.This year focus is on animal well-being. Each year presenters have the potential to provide an invited review article to Journal of Animal Science.

Resubmission of SERA 41.

Discussion was opened to decide if the group is in favor of resubmission of the SERA 41 project. The project offers a formal regional group that may enhance the potential for grant funding of regional projects.

Writing group was put together. G. Scaglia (LSU), P. Beck (Arkansas), L. Stewart (Georgia), M. Hersom (Florida), M. Poore (NCSU), and B. Macoon (MSU).

Due July 1.

Potential for collaboration was discussed and included:
Best Management Grazing Principles to Reduce Winter Feeding of Cowherds
Stocker and Retained Ownership in the Southeast
Cool Season Annual Forage Production and Animal Grazing Management

It was moved by Matt Hersom (Florida) to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Jason Banta (Texas A&M AgriLife).