1

“Understanding Cattle Genomics” Workshop

P enn State Extension and the PA Beef Working Group is offering three

statewide meetings to assist producers in understanding beef cattle

genomics and the use of these tools in their herds and feedlots. Kelli

Retallick, Genetic Services Director, Angus Genetics, Inc. will present

“Breeding Cattle Tomorrow in a Genomic Era” and will be geared toward

both registered and commercial producers.

The program will focus on EPDs genomic testing for both registered

and commercial cattle, genomic enhanced EPDs, and the impact of

genomic test scores incorporated into EPDs, and utilizing all of this

information for bull selection in the real world.

Kelli will be using actual examples to show the impact of genomic

scores on EPDs and there will be time to ask any questions you may have

about the performance programs. There is no charge for the event, but

interested producers can register at http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/

events or contact Cheryl Fairbairn at 610-696-3500 or Dustin Heeter at

724-837-1402.

Livestock Notes

Dates to Remember

5th Annual Western PA Cattle

Feeders Seminar

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Westmoreland County

Extension Office

6:00 PM—8:45 PM

(see attached flyer)

Understanding Cattle Genomics

Wednesday, February 15, 2107

Belle Vernon, PA

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Franklin, PA

(see attached flyer)

Annual Winter Beef Meetings

Wednesday, February 22 &

March 1, Belle Vernon, PA

Thursday, February 23 &

March 2, Franklin, PA

Calf Fed Holstein Beef Meeting

Thursday, February 23, 2017

9:30 AM—3:00 PM

(see attached flyer)

20th Annual NW PA Grazing

Conference

Thursday, March 16, 2017

8:15 AM—4:00 PM

Trinity Point Church of God

Clarion PA.

Westmoreland County ǀ January 2017

Continued on page 2 Photo by USDA

Grazing Bites: Time To Frost Seed Clover?

Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist/Grazing Specialist

I know there are a lot of people who

really enjoy winter. I’m not one of them.

The only good thing about winter is - I

don’t have to mow the yard and I might

find more time to catch up on my reading.

The best part of winter is when it’s over!

Winter does tend to be one of the better

times for me to do some maintenance.

I spend time fixing or building fences, as long as the ground isn’t frozen too

much, recycling old metal, removing brush, and frosts-seeding clover. Just

like fences need some periodic maintenance to keep them in good shape,

keeping a sufficient amount of clover present in the pastures also takes a

little attention.

Most of our white clovers do a fairly good job of sticking around from

year to year. Typically they are white Dutch type clovers, a Ladino, or more

likely a cross between the two. They are heavy nitrogen producers and add

a lot of value to a pasture, boosting yield and feed quality. Some of the

newer varieties of white clovers are a lot more aggressive than the older

Dutch clovers. They are typically Ladino crosses and do a better job of

getting leaves up higher in the canopy and competing with the grasses

present. This competition can be a problem. If it is a newly planted pasture,

the more aggressive Ladino type clover can start growing in the early

spring before the grass takes off, and become quite competitive for the

existing grasses.

Time to frost seed.

2

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part By Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of PA, and the U. S. Department

of Agriculture.

Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Dustin Heeter at 724.837.1402 in advance of your participation or visit. Visit Penn State Extension on the web: extension.psu.edu.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of

harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and

federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender

identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes

the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice Provost for

Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, email: kfl2@psu.edu, phone: 814-863-0471.

Sincerely,

Dustin D. Heeter Extension Educator/Livestock

Continued from page 1

This tends to be more of a problem if the clover and

the grass are planted at the same time. It generally is

better to plant the grasses first, such as in the fall,

and then come back and over-seed or frost-seed the

clovers during the winter dormant months. That

gives the grass a bit more of an advantage that first

spring. If planted at the same time, and especially if

too much clover is planted, then stands in the spring

can sometimes be sixty percent or better. Clover,

especially white clover, that dense can cause bloat

issues.

In pastures where the grasses are already

established, the opposite is quite often true. The

grasses can be too much competition for the clover

to get established. This is one case where some pre-

dormant, tighter grazing can help. By grazing the

grass closer and not maintaining the normal

prescribed stop grazing heights of three or four

inches for cool season forages, you can delay the

growth of the grass for the spring, which will help

establish the frost-seeded clovers.

Red clover can also be a good legume for

pasture. Red clovers are not as long living as the

white clovers and usually tend to thrive for two to

three years. If you are going to be cutting the field

for hay, red clover is a better choice over white

clover. It yields better and certainly dries better then

white clovers. It tends to have a fairly shallow root

system, especially in wet years. If cutting for hay in

a wet year, it’s best to cut a little bit higher than

normal, at least three inches. I have seen almost

ninety percent stand loss from cutting short and then

the weather turning dry. There is some research that

indicates that isoflavones in red clover may help

reduce tall fescue toxicosis. It’s been preached for a

long time that while diluting the alkaloids in tall

fescue with clover and other species certainly helps,

red clover may go beyond just diluting and may

actually offset potential damage from the fescue

alkaloids and also help ruminants digest protein

more efficiently.

The negative aspect of red clover, or more

precisely the isoflavones produced by it, can

interfere with the estrous cycle in sheep and reduce

lambing rates. This can be avoided by not grazing

areas with high amounts of red clover at least 30 days

prior to breeding.

Right now is a good time to be thinking about

adding clover to your pastures or hay fields. Frost

seeding is certainly one of the least expensive ways to

enhance the stand of legumes in your pastures. It is

basically the process of broadcasting the legume seed

onto the soil surface during the winter dormant

months. For the most part, I usually say the ideal time

period is somewhere between Christmas and

Valentine’s Day.

A light snow on the ground serves for a couple

good purposes. First, it helps “catch” the seed and

transports it to the ground. Second, it serves as a great

marker for the tractor or ATV. A good heavy frost can

also work. It just happens that I’m getting some snow

as I write this today and have some clover that needs

to be sown. Guess I know what I’ll be doing soon.

I usually recommend slightly higher seeding rates

for frost seeding than for conventional seeding. White

clovers can be seeded at 1-1.5 lb. per acre,

remembering that it is a much smaller seed than red

clover and will be around longer. You can get it on

too thick and yes, I know, it’s hard to seed that small

amount! I’ve found cat litter is not too bad of a carrier

if needed; just make sure to mix it all well to

distribute the seed evenly or have your seed dealer

mix it for you, than allow for that carrier to get the

correct seeding rate. Red clover should be seeded at

6-8 lbs. per acre. All legumes should be inoculated

with the appropriate inoculants for that species to

insure proper bacteria, good germination, and growth.

That inoculant also helps to maximize nitrogen

fixation, and you certainly want to take advantage of

that! Most legumes have a specific Rhizobia (soil

bacteria that fix nitrogen) so select the ones for the

species being planted. Quite often, the inoculant is

included on coated seed which is also easier to plant.

Keep warm and keep on grazing!

For more information contact:

Penn State Extension—Fayette County

Walt Bumgarner, Extension Educator

Livestock Team Member

724-438-0111

wob10@psu.edu

5th Annual

Western PA

Cattle Feeders

Seminar

F a r m O p e r a tor s &

S p o u s e s a r e

e n c o u r a g e d to

a tte n d .

(Dinner Served @ 6:00 PM)

Penn State Extension in

Westmoreland County

214 Donohoe Road

Greensburg, PA 15601

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

6:oo PM—8:45 PM

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part By Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of PA, and the U. S. Depart-ment of Agriculture. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no

endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons

with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions

about the physical access provided, please contact Dustin Heeter at 724.837.1402 in advance of your participation or visit.

Visit Penn State Extension on the web: exten-sion.psu.edu. This publication is available in alternative media on request.

The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the

University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race,

color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the

uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy,

pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gen-der, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or

political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity

of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educa-

tional mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regard-ing the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice

Provost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University

Park, PA 16802-5901, email: kfl2@psu.edu, phone: 814-863-0471.

FEE—$25.00/person

(Includes materials & dinner)

Registration Deadline

Friday, February 3, 2017

PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE AT:

http://extension.psu.edu/beef/events

IF UNABLE TO REGISTER ONLINE,

PLEASE CALL:

Kay Mooney at the Greene County

Extension Office: 724.627.3745

Kay will take your registration and

payment information.

EASY!

Regi strati on

Informati on

5th Annual Western PA Cat t le Feeder ’s Seminar

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

6:00 pm Dinner Served

6:30 pm Welcome and Introductions

Walt Bumgarner, PSU Livestock Educator

6:35 pm “Alternative Feeding Strategies for Your Feedlot”

Dr. Tara Felix, Assistant Professor, Beef Extension Specialist, Penn State University

7:15 pm “Beef Industry Updates”

Ann Nogan, PA Center for Beef Excellence

Courtney Cowden, PA Beef Council/BQA

7:45 pm Short Break

8:00 pm SPECIAL GUEST: Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, Professor of Beef Cattle Nutrition and Management, University of Minnesota

“Choosing Your Corn Crop Endpoint”

Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo is staying over from the Lancaster Cattle Feeders program to speak to us.

Wrap Up

Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Place: Rehoboth Presbyterian Church

442 Rehoboth Church Road

Belle Vernon, PA 15012

Time: 7:00 PM

There is no charge for this event, but registration is required for program materials and refreshments. Please register at: http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/events or by calling Westmoreland County Extension Office: 724-837-1402

Other meetings being held across the state include:

Thursday, February 16, 2017 at

7:00 PM

Venango County Extension

867 Mercer Road

Franklin, PA 16323

Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at 7:00 PM

Lancaster Farm & Home Center, Training Room (014), 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster, PA 17601

Understanding Cattle Genomics

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of

Agriculture.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is

committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants

without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender

identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Photo by: Cheryl Fairbairn, Penn State University

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs

and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of

accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Dustin Heeter

(724.837.1402) in advance of your participation or

visit.

Calf Fed Holstein Beef MeetingEducational programming will focus on the use of Holstein steer

calves raised on high-grain feedlot diets to supply the beef market.

Sponsored By:

Agenda: 9:30 AM Registration

10:00 AM Calf Health

11:00 AM Calf Nutrition

NOON Lunch

1:00 PM Feedlot Nutrition and Implants of Holstein Steers

2:00 PM Economics of Feeding Holsteins from the 2016 Penn State Research Project

2:30 PM Question and Answer

February 23, 2017, 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

To register online go to http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/events or contact Dustin Heeter at 724-837-1402 or ddh7@psu.edu

Westmoreland County Extension Office, Donohoe Center, 214 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601

Lunch will be served and the event is being offered free of charge. pre-registration is requested.

The 2017 Program

Wednesday, February 22, 2017 Dr. Tara Felix, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Penn State University

Feed Efficiency…The Future is now! A look at a trait that really can change the bottom line of feeding cattle.

Cheryl Fairbairn, Livestock Extension Educator, Penn State University

Don’t let calf prices get you down. What buyers want? Exploring and discussing what feedlot operators are looking for from your calves.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Dustin Heeter, Livestock Extension Educator, Penn State University

Understanding all the data a bull sale catalog puts in front of you! EPD’s, Actual, Ultrasound, Genomics, clearing the fog!

Program Direction and Fall workshops We want to keep you informed of what we are working on and what your needs are!

South of Exit 44, off I 70. Next exit west of Rt. 51 exit on

I70 toward Belle Vernon

Also plan on attending -

Understanding Cattle Genomics (SEPARATE FLIER)

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Registration Form $15.00/person/session

(Includes materials & refreshments)

PLEASE REGISTER ON-LINE

AT:

http://extension.psu.edu/beef/events

Or Call Melissa Batsa at:

724-837-1402

Registration Deadline Friday February 17, 2017

NAME(S): ________________________________

ADDRESS: ________________________________

PHONE: __________________________________

EMAIL: __________________________________

COUNTY: ________________________________

Registrations

SESSION # ATTENDING AMOUNT

FEBRUARY 22 _________ _______

MARCH 1 _________ _______ _________ _______

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED ____________

Farm operators & spouses are

encouraged to attend.

Please make your check payable to:

PSCE

Send completed registration form &

check to: Beef Workshop

Westmoreland Extension

Donohoe Center

214 Donohoe Road, Suite E

Greensburg, PA 15601

724-837-1402

The Pennsylvania State University encourages persons with

disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If

you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have

questions about physical access provided, please contact

the Westmoreland County Cooperative Extension 724-837-

1402 in advance of your participation or visit.

This publication is available in alternative media

upon request.

The University is committed to equal access to programs,

facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the

policy of the University to maintain an environment free of

harassment and free of discrimination against any person

because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion,

creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and

federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or

family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions,

physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender

identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory

conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and

relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals,

impedes the realization of the University’s educational

mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding

the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice

Provost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office,

The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building,

University Park, PA 16802-5901, email: kfl2@psu.edu, phone:

814-863-0471.

Thanks to the following

co-sponsors for their

support:

American Breeders

Service

For more information contact:

Westmoreland County Extension

Dustin Heeter, Extension Educator

Livestock Production

724-837-1402

Fayette County Extension

Walt Bumgarner III, Extension Educator

Livestock Production

724-438-0111

2017 Southwest Beef Management Workshop

Series

Wednesday, February 22

Wednesday, March 1

7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Please Bring Your Friends!

Rehoboth Presbyterian

Church

422 Rehoboth Church Rd.

Belle Vernon, PA 15012

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FEATURING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

JIM GERRISH www.americangrazinglands.com

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PRESENTED BY:

Headwaters RC&D Council USDA-Natural Resources Conservation

Service Clearfield County Conservation District Jefferson County Conservation District Penn State Extension Foundation for PA Watersheds PA Grazing Lands Coalition Northwest Community Foundation Dean’s Dairy

Headwaters is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

DIRECTIONS TO TRINITY POINT

CHURCH OF GOD 180 W. Trinity Drive, Clarion, PA 16214

814-226-5329 www.trinitypointchurchofgod.org

From DuBois I-80 West: Take EXIT 62, toward Clarion, turn left onto PA-68W toward Sligo. Drive ½ mile. Turn right onto W. Trinity Drive which leads directly to the church. Behind Tractor Supply.

From Mercer, I-80 East: Take EXIT 62, toward Clarion. Turn right onto PA-68W toward Sligo. Drive ½ mile. Turn right onto W. Trinity Drive which leads directly to the church. Behind Tractor Supply.

There are many nearby hotels available for your stay, such as Park Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Super 8, Quality Inn and

Suites, and Comfort Inn.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017 8:15AM - 4PM

~ NEW LOCATION!!! ~ TRINITY POINT CHURCH OF GOD

CLARION, PA

20TH ANNUAL NORTHWEST

PENNSYLVANIA GRAZING CONFERENCE

CELEBRATING

MILESTONES

See the trade show and merchandise

available for on-site purchases

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AGENDA March 16, 2017

SPEAKERS

Keynote: Jim Gerrish of May, Idaho is a noted author, and owner of American GrazingLands Services, LLC which is dedicated to effectively managing grazing lands for economic and environmental sustainability. Jim’s experience includes over 20 years of beef-

forage systems research and outreach while on the faculty of the University of Missouri, as well as 20 years of commercial cattle and sheep production on their family farm in northern MO. Jim will share his experience on a 260-acre commercial cow/calf and contract grazing operation where he converted a worn out marginal crop farm to a highly productive grass farm. Dave White Enjoyed a 33-year career with NRCS, retiring as Chief of the Agency. He will discuss some of the milestones that forward-thinking graziers and conservation minded farmers have made in protecting our nation’s resources. Aaron & Melissa Miller live in Kinsman, Ohio and are co-owners of Miller Livestock Co., Inc., They have been farming for nearly thirty-five years, and raising grass-fed and pastured livestock for direct-to-market sales since 1999. They will be talking about the economics of grass finishing beef on their farm. Jay Fuhrer is a Conservationist with NRCS in Bismarck, North Dakota. He has been working with cropping systems, grazing systems, and cover crops for the last 35 years. He shares his experience working with farmers in ND to show how integrating livestock, multispecies covers, and using a holistic approach can improve soil health and the farm enterprise. Baxter Black is a rancher and retired large animal veterinarian from Benson, AZ famous for his appearances on RFD-TV reciting his humorous and entertaining ‘cowboy poetry’. He will NOT be at the conference but has graciously agreed to provide a pre-recorded video welcome for our 2017 conference attendees.

REGISTRATION (Register by mail, or online by visiting

www.headwaterspa.org)

The registration fee includes continental breakfast and hot buffet lunch .

Name(s):

1)_____________________________________

2)_____________________________________

3)_____________________________________

4)_____________________________________

Primary Livestock: _______________________

Business: ______________________________

Address: _______________________________

City: _______________________________

State/Zip: ______________________________

Phone: ________________________________

Email: _________________________________

$40.00 registration

due by March 10, 2017.

Number attending: ______ X $40.00

Total Amount Enclosed: $________

Mail registration fee payable to: Headwaters RC&D Council Attn: Brittany Dittemore

109 N. Brady St.—2nd Floor DuBois, PA 15801

Questions? Contact Headwaters RC&D | 814-503-8653 | info@headwaterspa.org |

www.headwaterspa.org

7:45 - 8:20 Registration

8:20 - 8:30 Welcoming Remarks

Baxter Black (video introduction) & Dustin Heeter

8:30 - 9:00 Celebration Thoughts

Dave White

9:00 - 10:00 Getting the Most Out of Your Pastures (Part I)

Jim Gerrish

10:00 - 10:30 Break

Visit our Sponsors and Vendors

10:30 - 11:30 Getting the Most Out of Your Pastures (Part II)

Jim Gerrish

11:30 - 12:15 Lunch

12:15 - 1:15 Economics of Grass-Fed Beef

Aaron and Melissa Miller

1:15 - 1:45 Break

Visit our Sponsors and Vendors

1:45 - 2:55 Are Those Cows In Your Cropland?

Jay Fuhrer

2:55 - 4:00 Why You Should Be Out of the Hay Business

Jim Gerrish

4:00 - 4:30 Speaker/Farmer Panel

Q&A/Evaluations/Closing Remarks /Door Prizes