MANAGING EXTERNAL PARASITES

Transcription

1 Pasture to Market Providing beef cattle industry information for Louisiana cattle producers July August 2018 MANAGING EXTERNAL PARASITES The blood-sucking fly pests of Louisiana beef cattle include the horn fly, stable fly and many species of tabanids. Feeding by these flies not only results in blood loss, but it causes annoyance which alters the normal grazing behavior of cattle. The economic impact of these flies is usually attributed to weight loss or reduced weight gain in growing cattle and expenditures for fly control. The biology of these blood-sucking fly pests varies considerably, and this affects the success of various control methods. By understanding the biology and life cycle of each pest, producers will be better able to devise more effective fly control programs. In most cases, an integrated approach, whereby more than one control method is used, will prove more effective for long-term fly control. When utilizing chemical control measures, always read and follow the pesticide label. Horn Fly Horn flies bite cattle and feed on their blood; they weaken the animal and make it lose weight. The horn fly is about 3/8 inch in length. It is gray and the head of this fly points downward, and the wings are held flat over the back. The females can lay several hundred eggs in their 3-week lifespan. They lay their eggs under the edges of fresh dung pats where they develop in days, depending on the temperature. Adult horn flies have piercing mouthparts and each fly feeds times per day. The bites are painful and will form a wound that mars animal hides. Horn fly populations increase from late spring to early fall; they peak in midsummer. They rest on the withers, back and sides of the cattle, moving to the belly when temperatures exceed 90 degrees F. When flies exceed 250 per side, calves and yearlings will lose significant body weight (4% - 18%). To control and prevent horn fly infestations (Non-Chemical): Drag pastures and spread manure in a thin layer to limit breeding grounds. Rotate pastures to prevent manure build-up. The point at which chemical control measures are economically justified is called the threshold. For horn flies, the threshold is flies per side. Use chemical control once the threshold is reached. Control options include: Ear tags Insecticide-impregnated ear tags are applied to the ears of cattle and release a small amount of insecticide over a long period of time. If used properly, they can be an effective tool for controlling horn flies and may reduce face fly populations. Ear tags can provide about weeks of continuous horn fly control. The active ingredients of ear tags now fall into five broad chemical categories: synthetic pyrethroid, organophosphate, organochlorine (cyclodiene), macrocyclic lactone and mixtures of the synthetic pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. In addition to the active ingredient, several ear tags contain a synergist, such as piperonyl butoxide, that increases insecticide toxicity to the horn fly. Rotate insecticide classes. Pyrethroid tags should be used no more than once every three years. Remove insecticide ear tags when they are no longer effective, when the label recommends removal or in the fall. Periodic application methods sprays, pour-on, self-treatment devices, remote delivery capsule, etc. Use sprays, pour-on, self-treating devices, etc. with a different mode of action than insecticideimpregnated ear tag, and treat only when horn fly populations exceed flies per side. 1

2 Insect Growth Regulators (IGR) and Larvicides Insect growth regulators (IGR) and larvicides prevent horn fly larvae from developing into adults. These are administered to cattle as feed or mineral additives; immature horn flies (maggots) are exposed to these chemicals in the manure of cattle which consumed the product. Some formulations are available ready-to-feed in the form of protein or mineral blocks or tubs, while others will require topdressing or custom blending. The mode of action of IGRs and larvicides differs. IGRs disrupt normal molting and development of immature horn flies (maggots) whereas larvicides are traditional toxins that kill the maggots. Use of IGRs or larvicides is normally initiated just prior to the first appearance of horn flies in the spring and throughout the summer and fall until cold weather restricts fly activity. To be effective, cattle must consume a specified amount, preferably on a daily basis. If consumption is below the specified rate, either increase the number of feeding stations or relocate stations to areas more frequented by cattle. Likewise, if consumption rate is above the specified rate, either decrease the number of feeding stations or relocate stations to areas less frequented by cattle. Diflubenzuron and methoprene are examples of IGRs; tetraclorvinphos is an example of a larvicide. Stable Flies Stable flies are serious pests of pasture cattle. They look like house flies but are smaller (3/16 in.). The stable fly is gray with four black stripes on the back, and the abdomen is checkered in black. The stable fly is a blood feeder, mainly feeding on the front legs of cattle but will attack the sides and belly. Their bites are very painful; cattle will often react by stomping their legs, bunch in a group, or stand in water to avoid being bitten. Unlike horn flies that remain on the animal, stable flies rest on nearby surfaces after feeding. Good sanitation practices are key to effective control. Stable flies congregate near confined animals and breed in mixtures of urine, manure and decaying litter. Larvae (maggots) develop in straw bedding, wet hay, and manure accumulations. Eggs develop into adult flies in 3 to 4 weeks; adults can live for 3 weeks. Economic threshold for treatment is reached when concentrations reach 5 flies per leg; however this threshold is often exceeded in Louisiana pastures. Larvacides, pour-on and insecticide-impregnated ear tags provide good control. IGR developed specifically for horn flies do not affect stable fly larvae due to the fact that stable fly larvae do not grow in manure. Sprays have limited effectiveness due to the short amount of time spent on the animal (2-5 minutes) and the location (legs and belly). No spray products have a long enough residual to be effective when sprayed directly onto the animal. Without direct contact mortality is low. Multiple applications may be required. Horse Flies and Deer Flies The term horse fly is actually a collective common name that includes a multitude of species that belong to an even broader group of flies referred to as tabanids. Deer flies are also tabanids. All tabanids have certain characteristics in common, but these flies vary in appearance and size, ranging from about 1/4 inch to 1 3/8 inches in length. Tabanids are blood-sucking flies that have broad, flat, blade-like mouthparts which inflict a large, deep and painful wound. Adult female flies require a blood meal to support egg development, but the remainder of the life cycle is independent of livestock. After feeding, female flies lay from 100 to 1,000 eggs in layered masses on vegetation which usually overhangs some source of water. The eggs hatch in five to seven days. The larvae develop rapidly in warm weather and then leave the water to pupate in drier soil. Adult flies will usually emerge one to three weeks later. Tabanids and deer flies are perhaps the most challenging livestock pests to control, primarily because of their life cycle. First, most of the life cycle is independent of livestock. The adult female fly is the only link in the life cycle which requires livestock or some other host. But even so, female flies spend only about four minutes feeding on cattle. Therefore, population reduction is very difficult. Some degree of repellency may be obtained from frequent treatment of a spray mixture of pyrethins & piperonyl butoxide. Use of this mixture may benefit small herd owners in areas of heavy local infestation. 2

3 Mosquitoes Mosquitoes are blood-sucking insects that irritate and stress cattle, thus reducing feed intake. In extreme cases, heavy infestations can result in death through suffocation or heavy blood loss. All mosquitoes require some source of water for the immature stages to develop. Females lay their eggs in water or in places that will eventually be flooded. Once eggs are in contact with water, the life cycle from egg to adult requires about one to two weeks. Only the adult females of most species suck blood. Massive numbers of mosquitoes can build quickly in south Louisiana under certain environmental conditions. Several species of floodwater mosquitoes can develop huge populations when heavy rainfall follows an extended drought. Large numbers of eggs are laid in dry areas, but they remain dormant until activated by rain and rising water. Solitary cattle such as bulls are always the most susceptible to massive mosquito attack. Cattle herds can partially defend themselves by bunching together and lying in mud. If mosquitoes are a serious problem to livestock in your area, control measures should be implemented. The most effective control method available is source reduction by removing or draining mosquito breeding sites. Daily fogging for adult mosquitoes may provide relief, but only as a temporary control measure. Black Flies or Buffalo Gnats Black flies or buffalo gnats are tiny (1/25 to 1/5 inch in length), dark, stout-bodied flies with a humpbacked appearance. The females are biting flies that require a blood meal to produce and lay eggs. Black flies and buffalo gnats are sporadic, localized pests in Louisiana, but they can be quite damaging when massive outbreaks occur. Eggs are laid in or on the edge of flowing water and the larvae feed on small aquatic life. Adult flies emerge from the water and mate shortly afterward. These flies are vicious biters and can transmit certain diseases. They are most dangerous when explosive outbreaks occur along river basins and streams. Heavy, relentless infestations can kill livestock in a matter of hours. Death is the result of acute toxemia, shock, heavy blood loss or suffocation from inhaling large number of flies. Management practices include the use of smoky fires to repel flies and moving cattle away from the aquatic sources. References: Baldwin, J. L., Foil, L. D., Hogsette, J. A. (2005). Important Fly Pests of Louisiana Beef Cattle Swiger, S. L. (2012). Managing External Parasites of Texas Cattle Prepared by: Jason E. Holmes County Agent Regional Livestock Specialist LSU AgCenter 3

4 Management of Armyworms in Pastures And Hay Meadows Life Cycle timing: NOTE Development rate is faster at higher temperatures (90 degrees and up)! Adult (moth) Ash-gray with a wingspan of about 1½ inches. Will have a white spot in center of each forewing. 10 to 14 days to complete this part of lifecycle and will lay between 1,000 and 2,000 eggs in that period. Eggs Laid in masses of up to 50 eggs on light-colored surfaces such as wide blade grasses, tree trunks, tree limbs and farm structures (i.e., fence posts, fence railings, buildings). Eggs are covered with the grey scales from the moth s body, giving the egg mass a fuzzy appearance. Hatch within 2 to 5 days. Larvae (caterpillars) When fully grown, larvae may be up to 1½ inches long and vary in color from light green to almost black. 10 to 22 days to complete this part of lifecycle. Shorter during hotter periods and longer during cooler periods. Pupae Fully grown larvae burrow into the soil and form pupae. Moth will emerge in about 10 days in the heat of summer. Scouting: The best way to avoid losing a cutting of hay to armyworms is to visit fields every three or four days and scout. In the early morning or late afternoon get out of the vehicle, get down on your hands and knees, and look closely! Scout for armyworms by vigorously ruffling the grass and carefully counting the larvae that fall to the ground in a onesquare-foot area. Do this at several locations in the field and average your results. Treatment is recommended when counts exceed three caterpillars that are one-half inch or longer per square foot. Experienced forage producers learn to recognize the early signs of fall armyworm feeding. Newly hatched caterpillars are too small to feed all the way through a leaf blade. They begin by feeding on the underside of the leaf but leave the clear upper epidermis intact. This creates tiny windowpanes in the grass blades that appear silver or white. When large numbers of small larvae are just beginning to damage a field, the grass often has a subtle frosted appearance because of these windowpanes. Use randomly placed light colored flags across the field to provide an attractable place for females to lay eggs. When large numbers of egg masses begin to show up on the flags, get ready to spray in 2 to 4 days. Don t depend solely on watching for egrets or other birds feeding in a field as an indicator of armyworm problems. If you see birds in a field, you definitely want to check out what they are feeding on, but do not use this as your only way to scout. This sign often comes too late to avoid damage because the birds do not show up until the caterpillars are big enough to attract their attention. Typical adult female fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). Photograph by Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida. 4

5 Insecticidal Control: There are numerous insecticides that can be used for controlling fall armyworm caterpillars in perennial grass forages. It is important to read the directions for use (the label) of an insecticide carefully to make sure that the product can be applied to a particular type of forage. The label also contains information on how to mix and apply the product for maximum efficacy. In general, use higher rates of insecticides (and higher volumes of water 20+ GPA) when the grass is thick, when armyworm populations are high, when caterpillars are large, and to get the longest residual effect. Some insecticides will kill only smaller caterpillars, so check the comments about each insecticide. Pay close attention to the number of times a particular insecticide can be applied per hay cutting and per season. Within a season, rotate between different modes of action, if possible. The following generalizations may help you match your circumstances to the right insecticide. Insecticides with the shortest interval between last application and when a pasture can be grazed (grazing interval in parentheses): beta-cyfluthrin (0), cyfluthrin (0), chlorantraniliprole (0), diflubenzuron (0), gamma-chylothrin (0), lambdacyhalothrin (0), methoxyfenozide (0), spinosad (0), and zeta-cypermethrin (0). On the other extreme, carbaryl (Sevin) has a 14-day grazing and harvest restriction. Insecticides with the shortest interval between the time of application and harvest (preharvest interval): beta-cyfluthrin (0), cyfluthrin (0), chlorantraniliprole (0), zeta-cypermethrin (0), diflubenzuron (1), methomyl (3), and spinosad (3). Insecticides with the longest residual: methoxyfenozide, diflubenzuron, and chlorantraniliprole. Insecticides with longer residuals help in outbreak years when generations of fall armyworms overlap, resulting in almost continuous egg laying. Caterpillars sprayed with methoxyfenozide or chlorantraniliprole quickly stop eating, become paralyzed, and then die within a few days. Caterpillars sprayed with diflubenzuron do NOT stop eating until the next time they molt. That is why it is essential that diflubenzuron be applied when the fall armyworm caterpillars are ½ inch long or less, well before they get to their last molt. Remember that about 80 percent of the total feeding is done after the last molt, in the last four days of the caterpillar stage. Insecticides that do not require a pesticide applicators license: carbaryl, chlorantraniliprole, methoxyfenozide, and spinosad. REMEMBER: THE LABEL IS THE LAW! Always read the pesticide label before using. Tips for Application of Insecticides Scout, Scout, Scout. Closely look at hay fields every 3 to 4 days. Find the caterpillars when they are small so you can save money by using a lower rate of the insecticide. If populations meet or exceed thresholds, apply insecticides ASAP. Apply insecticides early or late in the day because the caterpillars are more active at these times. Use as large a spray volume as you can (20+ gallons per acre if possible). Never apply the insecticide in less water than is recommended on the label. Stop the advance of caterpillars marching into a field by applying several swaths of the insecticide on either side of the front line. Egg mass of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith). Photograph by James Castner, University of Florida. 5

6 Cattle on feed hints at beef production in late 2018 The June 1 cattle on feed report showed a feedlot inventory of million head of cattle in feedlots of more than 1,000 head capacity. This is the largest June 1 feedlot inventory in the data series that began in It is the eighteenth straight month of year over year increases and, in fact, feedlot inventories have been increasing year over year for 26 of the last 28 months. Using a twelve month moving average of feedlot inventories (which removes seasonality and allows month to month comparisons of feedlot totals) shows that the current monthly average feedlot inventory is the highest since November, The on-feed total for June 1 was percent of last year. The rapid buildup in feedlot inventories last fall and early 2018 peaked in March compared to last year with a feedlot inventory percent of one year earlier. As was noted at the time, early placements fueled by poor winter pasture conditions doesn t change to overall number of cattle and is offset later with smaller placements. May placements were just fractionally higher than last year and followed two months of year over year decreases. May placements were higher than average analyst expectation but not out of the range of guesses. Longer term, cattle numbers are still increasing and a general trend of growing feedlot inventories is expected for several more months at least. Placement patterns the last few months have impacted the timing of feedlot production and the fed cattle market has been struggling a bit under the weight of bunched fed cattle supplies in the second quarter. May marketings were percent of last year, in line with pre-report expectations. Annualized monthly average feedlot marketings began increasing in late 2015, following the herd expansion that began in Current twelve month monthly average feedlot marketings are at the highest level since November, Increased feedlot marketings translate into increased cattle slaughter and increased beef production Increased beef production in the second half of the year will depend on the how much cattle slaughter increases and on how much carcass weights rebound from last year s decline. At the current time, annual beef production is projected to be up percent year over year. May feedlot placements included a 9.8 percent year over year increase in placements under 700 pounds, likely augmented by poor summer grazing conditions in some areas that likely deflected some cattle into feedlots. At the same time, placements of cattle over 700 pounds were down 4.6 percent from last year. This suggests that feedlot cattle supplies will tighten relatively in the third quarter. Fed cattle prices are expected to be lower year over year in the second half of the year but the timing of fed cattle marketings will reduce the price pressure relative to the second quarter. Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist 6

7 First Detection of Longhorned Tick in Arkansas LITTLE ROCK, ARK. On Tuesday, June 5, 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed the presence of the Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) in Arkansas. The confirmed Longhorned tick came from a dog in Benton County and was submitted through a research project at Oklahoma State University. NVSL was able to confirm the Longhorned tick through a photograph and via molecular typing. Epidemiological investigation and further evaluation of this case is ongoing in cooperation with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Longhorned tick is an exotic East Asian tick associated with bacterial and viral tickborne diseases of animals and humans in other parts of the world. This tick is considered by USDA to be a serious threat to livestock because heavy tick infestations may cause stunted growth, decreased production and animal deaths. In other countries, the Longhorned tick has been implicated in causing disease in humans, including severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. Like deer-ticks, the nymphs of the Longhorned tick are very small (resembling tiny spiders) and can easily go unnoticed on animals and people. This tick is known to infest a wide range of species and has the potential to infect multiple North American wildlife species, humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. In November of 2017, USDA APHIS first identified the Longhorned tick in New Jersey. This was the first confirmed presence in the United States. The Longhorned tick was subsequently found in Virginia and West Virginia. There are no known direct links between the cases in Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia, or New Jersey. The Agriculture Department s Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission is working with the Arkansas Department of Health, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, USDA APHIS Veterinary Services, Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association, and Arkansas Cattlemen s Association to increase outreach activities, educate veterinary practitioners and encourage tick submissions for additional surveillance. Learn more about the Longhorned tick, here. Livestock producers, animal owners and veterinarians should notify the Arkansas Agriculture Department or USDA APHIS if they notice any unusual ticks, or ticks that occur in large numbers on an individual animal, says State Veterinarian Dr. Brandon Doss. We encourage livestock producers to work with their veterinarians to develop a tick prevention and control program. Adriane Barnes, (501) , Adriane.barnes@agriculture.arkansas.gov Northeast Louisiana Beef & Forage Field Day - In its 6th year, the LSU AgCenter will be hosting a beef & forage field day at Goldmine Plantation in south Richland Parish on Thursday, September 20, We ve got an excellent program with planned topics including: Safe Deworming & Vaccination Practices for Bred Cows Selection & Management of Clovers in Pastures Pasture Weed Control Managing Nutrition in the Fall Forage Transition Marketing Strategies The program will run from 9:00 a.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m.) until noon with lunch being provided. For more information contact Jim McCann at , Keith Collins at , Jason Holmes at , or Wink Alison at Directions to Goldmine Plantation from: Winnsboro Take Hwy 618 (Lone Cedar Rd) 6 miles and veer right (north) on Hwy 135, then 1.6 miles to Goldmine Mangham From Hwy 15/ US 425 take Hwy 132 west 5.7 miles, turn left (south) on Hwy 135 then 8.5 miles to Goldmine. Monroe Take Hwy 15 east to Alto, turn right (south) at Alto on Hwy 135. Then 11.2 miles to Goldmine. 7

8 USDA SURVEYING CATTLE OPERATIONS Baton Rouge, Louisiana In July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will survey over 150 cattle operations statewide to provide an up-to-date measure of the United States cattle inventory. This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions and plan for herd expansion or reduction. It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export, said Louisiana State Statistician, Kathy Broussard. Obtaining the current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agriculture industry. During the first two weeks of July, Louisiana producers will have the opportunity to report their beef and dairy cattle inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed information. To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the Internet, telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative. The July Cattle report will be released on July 20, 2018 at 3:00 pm ET. This and all NASS reports are available online at For more information, call the NASS Delta Regional Office at (800) Strong Calf Market The first summer video auctions kicked off last week, with mostly northern calves for fall delivery selling. For the most part, steer calves weighing from 550 to 650 pounds brought from the mid-$160 s to the mid-$180 s. Heifer mates were in large part, $15 to $20/cwt back of the steers. Sales included both weaned and unweaned calves. Prices exceeded expectations with where deferred feeder cattle and live cattle futures are currently trading. The largest majority of calves out of this region are destined for either California winter grazing, or a grow ration to enter into feedyards in Colorado, Nebraska or the Corn Belt. Farmer/feeder demand is high as current corn futures values leave a lot to be desired, and they would rather market the crop through cattle than outright sell the grain, as well as receive the added benefit from the fertilizer. It s always difficult to assess exactly how calves will be handled, what the various costs of gain will be, how heavy cattle feeders will make them, etc., etc. However, what is known is the recent spring calf crop will be harvested about a year from now. June and August 2019 live cattle futures are currently sitting in the $107 to $110/cwt area, while conservative breakeven figures on recent calves purchased are likely in the $115 to $120 range. Cattle feeders have been profitable or able to hold the money together the majority of the time since late Even so, have recently entered into a turn of cattle that are losing money. One reason they ve stayed profitable is the strong basis pattern the futures market has allowed them to buy on, where the futures have been discount to the cash and the strong basis allowed for profit. It appears cattle feeders are still counting on a strong basis environment going forward, or are willing to bet on the come of the market. Even though calf prices never weakened last year moving from summer into fall, it was unusual and untypical. CattleFax expects seasonal weakness to occur. There is risk to calf values going forward. Calf sellers will undoubtedly benefit from the strong profits incurred by all segments in 2017, yet cattle feeding losses are expected to mount moving into the fall and will dampen overall market psychology. Bottom Line: Early calf sellers are benefiting from the wave of recent profitability from calf users. This is changing and profits are likely going to be more difficult to achieve. Forward contracting calves is expected to generate more dollars per head. Troy Applehans, Market Specialist, CattleFax 8

9 July - August Beef Cattle Management Tips: Below are some all-purpose management tips in an abbreviated format that cattle producers should consider for the months indicated. General management tips are intended to fit all situations while the spring calving - January, February, March and fall calving - October, November, December tips are for those specific calving programs. Some producers are likely aware of each tip and have incorporated many into their management programs. Other producers may find these tips to be suggestions to consider in their future management. Regardless, every producer will have to consider how a specific tip might be adapted to fit their individual situation, and some modification of the times provided will be expected. Severe environmental conditions will also dictate some modification of the tips depending on the severity in each location. A more detailed description of management opportunities can be found in numerous AgCenter publications available in the local parish extension office or on the web. Additional scheduling and management details in a worksheet format are available on-line from the LSU AgCenter in the Monthly Beef Cattle Management Calendar & Workbook at: Month Management Tip July general 1. Continue fly control. Watch fly numbers; as fly tags get old, you may need to begin spraying or using back rubs. 2. Clip overgrown pastures. 3. Check for pinkeye, cancer eye and foot rot. 4. Send in forage samples on hay now so you will have results to use in planning winter feeding. 5. Check water and minerals often. Plenty of clean, clear water is critical in summer. At 90 degrees F, a mature cow nursing a calf drinks about 17 gallons of water a day. spring calving 1. Consider creep feeding, depending on pasture conditions and marketing plans. 2. Pregnancy check cows days after the end of the breeding season. 3. Pregnancy check heifers days after the end of the breeding season. 4. Sell open heifers now. 5. Brand or otherwise establish permanent IDs for bred heifers. fall calving 1. Wean calves depending on pasture conditions and marketing plans. 2. Wean replacement heifers and seperate from the rest of the herd. Weigh heifers to project needed gain between now and breeding (in December). 3. Deworm calves at weaning. 4. Deworm cows if needed. 5. Cull open and poor producing cows after weaning. August general 1. Continue fly control. As fly tags get old, you may need to begin spraying or using back rubs. table continued on next page 2. Evaluate winter grazing needs. Check on supply and prices for winter annual seed. 3. Check water and minerals often. 4. Stockpile bermudagrass for late fall grazing. 5. Get round bales into the barn or move to dry, well-drained areas. 9

10 table continued from previous page Month Management Tip August spring calving 1. Pregnancy check cows. It s a good time to deworm while cows are up. 2. Check cows for bad eyes, udders, feet and legs, and production records to determine cows that need to be added to the cull list. 3. Replacement heifers should be calf-hood vaccinated for brucellosis at 4-8 months of age. 4. To precondition calves, vaccinate for respiratory diseases (IBR, Piᵌ, BVD) 45 days prior to shipment. fall calving 1. Replacement heifers should be 8-10 months old now. Forage quality declines rapidly from now to frost. Keep an eye on heifer gains and supply supplemental feed as needed. 2. Check cow condition. Cows should be in moderately good condition prior to calving. Week of Week of Week of Data Source: USDA-AMS Market News 6/29/2018 6/22/2018 6/30/ Area Fed Steer Boxed Beef all grades, live weight, $/cwt $ $ $ all grades, dressed weight, $/cwt $ $ $ Choice Price, lb., $/cwt $ $ $ Choice-Select Spread, $/cwt $ $ $ Mississippi statewide market average, M&L #1-2, $/cwt $ $ $ lb. Missouri statewide market average, M&L #1, $/cwt $ $ $ Feeder Steer Price Oklahoma City market average, M&L #1, $/cwt $ $ $ Feed Grains Corn, Kansas City, $/bu $ 3.50 $ 3.54 $ 3.43 Corn, Pine Bluff, AR, $/bu $ 3.56 $ 3.55 $ 3.45 DDGS, Eastern Corn Belt, $/ton $ $ $ Soybean Meal, Rail, Central IL, $/ton $ $ $ Cottonseed Meal, Memphis, $/ton $ $ $ Whole Cottonseed, Memphis, $/ton $ $ $ If you received this newsletter via you will continue to receive it unless you unsubscribe. To unsubscribe from or subscribe to this bi-monthly ed newsletter, send an to the address below with subscribe or unsubscribe in the subject line. July August 2018 Jason E. Holmes Regional Livestock Specialist County Agent LSU AgCenter Union Parish (office) /