by Terri Queck-Matzie

Reporting GHG made easier through livestock associations

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued its final ruling requiring livestock operations that emit 25,000 tons of more of greenhouse gasses (GHG) per year from their manure management systems to report those emissions as part of a mandatory GHG registry. Greenhouse gasses include methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association estimates this will affect beef cattle operations with 29,300 or more head of cattle, or around 150-180 cattle operations nationwide.

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by Heather Smith Thomas

Sexed Semen Research

The University of Idaho’s Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center (NMCREEC), Salmon, Idaho, has done a 2-year study on use of sexed semen in beef cattle. Heifer calves produced will be utilized as replacements for the NMCREEC herd. Ranch superintendent Dr. John Hall says the original herd represented many breeds, and the Center is now trying to create more uniformity and have a black baldy cow base.

Stocking Rates and Grazing Systems

During the 21st Range Beef Cow Symposium in Casper, Wyo., Justin Derner, shared results from the longest-known grazing system and stocking rate study in North America. The study was conducted from 1982 through 2006 at the High Plains Grasslands Research Station near Cheyenne, Wyo.

A rangeland scientist with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Cheyenne, Wyo., Derner reported results from the final 16 years of the study, comparing season-long and short-duration rotational grazing at moderate and heavy stocking rates and their effects on yearling beef weight gains and vegetation production.

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