K-State Ag Today: Farmers struggle to absorb rising cost of feed
5 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Soaring grain, oilseed and land prices bolstered some rural Americans' incomes over the past year, but not livestock producers.
K-State Research and Extension livestock marketing economist Jim Mintert says feed is the largest single cost item for livestock and poultry production, accounting for 60 to 70 percent of the total cost in most years.
So far, the rising costs of production have largely been absorbed by livestock producers, but Mintert says that can't continue indefinitely. Ultimately, he says higher prices throughout the marketing chain will be required to offset the large increase in production costs.
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Above average moisture this spring and summer has caused fly issues for many cattle producers across Kansas.
The fly lifecycle includes four distinct stages: egg, larvae, pupae and adult.
K-State Research and Extension dairy specialist Mike Brouk says producers often concentrate their efforts on disrupting only the adult stage. But because flies are literally hatching every minute, he says it's also important to control flies during the larvae and pupae stage.
To start, clean up the farm. Spoiled silage, old hay, spilled feed, dirty bedding, standing water, long grass and weeds all attract flies. If you find larvae in these areas, clean it up and Brouk says you'll have better fly control.
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