AG Newsletter. The McCracken County. Beef-February Dear ANR Agents,

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1 Beef-February 2018 The McCracken County AG Newsletter Cooperative Extension Service McCracken County 2025 New Holt Road Paducah, KY (270) Fax: (270) extension.ca.uky.edu Dear ANR Agents, Just a reminder that when you or your farmers send samples to the KDA Forage Testing Lab, please make sure that the samples are accompanied by payment for the testing. Any samples run through the lab in Frankfort require payment up front. Many thanks, Tom Keene, Agronomy Specialist/University of Kentucky N-222B Ag Science Center North Lexington, KY Dear Agents, (NOTE to Newsletter audience: this info on recommendations by Dr Lehmkuler is inside Kathryn Wimberley, McCracken CES) As you recall in December I ed you the new UK IRM Beef mineral specifications which reduced the Vitamin A levels. In a few conversations recently as well as input from one of the local mineral manufacturers, the cost of Vitamin A & E is rising dramatically and quickly. As an example, the 150,000 IU/lb Vitamin A level was quoted in December to cost $5.29/50 lb bag. Considering that farmers were only paying about $15/50 lb through the Farm Bureau discount last spring, you can see how dramatic of an increase this is. I heard from another producer last week that for a mineral containing 100,000 IU/lb of vitamin A the cost $5.80/bag and the cost was increasing weekly. Slides inside page 5 & 6-KW. I have attached a few background slides that I am using in meetings to explain why mineral cost is increasing. Additionally, I have included a table showing recent research from Ohio State on vitamin A equivalents from varying feedstuffs. In the past due to large variations in feeds being fed, feed quality, etc most nutritionists formulated diets to provide nearly 100% of the recommended requirement from supplemental vitamin sources. Today, I am still suggesting that we follow the recommended vitamin levels, but I am advocating we consider the other diet components contributions to vitamin intake. As an example, the 3 rd and 4 th slides attempt to illustrate when and how one could lower the supplemental vitamin A offered. For example, the mature cow could be getting ~ 40,000 IU of vitamin A equivalents from the hay if it is good quality, hadn t had excessive exposure to sunlight, etc This may not be 100% clear, but look through this a bit and send me questions and I ll try to address them. Thanks, Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD Extension Beef Cattle Specialist/ Animal & Food Sciences/ University of Kentucky 810 W.P. Garrigus Bldg Lexington, KY

2 Remember Safety with Standby Generators on the Farm Sources: Doug Overhults, UK extension professor in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; National Fire Protection Association, American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Standby generators provide emergency electrical power during disruptions caused by winter storms and other disasters. However, you need to take some special precautions to ensure safe, efficient operation of these generators. Purchase a generator that will supply more than what you need, so you don t blow a fuse or damage the equipment you plan to attach to the generator. You ll find power information on the labels of appliances, lighting and other equipment. The wattage on a light bulb indicates the amount of power it needs. The main hazards of using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. There are some precautions you can take to make sure you don t have a mishap. Use a double-throw type transfer switch if you re connecting a standby generator directly to an existing electrical wiring system to provide power for a home, farm or small business. A double-throw switch allows you to place the switch into two different positions. One position feeds normal power from the utility line to the load, such as the household or building circuit, just like the power flows under normal circumstances. In the other position, it disconnects the utility line and feeds power from the standby generator to the household or building circuit. Remember, anytime a standby generator is wired or directly connected into a household or building wiring system, a transfer switch must be used for the connection. A double-throw type transfer switch is required by the National Electric Code and by electric utility companies for two very good reasons. First, it prevents power backflow from the standby generator through the utility power line. This prevents possible electrocution of utility linemen working to restore service to the power lines. Second, it prevents damage to the standby generator when electrical service is restored; otherwise, the generator could be damaged extensively when power is re-established. You won t need to use a double-throw type transfer switch if you re plugging individual appliances like a refrigerator, freezer, sump pump or power tools directly into a small portable generator. These are some more safety considerations to remember when using standby generators: Ground the generator using No. 6 copper wire and an 8-foot ground rod that is properly bonded to the electrical grounding system. To avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, never operate a standby generator in a basement or other enclosed area or near windows or doors that may lead into living spaces. Use battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors, and if you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get fresh air right away. Use extreme caution when operating the generator in wet conditions. Use only approved containers to store fuel. Never refill fuel when the generator is running or while the engine is hot; always allow ample time for it to cool down first. Do not shut off the generator under load. For more information on transfer switches and other necessary measures for safe installation and use of standby generators, contact your local electric utility company or a qualified electrician. The McCracken County Cooperative Extension Service also has information on safety practices around the home, farm and business.

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