The drought monitor, as of Tuesday, May 4th, indicated worsening except in the eastern third of the state. The western two-thirds continues to deteriorate with 40% in severe drought and almost 6% is in extreme drought. Below the Arkansas River, Barton county is now in extreme drought along with areas just to the east in Rice and Reno Counties. None of any recent rainfall is included. The six to ten day forecast (May 11 to 15) indicates a 50 to 70% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and near normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day forecast indicates (May 13 to May 19) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of likely above normal temperatures and slightly above to near normal for precipitation.
Even though the Barton County area is agricultural and people hear many terms and job titles, many have no idea what these careers really entail and what training/education is needed to be successful. Today, what exactly is a career in Beef Cattle Production?
路 When most people think of beef cattle production, they think of feed yards. However, it is so much more. This area includes cow-calf and stocker operation, backgrounding and finishing beef, often at feed yards. At all levels, to be successful whether as producer or employee, it requires knowledge of nutrition, diseases, physiology, and safe handling while minimizing stress. If you are a rancher or involved in cow-calf operations, it鈥檚 beneficial to have a basic understanding of the economics of production. Understanding includes input costs as well as marketing is essential for profitability, even when times are good.
路 Kansas is one of the top beef producing states in the nation and also a feedlot, and processing center. While the major area for feedlots is in Western Kansas, especially Southwest Kansas, cow-calf and stocker operations are located throughout the state.
路 Aside from the previous bullet point, other skills and knowledge are useful. Many positions benefit from a Class A CDL along with a working knowledge of farm machinery and equipment. It鈥檚 also beneficial to obtain Beef Quality Assurance Certification. And since many of our beef cattle spend the majority of their lives on perennial or annual pasture, having a basic understanding of the plants involved; their growth habits, nutritional quality, and proper grazing management.
路 As in many areas, there is a shortage of qualified people at all levels of beef cattle production and for those servicing the industry. And it鈥檚 continuing to grow worse.