2 Broadcaster Press November 22, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com Wildlife and the Bottom Line BROOKINGS, S.D. - In tough market conditions, it can be tempting for crop and livestock producers to try to squeeze just a bit more production out of the land. However, according to Jimmy Doyle, SDSU Extension Natural Resource Management Field Specialist, these incremental increases in production often come at the cost of increasingly expensive inputs and may jeopardize the longterm health of your natural resources. "I encourage agriculture producers to use the current conditions as an opportunity to prioritize wildlife and habitat conservation and be creative about how these often untapped resources can be used to provide additional income during the lean years," suggested Doyle. Hunting Ventures & Additional Income Doyle said hunting is an obvious starting point when considering how to earn additional income from natural resources. Beyond that initial point, he said it quickly becomes complicated. "Hunting ventures, like any other enterprise, exist on a wide spectrum of inputs and profitability," Doyle explained. "The potential for profit varies widely with how much labor, infrastructure and marketing effort you are willing to commit." Some of the options Doyle outlined below (generally in order of low to high input/income) include: •Public access leases - administered through programs such as Game, Fish and Parks' Walk-In Area program. These require very little input on the part of the landowner. •Private leases - may lease hunting rights to individuals, groups of individuals, or to outfitters to guide hunters. •Self-guided/semi-guided hunts - may offer services such as maps and tour of the property, hunting locations, lodging and meals. •Fully guided hunts - offers an expanded level of service, room and board may also be offered. This requires the highest level of investment in terms of infrastructure, labor, and marketing. "As with any other enterprise, producers should take stock of their current resources to identify potential strengths and weaknesses for a hunting enterprise," said Doyle. He begins with a short list of questions: 1.What wildlife species are present? 2.What are the limiting resources for your focal species of wildlife, and how will you address those? 3.How would a hunting operation fit in with your current production cycle and labor demands? 4. Do you have a spare house on the property that could be used for lodging, or do you need to build a million-dollar lodge? 5.Will this be a side enterprise or do you expect to turn this into a focal point of your operation? "Addressing these types of questions can help you decide on the best way to proceed with a wildlife based enterprise on your farm or ranch," he said. Like anything else in agriculture, Doyle said producers aren't likely to find a quick buck in hunting. "But it can help provide additional income and a buffer against volatile commodity markets," he said. "This may require a shift in management, but the end result may be increased wildlife populations for South Dakotans, productive working lands, and economically viable farms and ranches." For more information on how conservation can benefit your bottom line, contact Doyle by email or contact your local South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or other conservation organizations. - See more at: http://igrow.org/news/wildlife-and-the-bottom-line/#sthash.KxCRSIu8.dpuf Wintering Calves Headed to Spring Pastures BROOKINGS, S.D. - After weaning, not every calf should be managed the same. "Putting the right cattle into the right program greatly increases the chances of success," said Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate. "Replacement heifers and calves that will spend next summer grazing as yearlings will be managed quite differently than calves going on either a fast-track backgrounding or calf-fed finishing program." For replacement heifers and calves destined to spend summer 2017 grazing, Rusche said maximum performance is not the goal, but instead a balance between reducing overall wintering costs without compromising future productivity. "Getting calves too fleshy during the winter results in reduced summer gains in yearlings and negative effects on lifetime productivity in replacement heifers," he explained. Rusche added that cattle producers need to be careful not to reduce inputs too much, because this can result in lower pregnancy rates in replacement heifers and reduced marbling potential in growing cattle. For best results, Rusche urges cattle producers to aim for performance targets between 1.5 and 2 pounds per day. "This should avoid negative outcomes in most cases," he said. The right feed- ing program Frame size can help cattle producers decide what type of feeding program they should pursue. A longyearling program, Rusche explained allows the smallerframed, lighter calves time to add frame before going on a finishing diet, resulting in increased hot carcass weights without negatively affecting marbling. On the other hand, feeding larger framed, higher performing cattle diets that restrict their growth potential will depress marbling. "A downside of feeding calves to gain at a relatively slow average daily gain (ADG) is that the total cost of gain-per-pound will almost always be more expensive compared to programs targeting greater performance," Rusche said. Feed costs to meet the calf's maintenance requirements as well as all fixed yardage expenses have to be borne by fewer pounds of gain. "These programs should focus on reducing costs-per-day for the winter with the objective of achieving cheaper gains during the grazing period," he said. "Owning the calves all the way to the end of the grazing period maximizes the opportunities to recapture any performance lost during the winter." Winter grazing Utilizing winter grazing resources when feasible is one strategy to reduce the total costs of a wintering program. "Research from SDSU has L’Nora Bylander celebrates her this month. Or join us for cake and coffee at the Centerville Care Center 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 26 WJ Ranch 15th Annual Cowboy Christmas (7 mi. south of Yankton, SD just off Hwy. 81) ids! Hey Katurday S e See M1-3pm Sat. & Sun., Nov. 26 & 27 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Both Days •Horse Rides Begin at 1pm Daily •Trick Roping Shows •Crafts For Kids •Model T/Hayrack Rides •Family Activities •Refreshments Clothing, Primitives, Jewelry, Western Decor, Florals, Metal, Wood, Fabric, Christmas Decor, Food Gifts & Much More! NO ADMISSION CHARGE! See www.schiferlswjranch.com Stories you missed this week because you’re not a Plain Talk subscriber Full editorial and photo coverage of the Vermillion community’s Veterans Day ceremony, held Nov. 11 in the Vermillion High School gymnasium. Have 403(b) Financial Curt Robinson Advisor . Financial 23 Market Street Advisor Patrick M Higgins Financial Advisor 605-624-2028 www.edwardjones.com 23 Market Street Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2028 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC THANK YOU! It has been an honor serving as Clay County’s State’s Attorney. Thank you for your support and kind words. Congratulations and best wishes to Alexis. ~ Teddi Gertsma Did you know that Vermillion’s very first fire truck now has a new home? You would if you read the Nov. 18 issue of the Plain Talk. What is the most rewarding part of being a children’s book author? Read all about it in the Nov. 18 Plain Talk. And if you want to see: Coverage of the Vermillion High School 13th annual Fall Show, scheduled Nov. 18 and 19. During Saturday night’s performance, the VHS auditorium will be dedicated as the Thomas H. Craig Center for Performing Arts. A story about a unique idea being pursued by the Vermillion Fire/EMS Department to save money while updating the department’s ambulance fleet. Complete coverage of the Nov. 21 Vermillion City Council meeting. Read the Plain Talk to keep informed about local government issues. Pick up this Friday’s Plain Talk! Local news since 1884! Here for you yesterday, today and tomorrow. 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2695 97 Invest in your questions? Let’s talk. retirement. Curt Robinson Vermillion, SD 57069 23 Market Street 605-624-2028 Vermillion, SD 57069 www.edwardjones.com Paid for by Teddi Gertsma Thanksgiving…. is a perfect time to show love and gratitude to family and friends, old & new…. Happy Thanksgiving Jensen Auto Body 301 W. Main, Vermillion • 605-624-2481 3 YEARS OF DELIVERING AS PROMISED. - See more at: http://igrow.org/news/wintering-calvesheaded-to-spring-pastures/#sthash.mWVnTouQ.dpuf Cottonwood Fire, a Reminder about Fire Safety 97th birthday Send a card to her at 500 Vermillion St., Centerville, SD 57014 demonstrated that grazing replacement heifers offers clear benefits in lifetime cow productivity," Rusche said. If grazing resources are available and the weather permits, grazing lower-quality roughage combined with supplemental protein can reduce total cost of production. A downside of these growing programs, which Rusche pointed out, is that producers can be exposed to more risk because of a longer ownership period. "Owning cattle longer means more time to see falling cattle price, and more opportunities for cattle to get sick or die," he said. "Sound preventative health programs and risk management plans are vitally important to avoid dramatic impacts on a ranch's financial position." Changing weather conditions can also wreak havoc on marketing or production plans. Limited grass availability and drought conditions can drastically affect demand for grass cattle and replacement heifers. "Having a "Plan B" in place can be very important to avoid being forced to dump cattle in an unfavorable market environment," Rusche said. BROOKINGS, S.D. - Although most people associate wildfire season with the hot, dry peak of summer, the recent Cottonwood fire provides a strong reminder of the importance of fire safety throughout the year. The Cottonwood fire consumed over 40,000 acres of grassland, causing significant damage to livestock, structures, and other property in the process. "The moisture and cooler temperatures of fall make it easy to become lax about fire danger, however, conditions can still lead to easy ignition and rapid growth of wildfires," said Jimmy Doyle, SDSU Extension Natural Resource Management Field Specialist. "Grass and other vegetation which accumulate over the growing season can provide a significant fuel source for fall fires as it dries out and enters dormancy." Below, Doyle outlines precautions hunters, agriculture producers, landowners and the general public should take this time of year to prevent fire and protect their assets in case of a fire. "Prescribed fire can bring many benefits to the grassland ecosystem, but unplanned and uncontrolled wildfires can have devastating impacts to local residents," Doyle said. "Producers, hunters and anyone else who is active outdoors can take some simple steps to minimize the danger of starting a wildfire and do their part to ensure the safety of South Dakota's natural resources and the people who depend on them while working or recreating outdoors this fall." Outdoor Activity Safety Increased activity, such as fall roundup and hunting, on pastures and rangeland can also lead to increased chances of sparking a fire. Some important points to keep in mind include: •Avoid parking vehicles, ATVs, or UTVs in tall grass; •Watch for accumulation of tumbleweeds or other dry vegetation under vehicles and equipment; •Keep a fire extinguisher in vehicles and equipment; •Do not discard cigarette butts outdoors; •Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished; •Do not burn trash or debris on warm, windy days; and •Use a trash incinerator with a spark arrestor. Defensible Space Those who live in wildfire prone areas are encouraged to follow the principles of "defensible space." "Defensible space relates to fire danger mitigation around homes and other structures through landscaping and other tools," explained Doyle. He further explained that defensible space is based on managing fire risks in different zones around homes or other vulnerable areas. Some concepts of defensible space that might fit in the context of a rural South Dakota home include: •Maintain space between trees or shrubs and houses or other buildings; •Keep gutters and roofs clean and free of flammable debris; •Landscape with fire-resistant plants; •Keep grass mowed around structures, haystacks, and machinery; and •Avoid storing hay, fuel, or other combustible materials near buildings. - See more at: http://igrow.org/news/cottonwood-fire-areminder-about-fire-safety/#sthash.zHv99rOv.dpuf • Full-Color Print Services • Copy & Document Services • Special Event Printing • Bulk Mailing Services • Booklets / Manuals • CAD Printouts & Banners PRESSING MATTERS Downtown Vermillion Call 605-624-4132 Click sales@pressingmatters.biz www.pressingmatters.biz Get your ad in the.. Classifieds Today! CALL: 624-4429 or FAX: 624-2696 EMAIL: classifieds@plaintalk.net ONLINE: BroadcasterOnline.com DROP BY: 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion