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Cattle Stress Tool May Boost Fertility

Cattle Stress Tool May Boost Fertility

K State Develops Brush Device to Help Calm Cows During Artificial Insemination Process 

Kansas State University researchers have developed a cool tool that may help reduce cattle stress and improve artificial insemination (AI) results.  

The idea came from animal science experts Nicholas Wege Dias and Sandy Johnson, who observed that cattle accustomed to their environment showed a 10% improvement in AI success. 

“Once we saw the benefits of getting animals acquainted with the facilities on AI success, we began to think about adoptable strategies to promote positive reinforcement during handling,” Dias said. 

The team turned to the Technology Development Institute (TDI) for help in designing and fabricating a brush device that cattle could use while in the chute. The concept was inspired by cow brushes seen in videos where animals rub themselves for comfort. 

TDI engineers crafted prototypes that could be adjusted for different heights and chute types. The brush sits just below head height and is placed in the alleyway, where cows can use it while waiting their turn. 

Two devices have been made and are now in use by Dias and his team to test how well they reduce stress and affect fertility. 

According to Bret Lanz, commercialization director at TDI, “Nicholas and his team have been great to work with, and we are hopeful that this new tool will help to aid in their studies and perhaps have a large impact on the cattle industry.” 

Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, this project reflects K-State’s mission to support agriculture with practical, science-based innovations that improve animal welfare and farm productivity. 


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US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops

Video: US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops


A dry August and a “flash drought” in the ECB (Eastern Corn Belt) the driest top 10 to 15 years in 150 to 160 years (Ohio the driest in 133 years) plus disease is taking a bite out of the 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops.
It's going to be an early harvest. This could be the start of the 89-year drought cycle that may have been delayed until 2026 as La Nina maybe returning.
The USDA September crop report is all about record corn ears and record soybean counts but the October USDA crop report will be about pod and ear weights.
Stats Canada reported higher forecasts for the 2025 Canadian Prairies all wheat and canola crops vs. last year based on satellite imagery but are they overestimating production?
The 2025 Great ON Yield Tour and Quebec crop tours are projecting corn and soybean crops below the 10-year average.
China's Vice Commerce Ministry Li Chenggang visits Washington this week as we continue to connect the dots is a positive sign towards a China/U.S. trade deal. But will U.S. farmers have a winter without China as they buy more soybeans from Uruguay/Argentina? U.S. Northern Plain soybean farmers are seeing red with flat prices at $8.97/bu!
U.S. corn exports on record pace up 99% vs. last year.
Fund short covering continues in corn futures bottom is in!