Cattle on feed Oct. 1 in 32 feeding states were estimated at 8.6 million head, 2 percent more than a year ago. All the increase was in cattle under 700 pounds, with heavier weights down 3 percent from the previous year.

Thereare over 3 million acres of low yielding open land pastures in Iowa. Birdsfoot trefoil, a high quality, bloat-free forage with persistent stand and ability to withstand continuous grazing might be the answer to developing these low yield pastures.

If there's time for additional reading prior to the holidays, here are three more informative publications available from your local Iowa State University Extension Service office. Single copies also may be obtained free of charge from the Publications Distribution Room, Morrill Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50010.

Topics this month include: Preventing lamb bloat; additives for turkeys; and insecticide rates and high corn plant population.