UNL BeefWatch

Daniel Mushrush, an early adopter of virtual fence technology shares his experience. What went well, what didn't, and the opportunities this tool provides for his family's ranch.

The cost of gain versus the value of gain is key for the profitablity of creep feeding calves. Keys to consider when evaluating whether or not to creep feed calves are discussed.

CRP acres are often grazed with cattle. Having an estimate of the quality of this forage can help producers know what protein and energy supplementation may be needed to meet animal nutrient needs. Recent data from KSU provides baseline information on protien and energy of forage.

The one participant 401K is a retirement account with unique options for small business owners. The ability to borrow from it and flexibility in funding the account make it an attractive option to consider when times are good on the ranch.

There are numerous options for annuals forages that can be planted mid to late summer for grazing, haying, silage or stock piled winter feed. The class of livestock to be fed and when it is needed will determine what is best to plant.

Research at Montana State University examined the impact of three different sources of trace minerals fed to cows during the last 5 months of gestation on the mineral status of both the cows and the calves that were developing in utero.

Research at Kansas State University of over 600 heifers at 5 locations showed that acclimation to handling through a chute and alley during the estrus synchronization and artificial insemination process resulted in improved conception rates.

Compensatory gain on summer grass is often touted as one of the benefits of a slow growth wintering program for calves. Recent research is challenging the value of compensatory growth when development programs include both a wintering and summering phase prior to marketing.

Limit feeding an energy and protein dense diet to cow-calf pairs is often done use a total mixed ration. However, with a little creativity, there are options that can be used to limit feed cows without having to have a feed wagon.

Drought conditions can trigger the need to feed cow-calf pairs or early weaned calves a ration that typically would not be required. Key things to know in order to meet cattle performance goals are discussed.

Dr. Mary Drewnoski discusses research looking at grazing Sudangrass with both cow-calf pairs and yearlings. Stocking rates, cattle performance and management practices to enhance success are discussed.

Just 5 stable flies on each leg of cattle can have an economic impact. Dave Boxler discusses where stable flies come from, what makes control so challenging and the options available to producers.

Being able to identify toxic plants to livestock and management practices to minimize risk of poisoning is the focus of this series. To register go.unl.edu/toxicplants

Cattle need a safe, readily available water supply for health and performance. Both quantity and quality factors producers need be attentive to are discussed.

In parts of Nebraska there is a trend towards leafy spurge blooming earlier in the spring. Because the onset of reproduction is an opportune time to control this plant with herbicide, recognizing this change is important for management.

Net present value is a tool cow-calf producers can use to evaluate the amount they can afford to spend to purchase or develop bred replacements for the cow herd based on current prices, costs, and expected future returns from calf and cow sales. The factors impacting this calculation are discussed.

Horn flies populations at greater than 200 per animal can significantly impact cattle performance and comfort. Different methods and approaches to reduce horn flies on grazing cattle are discussed

The public is expressing angst about the state and direction of the economy at a level not seen since the early 1980s. The potential implications of this on beef demand are disussed.

Management practices to enhance the liklihood that cows calving late will quickly return to estrus and conceive are discussed.

Recognizing that calves are eating mineral needs to be included when calculating the total amount to be delivered to the herd to meet targeted levels of consumption.

Pasture and precipitation conditions prior to and after a wildfire greatly influence the approach to grazing management. Principles to pay attention to are discussed.

Conception rates are often high in cattle. However, numerous factors can inhibit maternal recognition or lead to pregnancy loss from days 7 to 50 after breeding. Management practices to reduce these losses are discussed.

Rangeland grasshoppers may be problematic this year in parts of Nebraska due to high populatoins last fall and winter conditions that may support survival of populations hatching this spring. Information on assessing grasshopper numbers and options for control are discussed.

Soil moisture, air temperature along with plant health and vigor, all contribute to grass growth on native range and pastures. Understanding when key grass species grow and the timing of when to reduce stocking rates when drought conditions are present is discussed.

Dr. Rick Funston discusses the fundamentals and factors to enhance sucess, as well as resources to utilize when selecting and executing an estrus synchronization protocol with heifers or cows.