Nebraska Extension Almanac Radio

Do you know the quality of the hay you put up this summer? Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and Cow/Calf Extension Specialist Rick Rasby, talk about why hay testing is a critical part of any operation to make feed decisions this winter.

Different global standards for veterinary drug residue can bring the U.S. cattle export market to a stop. University of Nebraska Ag Economics Grad Student Akinbode Okunola and Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Elliott Dennis talk about drug residue standards and the effect it has on global beef markets.

About twenty percent of Nebraska’s cowherd calves in the fall, which can be less labor intensive, but there are challenges to keep cows fed. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Rick Rasby talks about how to feed fall calving cows economically to maintain adequate body condition.

Haying season is over, days are shorter, and cooler weather means winter isn’t far away. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman and Cow/Calf Extension Specialist Rick Rasby, say now is the time to get your winter hay quality tested, inventoried and organized so you have a feeding plan this winter.

Cool season pasture health has been a major concern over the past few years as dry conditions have persisted. Good rainfall this season has helped them recover, but Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says a little restraint today can mean more grass tomorrow.

Cow/calf operations are amid a period of unprecedented high incomes—something that crop farmers experienced back in 2012 and again in 2022. Nebraska Farm Business Executive Director Tina Barrett says getting to your tax preparer sooner will allow you more time to make the adjustments that are right for your operation.

Veterinary drugs and antibiotics ensure livestock health and help with the quality of cattle performance, but drug usage can cause serious trade issues if our partners have different standards. Nebraska Extension Livestock Marketing and Risk Management Specialist Elliott Dennis and Akinbode Okunola a UNL Agricultural Marketing Grad Student talk about drug residue regulations in trade and what it m...

After several years of dry conditions limiting fall pasture growth, moisture and moderate temperatures are setting up the potential for some extra grass growth heading into the fall. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says produces should think through fall grazing strategies and long-term pasture needs.

The past several years have been very profitable for cattle producers, but larger incomes also bring challenges; larger tax bills and pressure to spend on prepaid expenses. Nebraska Farm Business Executive Director Tina Barrett says early, proactive tax planning is one of the most valuable tools any producer has.

One sure sign of fall is the gorgeous autumn colors. Nebraska Forest Service Green Infrastructure Coordinator Justin Evertson says fall is a great time to plant a tree that will add color to your landscape.

The first frost may be welcome for knocking back flies, but for cattle grazing annual forages frost events can bring serious risks. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says, planning ahead, delaying grazing after frost, and using testing and supplements when needed can ensure that the welcome relief of fall frost doesn’t turn into a costly challenge for your herd.

Irrigation season has ended and it’s time to evaluate your center pivot system to make sure it is ready for winter and for another growing season. Nebraska Extension Irrigated Cropping Systems Educator Steve Melvin talks about several key steps to keep in mind when shutting down your pivot for the winter.

After several years of dry conditions, moisture and moderate temperatures are setting up the potential for some extra grass growth heading into the fall. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says while it’s tempting to use this forage right away, taking time to think through fall grazing strategies can pay dividends for both short-term feed needs and long-term pasture health.

Many family farms believe growth is the key to success, but expansion can also bring hidden costs, management challenges, and reduced efficiency. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Ag Economics Professor Tim Meyer talks about how to balance growth with long-term sustainability.

Establishing a fair rent for farm buildings and storage facilities involves multiple factors, but what’s a fair rate? Nebraska Extension Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure offers some tips to benefit both the owner and the renter.

Homeowners that have leftover landscape pesticides and herbicides from this season need to safely store them over the winter. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Turfgrass Research Manager Matt Sousek talks about the safe storage of chemicals.

Fatigue, stress, heavy equipment and unpredictable conditions all contribute to the risks faced by farmers and rural residents alike during harvest season. Nebraska Extension Educator Amy Timmerman offers a few commonsense tips to get the crop in while being safe.

Yellow jackets are beneficial insect predators but can be become aggressive this time of year as they begin to nest for the winter. Nebraska Extension Urban Entomologist Jody Green talks about how to avoid being stung at your next outdoor cookout.

Calves with blemishes are usually cut off when taken to a sale barn and sold for a reduced price. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Educator Randy Saner talks about how you can still make a profit from calves that might not look like all the others.

With 9 million corn acres and 1.8 million beef cows, corn residue grazing is a tremendous feed resource for cattle in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says it’s important to estimate the amount of residue in a field to determine stalking rates and feed supplementation needs.

A new tick found on cattle can cause severe blood loss, weakness, and even death. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says the Asian Longhorn Tick will soon spread into Nebraska and cattle producers need to know how to manage and control them.

Wildfire precautions around your farm and ranch are critical to avoid a catastrophe. Nebraska Extension Educator Ryan Benjamin talks about steps producers can take to help avoid serious damage from wildfires.

Corn residue is a tremendous feed resource for cattle in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says corn stalks can be an excellent, economical resource for late fall and winter grazing in many parts of the state.

Asian Longhorn Ticks are an invasive species that can transmit bacterial, viral, and pathogens in cattle. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler says producers in the eastern part of the state should be on the lookout for this new insect pest.

Putting cattle out on recently harvested corn is a great feed option, but there are some protentional health hazards that producers need to be aware of according to Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waecher-Mead.