UNL BeefWatch

Research shows that rate of gain during the winter growing phase as well as implant strategy in both the winter and summer impacts carcass weights when cattle are harvested at a common backfat endpoint.

A discussion of the recently developed Excel spreadsheet tool that both crop producers and cattle feeders can utilize to calculate the grain value in a corn crop for different methods of harvest.

Keys to remember in caring for and starting cattle on feed when they are coming in to the feedyard are discussed.

Russ Anderson from near Hyannis discusses how he utilizes a fall calving herd with his forage resources and how it complements his spring calving cows.

Key things to enhance the handling and effectiveness of vaccines are discussed.

Proper timing and the appropriate use of lice control products are discussed.

Purposefully acclimating cattle on arrival and utilizing handling practices that promote health and performance are discussed.

A conversation with your tax preparer this fall allows for planning of tax strategies and time to implement them.

Management practices to help mitigate potential health risks for cattle grazing cornstalks are discussed

Insuring for precipitation can help to mitigate impacts from a lack of moisture and subsequent reduced grass production by providing income to help offset grazing losses. Janet Mueller from near Sutherland shares their experience with the insurance over the last 9 years.

Corn silage can work well as part of a ration for beef cows when it is a cost competitive option. Keys to effective feeding prior to and after calving are discussed.

Drought stressed corn harvested for silage has a greater potential for molds and mycotoxins to be present. Things to look for and management practices to deal with molds and mycotoxins are discussed.

Research has shown limit feeding can be a cost effective strategy for growing calves after weaning. Key take aways and and benefits of this option are discussed.

In this Producer Perspective, Tim Kalkowski, who is part of a family ranch operation in Boyd County shares how they utilize annual forages and windrow grazing in a rotation with alfalfa hay and corn in a grazing system.

Larkspur is a native plant found on rangelands in western Nebraska as well as area states. It contains alkaloids that when consumed by cattle can cause death. Conditions that elveate risk for cattle grazing and strategies to reduce poisoning are discussed.

Strategic placement of supplement as well as virtual and temporary fence can be used with cattle to consume greater amounts of cheatgrass forage left from the growing season. This practice encourages cattle utilization of cheatgrass while reducing fine fuels that can contribute to wildfire risk.

Increased profitability will provide many ranchers the opportunity to reinvest capital back into the operation this year. A thought process for evaluating where to invest is discussed.

While these two disease have similar symptoms, they are actually caused by different bacteria. Recognizing the differences and how it can impact whether or not affected animals should be kept is discussed.

Target planting dates, expected levels of forage production as well as advantadges and disadvantadges of winter and spring small grains are discussed.

Understanding and comparing all of the costs of harvesting and storage as well as the value of nutrients in a corn crop allows for accurately comparing and pricing the options of harvesting it as silage or as grain.

Foot rot is a common cause for lameness in cattle, but there are other sources as well. Recognizing the common signs of foot rot and steps for working with a veterinarian to develop a treatment plan for lamness is discussed.

Ultrasound can be used as early as 30 days after breeding to detect pregnancy in cattle. It also can be used from days 60-75 of pregnancy to identify the sex of calves and see twins.

Kendall Seibert from near Henderson shares his experience from incorporating summer and winter annuals as a forage for cows in a corn and soybean rotation and things he plans to try going forward.

Recognizing risk factors for summer pneumonia, and working with a veterinarian to develop a prevention and treatment plan can help minimize the impact on health of calves.

The different options available, including spring, summer and winter annuals that can be used for harvested forage or grazing are discussed.