UNL BeefWatch

Different strategies are discussed that can be utilized to feed a cow herd during drought conditions.

Dr. Karla Wilke discusses things to remember when caring for the bottle calf.

The availability of protein in corn silage and how supplementing both rumen degradable protein (RDP) and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) impacts cattle performance is discussed.

Copper is an important mineral for health and performance of cattle. The amount needed to be supplemented will depend on availability in feed andf the level of antagonists which can inhibit copper absorption.

The genetic potential for milk production for a majority of beef breeds has dramatically increased over the last 40 years. With increased milk production potential comes increased nutrient requirements. Research looking at levels of milk production and impacts of that is discussed.

Dry conditions last year have extended into this year and will impact forage production on range and pasture. Using trigger dates with a drought plan can help ensure timely execution of decisions.

This research project compared late summer calving cows which were dry lotted in late spring and summer to traditional spring calving cows grazing pasture in the spring and summer and corn residue in the late fall and winter.

Colostrum quality and timely consumption is critical for the newborn calf. Dr. Lindsay Waechter Mead discusses key components of colostrum and how those are important to calf health and vigor.

Dr. David Ripplinger from North Dakota State University Extension discusses the factors driving interest by companies wanting to purchase carbon offsets and things agricultural producers should think through before committing to a contract.

Dr. John Lory from Missouri Extension discusses the nutrient value of hay as a fertilizer resource when fed on pasture, especially under current market conditions.

Troy Walz discusses the importance of understanding cow body condition score and nutrition needs at calving for first calf heifers and mature cows.

Mike Wallace who is the former sheep division supervisor at the Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center Nebraska discusses how they utilize and integrate hair sheep, goats and a cow herd in a management intensive grazing operation at their location near Nelson.

Dr. Becky Funk, who is part of the team at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center, discusses best management practices prior to and during calving that will help to ensure the best outcome for both cows and calves.

Harold Johnson who is a rancher from near Hyannis, discusses how they have added goats to their cow-calf operation located in the Sandhills of Nebraska, what he has learned and what he recommends for people considering this.

Dr. Jordan Thomas, from the University of Missouri, discusses thinking through the potential value that different estrus synchronization protocols can bring to an operation and how to evaluate if it is benefical for your situation.

Dustin Pendell and Kevin Herbel discuss research from the Kansas Farm Management Association that high lights key differences between cow calf operations that are high, medium or low profit.

Dr. Karla Wilke shares results from research studies that looks at different levels of winter distillers grains supplementation and the impacts of that on cattle growth and performance when grazing high quality forage and in the finishing phase.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, extension specialist at the University of California, Davis, discusses how the environmental impact of green house gas emissions from cattle have been overstated. He also discusses management practices that can be utilized to reduce emissions from cattle in confinement.

Extension Educators Jenny Rees and Ben Beckman discuss the nutrient value of cornstalk bales, the option to use it in cattle feeding and considerations for cropping systems where residue is removed.

Dr. Mary Drewnoski discusses different types of cover crops and how they fit into a production system for fall, winter and spring grazing.

Dr. Jay Parsons discusses the importance of taking tax implications into account when considering liquidating a beef cow herd.

Joe Hatch, a young rancher from northeast Colorado shares practices that they have implemented to improve range condition, reduce supplemental feed costs and address cow depreciation on their family's leased ranch operation.

Dr. Mitch Stpehenson reviews things to remember when managing rangeland and pasture after an unplanned fire has occurred.

Dr. Mary Drewnoski discusses management options available when standing forage is high in nitrates.

Dr. Mulliniks discusses why a shift to later summer calving may result in a higher percentage of cows not becoming pregnant and management strategies to address this issue.