Livestock

Record-high calf prices have left many cow-calf producers wondering how to reinvest profits in their operations. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure say these markets offer an opportunity to improve long-term profitability, but  also bring the temptation to spend pre-tax earnings on items that may not enhance operational efficiency or performance in future years.

Strong cattle markets have been very favorable for many ranchers this year. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner and Farm and Ranch Management Analyst Glennis McClure talk about the strong cattle market and how you can plan a head for the upcoming tax season.

When it comes to silage, producers often focus on yield and harvest timing—but one of the biggest losses can happen after the crop is already chopped and piled. Nebraska Extension Educator Ben Beckman says producers should understand the cost of spoiled silage and make plans to keep that under control.

Prices and demand remain high for the beef products and on today’s program Extension Livestock Management Specialist Elliott Dennis says these indicators point to a strong market heading into the fall. 

Each calving season brings with it its own set of challenges. Extension Specialist Karla Wilke discusses some of the issues with summer and fall calving on today’s Almanac. 

Maximizing the value of your calves at auction depends on strategic marketing plans and management decisions. Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber explains how thoughtful decision-making can prevent you from leaving money on the table at auction time.

Managing estrus synchronization is a key element to herd management. Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Kacie McCarthy talks about some tools available to producers that will help them get through pregnancies later in the season. 

Nebraska Extension Specialist Becky Funk discussed declining colostrum immunity and pasture quality as contributing factors that could lead to summer pneumonia in calves. For today’s program, she focuses on some of the symptoms of pneumonia and when producers should bring that problem to the attention of their veterinarian. 

As colostrum immunity in calves begins to decline this summer, there is a possibility for health problems. Extension Specialist Becky Funk talks about some of the issues that can contribute to summer pneumonia in calves. 

Lameness is one of the most commonly observed health problems in cattle. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lindsay Waecher-Mead says lameness typically occurs when an animal has leg or foot pain but says there are other causes that producers need to be aware of.

Corn silage can be a high-quality feed for cattle if chopped, packed and stored correctly. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson says there are important things to remember when processing and storing your silage. 

There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether to harvest corn for grain or for silage. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson talks about the value of your corn as silage in different aspects of production. 

For part two of our focus on virtual fencing for cattle operations, Extension Specialist Mary Drewnoski says there are plenty of data collection features that can give ranchers solid and immediate information for the behaviors of their cattle. She says the additional data features that come with virtual fencing help make critical decisions almost immediately. 

Virtual fencing for feedlots and cattle operations can be a great technology to use on your ranch. It can be a flexible and cost effective tool for ranchers according to Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski. 

Producers looking for fall and winter grazing options have some quickly approaching planting deadlines. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about species selection and some key management considerations for fall forages.