Livestock

Drought conditions are challenging producers to be creative as they think about options for maintaining the cowherd through the summer with limited pasture available. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says with some creativity and planning, producers can often use existing equipment and resources in a way to limit feed and meet cow nutrition needs without the use of a feed truck or wagon.

Some producers think of compensatory gain as “free gain,” but some producers need to reconsider that during the summer months. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers need to consider bought calves vs. raised calves in their calculations.

Having adequate grazing options during the summer heat is critical to cattle performance. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers needing reliable, drought resistant warm-season grazing, might need to take a second look at sudangrass.

Drought conditions are a normal part of the weather cycle, but cattle producers face serious challenges when regular feed supplies run low. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Josie Crouch says being prepared no matter the conditions is key to keeping your cattle fed properly during shortages. 

Most producers are familiar with sorghum-sudangrass, a popular warm-season annual known for its high yield, but one of its parents, sudangrass, often gets overlooked. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about some of the advantages of grazing sudangrass. 

The tradition of showing livestock is something many Nebraska kids know well. Extension Beef Educator Lindsay Waechter-Mead says there are handling and health issues that should be considered when transporting livestock both to and from a show.  

Some conditions in the state have led to an ideal environment for stable flies to thrive. Nebraska Extension Educator Dave Boxler says ranchers can take steps to help control stable flies which can affect weight gain and other performance issues with cattle. 

Body condition of your cows and bulls play a big part in achieving your operations breeding goals. Nebraska Extension Educator Wayde Pikinpaugh talks about what you can do now when preparing for the upcoming breeding season.

Cover crops on livestock operations can offer many economic and environmental benefits. University of Nebraska – Lincoln Agricultural Economics Professor Jay Parsons talks about how cover crops can help make cattle operations successful and points out the benefits of incorporating them. 

Chemicals in weedy forages can cause skin problems in cattle. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian and Beef Educator Lyndsay Waechter-Mead talks about what plants are problematic and how to identify photosensitization in cattle. 

Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance. Nebraska Extension Livestock Educator Troy Walz talks about the importance of keeping fresh water in front your livestock this summer. 

Drought conditions in the Nebraska Panhandle region persist, with many areas receiving limited precipitation in April. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Aaron Berger says weak market prices have made grazing wheat an alternative forage option this spring. 

The Center for Agricultural Profitability at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has released its 2025 report on custom service rates for livestock production in Nebraska. Glennis McClure a Nebraska Extension Ag Economics Educator says the report provides average charges for 26 different livestock-related custom operations and may be a valuable reference for producers and operators to determine fair pricing for custom services.

One of the most damaging pests of pasture and rangeland cattle across the U.S. is the adult horn fly. Nebraska Extension Entomologist Dave Boxler discusses how horn flies can affect performance and what producers can do to stop it. 

Preparing for breeding season means there are important things to think about when it comes to the fertility of your bulls. Decisions made now can greatly impact breeding according to Extension Specialist Kacie McCarthy.