Livestock

Management and feeding programs of fall-calving herds is much different than spring-calving herds due to weather conditions and feed resources available. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Rick Rasby talks about supplementation and weaning to help both cows and calves perform during the winter months.

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 means for Nebraska producers.

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.

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.

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.

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.