Livestock

Using new Expected Progeny Differences or EPD’s can help producers select the right bull to build their herd. Nebraska Extension Beef Genetics Specialist Matt Spangler says using a pre-purchase buying list can help producers narrow down their choices.

A few hours of preparation can avoid a lot of hours of winter headache. It’s important to be prepared to help your cattle be more comfortable as they try to endure the winter. Nebraska Beef Systems Extension Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo talks about making sure your equipment and facilities are ready for winter.

New genetic choices will be available for those purchasing bulls this upcoming season. Nebraska Extension Beef Genetics Specialist Matt Spangler talks about how these new Expected Progeny Differences or EPD’s will help producers get the right bull for their operation. 

With rising input costs, many cow-calf producers are looking for ways to reduce expenses and improve profitability. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner talks about the benefits of bale grazing as a winter-feeding strategy.

The technique of bale grazing is a much more acceptable practice in other parts of North America but has yet to take hold in Nebraska. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Brock Ortner talks about why bale grazing might be a good practice on your operation. 

Managing weaned calves, especially at today’s value, can be a little stressful. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says proper nutrition, vaccination schedules, treatment protocols, and vigilance can increase the success rate tremendously.

Whether calves are being retained after weaning, or they are arriving by the truckloads, calves are at a critical juncture in development. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says calves are an expensive commodity whose health and growth should not be taken lightly.

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.