Livestock

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.

Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Troy Walz talks about water needs for cattle during the heat of the summer. 

A new study shows that feed quality, and access to shade can play a big role in cattle performance during the summer. AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State Extension Beef Veterinarian says limit feeding a high-energy ration in combination with shade can improve animal efficiency, reduce water consumption, and improve animal comfort during periods of heat stress.

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.