Livestock

Benchmarking a cow-calf operation by comparing it to other similar operations provides producers a tool to look at ways they can improve their businesses. Nebraska Extension Ag Economist Matt Stockton says this is one way to help farmers and ranchers improve their bottom line.

Colostrum, or first milk produced by the mother after birth, is high in nutrients and antibodies. Nebraska Extension Educator Troy Walz talks about the importance of colostrum intake during the first day of the calf’s life, which can later affect performance.

USDA recently awarded The University of Nebraska beef team a 5 million dollar grant to study sustainable dairy and beef production. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson says the goal of the research is to develop tools and management practices that can lower methane emissions from livestock.

As cold winter weather sets in, it’s important to protect cattle as they endure frigid temperatures. Nebraska Extension Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo talks about what feedlots can do to be prepared for the cold winter months.

When cattle are stressed, it can affect health and performance in the feed yard. Texas A&M Beef Cattle Research Professor Renaldo Cook says they are looking at new technology that focuses on using probiotics to reduce cattle stress, resulting in higher performance.

Tick infestations can sometimes go unnoticed, especially during the winter when cattle have long hair coats. Nebraska Extension Educator Dave Boxler talks about the signs of winter ticks and ways to control them.

Don’t miss your opportunity to gain insight on cost-effective options to background calves through the winter. Nebraska Extension Educator Aaron Berger says this year’s winter stocker tour will be held on January 29th at Darr Feedlots in Lexington.

Nutritional demands for a cow are at the highest during and after calving season. Nebraska Extension Educator Troy Walz talks about the importance of body condition and offers some tips for meeting these nutritional demands.

Feedlot owners, managers, employees, and others in the industry are invited to attend the 2025 Beef Feedlot Roundtable at one of several locations around the state. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Jessica Sperber says this year’s conference topics include managing hairy heel wart, leveraging cattle implant strategies for greater gains as well as research updates and more.

Properly managing bedding and bed packs in feedlot yards will help your cattle stay dry and warm during wet and cold weather this winter. Nebraska Extension Educator Alfredo DiConstanzo talks about helping your cattle stay comfortable even in harsh winter conditions.

Good cow nutrition going into the winter is essential for next year’s calf crop. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says recent research has shown that properly supplementing the cow can increase profitability of the calf she's carrying.

Cow-calf operations that are successful focus on key issues like reducing operating costs and finding new ways to increase profits. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Randy Saner talks about common traits among producers who are successful.

Ranchers can use good management practices for both the cow and the calf to help newborns avoid infections and diseases. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke talks about vaccination schedules to keep cows and calves healthy during the winter months.

Vaccine development can be a lengthy and costly process. On today’s Almanac, Dr. Scott McVey discusses how vaccines are made and, in some instances, made available sooner than the traditional process.

Helping your cattle deal with winter temperatures will benefit your herd come springtime. Nebraska Extension Educator Bethany Johnston talks about how cattle adapt to colder weather, and what ranchers can do to help them.