Unl Beefwatch

Erin Martinez who manages a Sandhills operation with her husband Tom for an absentee owner,discusses how they developed and are executing a drought plan for the ranch

Dr. Kacie McCarthy discusses the value of a breeding soundness exam for bulls prior to the breeding season.

Dr. Jay Parsons discusses the various price risk management tools available and the factors which can influence which one a person may choose to use.

Dr. Karla Wilke discusses things to remember when caring for the bottle calf.

The integration of sheep and goats into a cattle operation can offer forage utilization and management benefits as sheep and goats graze differently than cattle. Key things to understand before adding small ruminants to an operation are discussed.

The availability of protein in corn silage and how supplementing both rumen degradable protein (RDP) and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) impacts cattle performance is discussed.

Copper is an important mineral for health and performance of cattle. The amount needed to be supplemented will depend on availability in feed andf the level of antagonists which can inhibit copper absorption.

The genetic potential for milk production for a majority of beef breeds has dramatically increased over the last 40 years. With increased milk production potential comes increased nutrient requirements. Research looking at levels of milk production and impacts of that is discussed.

Reducing stocking rate and adjusting timing of use are practices than can help to support pasture plant health and vigor, positioning plants to recover when drought conditions break.

Warm conditions this spring will likely bring on horn flies earlier than normal. Options for management and control are discussed.

Dry conditions last year have extended into this year and will impact forage production on range and pasture. Using trigger dates with a drought plan can help ensure timely execution of decisions.

This research project compared late summer calving cows which were dry lotted in late spring and summer to traditional spring calving cows grazing pasture in the spring and summer and corn residue in the late fall and winter.

Beef AI sires used on dairy cows are providing large amounts of carcass data that can be utilized by beef breed associations for EPDs.

In 2021 over 75 percent of the beef semen used in the United States was on dairy cows. The reasons behind these changes and the outlook going forward is discussed

A significant amount of calf loss occurs in the first month after birth. Strategic management practices can help to ensure calves have a great start, laying a foundaton for health and performance throughout their lives.

What opportunities are available to leverage people, facilities and technology to increase the ability to deliver timely care during the calving season?

Colostrum quality and timely consumption is critical for the newborn calf. Dr. Lindsay Waechter Mead discusses key components of colostrum and how those are important to calf health and vigor.

Nebraska Extension Agricultural Law Specialist Dave Aiken discussess key things producers should understand before committing to a carbon contract.

Dr. David Ripplinger from North Dakota State University Extension discusses the factors driving interest by companies wanting to purchase carbon offsets and things agricultural producers should think through before committing to a contract.

Dr. John Lory from Missouri Extension discusses the nutrient value of hay as a fertilizer resource when fed on pasture, especially under current market conditions.