Unl Beefwatch

Calculating pregnancy rates, calving percentage, death loss and weaning percentage as a percent of cows exposed to breeding can give insights into where management changes could improve productivity and profitability.

Location and communication with neighbors are important when considering where to place manure in preparation for spreading.

Recognizing potential risks and taking steps to protect building sites, personal property, equipment and hay from fire can help reduce the impact should a fire occur.

Understanding the impact of crop residue removal to soil health and subsequent crop production along with nutrient value of manure needs to be known to evaluate what is fair in a trade.

The shortage of people to work in production agriculture continues to challenge livestock producers. Dr. Elliott Dennis shares research data and perspectives on this issue.

Research shows that rate of gain during the winter growing phase as well as implant strategy in both the winter and summer impacts carcass weights when cattle are harvested at a common backfat endpoint.

A discussion of the recently developed Excel spreadsheet tool that both crop producers and cattle feeders can utilize to calculate the grain value in a corn crop for different methods of harvest.

Keys to remember in caring for and starting cattle on feed when they are coming in to the feedyard are discussed.

The value of calves, higher interest rates and increasing input costs are all having a significant impact on the projected cost to grow a calf this winter.

Russ Anderson from near Hyannis discusses how he utilizes a fall calving herd with his forage resources and how it complements his spring calving cows.

Key things to enhance the handling and effectiveness of vaccines are discussed.

Proper timing and the appropriate use of lice control products are discussed.

Purposefully acclimating cattle on arrival and utilizing handling practices that promote health and performance are discussed.

A conversation with your tax preparer this fall allows for planning of tax strategies and time to implement them.

Management practices to help mitigate potential health risks for cattle grazing cornstalks are discussed

The number of beef cows going to harvest continues to be at high levels. Record prices for ground beef, drought, high producer input costs and a continued large percentage of heifers entering the feedyard, point to a limited expansion of the national cowherd currently.

Insuring for precipitation can help to mitigate impacts from a lack of moisture and subsequent reduced grass production by providing income to help offset grazing losses. Janet Mueller from near Sutherland shares their experience with the insurance over the last 9 years.

Corn silage can work well as part of a ration for beef cows when it is a cost competitive option. Keys to effective feeding prior to and after calving are discussed.

Cattle prices have moved higher, quickly over the last year and continue to do so. Factors supporting prices and the outlook for the next few years are discussed.

Drought stressed corn harvested for silage has a greater potential for molds and mycotoxins to be present. Things to look for and management practices to deal with molds and mycotoxins are discussed.