Unl Beefwatch

Troy Walz outlines the content that will be covered, what participants can expect to learn and how they can register for the 2023 Practicum.

Dr. George Perry from Texas A and M discusses research that demonstrates how the timing of vaccinations and the type of vaccine used impacts heifer and cow fertility.

The drought last summer is having a ripple affect on cows this spring as body condition scores coming into calving are often less than optimum. Options to address this are discussed.

The multiple causes of Weak Calf Symdrome are discussed as well as approaches to analyze a production system to identify changes that can reduce the incidence of it.

Researchers at Iowa State have demonstrated that swath grazing summer annuals can significantly reduce harvested feed costs for cows in the winter.

Genomic testing can be utilized to enhance the accuracy of EPDs, allowing producers to know an animals true breeding value more quickly.

Options to consider to make up the forage shortage going into this spring will be discussed.

Livestock Risk Protection Insurance, Pasture Range and Forage Insurance as well as Annual Forage Insurance are all tools that cattle producers can utilize to help manage both price and production risks.

Harsh conditions this winter has resulted in situations where bulls have experienced frost bite that has impacted fertility. Semen testing bulls early gives producers time to make decisions.

What does TDN mean on a feed analysis? What is a good TDN value for forage? How does one use the information in analyzing a cattle diet?

Dr. Lindsay Waechter-Mead discuss the two types of prolapses that commonly occur in cattle around the time of calving.

Dr. Karol Fike, discusses results of a Kansas State University research study looking at the impacts of the use of sex selected semen in a commercial cow herd.

Colorado State University recently released a report showing cow-calf performance measures from 30 ranches. Beef Specialist Ryan Rhoades discusses the process for collecting the information themes from the project.

Tick activity is not something producers expect to see in northern climates in the winter, but one species can impact horses and cattle.

Lots of information is often supplied by seedstock providers to use in selecting a herd sire. Understanding and using this information appropriately is key for achieving breeding goals.

The recently released reports show cattle numbers and hay stocks have decreased significantly over the last year. The potential impact on market conditions going forward is discussed.

Principles and practices to help ensure success are discussed.

Limit feeding corn to cows prior to and after calving as an option to stretch hay supplies is discussed.

Management strategies to monitor and treat the calf experiencing hypothermia are discussed.

Oats, triticale, barley and forage peas planted in late March and April can provide forage for grazing, hay and silage in late May and June.