Helpful Components of Grazing Leases

(JuLy 2014) For over 30 years, Pat Reece has worked with land and cattle owners on pasture leases. A range ecologist and professor emeritus for UNL Extension, Pat now consults with rangeland owners and managers. Based on his experience, Reece has some insight on helpful components of leases. Learn more.

Protein Supplementation in the Summer?

(July 2014) Cool-season-dominated pastures and rangelands in the Nebraska Panhandle have produced many pounds of forage this year, thanks to abundant moisture in May and June. While the quantity of grass is very welcome, the quality of this forage going into mid- to late summer has declined significantly and this decline in forage quality could have a detrimental effect on conception rates. Learn more.

State of Beef Conference Coming to North Platte November 4 & 5

(July 2014) With cow numbers at a record low and drought conditions easing in much of the Great Plains, cattle producers are thinking about rebuilding the cowherd. Join industry and university experts at the inaugural State of Beef Conference scheduled for Nov. 4 and 5, 2014, in North Platte. Presenters and small group sessions will address the many issues around rebuilding the cowherd. Learn more.

Evaluate Your Options When Thinking about Marketing this Year's Calf Crop

(July 2014) With prices at never seen (nor dreamed of) before levels and excellent spring and early summer moisture resulting in great grass production, many cow-calf producers are asking "Should I keep my calves, sell them or use something to protect these prices?". There are several tools and things to consider when evaluating your options. Learn more.

Forage Options Following Irrigated Wheat

(July 2014) The good spring and early summer moisture we have received in the Nebraska panhandle along with continued strong forage prices is encouraging producers to consider what annual forages could be planted into irrigated wheat stubble. Learn more.

UNL BeefWatch Newsletter - July Issue

In this issue of the newsletter you will find information on these timely topics and more.
 • GrassSnap – A Mobile App for Monitoring Grasslands
 • Changing Landscape of Beef Industry
 • Sweet Clover Abundance
 • Young Calves, Summer Heat, and Water Consumption
 • High quality feed at a good price: Oats and Turnips for fall grazing
 • Drought Assistance for 2012 and Beyond
 • Handling Rained on Hay
For more information on these and other topics or to view archived newsletters, visit UNL BeefWatch.

Nebraska BQA: Handling Cattle through High Heat Humidity Indexes

(June 2014) As cattlemen enter the summer months, they need to understand and deal with heat and humidity. We need to consider some guidelines to help us reduce additional stress on cattle during these events and incorporate some of the following practices into our management practices. Learn more.

Consider Storing Distillers Grains for Fall and Winter Use

(June 2014) There has been a major price reduction recently for wet, modified and dried distillers grains.  This price move may encourage producers to consider purchasing and storage of these products for use either as a protein or energy source during the upcoming fall and winter. Learn more.

Monitoring pasture condition? UNL Extension has an app for that!

(June 2014) Ranchers are accustomed to checking cattle, wells, and mineral supplements to keep tabs on their operation. But what about the grass? Monitoring the condition of pastures is just as important, say UNL Extension experts. And now there's an app for that. Learn more.

Recent Beef Webinar

Forages Following Irrigated Wheat
July 3, 2014
Aaron Berger
UNL Extension Educator
UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center

Recent Producer Question

When should I cut prairie hay? (June 25, 2014)