Beef Cattle Production

A group of cattle

Many Beef Cows and Their Calves May Not Be Getting Enough Vitamin A in Their Diets

A new research article in Applied Animal Science details how beef cows and calves maintained in confinement and fed brown stored forages combined with grain or grain byproducts may not be getting sufficient amounts of vitamin A.

How Grazing Corn Residue Affects the Soil

One of the most common concerns about grazing corn residue is that cattle will cause soil compaction. A long term grazing data (16 years) conducted at the University of Nebraska has shown no compaction when grazing in the fall or the early spring.

Plan Now to Purchase Your Hay Supplies

Nebraska hay production has bounced back from 2022 lows (Figure 1), declining pasture conditions remind us to plan fall, winter, and next spring’s hay needs sooner rather than later. Inventory feed and hay resources now to know what is needed.

Simple Synchronization of Cows - One Injection, One Time through the Chute, and Bull Breed

Have you wanted to have more calves born earlier in your calving season, but did not want to deal with the increase in labor, cost and facilities to utilize estrus synchronization and artificial insemination? The protocol shown (Figure 1.) can increase the number of cows coming into estrus early in the breeding season, with one time through the chute, one injection, and breeding using only natural service.

Saying goodbye to metal bangs tags and hello to EID tags

If your heifers are bangs tagged, those orange metal clips will soon be a relic of the past. Starting November 5, 2024, your veterinarian will not be tagging with metal clips, but instead will use electronic identification (EID) tags.

Determining a Fair Rent for Farm Buildings

Establishing a fair rent for farm buildings and storage facilities involves multiple factors. There isn’t a universal formula, as conditions vary depending on building type, usage, and local market conditions. However, a comprehensive evaluation of both fixed and variable costs, as well as cash and non-cash expenses, is essential.

Recognizing Economic Risk on the Ranch

Economic and financial risks on the ranch go hand in hand with other risks facing the operation. 

Best Practices for Managing Newly Received Feeder Calves

As we near the feedlot fall run, and cattle are newly received into the feedlot, there are key considerations to keep in mind to achieve best cattle performance. The goal of a receiving strategy is to make the transition from calf origin into the feedlot or backgrounding yard as seamless as possible.