BeefWatch Archive

Beefwatch Archive

To read articles prior to September 2017, please visit the article archive on UNL Announce.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Annual forage options following irrigated winter wheat

Western Nebraska is a low-rainfall area with annual rainfall ranging from 8 to 18 inches. Precipitation usually occurs in the early spring benefitting the predominately cool-season grasses of this high altitude (3,800-5,000 ft.) area. Unfortunately, limited summer rainfall and declining quality of cool-season pastures creates a challenge for producers needing a quality forage resource in the fall. Additionally, many areas of the High Plains are under irrigation restrictions, so limited water is available for crops and forages.
Friday, July 19, 2024

What to know about sweet clover

Sweet clover is a biennial plant that grows abundantly following a wet year. As a grazing resource, sweet clover can be excellent feed. Research from North Dakota State University has documented yearlings gaining over 2 pounds per head per day grazing sweet clover pasture.
Cows grazing
Friday, July 19, 2024

Reviewing the Risk-Reward Relationship for a Ranch

For ranchers, risk is an accepted part of doing business. “No risk, no reward” is quoted when thinking about day-to-day operations and strategic, long-term decisions. Another familiar phrase is “if it were easy, everyone would do it.” To be in business is to take risks.

Face flies on cow
Friday, July 19, 2024

Pinkeye in Cattle

Driving or riding through a pen or pasture of cattle is a favorite chore for many producers.  Making sure our cattle have plenty of clean water, access to feed or forage and monitoring herd health are important aspects of daily care.  When examining cattle, one important disease not to overlook is pinkeye.  Pinkeye is a highly contagious infectious disease that not only affects cattle in Nebraska but worldwide. The incidence and severity of this common disease can vary widely from year to year.
Thursday, July 18, 2024

Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory celebrating 25th anniversary of open house

Lincoln, Neb. July 18, 2024 — The Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL) Open House will celebrate its 25th anniversary on August 21 in the heart of the Sandhills near Whitman, Nebraska. The open house encourages all to attend at no cost for the latest updates in the beef industry and current research.
Dave Sandahl
Monday, July 15, 2024

Nebraska Beef Innovators: Sandahl’s research supports regenerative ranching

Husker researcher Dave Sandahl’s work aims to increase awareness of the benefits of regenerative ranching.
Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Nebraska Grazing Conference Scheduled for August 6 & 7 in Kearney

The 2024 Nebraska Grazing Conference will be Aug. 6 and 7 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, Nebraska.  This year’s conference features speakers highlighting soil health and grasslands as well as a session on public wildlife and private rangelands.

Nebraska cattle near pond on grassland
Tuesday, July 9, 2024

How much water do cattle need and what water problems should cattle producers watch for?

Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance.  Hot weather and drought conditions can impact both water quality and quantity for cattle.  
Monday, July 8, 2024

Resources for Helping Cattle Deal with Heat Stress


While we can’t control the heat, there are some things we can control to help cattle through it. 
Monday, July 8, 2024

Corn harvested as high-moisture corn or earlage for feedlots

Corn harvested after the kernel reaches maturation as earlage, snaplage or high-moisture corn are alternatives to harvesting dry corn for use as cattle feed.