BeefWatch Articles from March 2024

BeefWatch Articles from March 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Using technology to monitor water on the ranch

Water is often a limiting resource when considering both animal and grazing management. Checking water levels can often account for a considerable proportion of time and labor costs, especially when water sources are few and far between or during extreme weather events. Producers who are looking to minimize time spent checking water may consider investing in one of many modern water monitoring solutions. Many options are available based on needs, product features, budget, and connectivity concerns. For simplicity’s sake, we will start with the most basic options and work our way up.
Monday, March 25, 2024

USDA Authorizes Conservation Reserve Program Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire-Impacted Livestock Producers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas

Program Participants in Nebraska Eligible to Donate Grazing and Haying Rights LINCOLN, Nebraska, March 25, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorizes the release of emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres nationwide, including CRP acres in Nebraska, to livestock producers affected by the recent wildfires in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
Monday, March 25, 2024

New guide helps beef producers maximize the value of cull cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions. “Right Way. Right Time. – A Guide to Cull Cattle Management” is now available at www.ncba.org.
People learning in a pasture
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Register now for the 2024 Nebraska Ranch Practicum

Ranchers and cattle producers interested in learning about the latest research in range livestock production from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are encouraged to register for the 2024 Nebraska Ranch Practicum offered by Nebraska Extension.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Vitamin A levels at calving can have a big impact on calf health

Vitamin A is one of the most important keys to a healthy immune system in newborn calves. Colostrum is the only way calves can get the vitamin A they need to fight off bacteria that will make them sick, said Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska—Lincoln beef systems specialist and associate professor. But not all colostrum contains enough vitamin A, and recent research suggests that “enough” is more than previously thought.  
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Technology on the Ranch Roundtable planned in Kimball

Technology is being incorporated into the tradition of ranching more and more often. But producers need to consider the cost and whether it adds value.

Nebraska Extension in Kimball-Banner Counties is presenting a roundtable discussion with area producers and researchers to discuss the technology available and how it can be effectively applied to ranching.

map of summer 2024 precipitation outlook
Thursday, March 7, 2024

Summer Weather Outlook

Weather Summary

Temperatures this summer are generally expected to be seasonally warm and total precipitation is expected to be average to below average statewide. Rapid drought development or intensification is not likely but cannot be discounted.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Engaging Agriculture: Ideas For Estate and Transition Planning: Monetary Compensation

For many farm and ranch families, bringing children or grandchildren into the operation is the ultimate goal. Successfully bringing additional family members into the operation may require some creativity, as all parties need to maintain a viable standard of living. This series of articles will highlight ideas and tactics for bringing another family member into the operation.
Monday, March 4, 2024

Chasing the Elusive Second Calf

Getting first time mother cows bred for the second time is probably one of the strongest challenges for most beef producers. It can be extremely frustrating at the time of pregnancy diagnosis to find a high percentage of those young cows, the future of the cowherd, to be open. More importantly, it is expensive.