BeefWatch Archive

Beefwatch Archive

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

April 2024 Rangeland and Pasture Update

As we come into early April it is important to take time to think about rangeland and pasture conditions and make sure grazing plans are ready for the growing season in 2024. Much of the state has seen close to normal precipitation since October first (current water year), however, parts of the state, especially counties in the south and east of the state, that experienced drought last summer are still experiencing drier than normal conditions.

Register now for Cattle and Coffee: Morning Webinar Series on Annual Forages

Are you seeking alternative solutions to perennial pasture in your area or do you need more stored forage? Join Nebraska Extension for an enlightening journey into the realm of annual forage systems through our upcoming webinar series.

Western Livestock Journal: The Viewpoint with Rick Funston

Dr. Rick Funston has been an integral figure over the years in the study and advancement of cattle reproductive physiology. Rick grew up on a farming and ranching operationin central North Dakota before obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from North Dakota State University and Montana State University, and a doctorate in reproductive biology from the University of Wyoming.

Relieving Stress around the Branding Pen

Spring calving brings the promise of working calves, and in some areas of the state, branding season. Following is the challenge of gathering enough help at the right times to ensure proper vaccination, castration, and the other complements to our herd health programs. Priorities during this event typically include people safety and minimization of cattle stress.

Three-State Beef Conference Recap — Recordings now available

 The Three-State Beef Conference provides essential updates on cow-calf and stocker topics to beef cattle producers and industry stakeholders. With specialists from leading beef cattle land grant universities—University of Nebraska, University of Missouri, and Iowa State University—alongside insights from industry experts, the conference serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.