BeefWatch Archive

Beefwatch Archive

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

Can I Irrigate Animal Manures On Growing Crops?

The high rainfalls experienced in recent weeks have left many feedlot holding ponds full and operators looking for irrigation options for applying animal manure during the growing season. This article focuses on important considerations for application of open lot holding pond effluent and diluted manures during the growing season without damaging the crop. Three take home messages from this article include:

Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Preconditioning

Cow-calf producers have the option of preconditioning calves at weaning to improve health status and ultimately add value to their calf crop. Preconditioning programs can vary greatly from one operation to another but share the common goal of preparing calves for the next phase of production. The preconditioning period is typically a minimum of 45 days and includes a nutritional program, health protocol, and series of management strategies designed to minimize stress and boost the immune system of the newly weaned calf.

Dry Lotting Cow-calf Pairs as an Alternative to Summer Grass – A Producer's Perspective

In this month's BeefWatch Producer Perspective Podcast, Alex Wiese, who is part of a family owned and operated farm near Newman Grove, shares how he has started a cow-calf enterprise as part of his family's operation. In the podcast Alex shares management practices and techniques he is using to dry lot cow-calf pairs through the summer.

A “New” Invasive Weed - Absinth Wormwood

The Sandhills have a “new” invasive weed — absinth wormwood. This weed is on Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota’s noxious weed list. However, absinth wormwood was absent in Nebraska until a few years ago. Now absinth wormwood has been identified in over 15 counties in Nebraska, including several counties in the Sandhills.

Implant Strategies for Calf-Fed Steers: Is Bigger Always Better?

This is a review of two research studies conducted at the University of Nebraska that evaluated the impact of initial implant program on performance and carcass characteristics of calf-fed steers.

Nutrition at Conception and Early Gestation Influences Gene Expression

Research continues to demonstrate the impact of maternal nutrition on the developing fetus in beef cattle. A recent study at North Dakota State University with yearling beef heifers in early pregnancy examined and compared two groups of heifers that were managed the same prior to breeding, but after breeding were assigned to different levels of nutrition.

Precipitation Risk Management for Annual Forages – New NebGuide Released

Drs. Jay Parsons, Jerry Volesky and Extension Educator Aaron Berger recently released a new NebGuide titled Precipitation Risk Management for Annual Forages.

How Are They Shedding?

Research has shown that calves from cows that shed their winter hair coat earlier tend to weigh more at weaning.

Wait! Wait! Is Your Pasture Ready to Graze?

To prevent damaging forage production, grass needs a head start to grow leaves and replace the resources used to grow leaves before grazing.

How Good Accounting Practices Aid Decision Making

Allocating costs is a tool used to assist in financial and managerial decision making within your operation.