BeefWatch Archive

Beefwatch Archive

To read articles prior to September 2017, please visit the article archive on UNL Announce.
Friday, February 16, 2024

Bull selection criteria and cost

The spring bull sale season is underway. Producers are studying catalogs, comparing EPDs and individual animal performance numbers, and choosing which bulls will be the next herd sires. This article includes a link to a spreadsheet producers can use to figure actual bull costs, and addresses some of the things producers should consider before heading to the sale. Hint: It's more than just the lunch menu.
Friday, February 16, 2024

Bull evaluation & selection

Spring sale season in the Great Plains is in full swing. This is when seedstock producers get to showcase their program's progeny, and buyers can acquire bull power for the upcoming breeding season. The primary purpose of buying bulls is to improve herd genetics through an outside seedstock producers’ breeding program. Since nearly all herd improvements over time are a deliberate effort through purchased bulls or modern technologies such as artificial insemination, genetics are instilled in a herd through new bulls.
Thursday, February 15, 2024

Tips for managing calving in muddy conditions

Mud conditions in calving areas can lead to health concerns in both the cow and calf.  Mud and moisture prevent the hair coat from insulating and maintaining body temperature, leaving newborn calves vulnerable to hypothermia.  Mud also increases the energy requirements for the cow and may lead to decreases in body condition score (Nickles, et al. 2022).
Thursday, February 15, 2024

Webinar Revisit: Preventing calf scours and using the Sandhills Calving Method

In this webinar Dr. Halden Clark talks about preventing calf scours and how to use the Sandhills Calving Method. The key to preventing scours in calves is reducing their exposure to the pathogens that cause scours, and coming up with a system to keep newborn calves in clean, dry areas whenever possible.
Thursday, February 15, 2024

Producer Question: What do I need to know about coccidiosis?

Coccidiosis is caused by a microscopic protozoan parasite. The parasite invades intestinal cells and destroys the cells while multiplying, causing diarrhea in the process. Coccidiosis in cattle is characterized by straining and bloody diarrhea. The organism is widespread - almost all cattle become infected at some time in their lives, although many never show signs of illness. Illness is more common in concentrated livestock operations because there is more opportunity for the environment to become contaminated in large numbers, and for calves to be exposed to large doses of the parasite.
Calf on range
Thursday, February 15, 2024

Understanding and Preventing Calf Scours

Neonatal calf diarrhea, or scours, is a common concern among cow-calf producers.  Understanding why scours occurs is the first step in preventing the problem.  

cattle eating at a feed bunk
Friday, February 9, 2024

2024 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Series meetings scheduled across Nebraska

University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s beef program will be presenting the latest feedlot-related research findings in meetings across Nebraska in February. Anyone interested is welcome to attend the meetings Feb. 13, 14 and 15 in Bridgeport, Gothenburg and West Point, respectively. “With precision technology and the tools we have available, we can offer producers more scientifically-supported, specific information than ever before,” said Dr. Jessica Sperber, UNL Feedlot Extension specialist and organizer of the event.
weather map
Thursday, February 8, 2024

Weekly Weather Outlook and Update: February 8, 2024

Light precipitation possible through Saturday

Fundamentals of feeding the cow webinar series graphic
Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Webinar Series: Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow

Feed costs are often the biggest expense for cow-calf producers in Nebraska. Understanding how the cow’s nutrient requirements change throughout the year and how to cost-effectively meet those requirements with the feed resources available can have a big effect on the bottom line.  
Monday, February 5, 2024

Resources for managing mud in feedlots

On Monday, Feb. 5 we hosted a discussion between UNL Feedlot Extension faculty and producers. A recording of that discussion is available here