Calving season for many producers is near, which means it is time to develop a Herd Health Plan (HHP) to start those newborn calves out on the right track, promoting good health. An appropriate Herd Health Plan/Protocol ensures that all cattle are raised in the best health.
A strong HHP begins Continue reading…
Our newsletter now has an audio companion. The BeefWatch Our newsletter now has an audio companion. The BeefWatch Podcast provides the same timely information as this newsletter, just in a downloadable audio form. Information geared to helping beef cattle producers improve the sustainability and pro Continue reading…
Dehorning and castration of calves intended for beef production are common management practices performed in the U.S. A variety of methods are available to perform these procedures and each has both positive and negative benefits. However, all methods of dehorning and castration result in some lev Continue reading…
Warmer spring weather soon will green up your alfalfa. Before that happens, though, maybe you should do a little weed control.
Weeds like pennycress, downy brome, mustards, cheatgrass, dandelion, and shepherd's purse are common in first cut alfalfa. They lower alfalfa yields, reduce quality, le Continue reading…
The Agricultural Act of 2014, more commonly referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill, provides disaster assistance to livestock producers through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). The 2014 Farm Bill retroactively authorized the program to provide financial assistance to cover losses back to Octo Continue reading…
To maximize forage production in the year that you are establishing perennial forage consider these management strategies. First consider a late summer to early fall seeding for establishment of your cool season grass pasture and/or hay ground. Research in Nebraska has shown that by planting in th Continue reading…
When growers add cover crops, it's important to select and manage the crop according to the primary objective for the crop. Cover crops usually are planted to benefit the soil and are not harvested. Some cover crops may be suitable for grazing or haying though, which means they MUST be selected and Continue reading…
Dr. Rick Funston discusses planning for successful use of estrus synchronization in beef heifers and cows. Current protocols and management strategies to optimize pregnancy rates through the use of estrus synchronization are discussed.
This webinar provides an excellent opportunity for producers t Continue reading…
As a follow up to the February BeefWatch article titled “The Livestock Indemnity Program and the Importance of Recordkeeping,” the present article will outline some of the details necessary in documenting eligible losses and the records involved. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides information ab Continue reading…