UNL BeefWatch September 2017

Consistency is Key to Proper Feed Bunk Management

The overall goal of feed bunk management is to maintain consistency within the feeding system.  Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.Proper bunk management is the art of matching feed deliveries to the amount of feed cattle need for optimal performance. Underfeeding cattle results in poor gains and feed efficiency, longer days on feed, and reduced carcass quality. On the other hand, putting more feed in front of cattle than they Continue reading…

 

Make Informed Range and Pasture Management Decisions

Developing a management plan and implementing a monitoring program is an investment into the future of your operation. Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.Planning and monitoring are often underutilized tools in range and pasture management. Growing and harvesting forage with livestock is the foundation of a ranch business and development of a written plan increases your ability to effectively manage your resources. A written management plan details t Continue reading…

 

Crop Residue Exchange Available

The primary objective of this exchange is to assist in the development of farmer-cattlemen relationships.  Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.The Crop Residue Exchange is an online engagement tool designed to assist farmer-cattlemen relationship development with the goal of encouraging mutually beneficial agreements to utilize crop residue for the purposes of grazing. A recent UNL survey funded by SARE showed that 17% of farmers that do n Continue reading…

 

Nebraska BQA: Preconditioning and Weaning Preparation

Weaning is a major stress in a calf’s life and on their immune system. Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.Cow-calf producers are nearing weaning time of their 2017 calf crop, with current market and industry trends, producers should be considering and preparing for preconditioning or weaning programs. It is important to consider the best programs for the health of calves during these stressful periods Continue reading…

 

Silage Considerations

If silage is not correctly packed into a bunker (or bagged or put in silos), then oxygen will remain in the pile which leads to greater shrink losses. Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.Silage time has arrived for many producers. Some producers have been forced to put up silage due to hail but many are considering silage over grain based on economical beef production when feeding silage. Here are some key considerations for beef producers to consider before and during use of silage Continue reading…

 

Cow-Calf Cost Breakdown – Feed Cost

Feed cost represents approximately 40-70% of annual cow costs.  Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS.An economic analysis of annual cow costs in Nebraska shows that feed cost represents approximately 40-70% of all costs when labor and depreciation are included. An economic analysis values owned pasture and raised feed at market value. The cows are asked to pay fair market value for both grazed an Continue reading…

 
Originally published September 1, 2017 - Submit an Item