The recently published Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Highlights 2014-2015 report indicates pasture rental rates for cow-calf pairs and stockers have set record highs for the second year in Nebraska. Panel members indicated the driving force behind these rates stem from record setting cattle price Continue reading…
The good spring and early summer moisture we have received in Nebraska along with continued strong forage prices for grazing is encouraging producers to consider what annual forages could be planted into prevent plant acres or wheat stubble to produce fall forage. While summer annuals are a good op Continue reading…
Summer heat hit us hard the past couple weeks. How do these high temperatures affect different types of forage plants?
When it suddenly turns ‘hooey boy’ hot – you know, 90 plus degrees and humidity so thick you can almost see it – cool-season plants suffer along with Continue reading…
Wet conditions this growing season have caused some wheat fields to produce scabby wheat that may not be suitable for milling or manufacturing. Scabby wheat is a result of Fusarium mold growth and this species of mold may produce deoxynivalenol (DON), a toxin commonly called vomitoxin. If high con Continue reading…
With the current cattle, corn, and pasture prices many producers have been asking “should I convert some of my irrigated crop acres to grass?” In the last two years corn prices have decreased 47% (Table 1 http://go.unl.edu/rexo) while calf prices have increased 51% (Table 2 http://go.unl.edu/9y7d). Continue reading…
The beef community has been hearing the discussion about “Antibiotic Stewardship” throughout the past couple years. Is it really a new concept that we need to implement? As we review the principles of antibiotic stewardship, you see it is the basic guidelines set forth by Beef Quality Assurance (B Continue reading…
Weaning time can be a stressful time for calves. Weaning calves at home and selling after the seasonal price pressure subsides can increase profitability. Reducing separation and handling stress, providing proper nutrition, and preconditioning against disease increases the value of the calves and Continue reading…
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory will host its 16th Annual Open House on Wednesday, August 26. Presentations will be given throughout the day on various aspects of cattle and natural resources management.
Throughout the morning, speakers will discuss cattle mark Continue reading…
How easy is it to body condition score your cows? You look at the fat deposits covering the cow’s body. A “fleshy” cow is considered good, while a thin cow may need special attention.
How do you tell if your pasture is “fleshy”? What do you look at to assess plant health?
Determining the health Continue reading…
Livestock producers have many of the same risk management insurance needs as crop producers. Price and market uncertainties pose a significant risk to cattle producers with a substantial amount of money invested in breeding livestock, land, and other infrastructure. Price protection through the Chic Continue reading…