The American Simmental Association (ASA) recently released a new genetic evaluation that includes multiple changes that seedstock and commercial producers alike should be aware of. Although there were changes to the entire suite of EPD, examples of key changes are listed below.
SINGLE-STEP GENOMI Continue reading…
Planting annual forages following a primary crop or specifically for feed can provide a number of benefits, including ground cover and forage resources for livestock. One of the main risks with this production practice, especially in a non-irrigated field, is variable precipitation and soil moisture Continue reading…
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 afte Continue reading…
As has been said many times, “You can’t make a first impression twice.” And the same goes for bringing in a new employee into a farm or ranch. A good practice is to follow a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the new employee orientation. Let’s look at a suggested SOP for new employees.
1) Back Continue reading…
Re-implanting strategies are an important management tool for improving efficiency of cattle fed up to 200 days. It has been well documented that implants can improve growth rate up to 20% and feed efficiency 10-15% in finishing cattle. To maximize the benefit of this technology, it seems the indust Continue reading…
Grazing summer annual grasses is a great way to add flexibility to an operation, but in order to make it worth your time and money some management decisions are required. Your goals and your location will determine what type of summer annual you should plant. This article will address:
1. Type of a Continue reading…
Optimizing a herd mix of different animal classes (i.e., cows and yearlings) offer different degrees of flexibility in management. A common recommendation in drought prone areas is that breeding herd forage demand should be capped at no more than 50 – 70% of a ranch’s carrying capacity during avera Continue reading…
Grandpa and Grandma farmed. They retired. They had two irrigated quarters. They had two sons who had started farming operations themselves. So, their transition plan was to give a quarter to each of the sons at their passing. Grandpa passed away, followed by the Grandmother about a year or so Continue reading…
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 sev Continue reading…