K-State beef cattle experts share considerations for retaining females in the herd

Decision often is based on priorities of the operation MANHATTAN, Kan. – Late fall is the time many cattle producers are weaning spring born calves and making selections for replacement females. Trying to decide if replacement heifers should be kept and, if so, the best way for making that decision was a recent discussion topic for Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute professors Bob Larson and Bob Weaber. Larson, a veterinarian, said the…

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The Cost of Overwintering Open Cows

Jordan Buerck, Research Assistant and Brenda Boetel, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Wisconsin-River Falls As winter in the Midwest begins in full force, one of the more important decisions for producers is whether or not to continue feeding open cows throughout the winter period in hopes of attaining higher market value for that animal in the spring. This decision must be analyzed based on each individual’s location and access to feed…

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Knowing Your Ranch Can Promote Accuracy in Estimating Grazeable Acres

By Josh Gaskamp, Technical Consultation Manager and Wildlife and Range Consultantand Mike Proctor, Senior Research Associate 1 Estimating grazeable acreage as well as forage availability is vital to understanding the carrying capacity of a ranch and accurately setting a proper stocking rate. Mapping software (i.e., ArcGIS) is a tool commonly used to estimate grazeable acreage for cattle, with minimal technical expertise required. With this tool, managers can use aerial imagery of their ranch…

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20th Missouri Livestock Symposium focuses on beef profits

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – Beef producers will learn to improve profits through management tips at the 20th annual Missouri Livestock Symposium, says Garry L. Mathes, chair of the symposium planning committee. Farmers and ranchers will learn the value of management and genetics at the symposium, Dec. 6-7 in Kirksville. Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef specialist, focuses on nutrition and heifer development in Missouri. Temple Grandin will give the keynote Friday evening and…

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Cow-calf Producers Responding to Market Events and the Beginning of a Beef Cow Selloff

Dr. Elliott Dennis, Assistant Professor, Livestock Marketing Economist, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska – Lincoln The Holcomb packing plant fire has certainly been a black swan event – rare, unpredictable and has had dramatic effects on the cattle industry. These dramatic effects have ranged from massive selloffs in the futures market, record packer profit margins coupled with increases in Saturday harvest numbers, and volatile feeder and fed cattle prices.[1] But to…

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Searching for Opportunities

Kevin Laurent, Beef Extension Specialist, Princeton Research and Education Center, University of Kentucky To say that 2019 has been a challenging year would be a huge understatement. From the excessive rain the first half of the year, to the drought and depressed markets of late, 2019 will definitely be remembered as one of those years much like 2007, 2009 and 2012. Like most challenges in life, there always seems to be an opportunity…

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