K-State beef cattle experts discuss tips for raising stocker cattle

Managing feed and health costs while optimizing marketing strategies are keys to success MANHATTAN, Kan. – Cow-calf producers, stocker operators and feedlot managers all have the same end goal in mind: raise high quality beef profitably. Experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute say there are many ways that producers can do that successfully. Stocker cattle are typically newly-weaned calves weighing between 300 and 800 pounds. They are often co-mingled with…

Continue ReadingK-State beef cattle experts discuss tips for raising stocker cattle

Improving the Bottom-line of Breeding: Three State Beef Conference

Pre-calving nutritional strategies will be discussed at the upcoming Three State Beef Conference. Photo credit Troy Walz. In a joint effort, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa Extension are hosting three meetings to address how to set up an economical and successful breeding season. The registration fee is $25 per person. It includes a meal and a copy of the conference proceedings. Presentations include: Pre-calving nutritional strategies: Am I staying ahead or getting behind?Dr. Travis…

Continue ReadingImproving the Bottom-line of Breeding: Three State Beef Conference

Soybean Stubble for Cows

Bruce Anderson, Nebraska Extension Forage Specialist Don’t be misled into thinking soybean residues are as good or better than corn stalks. Photo credit Troy Walz. After soybeans are harvested, cows sometimes are put out on the residues to graze.  Some bean residues are even baled.  But how good is this feed?  We’re all familiar with the usefulness of grazing corn stalks, but I see more and more residue from soybean fields grazed every…

Continue ReadingSoybean Stubble for Cows

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…

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

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…

Continue ReadingThe Cost of Overwintering Open Cows

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…

Continue ReadingKnowing Your Ranch Can Promote Accuracy in Estimating Grazeable Acres

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…

Continue Reading20th Missouri Livestock Symposium focuses on beef profits

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…

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

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…

Continue ReadingSearching for Opportunities