While hay is often used to feed cows through the winter, current prices make corn a competitive option to feeding hay. Photo credit Troy Walz. Feed costs make up the largest expense in a cow-calf operation. While hay is often used to feed cows through the winter, current prices make corn a competitive option to feeding hay. Considering corn has a higher energy content than hay, the cost of feeding hay is often…
It is important to make plans now so that cattle are able to graze late into the fall. | Download this photo. The time is now to plan ahead for fall grazing in the beef herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — Cool crisp mornings and school activities filling the calendar are two signs that fall is on the horizon. Just as families make plans, cattle producers need to be looking into their fall grazing options, according to…
Researchers at Kansas State University have studied the performance of 28 wheat varieties in a dual-purpose system. (File photo) Year-long study helps identify varieties ideal for dual-purpose system MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers have released findings of a study to identify the best-performing varieties when producers are growing wheat for grain and grazing, known as a dual-purpose system. K-State Research and Extension wheat specialist Romulo Lollato said he and his colleagues…
Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef EducatorGalen Erickson, Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist There are three points in time where corn silage is often priced: standing in the field, packed in the silo, and delivered in the bunk. Photo credit Troy Walz. Ongoing dry and drought conditions in many parts of the state are supporting hay and forage prices as we look towards this fall. Perennial dryland hay production in many parts of Nebraska…
Mark Sulc, Extension Forage Agronomist and Bill Weiss, Extension Dairy Nutritionist Early November growth of Italian ryegrass (left) and oat+winter rye (right) after mid-September planting in Ohio Short-season forages planted in late summer can be sources of highly digestible fiber in ruminant livestock rations. There are several excellent forage options that can be considered for no-till or conventional tillage plantings in the late summer or early fall planting window. These forages can be a…
Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County OSU Extension (originally published in the Ohio Cattleman summer issue) Do these comments sound familiar to you? “I really need to do something with that junk pasture this year.”“The bales off that hay field are junk. I’m going to reseed it.” If stand decline is limiting production, perhaps it’s time to reseed. Issues with “junk forage” can include low yields, weed encroachment, and low-quality feed value.…
Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, PAS Associate Extension Professor, University of Kentucky Drought continues to impact the high plains area stretching down to the pan handle of Texas. The dry conditions will continue to impact pastures potentially lowering beef cattle numbers at year’s end. The recent high temperatures and limited rain will dry out pastures and limit forage regrowth on recently cut hay fields here in the Commonwealth. As forage growth slows, supplementation may be…
Karla H. Wilke, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management There are several options cattle producers may want to consider to conserve grass in dry areas of the state. Photo credit Troy Walz. Hot, dry conditions in early summer have taken a toll on grass growth in much of the Great Plains this year. There are several options cattle producers may want to consider to conserve grass in these dry areas. Every producer should…
Adele Harty SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Cattle mineral nutrition is complex and often confusing, but one strategy to help ranchers better evaluate their mineral program is to monitor mineral consumption. This goes back to the old adage, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Mineral supplement tags provide the recommended daily intake based on specific product formulations. Recommended intakes can vary widely depending on the brand and type of product, with the…
Findings are important for times when markets are disrupted, such as pandemic MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University swine researchers are reporting results of a study in which they were able to help producers slow the growth of pigs during the COVID-19 pandemic while they waited for packing plants to re-open. Their findings, they say, could be important any time markets are disrupted, whether that be for a global pandemic or other industry…