BeefTalk: The Future of Beef: We Need to Get it Right!

BeefTalk: The Future of Beef: We Need to Get it Right!

Kris Ringwall, Beef Specialist, NDSU Extension Service

The Native American saying, “We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children,” is a reminder that we need to think ahead. Sustainable beef production is a lot more than a phrase; in fact, it’s the future. And the future belongs to our children, so we need to get it right.

Full Story

To Bale or Not To Bale, That is the Silage Question

To Bale or Not To Bale, That is the Silage Question

Cheryl Anderson

DTN

Using round bale silage is a workable option for any farmer and does not require a large silo or haylage harvesting equipment. It is of the greatest benefit to smaller operations with insufficient silo capacity to store surplus forage.

Full Story

Early Deadline Approaches for Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop

Early Deadline Approaches for Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Workshop

Iowa Beef Center

Host site organizer Iowa State University cow-calf specialist Patrick Gunn said the workshop is a must-attend event for cow-calf producers, bovine veterinarians, industry representatives, students, and extension personnel. “Don’t miss out on the opportunity to hone your reproductive management skills at this two-day event highlighting the latest information on reproductive technologies in beef cattle,” Gunn said. “Up to fifteen continuing education units for veterinarians in Iowa and adjoining states as well as professional animal scientists have been approved for this year’s meeting.”

Full Story

What is the Nebraska Brand Committee?

What is the Nebraska Brand Committee?

ZACH PLUHACEK

Lincoln Journal Star

The Nebraska Brand Committee is an independent state agency based in Alliance that inspects cattle brands, keeps brand records and investigates cases of missing or stolen livestock.

Full Story

Weatherproof feeder for cattle can improve correct mineral intake

Weatherproof feeder for cattle can improve correct mineral intake

Peter Vitti

Canadian Cattlemen

Beef cows can’t live without minerals and vitamins, which are often deficient or biologically unavailable in many pastures. I routinely recommend cattle producers feed sufficient well-formulated loose cattle mineral on a regular basis.

Full Story

Fall cover crop grazing basics

Fall cover crop grazing basics

Jerry Lindquist

Michigan State University

Annual cover crop mixtures can make very nutritious and economical grazing crops for spring, summer, fall and early winter grazing in Michigan. Fall grazing is especially beneficial as it fills the gap as pasture grasses become dormant. Mixes of four or more plant species all planted together at the same time and same depth at a seeding rate total of 28-40 pounds per acre can be economical and nutritious for fall grazing livestock and are especially good for finishing grass fed beef cattle.

Full Story

Reduce stress in your receiving protocol

Reduce stress in your receiving protocol

Chad Zehnder

Purina Mills

Is your receiving protocol causing your cattle stress, or is it seamlessly transitioning your calves and setting them up for future success?

How we receive calves at the feedlot can affect performance throughout the feeding phase. The ultimate goal is to get cattle on feed quickly and keep them healthy so that they gain weight efficiently during the receiving period and throughout the rest of the time on feed.

Full Story

Problem Pasture Weeds

Problem Pasture Weeds

William S. Curran and Dwight Lingenfelter

Pennsylvania State University

For most of the products that contain plant growth regulator type herbicides (2,4-D, Clarity, Crossbow, ForeFront, etc.) remember to allow the seedling forage grasses to get established (4-5 inches tall, have a good secondary root system, and show good vigor) before making a herbicide application. Cimarron Plus also has some necessary establishment periods for different grass species before herbicide application that should be observed.

Full Story

It’s really dry. Now what?

It’s really dry. Now what?

Roger Gates

iGrow

Conditions reported on June 28 for the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated deepening drought conditions in Western and Northeastern South Dakota. Statewide, during the most recent week, the area unaffected by dry conditions decreased from 53% to 39% and the area in moderate drought increased from 16% to 33%.

Full Story

Summer Pneumonia in Beef Calves

Summer Pneumonia in Beef Calves

Richard Randle

University of Nebraska

Generally, mid to late summer is a time when cow calf producers relax a little. Calving is over; cows and calves are on summer pastures and typically it is a relatively uneventful time.

Full Story