UNL BeefWatch: Recent Episodes
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Hot, dry conditions can add additional stress to calves as the are recieved into the yard. Key things to pay attention to are discussed.
Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler at the University of Kentucky discusses research on grazing standing corn and their experience in working with producers.
LRP has changed tremendously since it started. Dr. Parsons discusses the opportunities it offers on calves and feeder cattle to manage price risk.
Recent research has confirmed management practices that enhance the potential for a replacement heifer to stay in the herd.
Early weaning can help reduce forage demand on rangeland and pastures. Strategies for utilizing this option are discussed.
Dr. Brandon Smith discusses research that examined feeding 10-12 lbs. of soy hulls per day with limited access to CRP hay to dry, pregnant cows.
Dr.Lindsay Waechter-Mead highlights the value of ultrasound as pregnancy diagnosis tool, the information it can provide and keys to timing of use.
Dr. Rick Funston discusses his experience in working with a commercial cow-calf operation to utilize sexed semen with heifers.
Evaluating options under current market conditions to keep a core of females from which to rebuild the cow herd going forward is discussed.
John Maddux from near Imperial discusses how the operation has used early weaning as a tool to mitigate drought impacts.
Cattle fundamentals continue to be strong supported by exceptional product quality and ongoing consumer demand.
Principles for reducing the risk of fire when working in rangelands and pastures is discussed.
The American consumer is increasingly eating more beef at a higher price than they were a decade ago.
Virtual fence technology is advancing rapidly. This two day tour will demonstrate its use on both producer operations and in research settings.
Dr. Jerry Volesky completes a 31 year career with the University of Nebraska in June. He shares what he has learned and what he sees as key management thought processes and management practices related to range, pasture and annual forages.
Dr. Rick Rasby completes a 40 year career with the University of Nebraska in June. He shares what he has learned and what he sees as important for the success of cow-calf producers going forward.
Recent research is demonstrating that bull body condition during semen production influences not only sperm viability but also embryo development.
Recent research is challenging the widely held belief that prussic acid breaks down in hay. Dr. Gruss from Iowa State discusses the data and gives principles to address this risk.
Measuring methane produced from cattle is a challenging process. The methods and tools utilized are discussed.
Disasters bring tax consequences which require thorough documentation. Options for managing income from livestock are dicussed as well.
Margins at the feedlot and packer level are showing negative values for the foreseable future. Dr. Koontz from CSU discusses the signal this sends for cow-calf and stocker yearling operations and why now is a good time to put into practice price risk management.
The University of Nebraska is examining factors that impact methane production from cattle. This research includes the microbial population in the rumen, inoculation of the rumen environment early in an animal’s life, diet and cattle genetics.
Current crop commodity prices, fertilizer input costs, and a shortage of grazeable forage in Nebraska is creating a senario where planting summer annual forages for grazing or harvested feed may be a more profitable option than growing row crops in 2026.
Taking time to annual review your insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered in the event of a wilfire is an important practice for farm and ranch owners.
Jessie Jarvis, a rancher from near Eagle, Idaho shares her family's experience with using virtual fence to graze cows on portions of allotments that didn't burn without building physcial fence. The lessons earned and the opportunities she sees going forward with this technology are discussed also.
Dr. Matt Hille, Veterinary Pathologist and Extension Specialist, discusses the westward movement of the Asian Longhorned Tick and the impact it can have as a vector for Bovine Theileriosis which is caused by a protoza which results in anemia for infected animals.
The conditions hay is stored under is the major driver of how quality is retained. Factors that impact hay deterioration are discussed.
Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses things land owners should know regarding Nebraska fence law and Federal cost-share programs, before removing and replacing fences.
Drs. Jerry Volesky and Mitch Stephenson discusses factors that influence when pastures impacted by wildfires will be ready to be grazed.
Dr. Karla Wilke discusses management practices that producers should pay attention to if the breeding season will need to occur in a dry lot setting this year.
Dr. David Smith and Dr. Dale Grotelueschen discuss the circumstances and system that they developed with producers, which became known as the Sandhills Calving System. This management practice has been shown to drastically reduce the incidence of scours in young calves.
Dr. Travis McCarty and Dr. Randall Spare, two veterinarians from Kansas, share their experiences of going through multiple wildfires personally and with their clients on principles for caring for livestock and supporting the impacted people. Nebraska Extension veterinarians Dr. Funk and Dr. Vander Ley also discuss key things that can help producers wortk through these circumstances.
Snap2Graze is a web based tool based on Univeristy of Nebraska research, that utilizes a photo to estimate forage avaible for grazing.
The content that will be covered is discussed, as well as how people can learn more or register.
Neonatal calf diarrhea is a common concern among cow-calf producers. Understanding why scours occurs, can help prevent the problem.
Breed genetic trends for greater growth, milk production and mature weight are impacting cowherd nutrient needs and thus profitability.
Opportunities to use technologies to improve reproductive performance in cows and heifers is discussed.
Past research and new integrated projects across multiple disciplines in cattle are discussed.
Dr. Peel shares his perspective on the factors that are supporting cattle prices and what to expect for the rest of 2026.
How do cattle contribute to green house gas emissions? University of Nebraska researchers describe what is currently known and future research that will further enhance this knowledge.
Much of the winter cold weather may be past, but extended periods of wet and cold events can still impact cattle. Understanding the factors that contribute to and ways to mitigate cold stress are discussed
The University of Nebraska has received a signficant grant to conduct fundamental research on energy use in cattle, examining diet, genetics and rumen microorganisms and how those interact with each other to impact methane emissions in cattle.
Recent research shows there have been changes to the feeding value of distillers grain byproducts and how cattle perform when they are part of a diet.
Research compared three protein sources at different levels in corn silage-based diets for growing cattle. The results and implications are discussed.
The Rangeland Analysis Platfrom is providing data to identify trends over time related to the increase of winter annual invasive grasses.
A feedlot study compared FerAppease applied to yearling beef steers at initial processing and reimplant to a placebo on cattle health, feeding performance and carcass characteristics.
Owen Williams from near Elk Mountain Wyoming shares how they are using virtual fence technology on the Double 8 Ranch for grazing riparian areas, irrigated meadows, public lands and cornstalks in the winter.
Cows in late gestation have nutrient requirements that are ramping up quickly while the quality compenents of corn residue have frequently declined in availability. Understanding these circumstance can help producers strategically provide what is needed to met nutrition needs.
Research by Dr. Lalman at Oklahoma State University is showing that there is significant difference in forage intake and performance of heifers fed long stem grass hay. Dr. Laman discusses how producers might use this information in developing and selecting heifers that fit available resources.
The nutrient requirements for heifers and cows ramp up rapidly in the last trimester and right after calving. Understanding a cows nutrition needs is the first step to cost effectively meeting them.
Research at Dickinson, North Dakota shows integrating cattle grazing as part of a crop rotation can reduce input costs and improve profitability when compared to continous wheat production. This research will be shared at three programs in the Nebraska Panhandle on January 19, 20 and 21.
What can I afford to pay for a bred heifer? Cow costs, replacement rate, calf prices, and weaning rate are major factors that impact this value.
Matt Grimes from near Minden Nebraska discusses why he chose hair sheep as an enterprise and how they complement his family's grain farming and custom grazing of cows on corn residue.
This popular course returns in 2026 with both online and hands-on workshops. Information about the content of the course as well as registration information is discussed.
Practices to reduce stress from cold, wet conditions such as bedding and windbreaks, that can improve cattle performance and health are discussed.
Dave Boxler discusses conditions that enhance lice activity, thresholds at which treatment is warranted and different products that are avaiable for lice control.
Myra Hipke Richardson from near Stuart, Nebraska discusses how they have integrated windrow grazing of summer annual forages for fall and winter feeding of the cow herd. She also talks about the logistics of fence and water that are needed to make this system work.
Harold Gaugler from Grant County, North Dakota discusses how they have utilized bale grazing to reduce equipment and labor for winter feeding. He also shares how they have improved forage production from bale grazing on locations where the soil and plant community will benefit from nutrients and organic matter.
Bale grazing provides the opportunity to strategically place bales for use throughout the fall and winter on locations where the soil and plant community will benefit from nutrients and organic matter. This method of feeding can more efficiently capture nutrients in hay than when fed in a lot and reduce labor and equipment expense.
Thinking ahead of hay needs now through the upcoming winter and spring can help position you to strategically purchase the feed you need.
Calves are valuable! Keys for successfully caring for them at and after the weaning process are discussed.
Harry Cope, a producer from Truxton Missouri, shares his decades of experience with strip grazing standing milo in the fall and winter with cow calf pairs as a way to reduce feed costs.
Using hay test results with an inventory enables producers to cost effectively plan to meet cow nutrition needs.
Dr. Rasby highlights key practices to remember when caring for fall calving cows and opportunities they provide to utilize Nebraska's feed resources.
Research examining different levels of gain and implant strategies for growing calves through the winter are discussed.
Meeting early with your tax preparer will provide time to make sound tax management decisions and thoughtfully explore options. Prudently paying taxes now may be best for the cow-calf business long term.
Fall regrowth on cool season grasses may seem like a bonus for grazing, but care must be used when utilizing this forage to minimize risk of reducing plant health and vigor for next spring.
Grazing annual forages at and shortly after a freeze event raises the potential for toxicity. The risks and practices to mitigate them are discussed.
The price fundamentals based on consumer demand and beef supplies are strong going into the fall with little sign of heifer retention and cow herd rebuilding occurring.
Dr. Mary Drewnoski shares research producers can use to effectively utilize corn residue. Expected grazing days per acre, supplementation strategies and factors that impact grazing quality are discussed.
David Boxler discusses the unique challenges these ticks provide, disease they can transmit,how to scout for them and options for control
Whorled Milkweed can be toxic when consumed by livestock. Management practices to mitigate its presence in hay fields and the risk when it is present in harvested hay is discussed
Dr. Elliott Dennis discusses the factors driving current cattle market conditions and at the base is consumer demand for beef!
Excellent control of perennials, biennnials and winter annual weeds can occur in the fall through the use of strategically applied herbicides. Keys for timing and application are discussed.
Best management practices to minimize silage spoilage and reduce dry matter loss are discussed.
Air flow, water, sprinklers, shade and even bedding can be helpful to reduce the impacts of heat on cattle. Benefits of different methods are discussed.
Research has shown a combination of two herbicides applied on pasture and rangeland in the fall can have effective control of winter annual grasses on rangeland and pasture. How the products work and principles for application are discussed.
Considerations for care and management of calves born in mid to late summer along with practices that can mitigate common stressors are discussed.
Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Dr.Funk discusses factors that contribute to and common symptoms of summer pneumonia in nursing calves.
The research behind the Cattle Comfort Index is explained and resources producers can use to access the information is discussed.
Dr. David Anderson, market analyst shares his perspective on current prices and some thoughts on price risk management for cattle producers.
Review of the standard estrus synch drugs are discussed as well as frequent questions that are raised related to common problems that can occur. Resources for estrus synch planning are discussed as well.
Valuing a corn crop standing in the field for silage harvest or delivered to the cattle in the bunk and the factors that impact the price based on moisture content and quality are discussed.
University of Nebraska researchers have began exploring the capabilities of virtual fence for grazing management in annual forages and perennial pastures. Their experience, how the tool has worked, and opportunities for application in a producer setting are discussed.
Daniel Mushrush, an early adopter of virtual fence technology shares his experience. What went well, what didn't, and the opportunities this tool provides for his family's ranch.
The cost of gain versus the value of gain is key for the profitablity of creep feeding calves. Keys to consider when evaluating whether or not to creep feed calves are discussed.
CRP acres are often grazed with cattle. Having an estimate of the quality of this forage can help producers know what protein and energy supplementation may be needed to meet animal nutrient needs. Recent data from KSU provides baseline information on protien and energy of forage.
The one participant 401K is a retirement account with unique options for small business owners. The ability to borrow from it and flexibility in funding the account make it an attractive option to consider when times are good on the ranch.
There are numerous options for annuals forages that can be planted mid to late summer for grazing, haying, silage or stock piled winter feed. The class of livestock to be fed and when it is needed will determine what is best to plant.
Research at Montana State University examined the impact of three different sources of trace minerals fed to cows during the last 5 months of gestation on the mineral status of both the cows and the calves that were developing in utero.
Research at Kansas State University of over 600 heifers at 5 locations showed that acclimation to handling through a chute and alley during the estrus synchronization and artificial insemination process resulted in improved conception rates.
Compensatory gain on summer grass is often touted as one of the benefits of a slow growth wintering program for calves. Recent research is challenging the value of compensatory growth when development programs include both a wintering and summering phase prior to marketing.
Limit feeding an energy and protein dense diet to cow-calf pairs is often done use a total mixed ration. However, with a little creativity, there are options that can be used to limit feed cows without having to have a feed wagon.
Drought conditions can trigger the need to feed cow-calf pairs or early weaned calves a ration that typically would not be required. Key things to know in order to meet cattle performance goals are discussed.
Dr. Mary Drewnoski discusses research looking at grazing Sudangrass with both cow-calf pairs and yearlings. Stocking rates, cattle performance and management practices to enhance success are discussed.
Just 5 stable flies on each leg of cattle can have an economic impact. Dave Boxler discusses where stable flies come from, what makes control so challenging and the options available to producers.
Being able to identify toxic plants to livestock and management practices to minimize risk of poisoning is the focus of this series. To register go.unl.edu/toxicplants
Cattle need a safe, readily available water supply for health and performance. Both quantity and quality factors producers need be attentive to are discussed.
In parts of Nebraska there is a trend towards leafy spurge blooming earlier in the spring. Because the onset of reproduction is an opportune time to control this plant with herbicide, recognizing this change is important for management.
Net present value is a tool cow-calf producers can use to evaluate the amount they can afford to spend to purchase or develop bred replacements for the cow herd based on current prices, costs, and expected future returns from calf and cow sales. The factors impacting this calculation are discussed.
Horn flies populations at greater than 200 per animal can significantly impact cattle performance and comfort. Different methods and approaches to reduce horn flies on grazing cattle are discussed
The public is expressing angst about the state and direction of the economy at a level not seen since the early 1980s. The potential implications of this on beef demand are disussed.
Management practices to enhance the liklihood that cows calving late will quickly return to estrus and conceive are discussed.
Recognizing that calves are eating mineral needs to be included when calculating the total amount to be delivered to the herd to meet targeted levels of consumption.
Pasture and precipitation conditions prior to and after a wildfire greatly influence the approach to grazing management. Principles to pay attention to are discussed.
Conception rates are often high in cattle. However, numerous factors can inhibit maternal recognition or lead to pregnancy loss from days 7 to 50 after breeding. Management practices to reduce these losses are discussed.
Rangeland grasshoppers may be problematic this year in parts of Nebraska due to high populatoins last fall and winter conditions that may support survival of populations hatching this spring. Information on assessing grasshopper numbers and options for control are discussed.
Soil moisture, air temperature along with plant health and vigor, all contribute to grass growth on native range and pastures. Understanding when key grass species grow and the timing of when to reduce stocking rates when drought conditions are present is discussed.
Dr. Rick Funston discusses the fundamentals and factors to enhance sucess, as well as resources to utilize when selecting and executing an estrus synchronization protocol with heifers or cows.
Understanding the factors that contribute to grass tetany in cattle is the foundation for preventing it. Brock Ortner discusses why magnesium deficiences occur and recommended levels to feed when grazing forages that are prone to trigger tetany.
Weeds in a pasture may be a natural part of the plant community ebb and flow or they may represent a noxious invasive species. Understanding classes of weeds and the why behind their presence will give insights into appropriate management practices to address them.
Interested in learning a systems approach to cattle and ranch management? The Practicum provides current research delivered through a hands on experience at the Gudmundsen Sandhills lab. Application deadline is May 5 to participate in this year's class.
Eastern red cedars are aggressively encroaching on grasslands in Nebraska. Understanding how they spread gives land managers knowledge they can use to eradicate rogue cedars and strategically steward existing shelterbelts.
Cattle harvested at heavier weights may be at greater risk for late term death loss during the finishing period. Factors that may increase this risk and stratgies to migitage them are dicussed.
Every operation is different and the appropriate vaccination plan will depend on health challenges specific to an individuals herd. Principles for developing a plan are discussed.
Salt is often used to limit intake of protien supplements to cattle grazing low-quality forages. This research explores the potential impacts of high levels of salt intake on digestion.
A written lease agreement should include a specified clause that addresses how drought and other natural disasters will be handled which provides clarity for both the land owner and person leasing the pasture.
Dr. Brittany Davis discusses research showing that the compound biochanin A, which is found in red clover, can mitigate the effects of ergopeptide alkaloids consumed by cattle.
Dr. Mary Drewnoski discusses the specific mineral needs of cow-calf pairs as well as stocker cattle grazing annual forages and key components that should be in a supplement.
Drought conditions continue for most of Nebraska and the High Plains. Developing a plan and aquiring forage and concentrate feeds now to feed the cow herd will give greater options should dry weather persist.
Annual forages can be used to help make up for the loss of range and pasture grazing due to drought. Dr. Volesky discusses options and cautions to consider when using these forages.
Dr. Parsons reviews the historic wide positive basis currently in place between CME feeder cattle prices and local cash prices in Nebraska and the basis risk to producers wanting to protect these high prices out into the future.
Dr. Farney discusses how an essential oil mineral performed when compared to a lasalocid mineral for steers grazing summer pasture in southeast Kansas.
Dr. Paul Beck discusses the differences in average daily gain and supplement efficiency for steers grazing native grass pastures in 2022.
Dr. Stephanie Hansen discusses 15 years of zinc research in receiving, growing and finishing cattle diets and the benefits they have seen.
Meeting the mineral needs of cattle can be challenging due to the dynamics that take place with production requirements, mineral content in feed and the impact of uptake inhibitors. Dr. Drewnoski explains in layman terms how to understand these dynamics and cost effectively meet cattle mineral requirements.
Supplying growing cattle on low quality forage with adequate bypass or rumen undegradeable protien can significantly improve average daily gain by meeting metabolizable protein needs.
Cows normally don't eat pine needles, but severe cold or snow can sometimes trigger consumption. Planning and prevention can help to mitigate the risk.
Research at the Meat Animal Research Center validates the value of heterosis with modern genetics for improving lifetime productivity of beef cows.
Research by Mississipi State University and Texas A and M has shown reduced mortality when high risk stocker cattle were supplemented with a Bacillus based probiotic on pasture.
Tips for preparing for calving and guidelines for when to intervene and assist the cow or heifer are discussed.
In extended periods of cold wet conditions, cattle can benefit from bedding. Management practices to utilize this practice effectively are discussed.
Cow nutrition and body condition heading into calving as well as the environment at calving shape a calf's ability to respond to vaccine.
Understanding lower critical temperature and factors that impact it, cow body condition and feeding to meet cow requirements are topics discussed.
Vaccine development continues to advance with new technologies. Dr. McVey talks about historic and new methods being used.
Testing hay allows producers to match forage quality to cow nutrition needs and cost effectively purchase feed to complement hay inventory.