K-State precision agricultural economist says the Gannon Storm that occurred the weekend of May 10, 2024, and led to an assumed $565 million in losses for Midwestern crop producers was not an anomaly.

There are many reasons to consider finishing calves on forage, however it can present two major challenges: land requirement and variable calf performance.

Farmers in the upper Plains, northern Plains and Northeast came up short on snow for the 2024/25 season. In some cases, they experienced the winter that wasn’t, now sitting 10" to 30" short on normal snowfall.

Research found negative implications on embryonic development and survival when heifers are transitioned to a reduced diet after AI breeding. This should be considered when transitioning heifers from dry lot to pasture, as this can cause changes in weight and composition.

With a strategic approach to magnesium supplementation and maintaining close observation of the herd, producers can effectively mitigate the risk of grass tetany.

In times of chaos, it’s best to go back to the basics of basis and price. Effective risk management has little room for mistakes, but that doesn’t mean it has to be perfect.