Beef Production
Millions of pounds of ground beef are thrown away each year because of foreign material contamination. This is not just about isolated incidents but a widespread practice that needs immediate attention.
Herd management and taking time to plan can help smaller herds create marketing success.
Achieving the best results with vaccines requires using the correct syringes and needles, good management practices and functional facilities.
Does castrating bulls pencil out? Research shows discounts for bulls sold in feeder calf markets. Oklahoma data indicates bulls are consistently discounted relative to steers when comparing cattle of similar weight, quality, breed and other physical and management attributes.
Improvements in genetics, management practices and technology are working together to produce higher fed cattle weights and increased carcass quality.
The forecast for May is pointing to a rapid warm up with rains across the drought-stricken Plains, but there’s a drier forecast for the heart of the Corn Belt. One meteorologist is concerned about the amount of dryness entering the picture.
The tiny, annoying pest can wreak $6 billion in losses annually to U.S. cattle production due to decreased weight gain or milk production, veterinary needs and control measures.
Well-designed, versatile and practical cattle working facilities reduce stress on cattle and producers.
Revisiting and updating a budget can help producers identify areas that might be affecting potential profitability.
Implementing low-stress handling techniques while working cattle can save producers time, money, injury and headaches.
With bulls being an influential genetic piece to the cow herd, producers should consider several aspects of keeping bulls in optimal performance condition.
When selecting needles to vaccinate or treat cattle, there are several factors to consider to make the right decisions for overall herd health and best management practices.
As pastures green up, cattle producers are preparing for spring processing. Consider these tips as you plan to protect your herd.
Cattle producers have been successful applying selection pressure to maintain calving ease while improving the additive genetic merit for weaning and yearling weight performance.
Motion-activated field cameras, GPS collars, wolf scat analysis and cattle tail hair samples are helping University of California, Davis, researchers shed new light on how an expanding and protected gray wolf population is affecting cattle operations, leading to millions of dollars in losses.
“I have seen minimal problems with scours and pneumonia. I think this set of calves moving to grass is as good as I’ve seen when I look back over the last 10 years,” says one Iowa veterinarian.
Farmshare helps connect producers more directly with end buyers in the market by way of independent processing facilities.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension specialists share these tips for grazing after a wildfire.
It’s important to plan ahead for if pasture conditions deteriorate to the point of having to supplement or feed pairs in confinement.
Feeding dairy-beef cross steers a low-starch, forage-based diet early in life may be the secret to fewer liver abscesses, healthier rumens, and heavier carcasses without sacrificing performance.
K-State Entomologist Cassandra Olds shares strategies for good fly control.
Salt can be used as a weapon to control mineral intake and help keep mineral costs down.
Cattleman Mike Williams uses a grazing management plan, virtual fencing technology and involvement with local and state cattle associations to meet the challenges of ranching in southern California.
Kansas stocker uses strategies to add value to discounted calves that are not typically desired in the marketplace.
There are many reasons to consider finishing calves on forage, however it can present two major challenges: land requirement and variable calf performance.
With a strategic approach to magnesium supplementation and maintaining close observation of the herd, producers can effectively mitigate the risk of grass tetany.
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.
A look at how nutritional management of calves pre-finishing impacts beef quality.
Carrying capacity and stocking rate are two terms ranchers must understand as they each play an important role in grazing management.
Livestock and soil health both benefit from properly-used prescribed fire.