Winter Feeding

How Should You Manage Bulls in Winter to Ensure Summer Breeding Performance?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:31:26 GMT

It can be easy to forget bulls and focus on cows when weather hits, but management strategies during the winter months can impact a bull’s performance in the upcoming breeding season. Managing herd bulls properly to prevent frostbite of the testes and properly manage body condition score before the next breeding season is imperative.

“Owning bulls during the idle months is not all sunshine and rainbows,” says Beth Reynolds, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach program specialist. “Broken fence, beat up hay rings, injuries from fighting …. And all that comes with bored boys — I mean bulls — in the winter.”

She says in a recent Iowa Beef Center Growing Beef Newsletter article that bull management must be kept to high standards in order to get a good return on investment, because quality bulls are not cheap.

“Winter management puts a large emphasis on periods of cold stress and temperature fluctuation,” Reynolds explains. “The negative impacts of poor winter management are broad, but two general categories are nutritional and breeding soundness.”

She stresses these three keys to managing bulls during the winter.

1. Provide windbreaks.

Reynolds says managing the breeding soundness impacts of cold weather on herd sires requires being proactive and using tools to mitigate frigid temperatures.

“Windbreaks are very impactful in mitigating cold stress effects,” she explains.

Temporary windbreaks using portable windbreak panels, hay bales or even stock trailers can be effective if placed with prevailing winds in mind.

According to South Dakota State University , there are several considerations for designing windbreaks, and the requirements for sizing will largely depend on the number of animals that will be usng the structure for shelter.

“A common rule of thumb is to allocate 25 sq. ft. of protection per cow, or 1' of fence length per cow,” explains SDSU guidelines. “The protected zone of a windbreak will extend out to the leeward side by 8 to 15 heights of the structure with a reduction of wind speed of approximately 50%. Previous research has identified an ideal ratio of length to height of 10:1, so for example a 10’ windbreak should be a minimum of 100’ long for maximal protection. Structures should be placed at least 75' upwind of any roads, alleys or buildings to reduce the impact of high winds and drifting snow.”

2. Provide bedding.

Dry areas to lay are important to consider when wintering bulls. These areas can be achieved by providing bedding or areas within a pasture that provide adequate cover from wind and snow.

“Bedding is especially important to create a barrier, keep the scrotum off the frozen ground to prevent frostbite and help alleviate the increased nutritional needs,” Reynolds says.

A feedlot trial from SDSU found providing 4 lb. of bedding per head per day reduced energy maintenance requirements by 20% to 40% compared to unbedded counterparts on cement. While less research has been done on breeding stock to quantify changes, Reynolds says one would expect providing bedding would also reduce maintenance requirements for bulls and cows during cold-stress periods.

Wet and cold conditions increase the risk of frostbite. Frostbite presents as a scab, discoloration and/or sloughing of the bull’s scrotum. These tissue damages limit or prevent the ability for a bull to regulate testis temperature. This is caused by the inhibition of the raising and lowering of the testes that occurs naturally. Come breeding season, this can result in a decrease in fertility.

“Arguably, the most discussed negative impact of not managing cold stress in bulls is frostbite on the scrotum,” Reynolds explains. “Mild frostbite will set back normal sperm production for 45 to 60 days, and severe frostbite may cause permanent damage.”

Additionally, in periods of cold stress, a cortisol spike can be expected. Cortisol can transfer from the bloodstream to semen, and in vitro trials have observed negative effects on sperm quality.

3. Provide adequate and strategic nutrition.

Reynolds explains managing the nutritional impacts of cold weather on herd sires will look very similar to nutritional adjustments needed for the gestating cow herd. The genera rule of thumb for cold stress still applies: for every degree the temperature is below the lower critical temperature, energy needs increase by 1%. The lower critical temperature for a dry winter hair coat on cattle in good (5-6) body condition is around 20°F.

Cold stress for brief or extended periods increases energy requirements while protein, mineral and vitamin needs remain consistent. If adequate forage is available, bulls will increase their dry matter intake during periods of cold stress. Depending on hay quality, this could perpetuate the problem of needing more energy in the diet. In cold stress scenarios, supplemental grains high in energy can be extremely effective for bulls on high-forage diets.

Use the offseason to bring bulls back into good condition after the breeding season and allow plenty of time and space for them to recover from any immune system strains or physical injuries.

Underfed bulls are more prone to disease, poor libido and lower quantity and quality sperm.

“Micronutrients and the mineral program in particular should not be overlooked if you expect a healthy, active bull to pass a BSE and perform well in the following breeding season,” Reynolds says. “For example, zinc and selenium are essential for testicular function in addition to their importance for an effective immune response.”

Other Stress Reduction Strategies

Reynolds encourages trying to reduce bull stress in general by ensuring commingled bulls have adequate room to reduce fighting . This goes beyond providing space for bulls to “get away” and roam. It includes providing enough space at the feed bunk or hay ring, as well as a larger area for bedding down to reduce fighting when active, eating and resting.

Cold weather and frozen ground can also strain bulls’ hooves, making them prone to toe abscesses, foot rot and other infections.

“To promote hoof health, be diligent in maintaining pens in the warm spells when uneven ground and manure can be addressed,” she says.

Even if all available cold stress prevention strategies are used, follow up with your veterinarian to schedule breeding soundness exams . A close-up examination is needed to catch some physical injuries and sperm abnormalities, even after the best off-season management.

“When scheduling, remember that sperm production takes about 60 days. Although some bulls may go from a failed to a passing BSE if rechecked, a plan B likely requires purchasing another bull, and bull sale season is underway,” Reynolds says.

Producers in the Midwest should also be cautious if the primary fall and early winter feed source is pasture containing a significant portion of mature, unimproved fescue.

“Endotoxins found in Kentucky 31 fescue cause vasoconstriction, or reduced blood flow to the extremities,” she says. “This will ultimately perpetuate any negative effects of cold stress at warmer temperatures than would be expected on other feed sources.”

Lastly, don’t forget water. Be sure bulls always have sufficient access to clean, fresh water.

“The moral of the story,” Reynolds stresses, “don’t forget about herd sires in the winter months or in the spring when calving season is in full swing.”

Your Next Reads:
Wanted: Bulls Ready to Work
Why Bull Rest Matters: Time to Prepare for the Next Breeding Season

Record Breaking Winter Storm Fern Slams Farmers and Ranchers in 28 States

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:05:58 GMT

Winter Storm Fern will go down in the record books with a large swath of the U.S. and farm country blanketed with a foot or more of snow, ice and record-breaking cold.

Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien Ag senior science fellow, says: “We had 28 states under at least an ice storm warning or a winter storm warning. And the thing started in New Mexico and finished in Maine and along the way dumped a tremendous amount of snow. A massive ice storm that stretched from what Dallas to Memphis to Nashville.”

(Eric Snodgrass )

Hundreds of Thousands Without Power

That heavy ice caused hundreds of thousands of power outages that will last for days or even weeks in some areas. Early estimates on Monday morning by PowerOutage.com put total power outages at over 782,000 customers, mainly across the Southeast U.S. The hardest hit states included Tennessee at just under 250,000 and Mississippi and Maine at nearly 150,000. By Monday evening total power outages were still at more than 550,000.

(Eric Snodgrass )

Record Low Temperatures

Farmers and ranchers worked over the weekend to protect livestock from this historic winter blast. Hundreds of locations also surpassed unofficial daily records for low temperatures. That combined with dangerous wind chills, stressed livestock and hurt performance and health.

Snodgrass says, “I mean, 30 to 40 degrees colder than normal. I mean, I saw wind chills in Wisconsin, a huge dairy state. wind chills in Wisconsin down to minus 55 over the weekend, and that’s a pretty brutal setup for humans and livestock alike.”

Livestock Producers Work Overtime to Protect Herds

Northwest Louisiana cattle producer Mitch Marsalis worked over the weekend to keep his beef cattle warm with extra grain and feed. “We’re trying to get these calves back to pasture and get everything set up to get them fed, get them some warmth and some food in their bodies to keep them warm during this weather.”

However, the Claiborne Parish rancher told Josh Meeks at This Week in Louisiana Agriculture the 25-degree temperatures are harder on ranchers than livestock. “They’re cold right now, but they’re not as cold as we are. They’re acclimated to this weather a little bit better than we are. You know, they’re not sitting in the house, 70 degrees and then walk outside and get that shock about them and all.”

10 Points to Consider When Managing Cattle Through Cold Stress

Tips to Prevent Hypothermia in Calves

Grain Movement and Processing Also Slowed

Fern has also slowed grain movement from trucks to barges. Plus, ethanol and soybean processing plants have slowed production to conserve margins with surging natural gas prices.

Winter Wheat Winter Kill Concerns

Plus, winter kill is possible in winter wheat in areas like Kansas, says Snodgrass, where the deep freeze was preceded by above average temperatures. “I think the only saving grace is there’s now a little skiff of snow and in eastern Kansas even more than that sitting on top of the ground and on top of the wheat as the Arctic air spills all the way down to the Rio Grande. So I think it’s going to be one of those things where like well in April we will see if there was any damage or any problems.”

How Long Will Polar Vortex Last?

Snodgrass says the bad news is this polar vortex could stick around for a while. “We’ve displaced the polar vortex. It’s now sitting over like the Great Lakes to Hudson Bay. We’ve pinched off warm air over the Arctic, which means we’re displacing it right down the heart of North America. And we’re going to continue to deal with this to finish this month and I think even start February.”

(Eric Snodgrass )

Analog Year in 2014

And so Snodgrass thinks this polar vortex could be similar to analog year of 2014 where the polar vortex was prolonged through February.

10 Points to Consider When Managing Cattle Through Cold Stress

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:16:22 GMT

Cattle producers across the U.S. are dealing with winter weather. Cattle are naturally adapted to cold weather, but their ability to stay warm depends on factors such as their winter coat, body condition score (BCS), nutrition and staying dry.

Justin Waggoner, a beef cattle specialist with Kansas State University Extension, says the combination of cold, wind and snow can significantly increase stress on cattle, particularly if producers are not proactive. How cattle respond to cold stress depends largely on their environment.

Waggoner explains during a recent Agriculture Today interview there are key differences between cattle in confined settings, such as feedlots, and those in more extensive environments such as pastures or corn stalks.

What is Cold to Beef Cattle?

According to K-State Extension leaders , cattle are most comfortable and perform optimally when effective temperatures are neither too warm nor too cold. This is referred to as thermoneutral. Effective ambient temperatures are what the temperature feels like.

“Beef cows begin to experience cold stress when effective ambient temperatures drop below the lower critical temperature,” says Jason Warner, K-State assistant professor and Extension cow-calf specialist.

Effective ambient temperature accounts for wind chill, humidity and solar radiation. Lower critical temperatures are influenced by environmental and animal factors.

Beef cows begin to experience cold stress when effective ambient temperatures drop below the lower critical temperature (Table 1). Once effective temperatures are below this point, the cow must generate additional heat to maintain her body temperature.

(Kansas State University)

Thin cattle, younger calves and animals with lower body condition are at higher risk, Waggoner adds. While snow on a dry winter hair coat can provide insulation, wet coats dramatically increase energy needs.

According to K-State, here are 10 points to consider when managing cow herds through cold stress:

Body condition is key; cows in a body condition score of 5 or greater are better able to withstand cold stress
It is difficult to add body condition after calving, even more so during cold weather
Thin cows (body condition score ≤ 4.0), cows without wind protection, and with wet hair coats are at greatest risk
The lower critical temperatures are simply a guide for when cold stress can occur
When dry, energy requirements increase 1% for each degree Fahrenheit below the lower critical temperature
When wet, energy requirements increase 2% for each degree Fahrenheit below the lower critical temperature
Start with conservative amounts of grains (0.2% of body weight) and gradually increase
Feed low-starch feedstuffs, such as distiller’s grains or wheat middlings as first choices
Provide bedding to help insulate cold, frozen ground surfaces
Ensure cows have sufficient access to clean, fresh water

What Nutrients Should be Increased and by How Much?

Cold stress increases the energy required for a cow to maintain her body temperature. As energy demands increase, K-State Extension leaders say there is no clear effect on protein, mineral or vitamin requirements.

The energy needs of a cow in a body condition score 5 or greater with a dry hair coat increase by 1% for each degree Fahrenheit below the lower critical temperature. For example, if the lower critical temperature were 32°F and she requires 12 lb. of TDN (total digestible nutrients) every day, then her needs would increase to 13.2 lb. if the effective temperature were 22°F.

The following steps show this calculation:

32°F (lower critical temperature) – 22°F (effective temperature) = 10-degree difference.
A 10-degree difference is a 10% increase in TDN, which equals 1.2 lb. (12 lb. × 0.10.)
1.2 lb. + 12.0 lb. = 13.2 lb. TDN needed per day, accounting for cold stress when dry.

If the cow has a wet coat, regardless of hair length, then energy requirements increase by 2% for each degree below the lower critical temperature. For a cow requiring 12 lb. of TDN, her energy needs increase by 74% with a wet hair coat (lower critical temperature of 59°F ) and a 22°F effective temperature (59 – 22 = 37 × 2 = 74).

During severe cold periods, producers need to feed a little more hay or other forage so that the animals’ natural heat source – the rumen – can do its work.

(Kansas State University Research and Extension )

How Should the Feeding Program be Adjusted?

Feeding additional pounds of an average-quality hay typically offsets increased energy needs during periods of moderate cold stress. In cases of severe or prolonged cold stress, hay alone is usually not sufficient.

“When we get a winter weather event, that common behavioral response is for cattle to huddle up,” he says. “Where we start to see differences is really how they react in terms of intake patterns.”

In feedlot environments, cattle often increase their feed intake ahead of an approaching storm. While that response can help them prepare for colder conditions, it can also create challenges.

“It’s not uncommon to see cattle become a little more aggressive at the bunk and increase intake,” Waggoner says. “That can set up scenarios with acidosis or other digestive upsets.”

Once the storm arrives, cattle might reduce trips to the feed bunk, and feed delivery can be delayed. To offset those disruptions in intake and feeding patterns, Waggoner recommends increasing roughage in the diet.

“Some operations will cover with hay, others will feed a storm ration,” he says. “That usually means adding more roughage, maybe 2% to 4% on a dry-matter basis, to help cattle avoid digestive issues.”

Those rations are typically fed starting about 12 hours before a storm and continued for up to 36 hours afterward as cattle recover normal eating patterns.

Cattle on pasture face a different set of challenges, especially when snow covers grazing areas.

“As we get snow cover, it becomes more challenging for cattle to graze,” Waggoner adds. “That means we have to replace some of that forage intake with supplemental feeding.”

Water access is another critical concern that is often overlooked. In feedlots, Waggoner says producers should ensure tanks remain open by increasing overflow or checking electric heaters.

“If we see snowfall, clearing a path to water tanks is important,” he says. “That’s true in both confined and extensive environments.”

While cattle can consume snow to meet some water needs, Waggoner cautions that heavy snowfall can still limit access to water tanks.

W-00853-00-Feedlot-Beef-Cattle-Winter-Snow-Bedding.jpg

(South Dakota State University Extension)

Don’t Forget Bedding, Wind Protection to Prevent Cold Stress

Providing bedding is another effective strategy. Producers should roll out enough bedding so all animals have a dry place to lie down, especially in muddy or wet areas.

“Giving cattle a dry place to lay down can really help them weather the impacts of a winter storm,” Waggoner stresses.

Wind protection can also greatly reduce cold stress. Temporary windbreaks using portable windbreak panels, hay bales or even stock trailers can be effective if placed with prevailing winds in mind.

“If we can block the wind, that can greatly reduce the impact of cold stress,” Waggoner says.

Prioritize Producer Safety, Too

Waggoner also emphasizes safety for producers and workers.

“Humans experience cold stress, too,” he says. “Dress in layers, stay hydrated, take breaks and be cautious with portable heaters and heat lamps, which are a common source of barn fires.”

He encourages producers to use the buddy system and check in regularly when traveling to distant pastures.

Your Next Read: Tips to Prevent Hypothermia in Calves

Is Your Herd Winter Storm Ready? 4 Ice and Blizzard Prep Strategies

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 14:34:56 GMT

AccuWeather meteorologists are predicting a high-impact winter storm will spread snow and ice across more than two dozen states from Texas through the Carolinas and Massachusetts from Friday through the weekend. Other areas of the country are also dealing with Mother Nature and cold temperatures.

To prepare for the storm, here are four strategies to help producers and their cattle get through an arctic blast.

(Purina)

1. Provide Ample, Clean Water

Access to fresh, clean, unfrozen water is crucial. Water is essential to feed digestion, and limiting water decreases passage rate of feeds, which will in turn compromise feed intake, making it very hard for cows to maintain weight. Ranchers should consider various options to contend with frigid temperatures and freezing water issues.

Check to make sure water heaters are in working order before bad weather hits, and be prepared to break ice or haul water if needed.

One factor that affects water needs is the stage of production. The need for water increases with the demands of production. For example, lactating cows require more water than dry pregnant cows. Dehydration is an added stress on cattle.

The good news is there are plenty of tried-and-true options for both temporary and permanent livestock watering systems that work in harsh winter conditions.

How to Keep Livestock Waters Open All Winter Long

Cattle on bedding behind a windbreak.

(Gabriel Ribeiro)

2. Offer Shelter and Bedding

Providing a windbreak can lower an animal’s cold stress. According to Oklahoma State’s Paul Beck , cows need to get adjusted to cold temperatures over time and grow a thick winter hair coat to be acclimated before winter storms arrive, or they will suffer from cold stress and require extra care.

“Body condition of cows and their hair coat can play a large part in their tolerance to colder conditions,” he says.

University of Nebraska’s Jessica Sperber says windbreaks, such as trees, walls, human-made structures or strategically placed hay bales, reduce wind exposure and prevent snow from drifting into the pen.

“Windbreaks must be tall enough to block the wind, aim for 7' to 8' in height while still allowing for some air flow between breaks,” she explains in an UNL Beef Watch article . “Common products used for construction of windbreaks include windboards and guardrail with 2"-to-2.5" openings between the rails. Guardrails require little to no maintenance, making them an excellent option for windbreak structures.”

Sperber says bedding is a source of insulation for cattle when temperatures drop.

“Bedding made from straw, corn stalks or other materials keep cattle off the cold ground, reduce heat loss and provide comfort,” she says. “In a study from North Dakota State University, offering modest bedding during feedlot winter weather events (defined as “straw available for steers to lay on”) increased daily gain by 0.86 lb. per day and improved feed efficiency by 31% with no change in feed intake.”

Don’t forget your bulls. Providing bedding for bulls is important for protecting testicles from frostbite, which can impair the testes’ ability to thermoregulate and affect semen quality.

Cattle need more shelter and nutritional needs during winter.

(Maggie Malson)

3. Adapt Feed and Nutrition

As temperatures drop, cattle’s energy requirements increase as they attempt to maintain body temperature. OSU recommends cattle have access to as much hay as they want to eat. Ruminal fermentation helps keep the animals warm.

Sperber says cattle typically require around 1% to 2% more feed for every degree Fahrenheit the temperature falls below their comfort zone, which is around 15°F (-10°C) for cattle with a dry coat during the winter months.

Beck adds cows in good body condition, those with body condition scores of 5 to 6, with good thick winter hair coats have a lower critical temperature around 32°F. Thin cows with thin hair coat are at more risk to cold stress with lower critical temperatures of around 40°F, while cows with wet hair coat have lower critical temperature of 59°F.

“With wind chills down to expected to get below zero, maintenance energy requirements will increase by up to 30% to 40%,” Beck explains.

How Much More Feed?

Beck explains a 1,200-lb. cow in good body condition needs 2 lb. of supplemental 20% range cubes to meet her requirements in normal conditions, as an example. When temperatures get down to 20°F her requirements increase by 12%; to meet the shortfall in energy, she will require 3 lb. of additional cubes per day for a total of 5 lb. of cubes per day.

“If we consider a thin cow with a thin hair coat, it gets to be more critical,” he stresses.

A thin cow needs to gain body condition to increase her chances of rebreeding for the next calf crop, so a producer should already be feeding around 4 lb. of cubes a day. Her lower critical temperature is 40°F so, when temperatures fall to 20°F her requirements increase by 20%.

“We will need to provide seven additional pounds of supplement for a total of 11 lb. of supplemental feed daily,” he says. “Feeding this much supplement is expensive and hard to manage.”

(Wyatt Bechtel)

4. Check Equipment and Supplies in Anticipation

The Texas and Southwest Cattle Raisers Association developed a winter storm preparation checklist . Some of their suggestions include:

Fill up diesel with anti-gel to prevent freezing
Check antifreeze levels
Park equipment out of wind trajectory to avoid accumulation of ice
Leave all water sources at a drip; have troughs filled just below float
Insulate exposed water pipes, wrap or bundle with straw
Harsh weather can stress cows into calving early , so be prepared with the proper veterinary supplies
Consider post-storm needs: starter fluid, propane heater, tools to bust water, diesel treatment, fence repair equipment, replacement parts for pipes/valves if busted, stocked hay ready to feed
Prepare yourself for any amount of time outside with gloves, ear warmers, neck gaiters and bibs
Plan for loss of power: easy-to-make meals, back-up for water heaters, double check generators
Check with elderly neighbors and friends to make sure they have a plan, too

Your Next Read:
Winter Storms are Brewing: Is Your Barn Ready?

Strategies for Cornstalk Grazing During Late Gestation

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:03:23 GMT

Cornstalk residue is a good source of nutrition for the beef cow. When grazing cornstalks, we want to use about 15% of the residue. This 15% includes any remaining corn and 50% of the husk and leaf. Those parts are the most palatable and the highest quality nutrition for the cow. For every bushel of dry corn, the husk makes up 3 lb. per bushel and the leaf makes up 14 lb. per bushel. The highest nutrition out in the field is the corn that was left.

A cow’s intake and diet quality decrease the longer she is left in the field. When cattle graze corn residue, they select corn first, husk and leaf second, cob and stalk last. When cows are forced to eat cob and stalk, they can’t meet their nutritional needs.

A general rule of thumb is that for every 100 bushels of dry corn produced a cow can graze for 1 month. To calculate how much feed is available in each field use the cornstalk grazing calculator: https://cap.unl.edu/livestock/tools/ .

However, in recent studies, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has found high yielding corn (200 bu/ac or greater) has less leaf and husk per bushel and the quality is generally lower than lower yielding fields. Based on this research, it is suggested to reduce the grazing days by 5% in higher yielding corn hybrids. This can be accomplished by changing the utilization rate to 45% instead of 50% in the grazing calculator.

When grazing corn residue properly, pregnant cows can meet their energy and protein needs without supplementation. However, they do require supplementation of minerals and vitamin A. We suggest a 4 oz free choice mineral contains containing at least 300,000 IU per pound of Vitamin A, 4 to 5% phosphorus, 1500 to 2500 parts per million copper and 3000 to 5000 parts per million zinc.

Corn residue, especially husk, is susceptible to losses from trampling and wind. Monitoring husk availability is a great way to ensure cows are receiving the nutrients they need. When husk is hard to find, either move cows to a new field or start feeding a supplement.

Bred and first-calf heifers have higher energy and protein requirements and need to be supplemented. During mid gestation, 2 to 3 lb. of dried distillers grains or 4 to 6 lb. of modified distillers per day will meet their needs. During late gestation, 3 to 5 lb. of dried distillers grains or 6 to 10 lb. of modified distillers grains per day will be sufficient.

In conclusion, remember these 5 tips for successful cornstalk grazing:

If high yields, around 200 to 250 bushels, cut back to 45% utilization
Monitor availability of husk in the field as a way to gauge utilization
Heifers require supplementation with a protein and energy source
All cattle need access to a mineral source with vitamin A
If cows are losing weight, supplement or move to another field.

Cow-Calf Checklist: Be Ready For Severe Weather

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 19:26:32 GMT

Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Jason Warner, Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist, summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in January.

1. Condition score cows to guide your nutrition program.

Targeted body condition score (BCS) at calving: 5 for mature cows, 6 for young cows.
Adjust feed amounts as needed before calving for spring-calvers.

2. Continue grazing crop residues as they are available.

Quality and quantity of residue declines with time.
Be prepared to move cattle or supplement as needed.

3. Be ready to react to severe winter weather effects.

Cow energy needs increase during periods of cold stress.
Thin (BCS less than or equal to 4) cows and cows without wind protection are at greatest risk.

4. Take time to sample harvested forages prior to winter feeding.

Use forage tests to fine tune your supplementation program.
Forage tests are cheap relative to the value of the information.

5. Herd bulls are easy to forget; don’t let them be forgotten.

If bulls are at BCS less than or equal to 5, consider supplementing to regain BCS going into winter.
Testicular frostbite can happen; provide plenty of bedding.

6. Calculate forage needs off of herd numbers, weight and days.

Make sure adequate forages are available if grazing is limited.
Make inventory of all hay and silages.

7. For those getting ready to start calving ...

Have calving equipment cleaned and available to use as needed.
Consider teat and udder scoring females at calving, even if they’re commercial.

8. Review your genetic selection goals for your herd.

When picking bulls , do your homework well prior to the sale.
Focus on the traits that are economically relevant for you.

9. Replacement heifers are worth a lot this year.

Know your target weight at breeding , adjust accordingly.
Schedule reproductive tract exams prior to breeding.

10. As you think about this female market this year …

Consider the time needed to pay off replacement female s at a given calf price.
Consider all the ways in which you can add females back in to the herd.

How to Provide Winter Care For Your Cattle Herd

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:36:00 GMT

Winter is here along with cooler temperatures. Cattle are generally hardy animals that can tolerate cold temperatures very well, especially when acclimated and properly cared for.

They can endure a lot, but it does change them metabolically, we just can’t see it, explains Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme director of beef technical sales.

Lower critical temperature (LCT) is influenced by both environmental and animal factors. These factors include a combination of wind chill, humidity, hair coat and body condition score.

Typically, a LCT is around 18°F with a full winter coat, Cassady says.

“So will they survive, yes. But will it potentially cause metabolic changes and stressors, also yes. While they can survive harsh colds, what we can’t see internally is what we need to focus on,” he adds.

Beef cattle can typically endure temperatures as low as -20°F, and even colder, especially when they have good nutrition, are in good health and have adequate shelter or windbreaks.

Providing adequate cattle shelter and nutrition during the coldest months of the year is essential for herd health and well-being. Cattle are fairly cold tolerant, however, the combination of wind chill and moisture can lead to cold stress, which leads to lowered performance and decreased immune response.

Cassady offers six guidelines to producers to consider when preparing cattle for winter:

1. Provide Windbreaks

Windbreaks can be both natural and man-made. Plant rows of trees or shrubs to reduce the wind chill. A hilly area can also serve as a natural wind barrier.

If trees are not an option, construct windbreaks from materials like wood, metal or fabric. These structures should be placed to block prevailing winds.

2. Design Shelter for Comfort

Build open-sided barns or three-sided sheds to provide shelter from wind, snow and rain. The open side should face away from the wind, typically southward. Each cow needs about 40-50 square feet of space. Ensure the shelter area is big enough to comfortably house your herd.

Good airflow is crucial to prevent respiratory diseases and mold growth in the shelter. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid condensation and moisture build-up. Additionally, we suggest installing vents or leaving space at the top of the shelter walls to promote air circulation.

3. Protection from Mud

Provide deep bedding with materials like straw, corn stalks or wood shavings to insulate against cold ground. Regularly replenish bedding to keep it dry and warm.

It is also vital to provide proper drainage around the shelter and windbreak, which prevents mud. Mud can cause hoof problems and stress cattle. Gravel pads or dry-lot pens can help keep the ground dry.

4. Water and Feed Access

Water and feed is even more essential to your cattle during the cold months make sure cattle have access to both, especially when they are confined during storms or extreme cold.

Use heated or insulated water troughs to prevent freezing. Ensure a consistent supply of clean water.

Plan to increase rations and ensure there is a sufficient supply of forage. Ensure feed is easy to access without cattle needing to travel far. Keep feed close to or within the shelter.

5. Be Prepared for Severe Weather

We obviously don’t have to remind cattle producers to check the weather. If you have prepared a winter cattle shelter properly, you should be prepared for heavy snow, freezing rain and extreme cold.

We do recommend having an emergency plan in place for blizzards, such as moving cattle to barns or bringing in extra feed supplies. Finally, keep cattle calm and avoid overcrowding in confined spaces, as stress can lead to health issues.

“In addition to providing a quality, well-ventilated bedded down winter cattle shelter, your herd also needs high-quality nutrition during times of cold stress,” Cassady says.

6. Provide Good Nutrition

During cold weather, cattle require more energy to maintain body temperature. A higher energy diet, particularly one with increased roughage, helps cattle produce heat through digestion. Undernourished cattle are more prone to cold stress due to reduced fat reserves and lower metabolic heat production.

“Basically, once the animal falls below her LCT, she’s going to start putting energy toward thermoregulating herself. Obvious implications that if she’s in survival mode instead of production mode, we lose opportunity revenue,” Cassady says.

He suggests two ways producers can combat this: supplement with energy dense grain products or increase their intake of hay.

However, two problems with this exist, he says. First, they haven’t been adapted to grain, so there will be a potential drop in rumen pH, which is where Amaferm , a prebiotic research-proven to increase digestibility, can help.

Secondly, if the forage quality isn’t high enough, the cows can’t get enough hay consumed to meet this energetic demand because they are full. Amaferm helps break that down, and increase VFA production. By increasing digestibility, your cattle are automatically increasing their body temperature internally, Cassady says.

Providing proper winter cattle shelter and quality nutrition for herd ensures their health, safety and productivity during cold months.

Your Next Read: Tips for Managing Cattle as Temps Get Cold

Tips for Managing Cattle as Temps Get Cold

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:50:24 GMT

As temperatures become colder, a K-State cow-calf specialist says it is important for beef producers to be on the lookout for cold stress in their cattle.

“Beef cows begin to experience cold stress when effective ambient temperatures drop below the lower critical temperature,” says Jason Warner, K-State assistant professor and extension cow-calf specialist.

Effective ambient temperature accounts for wind chill, humidity and solar radiation. Lower critical temperatures are influenced by environmental and animal factors.

“Once effective temperatures are below this point, the cow must generate additional heat to maintain her body temperature,” Warner says. “Cold stress increases the energy required for a cow to maintain her body temperature.”

The increase in energy needs is affected by body condition score and coat condition, including the length of the coat and whether it is dry or wet.

“The energy needs of a cow with a dry hair coat increase by 1% for each degree Fahrenheit below the lower critical temperature, while needs for a cow with a wet hair coat increase by 2%,” Warner says.

He adds the producer’s feeding program for cattle should be adjusted to accommodate the change in energy requirements, primarily when energy needs for the cow increase by more than 20% due to cold stress.

“Feeding additional pounds of an average-quality hay typically offsets increased energy needs during periods of moderate cold stress,” Warner explains.

However, in cases of severe or prolonged cold stress, hay alone is usually not sufficient.

“Start with conservative amounts of grains and gradually increase,” Warner says. “Consider using feedstuffs with highly digestible fiber and lower starch content.”

He explains this strategy reduces forage digestion issues and risks of founder (or laminitis, a painful hoof condition) when supplementing grains.

Along with proper feeding, there are a few points to consider when managing cow herds through cold stress:

Ensure cows have access to clean, fresh water.
Provide bedding to help insulate against the cold.
Body condition is key.
It is difficult to add body condition after calving, and even more challenging during cold stress events.
Thin cows, without wind protection and wet hair coats, have the greatest risk.

Learn more: Managing Beef Cows During Cold Stress .

Your Next Read: Cow-Calf Checklist: Now is the Time to Prepare for Winter

Profit Meets Purpose: A Rancher's Guide to Sustainable Success

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:23:20 GMT

Grazing the best and leaving the rest for the benefit of soil health — this is the philosophy of the Pribbeno family, who has been ranching in the Nebraska Sandhills for 140 years. The cow-calf, stocker and grain operation thrives in western Nebraska near the Colorado border despite the arid climate and fragile sandy soil.

At any given point, 95% of the Wine Glass Ranch land is resting. This practice has increased plant diversity and the return of native grasses.

Jeff and Connie Pribbeno and their son and daughter-in-law, Logan and Brianna, own and operate Wine Glass Ranch near Imperial, Neb. The ranch is an example of how innovative agricultural practices can simultaneously improve ecological health, animal welfare and financial sustainability.

They let cattle do the work of harvesting. With limited water resources and challenging weather, it is even more important to protect and preserve the land growing the crops and feeding the cattle.

(NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award Program)

Ranch Transitions

Spanning generations, the ranch has transformed to a sophisticated business that challenges conventional ranching wisdom.

In 1888, Sherman McCoy, Logan’s great-great-grandfather, left Iowa by train and walked 30 miles from the westernmost stop in Elsie, Neb., to what is now the ranch. Once McCoy arrived at his destination, he filed for a homestead while Nebraska was still part of the frontier and established Lonestar Ranch.

Through good stewardship and thrifty living, the operation grew to almost 8,000 acres under his care. Following the McCoys, Lone Star Ranch was owned by their son-in-law and daughter, A.O. and Mary Stenger. The Stengers raised their only daughter, Babette, on the land, who registered the wine glass brand.

Babette and her husband, Bill Pribbeno, were the next generation to own the ranch. They passed it to their son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Connie, who changed its name to Wine Glass Ranch to match the brand. In 2012, the fifth generation — Logan and Brianna — assumed management duties of the Wine Glass Ranch.

Read more about Logan and his philosophy managing Wine Glass Ranch:
I’m a Drover: An Innovator Redefining Ranching

(Photo: NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award Program)

For the first 100 years of the ranch, cattle were left to fend for themselves year-round on the native range, much like any other ranch or farm on the Great Plains. Cattle often traveled four to five miles between windmills to get a drink, and thus the areas around the mills were over grazed while other areas remained practically untouched.

The fourth generation became the first generation of conservationists. Jeff and Connie began the operation’s environmental stewardship journey in 1976 when Jeff pioneered no-till-eco-fallow in the area to add production by converting to three and four-year crop rotations and preventing wind erosion.

(Photo: NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award Program)

Cattle and Grazing

“We try to keep it pretty simple, and we try to make the cows survive on their own,” Jeff explains.

The Pribbeno family uses a 365-day grazing system without traditional hay feeding.

“We do not own a feed wagon and we do not feed any hay,” Logan explains.

Jeff devoted significant time, money and training to improving range management. This involved building extensive cross-fencing and adding multiple water sources, which allowed them to run more cattle on the same pasture while maintaining land health. The ranch’s management approach is hands-on, with daily monitoring of cattle and pastures throughout the entire year.

The cattle herd has been carefully developed, with Jeff’s breeding strategy to create “an easy keeping cow that can thrive in a non-selective, rotational grazing system.” This approach focuses on low-milk, low frame score cattle specifically adapted to their challenging environment.

One of the ranch’s most significant strategies is its extensive rotational grazing system. The Pribbeno family has installed “200 miles of fence, creating 90 paddocks.” Cattle typically stay in a 300-acre paddock for five to seven days, allowing for significant grass regeneration.

“I want that pasture to look like it looked 1,000 years ago before man showed up,” Jeff says.

ESAP Photography

(NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award Program)

Cover Crops

Cover crops play a crucial role in the ranch’s sustainability strategy. Logan describes their approach as unique, growing warm season mixes that can reach “14' tall and dense, like a jungle.”

They incorporate diverse crops like sorghum, pearl millet, brassicas and soybeans, then graze cattle through the field, leaving behind natural fertilization.

Logan explains he treats covers crops like a silage crop. He harvests approximately 25% of the crop’s weight and leaves remaining crop as natural fertilizer and ground cover.

The cover crop strategy reduces input costs, minimizes herbicide use and improves soil health.

This approach is displayed in innovative practices like precise input management. During a challenging year, he reduced nitrogen application on corn to just 20 lb., achieving remarkable yield efficiency.

“We need to cut inputs,” he explains. “There’s a fine line between deficient and efficient.”

(Wine Glass Ranch)

Wildlife Haven

The ranch has become a wildlife haven, with one survey documenting 80 bird species in just 48 hours. By creating prairie strips, protecting wetlands and implementing strategic habitat management, Logan says agricultural production and ecological preservation can coexist.

“We took the worst part of the farm and focused it on habitat,” he explains.

The ranch prioritizes habitat preservation, with Jeff planting more than 10,000 trees and shelter belts. They’ve created prairie strips around wetland areas and participate in state walk-in hunting programs.

Partnerships are crucial to the Pribbenos’ management model. Father and son both work closely with NRCS and FSA, viewing these relationships as strategic opportunities for innovation that have been crucial in implementing sustainable practices.

“Whenever we have something going on, we’ll call the NRCS office and say, ‘Hey, we’re thinking about this. How can you help?’” Logan explains.

Covers crops are treated like a silage crop at Wine Glass. They harvests approximately 25% of the crop’s weight and leave remaining crop as natural fertilizer and ground cover.

(Wine Glass Ranch)

Focus on Sustainability

By integrating advanced grazing techniques, strategic crop management and a long-term perspective, the Pribbenos are writing the next chapter in their family’s agricultural legacy.

“Sustainable means that if we can continue what we’re doing today, in 1,000 years, the land will look the same,” Jeff says.

Logan agrees, sharing his philosophy of leaving the land better for future generations and explaining “sustainability tends to be more profitable in the long run.”

Recognized for their focus on the environment and sustainability, the ranch was awarded the prestigious Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award in 2022. In 2025, the family was recognized as the 2025 region VII winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) .

“Wine Glass Ranch believes we cannot carry out our tradition of producing world-class beef without approaching sustainability with an open mind,” says Steve Hanson, owner of Hanson Family Farms & Sillassen Ranch. “The Pribbenos’ successful rotational grazing and no-till-eco-fallow practices prove our industry can uphold traditions while paving the way to an even stronger and more resilient future.”

Your Next Reads:
I’m a Drover: An Innovator Redefining Ranching
Sustainability Isn’t a Bad Word

Cow-Calf Checklist: Now is the Time to Prepare for Winter

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:53:38 GMT

Use forage tests to fine tune your supplementation program.
Forage tests are cheap relative to the value of the information.

2. Calculate forage needs off of herd numbers, weight and days.

Make sure adequate forages are available if grazing is limited.
Take inventory of all hay and silages.

3. Condition score cows to guide your nutrition program.

Targeted BCS at calving: 5 for mature cows, 6 for young cows.
Maintain BCS on fall calving females going through breeding.

4. If grazing crop residues following harvest, keep in mind:

The bottom 1/3 of the stalk is where nitrates accumulate.
Be aware of prussic acid in new regrowth of sorghum plants, and the time around frost is the greatest risk.

5. If you are a late-fall or early-winter calver ...

Have calving equipment cleaned and available to use as needed.
Consider teat and udder scoring females at calving, even if they’re commercial.

6. Plan your mineral needs for this coming fall and winter.

Record date and amount offered and calculate herd consumption.
If consumption is 2X or 3X the target, then your cost is too!

7. Heifers will be worth a lot this year, let’s manage as such!

For replacements, know your target weight at breeding.
For bred heifers, target to be at a BCS 6.0 at calving.

8. Herd bulls are easy to forget…don’t let them be forgotten!

Conduct a BSE on bulls used for upcoming fall service.
If bulls are BCS ≤ 5.0, consider supplementing to regain BCS going into winter.

9. As you think about this female market this year…

Consider the time needed to pay off replacement females at a given calf price.
Consider all the ways in which you can add females back in to the herd.

10. Winter is approaching soon, so take time now to prepare!

Clean lots and calving grounds as needed.
Have bedding and windbreaks ready to be used.

Tips For Improving Cattle Performance During Winter

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:52:06 GMT

Cattle are resilient animals, but northern climates can still challenge their performance in the winter months.

Understanding how to manage cattle during freezing temps, snow, ice and wind is critical in setting the ranch up for success for subsequent years.

So what is too cold for cattle?

“We would consider that their threshold would be about 20 degrees Fahrenheit for a cold, critical temp — but that’s affected by body condition, wind, whether she got wet, and if there’s a windbreak,” says Karla Wilke, cow-calf and stocker management specialist for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Being proactive with monitoring body condition scores (BCS) across the herd and individual groups is the first step in setting cows up for success during the winter.

“What we would like to see in our cows going into winter is that they maintain between a five and a six on a one to nine scale so they’re right in that moderate range,” Wilke says. “A thinner cow is going to have a lot more trouble maintaining her body heat and her nutrient requirements are higher because she’s needing to put some condition back on.”

As cattle producers evaluate BCS in the fall in winter, it’s important to be mindful of factors that impact what is seen at first glance.

Wilke says, “Hair coat can mask some of that cover over the ribs— you might assume a cow looks fine when she’s actually thinner than you realize.”

The same can be true about gut fill.

“A cow that has a lot of gut fill can look like she’s big and fat, but if it’s just gut fill and it’s not that fat cover over her ribs and her tail head and in her brisket, then it’s not body condition score,” Wilke says.

Protecting cattle from wind and freezing rain is also important in helping cattle perform optimally throughout the winter.

Wilke says, “If you can get them out of the wind, they can handle some pretty low temps, especially if they’re in decent body condition and have feed in front of them.”

Shelter belts, permanent wind breaks or even temporary wind breaks built from bales are all options to consider in winter pastures. Lack of protection from the elements can set cattle backward.

“A cow that doesn’t have much for a winter coat or body condition can see her nutrient requirements double when she gets wet and cold,” Wilke says.

Not accounting for this change in nutrient requirements impacts not only the cow but also her calf.

“Sometimes those cows are out there foraging for themselves on a cornstalk field and…they’re thinner than you realize because they’ve got a winter coat on,” says Wilke. “Come spring, she gives birth to a calf while thin and she didn’t put a lot of nutrients into the colostrum for that calf. Then the calf doesn’t do that great and because she’s behind nutritionally she won’t breed back.”

Trying to save money by not feeding or supplementing, can create a larger issue.

“Sometimes trying to save a few bucks in the winter by making cows do it on their own sets things in motion that will hit us down the road,” Wilke explains.

Fall-calving herds have other factors to consider.

Wilke says, “One thing producers know but sometimes forget is that lactation pulls about twice the nutrient requirement that just gestating does.”

Calves are also smaller and more susceptible to the elements.
If cattle are going into winter in the appropriate BCS, adjusting rations is still something to consider with weather changes.

“It doesn’t hurt to provide a little extra feed, maybe 20% more, when you know a storm is coming — because the heat of fermentation helps cows maintain body temperature,” says Wilke. “If you feed a TMR, maybe you add a pound or two of corn per head per day to increase energy.”

The best option for each ranch will vary on the weather, age of cattle and availability of resources. Regardless, being proactive with nutrition, genetic selections and wind breaks can help set cattle up for optimal performance this winter.

You can listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast .

Beyond the Fence: 5 Keys to Successful Winter Adaptive Grazing

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:24:04 GMT

Adaptive grazing strategies and planning are essential for successful winter cattle management. Flexibility, continuous learning and tailoring practices to specific operations are keys to thriving through the winter season.

Rachel Gray of Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minn., and Johnny Rogers, North Carolina State University Amazing Grazing Program coordinator, were speakers on a recent National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) cattlemen’s webinar series sharing strategies they have used to get through the cold months and maximize profitability of their programs.

Rogers defines adaptive grazing management as a strategic approach using proven principles to meet the dynamic biological, economic and social needs of grazing operations.

“Adaptive grazing is a thinking person’s game,” he explains. “You have to think to do this.”

Little Timber Farms emphasizes adaptive, strategic management to overcome extreme winter conditions. The farm transitioned from a dairy and cow-calf operation to a heifer development focus, practicing extensive rotational grazing on more than 1,200 acres, utilizing cover crops, interseeding, and stockpiled forages to extend the grazing season.

(Little Timber Farms, Rachel Gray)

Gray shares insights from her Minnesota operation, where winter conditions are significantly more challenging due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall.

Gray and Rogers share these five keys for successful winter adaptive grazing:

1. Plan Ahead — But Stay Flexible. Start planning for winter grazing in spring and summer, evaluate pastures, take soil samples and develop contingencies (“Plan B”) for unexpected weather or feed shortages. Be prepared to adjust as weather, forage and herd needs change.

“Planning is key for successful grazing,” Gray says. “If you’re going to keep cattle out on pastures in the winter, you have to have a plan.”

2. Understand and Manage Stocking Rates. Regularly assess land carrying capacity and keep stocking rates slightly below it to maintain pasture health and allow for rapid response to winter challenges.

Rogers shares research showing as cow size increases, the percentage of body weight weaned typically decreases. In a North Carolina survey, the average cow weighed 1,380 lb., suggesting producers should carefully consider cow size and its impact on operational efficiency.

(Photo provided by Johnny Rogers)

3. Prioritize Nutrient Distribution and Soil Health. Use adaptive practices like strip grazing, bale grazing and rotational movement to distribute nutrients, reduce waste and improve soil vitality.

“Every dollar a cow consumes in her mouth, she’s going to deposit about 85¢ of that dollar somewhere out there on your farm,” Rogers says.

4. Invest in Flexible Infrastructure. Reliable, easily moved water sources, portable windbreaks and temporary fencing empower quick adaptation to changing winter conditions. Good infrastructure supports cattle health and flexible grazing management in severe weather.

(Rogers Cattle Co.)

5. Select Cattle and Practices to Fit Your Operation. Choose livestock and grazing systems suited to your environment, resources and lifestyle — consider animal type, forage availability and family needs. Be willing to evolve your system as you learn what works best.

“It’s okay to base a decision on what’s going on in your life,” Gray explains. “Make them fit you, not you fit them.”

Bale grazing was one innovative strategy Rogers mentions. This method involves strategically placing hay bales in pastures and moving cattle through them, which offers several advantages:

Labor savings
Better nutrient distribution
Reduced equipment traffic in pastures
Potential for improving soil diversity

(Little Timber Farms, Rachel Gray)

Gray explains five adaptive techniques she uses:

Rotational grazing
Cover crop interseeding
Portable windbreaks
Careful bale distribution
Strategic bedding practices

She also shares a compelling example of adaptability when drought forced her family to relocate 600 cattle in August and completely restructure their feeding strategy. This experience underscores the importance of having contingency plans.

“The most expensive words in ranching are: We’ve always done it that way,” Gray stresses.

Throughout the webinar, a recurring message was the importance of a flexible mindset — embracing new technology, learning from experience, adapting tradition and sharing knowledge. Gray’s and Rogers’ stories illustrate successful winter grazing requires resilience, innovation and a readiness to revise plans as conditions demand.

Normal La Niña Pattern to Return By Thanksgiving

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:57:53 GMT

What are the primary weather events being watched by the leading ag meteorologists right now? Here’s a round-up.

A Bit of an Oddball La Niña

“We need to be really careful about making big assumptions about this La Niña. It is not a classic La Niña,” says Drew Lerner, World Weather, Inc. He points to two large rain events in the southern U.S. Plains this past week.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey adds southern California has also received a lot of precipitation. He says it’s the timing and strength of the La Niña bringing a different pattern than could be expected.

“The big thing we’re watching is the fact that we’re in a La Niña during the month of September for the fifth time in six years,” Rippey says. “And with that, November’s been a little bit strange so far. We haven’t fully kicked into what you would expect to see with a La Niña regime.”

More Precipitation on Its Way

“We also have a lot of warm ocean water between Hawaii and California, so watch for more heavy rain, like we saw this week coming into California a little later in the winter,” Lerner says.

Rippey says people across the Great Plains can expect more storms through this week.

“Given the fact that we are heading into a La Niña winter, we need the moisture across the southern Plains now,” Rippey says. “It looks like more of a La Niña regime setting in for the latter part of November and certainly by Thanksgiving. By that I mean stormier, colder weather across the north, and some of that warm and dry weather should become more established across the South. It’ll be a while until we get there.”

The week of Thanksgiving is showing some increased chance for winter storms and perhaps travel-impactful weather events.

Droughty Conditions Bring Concerns

Dry weather persists in key grazing areas, which Matt Makens from Makens Weather says is his biggest concern for the rest of this year and early into 2026.

Lerner adds: “The northern Plains and neighboring areas of Canada’s prairies won’t see much precipitation. There’s still a big, bad drought up there, and they’re hoping for better moisture. But in the meantime, our wheat that’s in the soft wheat that’s in the lower Midwest bowl will get a nice drink of water.”

Pacific Storm Season Brought More Action Than the Atlantic

Reflecting on the ongoing hurricane season, Rippey says while it was indicated we could have an active season, there have been only 13 named storms and only five hurricanes.

Without any major storms making landfall in the U.S., Rippey points to a few factors:

“We had the African feeder storms, the thunderstorms that come off the African coast, came off a little further north than they normally would. And that put some of those thunderstorm complexes into a more hostile environment as they developed or tried to develop,” he says.
“We had a protective jet stream across the eastern United States, a little dip along the East Coast of the United States that really forced any developing storms to recurve before they ever reach the United States,” he says.

“A lot of that moisture ended up in the western United States eventually, remnant tropical moisture, and that certainly has helped to chip away at the drought across the western United States, courtesy of the active eastern Pacific season with 18 overall named storms,” Rippey adds.

Planting Season Outlook

While planting season is about five months away for many, the weather trends are tipping the scales to a slow start.

“I still have some confidence in saying that some of the northern areas of the country — northern plains, upper Midwest — could face a spring with a delayed warm-up,” Rippey says. “We could see some snowy cold conditions lingering into the early to mid-spring across some of those northern production areas. Typically coming out of La Niña, we do see a later planting season in the north, and we will have to watch drought in the south.”

La Niña Will Flip to El Niño

As for what’s ahead in the new year, Maken says while we might start with a La Niña, toward the end of the year, we’ll flip into an El Niño.

“And when you do this flip, it depends on how quickly it flips, because it can mean a lot of rainfall for a lot of folks,” he says. “And not that La Niña and El Niño are the end-all, be-alls, but they’re the major players in the room. Some really like hearing El Niño. Others really do not like the person saying that.”

Does Bale Grazing Make Sense?

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:00:05 GMT

With rising input costs, many cow-calf producers are looking for ways to reduce expenses and improve profitability. Because feed often accounts for nearly two-thirds of annual cow costs, finding ways to lower feeding expenses presents a major opportunity for cost savings.

In Canada and across the Northern Great Plains, bale grazing has become a well-established winter-feeding strategy.

Producers who practice bale grazing often point to lower feed delivery costs, reduced labor needs and better nutrient distribution from manure and urine as key benefits.

Sedivec et al. (2018) examined the effects of bale grazing versus summer grazing on forage production, forage quality and soil health across four North Dakota ranches.

Sites included clay-pan, thin loamy, loamy and shallow gravel ecological zones, and all treatments were applied to smooth brome hayfields and pastures.

3 Key Findings

Forage production: Eighteen months after grazing, grass yield increased at 0, 5 and 10 feet from bale centers compared to summer grazing.
Forage quality: Six months after treatments, forage crude protein (CP) was higher within 10 feet of bale centers. Forage phosphorus was also greater at 0 and 5 feet.
Soil nutrient profile: Soil NO₃-N, phosphorus, and potassium were elevated 6- and 18-months following bale grazing compared to summer grazing. However, soil organic matter did not differ between grazing treatments.

Practical Considerations

Site selection: Avoid bale grazing on native range or newly seeded hayfields and pastures. Additionally, bale grazing can create “hot spots” of nutrients, so utilization on riparian areas is not recommended. Bales can introduce weed seeds or invasive species—focus instead on existing hayfields or improved pastures.
Bale type: Round bales are preferred for bale grazing due to less surface area exposed to the elements compared to square bales. While using higher quality hay may allow cows to gain condition, low-medium quality hay for bale grazing is favored due to increased trampling, fouling, and bedding use compared to bunks or bale rings.
Nutrient management: If soil fertility or productivity is already adequate, consider other winter-feeding options, such as windrow grazing for less concentrated nutrient deposition.
Bale spacing: Adjust bale spacing based on your nutrient goals. Spacing bales roughly 40 feet apart tends to provide relatively uniform nutrient distribution.
Weather management: In wetter climates, place bales on their sides to reduce nutrient leaching. In dryer climates, placing bales on end can reduce time required to unwrap bales prior to grazing.
Feed allocation: Use temporary fencing to ration feed, allowing cattle access to two to five days worth of feed at a time. This helps control waste and reduce labor.
Cow condition: Monitor body condition scores (BCS) throughout winter. Depending on bale nutrient content, weather conditions, and stage of gestation, cows may require additional energy supplementation.

Applications and Takeaways

Bale grazing can be an effective strategy to reduce feeding costs while improving soil fertility in low-productivity hayfields or improved pastures. Compared to feeding in drylots, bale grazing can be accomplished with less machinery and labor costs, while concentrating nutrients from manure and urine in the field.

When implemented on appropriate sites and under suitable winter conditions, bale grazing offers a practical, low-cost option for delivering feed to livestock and improving nutrient capture on soils where it can be utilized to grow additional forage for cow-calf operations.

Article by Brock Ortner and Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educators, for UNL Beef Watch eNewsletter.

Contract Grazing: A Flexible Option for Row Crop and Beef Producers

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:28:59 GMT

Row crop producers across the country are feeling the financial squeeze. High input costs and low commodity prices are tightening profit margins, and the outlook for 2026 offers little relief.

With limited optimism for lower costs or stronger commodity prices, many row crop farmers are exploring new income streams to keep their operations profitable. One option gaining traction is contract grazing — custom growing cattle for someone else.

This arrangement allows farmers with available land and suitable forage to generate income without the expense of owning cattle. It’s a practical way to put available acreage to work, diversify income, and reduce risk in uncertain times.

Evaluating Resources

Before entering a contract grazing arrangement, it’s essential to evaluate your available resources. Key considerations include:

Fencing — Assess the condition of existing fences, estimate the cost of repairs or new construction.
Cattle-handling facilities — Adequate corrals, chutes and working areas are necessary for safe and efficient receiving and shipping of cattle on your property.
Feed and water systems — Ensure water quality and quantity meet livestock needs throughout the grazing season.
Accessibility — Many stocker operations move truckload lots of cattle (typically 50,000 lbs.), so all-weather access roads are important.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights key infrastructure requirements that can determine the feasibility of a grazing enterprise.

Integrating Grazing with Crop Land

For row crop producers, contract grazing can complement existing cropping systems rather than replace them. Fields used for row crops can often support grazing through cover crops, winter annual forages or dedicated hay and grazing acres. Common options include small grains such as wheat, oats or rye, as well as annual forages like ryegrass or haygrazer. These forages can fit naturally between summer cash crops, making use of otherwise idle land during the off-season.

Integrating livestock grazing into crop rotations offers several potential benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced nutrient cycling and reduced weed and residue management costs. Grazing cover crops can also help capture and recycle nutrients while adding an additional income stream through a grazing contract.

However, shifting to a mixed crop-livestock system requires careful planning. Farmers must consider planting and termination dates, soil compaction risks and the potential impact on subsequent crops. When managed properly, the combination of row crops and grazing livestock can strengthen overall system resilience and profitability.

Experience and Cattle Management

Experience with cattle is another critical factor. Owners are unlikely to place animals with someone lacking livestock management experience. It’s essential to understand the type of cattle involved — stockers, heifers, cows or cow-calf pairs — and how to manage each group effectively.

The source and history of the cattle also matter. Animals from multiple origins may pose higher management challenges or disease risks, requiring more experience and attention to detail. If contract grazing becomes a long-term enterprise, building trust and credibility within the local cattle community is vital for success.

Forage, Feed and Water Management

Grazing is typically the most cost-effective feeding strategy, but weather and seasonal changes can reduce forage availability. Successful contract growers plan ahead by maintaining supplemental feed supplies or developing alternative forage options.

Water management is equally important. Cattle spend more time grazing near water, so the placement of water sources directly influences pasture use. Strategically positioned water sources encourage more uniform grazing, support pasture health and improve overall livestock performance.

Well-maintained infrastructure — including fences, water systems and forage stands — not only keeps cattle secure but also enhances the efficiency and profitability of the operation.

Importance of a Written Contract

A clear, written contract protects both the grower and the cattle owner, helping to ensure that expectations are understood from the start. Key elements to include are:

Parties involved — Names and contact details of both the grower and owner.
Property description — Location, acreage and pasture details.
Contract duration — Start and end dates or total grazing period.
Animal details — Type, number and starting weights of cattle.
Responsibilities — Who provides veterinary care, feed, insurance and transportation.
Death losses — Agreement on how death losses are handled.
Payment terms — Fee structure and schedule (daily rate, per-pound-of-gain or revenue share).
Termination clause — Conditions under which the agreement can end.

Determining Payment and Cost Responsibilities

Payment structures vary depending on the type of cattle and management objectives. A daily rate is often used for breeding stock, while per-pound-of-gain agreements fit well for stocker cattle. Some operations also use a revenue-sharing model, dividing sale proceeds at the end of the grazing period.

Before agreeing on rates, both parties should have a clear understanding of their financial boundaries. Growers must calculate total costs — which include feed, labor, maintenance and management — then add a fair return on investment. Cattle owners should estimate the expected value of gain to determine what they can afford to pay.

In addition to the key elements above, details are critical. Contracts should clearly define:

Feed responsibilities — Who provides supplemental feed during droughts or shortages.
Stocking rates — Number or weight of cattle per acre, with flexibility for weather-related events.
Shared costs — How expenses like mineral supplements, fly control and veterinary treatments will be handled.

A Flexible Tool for Changing Times

Contract grazing won’t solve every financial challenge, but it can be a smart, flexible strategy for producers looking to adapt. It spreads production risk, reduces capital requirements and makes productive use of existing land and infrastructure.

In today’s uncertain agricultural economy, creativity and collaboration matter more than ever. For some operations, contract grazing may provide the bridge between tight margins and long-term financial resilience.

Adapted from “Contract Growing Cattle Considerations,” University of Tennessee Extension Publication W1337. Available at https://utbeef.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/127/2025/10/W1337.pdf .

How to Keep Livestock Waters Open All Winter Long

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:50:30 GMT

Extended grazing seasons and fewer days starting the tractor to feed cattle sound nice in theory, but what about the watering constraints? Some producers struggle with where to place watering systems, while others battle freezing temperatures brought on by harsh winters.

“Without water, there is no fall grazing,” says Rocky Brown, owner of Wald Fencing. “Fencing is easy; watering is the real constraint.”

Some might let their cattle fend for themselves with snow, but that’s not a preferred method for most.

“I’m not a big believer that snow gives cattle enough water,” Brown says. “They use up too much energy warming that snow to body temperature to make it useful.”

The good news is there are plenty of tried-and-true options for both temporary and permanent livestock watering systems that work in harsh winter conditions.

“The biggest thing is if water is moving, water is not freezing. So, if you can keep that going and water is always moving, your water is fine,” Brown says. “However, nothing’s foolproof. There’s not one thing that is the silver bullet, but you can monitor and manage to make most systems work.”

For fall grazing and more temporary setups, ranchers should start by considering the water source: wells, rural water, dugouts or natural springs.

“We have customers who put a generator and tank in an old two-horse trailer and pump water from a dugout,” Brown says. “They figure out the timing and gas needed for the generator, and any excess water flows right back to the original source.”

For ranchers using hydrants or other water sources, there are a variety of methods to keep water flowing even while using a float.

“We’ve developed a stainless-steel system using products from Watson Manufacturing that allows for continuous flow using a combination of a float, petcock and copper tubing,” Brown says. “I’ve had customers here in North Dakota use this system into January.”

There’s also a similar Watson Manufacturing product that runs on temperature control, and of course, Freeze Misers are another option for running off a hydrant.

The front system shows the temperature-based Watson System and the back system shows system described earlier in the story.

(Casual Cattle)

For permanent winter watering setups, ranchers should consider whether they’re using energy-free models, the materials of the tank and a concrete pad to go around the outside of the water tank.

“Buy good-quality waterers that will last. Don’t skimp, because cheap ones never fail in the summer; they fail when your cattle need them most,” Brown says.

Even in extreme climates, energy-free waterers can be effective when installed correctly.

“Energy-free waterers can work even in North Dakota and most of Canada if they’re installed right and deep enough to capture geothermal heat,” Brown says.

Tire tanks are a common sight in the Dakotas due to the natural insulation they provide, but they need to be properly cared for to stay effective.

“Fresh water is so important. If you’re using tire tanks, clean them out often,” Brown says. “Additionally, make sure they are set up with stainless-steel bolts and thick bottom plates so they don’t rust out. They don’t fail in July; they fail in January when your hands are freezing.”

Tank heaters — whether floating or sinking — are another option to consider to keep floats from freezing, but Brown finds sinkers to be more effective.

“If you’re using tank heaters, go with a sinking de-icer. Heat rises, and it warms the water from the bottom up instead of just the surface,” he says.

Ritchie tanks are another common brand for colder climates, but there are several factors to consider to make them most effective, starting with material.

“Be careful with all-plastic troughs in cold regions. They might be fine for Nebraska or farther south, but not for North Dakota winters,” Brown says.

He also encourages producers to keep valves below water whenever possible, use thermal cubes and incorporate a small aluminum plate.

The traditional riser tube can be replaced with the following system to keep the valve more protected from the elements.

(Casual Cattle)

“A thermal cube is a $20 game-changer. It turns your heat lamp on at 35 degrees and off at 45 so you’re not wasting power or burning bulbs,” Brown says. “A simple 4x6 aluminum plate under your element spreads the heat and keeps calcium from building up; cheap fix, big difference.”

Concrete pads are also important around permanent tanks.

“Make pads big enough for the animal to fit all four feet on there,” Brown says. “Don’t make cattle step up onto concrete pads. Keep them ground level so they’re not washing out the landing every time they step down.”

If concrete doesn’t seem feasible, there are other options.

“If you can’t get a concrete pad poured, build one out of rough-cut treated lumber,” Brown says. “It lasts, it’s reusable and you can move it if you ever have a water break.”

At the end of the day, it takes a combination of experiences — from the rancher and from others — to find the best solution for an operation.

“Share what you know, but don’t be arrogant about it. The beef industry rises together when we share what works instead of keeping it to ourselves,” Brown summarizes.

Know your constraints, talk to your neighbors or talk to an expert to determine which fall and winter watering systems will be most effective for your operation.

Listen to the full conversation on the “Casual Cattle Conversations” podcast .

Ensuring Quality and Nutrition: Three Easy Steps For Forage Analysis

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:17:39 GMT

Testing forage and feed is one of the most valuable steps producers can take to make sure cattle are meeting their nutritional needs.

“By collecting good samples, choosing the right tests and understanding the results, you can save money, improve animal performance and avoid unexpected problems,” says Emma Briggs, Kansas State University beef production systems, in Hays, Kan.

Briggs shared these three steps for successful forage analysis in a recent KSU Beef Tips article .

1. Getting a Good Sample

The first step is making sure your sample represents what the cattle will eat.

“Always sample by ‘lot,’ meaning hay or forage that comes from the same field and cutting,” Brigg says. “Never mix bales from different cuttings or pastures into one sample. Also consider timing, sampling right before feeding shows the most accurate nutrient value since it includes any storage losses.”

Use a hay probe or core sampler when possible and collect at least 20 cores from different bales in a lot. For chopped silage or baleage, take samples from several locations and mix them.

Once collected, combine samples in a clean bucket, mix thoroughly, and seal in a heavy-duty plastic bag. For high-moisture feed, freeze the sample until it’s shipped to the lab.

2. Labeling and Shipping

Clear records are just as important as a good sample.

“Label each bag with your name, lot ID, harvest date and forage type (i.e. second-cutting orchardgrass, Field A),” Briggs explains. “On the lab paperwork, note any details about maturity, legume content or suspected issues like mold.”

Ship samples quickly, preferably early in the week. Use ice packs or freeze high-moisture feeds like silage to keep it from spoiling.

3. Choosing a Lab and Tests

Briggs says when looking for a place to send samples, look for an accredited lab certified by the National Forage Testing Association (NFTA). Most routine analyses are done with Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS), which is fast and affordable, but the “gold standard” for feed analysis is wet chemistry and can be more accurate for some feed types.

“At minimum, request tests for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF),” she explains. “These values allow the lab to also calculate energy, like TDN. Optional tests like nitrates, minerals or fiber digestibility are worth considering if you suspect specific issues or are feeding high-risk forages like sorghum or drought-stressed hay.”

Understanding the Results

Dry Matter (DM): Indicates how much actual feed remains after water is removed. Essential for balancing rations and preventing spoilage.

Crude Protein (CP): Estimates protein content but can include non-protein nitrogen (like nitrates). Heat-damaged hay might show inflated CP, so some labs also report available CP.

ADF and NDF: Fiber values that affect digestibility and intake. High ADF means lower energy; high NDF limits how much cattle will eat.

Energy (TDN, NE): Energy values calculated from fiber. As ADF increases, energy drops. Meeting cows’ energy needs is often the biggest feeding challenge.

Ash and Minerals: High ash often means dirt contamination, which dilutes feed value. Mineral panels can flag shortages or imbalances that might require supplementation.

Indexes (RFV, RFQ): Useful shorthand for comparing hay quality, though best applied only within similar forage types.

Putting Results to Work

“The real value of forage testing comes when you compare lab results to your cattle’s requirements,” Briggs explains. “For example, if a cow needs 1.4 lb. of protein daily but your hay only provides 0.9 lb., you know to add a protein supplement. Conversely, if your hay is richer than expected, you can save money by cutting back on purchased feed.”

Matching different forages to the right class of cattle is also smart management. Reserve your highest quality hay for lactating or growing animals, while dry mature cows might be able to get by on lower quality forage.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Briggs says the biggest pitfalls are poor sampling (too few cores or mixing lots), mislabeling bags and misreading results (confusing “as-fed” with “dry matter” values).

“Don’t rely only on RFV or CP without considering energy, fiber and minerals,” she says. “And always ship samples quickly to avoid spoilage.”

Good sampling and testing take a little time but can help improve operation efficiency.

“By knowing exactly what nutrients your forage provides, you can fine-tune rations, avoid toxicity risks and stretch your feed dollars further,” Briggs says. “Forage analysis is a simple but powerful tool to boost both cattle performance and your bottom line.”

9 Tips to Prepare for Successful Corn Stalk Grazing

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:09:12 GMT

Corn stalks can be an excellent, economical resource for late fall and winter grazing.

In a recent UNL Beef Watch article, Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension educator, shares nine points to consider when planning to graze corn stalks.

1. Scout fields prior to grazing to determine the amount of corn present and look for piles that could cause grain overload, which can result in bloat or death in cattle. If there is more than 8 to 10 bushels of ears of corn per acre on the ground, a grazing strategy to control corn intake will be needed.

2. Stocking rate should be determined based on corn bushel yield per acre and the average weight of cattle that will be grazing. The Corn Stalk Grazing Calculator is an Excel spreadsheet that can be used to calculate this.

3. A quick way to estimate grazing days per acre available for a 1,200 lb., non-lactating cow is to take corn bushel yield and divide by 3.5. For example, 180 bushel yield / 3.5 = 51 grazing days per acre.

4. Quality of grazing starts high at approximately 70% total digestible nutrients (TDN) and then decreases to a low of 45% TDN at the end of the grazing period. The rate of quality decline is dependent on stocking rate and environmental factors, such as moisture and field conditions.

5. Mature non-lactating, spring-calving cows in a body condition score 5 or better will not need protein supplement when grazed at recommended stocking rates, according to University of Nebraska–Lincoln research.

6. First-calf heifers in the 90 days prior to calving will need protein and energy supplementation to meet nutrient requirements. Feeding 3.5 lb. per head per day of dried distillers grains would meet this need.

7. Fall-calving cows will need additional protein and energy to meet nutrient requirements. Cows less than three months after calving will need 4.5 lb. per head per day of a supplement that is at least 30% protein and 90% total digestible nutrients (TDN) on a dry matter basis. Feeding 5 lb. per head per day of dried distillers grains would meet this need.

8. Weaned calves grazing corn stalks with a targeted gain of 1.0 lb per day will need to be feed an energy and protein supplement. Research has demonstrated dried distillers grains fed at 2 lb. per head per day when calves are grazing corn stalks will usually meet this targeted gain.

9. Deep snow and ice can severely limit the ability of cattle to graze corn stalks. Have a backup plan and other feed resources available to meet cattle needs when this occurs.

For more information, check out the Grazing Crop Residues with Beef Cattle resource.

3 Reasons Why Milo Works in Cattle Diets

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:54:25 GMT

Corn is king when it comes to cattle diets, especially in the Corn Belt. However, that does not mean that corn is a cattle producer’s only option.

Warren Rusche, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension feedlot management specialist, explains milo or grain sorghum can be a viable option under certain market conditions.

Rusche shares in a recent SDSU enewsletter three reasons how milo is a viable replacement for corn:

Milo becomes cost-effective in cattle diets when its price is 90% or less than corn on a per bushel basis.
For optimal results, milo needs to be processed (rolled or ground) before feeding.
Blending milo with high-moisture corn can result in greater than expected efficiency because of differences starch digestion.

“Milo contains less energy than corn grain does, although the protein content between the two grains is similar (or greater) for milo,” Rusche explains.

Because of the differences in energy, nutritionists value milo at approximately 90% the value of corn.

“In other words, if corn is worth $4 per bushel, milo is a ‘buy’ anytime that grain is priced at $3.60 or less,” he says.

Process Before Feeding

Rusche says milo need to be processed before feeding.

“Milo has a hard seed coat that resists digestion in the rumen and small intestine,” he explains. “We need to process the grain to reduce particle size and create opportunities for rumen microbes to degrade starch.”

Steam-flaking results in the greatest improvements in digestibility; grinding or rolling are also effective for feedlots without access to a steam-flake mill. Rolling produces a more consistent feed than does grinding through a hammermill, but both approaches are acceptable.

Performance improves with more aggressive processing.

“Fine-ground milo resulted in a 3% improvement in ADG [average daily gain] and a 7% improvement in feed efficiency compared to coarse grinding,” he adds. “Keep in mind that more extensive processing leads to more rapid starch digestion in the rumen which increases the risk of acidosis and bloat. Careful bunk management and using ionophores can reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.”

Is Harvesting High-Moisture Milo an Option?

Rusche says harvesting high-moisture milo works well as a strategy to both reduce field losses and improve cattle performance.

“Harvesting milo at 22[%] to 30% moisture content allows for earlier harvest and reduces grain loss from head shatter,” he explains. “High-moisture milo has greater starch digestibility compared to dry grain, which would support greater cattle performance. High-moisture milo could be harvested using a combine or a forage harvester could be used to harvest the seed head plus a portion of the stalk, sometimes referred to as ‘headlage.’”

Headlage would be like earlage in that the feed contains both grain plus a crop residue. Harvesting as a high-moisture feed does not eliminate the need for processing, so the grain would need to be ground or rolled before the bunker or pile, or a kernel processor would need to be used if headlage was harvested.

Feeding in Combination with Corn

Feeding a mixture of milo with corn grain for growing or finishing cattle works well, especially when dry-rolled milo is combined with high-moisture corn.

“Starch from high-moisture corn is more extensively digested in the rumen compared to starch from milo,” Rusche says. “Feeding a blend of dry-rolled milo with high-moisture corn resulted in greater gains and improved feed efficiency compared to either 100% high-moisture corn or 100% dry-rolled milo in a series of studied conducted at the University of Nebraska.”

These researchers attributed the response to increased ruminal digestion of the dry-rolled milo and less risk of acidosis compared to when the two feed grains were fed alone.

Bottom Line

According to Rusche, feeding milo is financially feasible when priced at 90% or less than the value of corn, however, the grain must be correctly processed to capture the full value and optimize use.

“Feeding milo as a high-moisture feed or in combination with more rapidly fermentable grain sources can lead to improved performance,” he summaries.

Rusche encourages cattle feeders to consult with a nutritionist or Extension specialist if they have not fed milo grain in the past.

Your Next Read: Instead of Feeding Hay: 5 Profitable Winter Feed Alternatives for Your Cattle Herd

Seeding Cover Crops Aerially Can Boost Grazing Potential

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:15:00 GMT

Stored hay can be a livestock producer’s best insurance, says University of Missouri Extension plant science specialist Caleb O’Neal, who is also a cattle producer. It provides flexibility for cattlemen to rest pastures in the event of drought and is often the feed of choice for winter herd maintenance.

O’Neal’s goals for his own herd include being able to actively graze high-quality forage most of the year, but he relies on hay as a backup option “when grazing pickings are slim.”

High-quality hay can be made with favorable weather and good management.

“But in many cases, the hay that we as producers make is cut too late in the season and has poor feed value,” he says.

For a longer grazing season, many producers either manage their established forages differently or plant specific forage species that grow during times of the year that traditionally have limited forage availability. Many of these species are popular in cover crop seed mixtures.

Cover crops can provide an excellent opportunity for livestock producers to extend their grazing season, O’Neal says.

“Planting cover crops between cash crops like corn and soybeans is a widely adopted practice across the state, and while these annual cover crop species are frequently planted for the benefit they provide to the soil, their planting also opens the door to outstanding opportunities for graziers who are willing to think outside the box,” he says.

Many cover crops that are planted to maintain soil structure during the off-season can also provide unparalleled forage quality for livestock producers at a time of year that aligns very well with the forage base relied upon by most cattle producers in the state, he says.

Many producers are familiar with the excellent forage that cereals like wheat and rye can provide in early spring. But, historically, it’s difficult to achieve a grazeable cover crop in the fall on the same ground you’re using for cash crops because the cash crop grows late into the season. By the time it is harvested, there is little time to get a cover crop established and growing strong enough to tolerate fall grazing.

However, modern technology like utility drones can help producers “double dip” by establishing cover crops earlier in the season and achieve both fall and spring grazing from the same piece of ground, says O’Neal.

Aerially seeded cover crops can be seeded earlier in the season–late August through September–while the cash crop of corn or beans is still standing in late maturity. Cover crop seeds flown over the cash crop canopy will work down to the soil and slowly emerge in the protected space provided by the standing crop of corn or beans.

“The magic happens when the cash crop is harvested and the dense canopy is removed, allowing sunlight to be captured by the already established young cover crop below,” says O’Neal.

The cover crop that has been seeded and growing for several weeks wastes no time in being productive. With adequate fall moisture, it will likely be ready to graze in late October through November.

Grazing cover crops in the fall lets livestock producers rest cool-season pastures to accumulate winter stockpile fescue, which holds forage quality well and can then be grazed in the dead of winter.

Common cover crop mixes for aerial seeding include small-seeded brassicas like turnips and radishes, but there are also few plants that can put on as much growth for fall grazing as a spring oat, O’Neal says. Forage species like this when paired together make for exceptional fall and early-winter grazing.

For fall and spring grazing from the cover crop mix, be sure to select the correct forage species to aerially seed. Most species of oats will winter-kill, so throwing a winter-hardy cereal like rye or triticale and a legume like crimson clover in the mix can help ensure there is high-quality forage available to graze in March and April the following year.

“Aerially seeding cover crops can be an excellent way to extend the grazing season and make the most of every acre. With land prices climbing faster than a cornstalk in June, maximizing the productivity of the ground we already have just makes sense,” O’Neal says.

“If we plan ahead, we can establish high-quality forage that not only supports the nutritional needs of our herds but also reduces our reliance on costly stored feed. When implemented correctly, grazing cover crops in the spring and fall is a win for the livestock, the land and our bottom line,” he says. “With the right forage species and adequate moisture, aerial seeding can help producers reduce feed costs, improve herd health and get more value from every acre.”

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20 Management Tips for Fall Calving Herds

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:40:51 GMT

A fall-calving herd provides a different time of the year to market calves and needs less labor at calving compared to spring-calving herds.

According to Rick Rasby, University of Nebraska (UNL) extension specialist, and Brent Plugge, UNL extension educator, fall-calving cows usually calve in good body condition, but the challenge is keeping them in good body condition through the breeding season.

After calving, high-quality grazed feed resources are limited. Both cool and warm-season grasses are decreasing in quality and quantity after calving and during lactation.

Grazing crop residues is an option, but lactating cows in the fall will need supplementation to meet protein and energy needs.

“Reproductive success impacts profitability in the cow-calf enterprise,” explains the UNL extension educators in a recent UNL Beef Watch article . “Investing time and resources to ensure reproductive success is important.”

The challenge is how to feed the fall- calving cows economically and maintain adequate body condition when breeding season occurs between November and January.

Fall calving and calf management is important because it can be hot when they are born and cold for most of the time prior to weaning.

Rasby and Plugge suggest these management tips for fall-calving herds:

Achieve and maintain mature cows in a body condition score (BCS) of at least 5 (1 to 9 scale) through the breeding season.
Maintain first-calf-females in a BCS of 6 through the breeding season.
Avoid negative planes of nutrition, meaning what cows are eating doesn’t meet their nutrient needs, mainly protein and energy.
Test forages for quality and nitrates.
Design feeding programs using forage tests and determine gaps in nutrients needed by the lactating cow.
Determine supplementation strategies to cover nutrient gaps in feeding program.
Provide salt and mineral.
Have bulls in breeding condition (BCS of 6) 45 days before the start of the breeding season. The same bulls can be used in both the spring and fall herds. Evaluate health and condition after pulling bulls from the spring-calving herd breeding season. Pay close attention to the condition and health of the young bulls.
Bulls should always pass a BSE before turning out.
Natural service and estrous synchronization with AI or a combination of natural service and AI can work for fall-calving systems.
Monitor bulls during the breeding season. Low temperature can result in frostbite of the scrotum causing reduction in semen quality.
Bull cost can be reduced by spreading them over two breeding systems per year. 
Weather conditions will be hot in August and early September. Provide shade and drinking water for calves and monitor calving pastures frequently.
May need to provide bedding for the herd during extremely cold weather events.
Provide protection for the herd during low windchill episodes.
Fall calved calves weigh less than spring calved calves when weaned at the same age.
Creep feeding the calves will increase calf weight at weaning but will not take lactation stress off the cow. Take a look at the economics of creep feeding: ( https://beef.unl.edu/creep-feeding-beef-calves-profit-or-expense/ ).
Have a weaning strategy. Will calves be weaned early or will calves remain on the cows?
If calves are early weaned, have a management plan for them.
Keep heifer calves growing at a rate that they have the potential to be replacements.

For fall-calving cows, the feed resources available for grazing are low in quality and will not meet cows’ nutrient needs during lactation. Supplementation will be needed. Don’t let cows slip in body condition prior to the breeding season. Weather conditions during the breeding season for fall-calving cows is unpredictable.

Cover crops (secondary forage crops) fit nicely into fall-calving systems. Cover crops provide a high-quality feed resource to fall-calving herds (lactating cows, bulls, and calves) with little to no supplementation needed. Secondary forage crops can be planted in seed corn fields, after silage harvest, or after wheat harvest.

Rasby and Plugge summarize, “Cow, bull and calf management and feeding programs of fall-calving herds is much different than spring-calving herds because of time of the year, weather conditions, and the grazed feed resources available.”

3 Rules When Figuring Winter Hay Supply Needs

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:39:28 GMT

Some basic rules of thumb to follow when determining the hay supplies you will need to sustain your cow herd over the winter and into next spring:

Determine your average mature cow size. This can be done by weighing your 4 to 7 year old cows and calculating the average weight. From mature cow size, we can approximate the amount of forage dry matter cows will need to consume per year or per day. For example: a 1,000-lb. cow will consume about 26 lb. of forage dry matter per day. A 1,400-lb. cow will consume about 36.4 lb. of forage dry matter per day.
Determine your cow inventory.
Estimate the amount of time you expect to be feeding cows.

From this information calculate the total amount of hay needed.

For example: 100 cows weighing 1,400 lb. will consume about 3,640 lb. of hay per day. We should take into account that a certain amount of the hay fed will be wasted and there will be a certain amount of spoilage of each bale fed that won’t be consumed. With this in mind we will add another 10% to the daily total to bump it up to about 4,000 lb. (2 tons) per day.

Remember the amount of hay wasted or spoiled could be higher. If we are feeding hay carried over from last year, expect a higher percentage spoiled in each bale.

If we are expecting to feed hay from mid-October to mid-May, that is approximately 200 days of hay feeding. 4,000 lb. of hay needed per day x 200 days equals a total of 800,000 lb. (400 ton) of forage dry matter that cows will consume over this time. If we are feeding or buying large rounds with an average weight of 1,250 lb. that equates to 640 (800,000 divided by 1,250) big bales needed to sustain the 100 cows.

If possible, purchase hay by the ton. It leads to less error in securing the amount of hay you will need to purchase or have on inventory. If buying hay by the bale is your only option, make sure to weigh enough of the bales to have an accurate representation of bale weight. Also, take into account the amount of spoilage of each bale. One of the upsides of hay baled this summer is less spoilage.

Other factors such as weather, stage of gestation or lactating versus dry cows will obviously impact nutritional requirements of cows from day to day. Many Oklahoma producers are fortunate to have more standing forage than normal as we evaluate pastures right now. This may reduce hay needs and move back the starting date of hay feeding this year.

Your Next Read: Buy or Develop Heifers: 3 Crucial Considerations

Rust in the Ration: How to Combat Southern Rust’s Impact on Corn Silage

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:04:48 GMT

With the warm and wet conditions this season, southern rust is on the rise in Midwest corn crops. It may be time to start considering the impact that could have on corn silage and preparing to adjust rations accordingly. While southern rust is not a direct threat to herd health, it has been shown to lower the nutritional value of silage and can compromise feed quality.

Southern rust, a fast-developing fungal disease caused by Puccinia polysora, does not itself produce toxins, but it weakens the plant and provides the opportunity for other diseases to move in. These opportunists include various Furasium species, which produce mycotoxins (fumonisin and deoxynivalenol) that can be harmful in feed.

Southern Rust and Corn Silage Quality

Southern rust is known to impact corn silage quality. A study from the University of Florida showed increasing rust infestation resulted in increased dry matter and fiber fractions, but that dry matter digestibility decreased by 13%. Further, high rust silages had lower neutral detergent fiber digestibilities than medium and no rust silages. Southern rust also affected the concentrations of lactate and volatile fatty acids, causing both to decrease with increasing infestation. These results indicate decreased nutritive value.

The observed increased dry matter also reduced silo packing effectiveness. If moisture levels are too low at harvest, it is difficult to achieve adequate packing, which leads to poor fermentation and an increased risk of mold growth.

Because southern rust coverage reduces the photosynthetic area of the leaf, grain fill is often hindered, leading to a lower energy and protein content in the silage.

Southern Rust Silage Management

There are a handful of strategies producers can apply to counteract the effects of southern rust:

Adjust harvest time based on moisture content. Southern rust can cause corn to dry down faster than normal. Monitor moisture levels closely to ensure the proper fermentation of silage.
Consider a silage inoculant. Inoculants improve fermentation, and the rapid pH drop can inhibit mold and yeast growth.
Ensure good packing and storage. Pack silage well to limit oxygen exposure and prevent mold growth. Cover bunkers immediately and weigh down coverings thoroughly.

Feeding Southern Rust Silage

To counter the nutritional challenges of feeding southern rust-infected corn silage, dietary supplementation may be necessary.

Prior to inclusion, test all potentially infected silage for mycotoxins. This will allow you to determine the safety of the feed and avoid potential health issues. If mycotoxins are high, the incorporation of a mycotoxin binding agent into the ration will help reduce toxin absorption in the animal’s digestive tract. Additionally, supplementation with antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, could help animals by countering oxidative stress caused by mycotoxins and supporting immune function.

If grain fill was affected and starch levels are low, you may need to incorporate an additional energy course to compensate. Further, poor grain fill could reduce the already low protein content of corn silage, and protein supplementation may be required.

When incorporating infected silage, ensure it is thoroughly mixed into the TMR to dilute potential ‘hot spots’. Inclusion levels of contaminated silage in the feed may need to be limited or removed entirely for sensitive animals, including lactating or breeding animals. Livestock should be monitored closely for symptoms of mycotoxin toxicity, such as reduced intake, weight loss, digestive issues or reproductive challenges. Be prepared to respond if issues arise.

When feeding corn silage infected with southern rust, caution is essential to protect livestock health and performance. The thoughtful use of compromised silage can help minimize risk while maintaining efficiency and animal well-being.

Your next read: Southern Rust Set To Take Big Bite Out Of Midwest Corn Crop?

Three Tips for Fall and Winter Grazing Success

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:10:11 GMT

“Now is the time to prepare forage and cattle for the fall and winter grazing season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.

Proper management of cattle and forage right now leads to fall and winter grazing success as well as setting up your operation for spring. Davis shares forage and cattle management suggestions for successful grazing through the fall, winter and into the future.

“Make sure the cattle that you are retaining are producing for you,” Davis says.

This is a good time to look through those records to identify poor-producing cows and cull them at weaning. Davis also recommends early pregnancy checking spring calving cows and replacement heifers to identify those open females so they can be culled at weaning. He suggests marketing these open replacement heifers as soon as possible to improve salvage value and reduce impact on feed resources and operation profitability.

“Properly utilizing forage resources and updating those resources can provide a feeding system that will reduce production cost for your cattle operation,” Davis says.

Three tips to consider as you look at your forage program for fall and winter grazing and when updating your forage program for successful future grazing:

Evaluate your pastures. “Now is the time to evaluate those cool-season pastures and identify those weedy or thin stands,” Davis says.
Once those are determined, contact your local Extension agronomy field specialist about options for weed control or if renovation is required. If renovation is needed, begin this fall by smothering out the fall perennial forage and seeding in a winter annual mix of legumes, small grains and brassicas to provide late fall and winter grazing. Consult your local Extension agronomy field specialist on selecting forages and implementing a process that will make your grazing program successful in the future.
Stockpile fescue. “Stockpile fescue now for a cheap feed resource during the late fall and winter months,” Davis says.
Start stockpile preparation by clipping or grazing fescue pastures to 3 inches. Then apply no more than 40 lb. of nitrogen per acre to toxic endophyte-infected fescue pastures. If the pasture has novel-endophyte-infected fescue, then 60 to 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre can be added.
Defer grazing these stockpiled pastures until late fall or early winter. Cattle producers should try to defer grazing toxic endophyte-infected fescue stockpile pastures until January, when concentrations of ergovaline have likely fallen below the toxic threshold level of 200 parts per billion.
Strip grazing will increase grazing efficiency by improving forage utilization and reducing waste due to trampling and soiling with manure.
Incorporate idle crop ground in the grazing system. “Incorporating idle ground into the grazing system can be beneficial to the cropping and cattle operation,” Davis says.
Consider seeding a winter annual mix into your idle crop ground to provide high-quality forage to graze your cattle through the late fall and winter months. In addition to providing a high-quality forage for your cattle, the manure and residual forage will improve soil fertility, which helps the cropping system. Most of these annual mixes will require 60 days of growth from planting before initial grazing.
For optimum utilization, use temporary electric fencing to allocate one to three days of grazing forage to your cattle. This extra high-quality forage might be a way to retain and put cheap gain on your spring-born weaned calves or incorporate a winter grazing stocker operation in your farming operation.

“As you feed more hay and supplement, cattle production costs increase,” he says. Furthermore, “retaining open and low-producing females reduces your production efficiency.”

These things reduce cattle operation profitability.

“Hopefully, these suggestions lead to retaining productive females and promoting a productive forage base to efficiently feed your cattle, which promotes optimum operation profitability,” he summarizes.

Instead of Feeding Hay: 5 Profitable Winter Feed Alternatives for Your Cattle Herd

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:27:09 GMT

Traditional hay production is often economically inefficient.

Carson Roberts, Missouri extension state forage specialist, recently shared “ 10 Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay. ” His point No. 10 encourages beef producers to think outside the box and consider winter feeding options that can significantly reduce production costs compared to putting up and feeding hay.

Roberts says he often hears people say, “Reducing hay sounds great, but you can’t starve weight onto a cow.”

He doesn’t disagree with the sentiment, but asks: “Why would you insist on feeding hay when stockpiled milo or tall fescue is often as good or better in forage quality than the average bale of fescue? Furthermore, these stockpiled forages can be produced for a fraction of the price.”

“A cow will do what she’s got to do to get her forage, and if she can’t do that for you, then what kind of cow is she anyways?”

Carson Roberts, MU extension forage specialist

For planning purposes, Roberts says hay feeding costs average $1.18 to $1.75 per day.

He suggests these five strategies that can potentially reduce winter feeding costs by more than half:

Stockpiling fescue — This requires careful animal management, appropriate stocking rates and forward planning. Plan as early as May and June; set aside one-third to half of pasture for winter grazing. Reduces feed costs to 50 to 60 cents per day.
Grazing milo — Roberts says standing milo can provide exceptionally cheap winter forage. It costs as low as 45 cents per day and can support 400 cow days per acre. “For example, a 120-bushel, 23-to-28-acre milo field can feed 100 cows for 100 days,” he explains.
Corn stalk residue — Grazing corn stocks can be economically advantageous. Roberts says some farmers allow beef producers to graze stalks for free to improve subsequent crop yields. Minimal fencing costs may be needed.
Native grass grazing — Another effective option for dry, pregnant females is grazing stockpiled native warm-season grass. Supplement with protein, which is cheaper than energy.
Sorghum sudan grass — Roberts is currently researching using stockpiled sorghum sudan grass for winter grazing; a good-quality option, newer varieties with higher-leaf content.

Roberts summarizes the key to these strategies is forward planning, flexible stocking rates and matching cattle needs with available forage.

He stresses calving timing is an important factor. He recommends late spring or fall calving to align with forage supply.

“You should be calving during the times of the year when forage is cheap and abundant,” he says. “The key is matching cattle production cycles with forage availability. Winter calving — January and February — makes hay feeding nearly unavoidable.”

Roberts reminds producers to develop a drought management plan, emphasizing the need for flexible stocking rates. He advises that it’s often more economical to sell excess animals during drought years than to purchase or make expensive hay.

“Remember, hay is most expensive to make when yields are low, and hay yields are usually low during a drought,” he says. “Producers should monitor forage conditions and be prepared to destock before regional price drops occur.”

Your Next Read: Instead of Making Hay: 4 Profitable Alternatives For Cattle Producers to Consider

Four Options to Capitalize on During a Booming Calf Market

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:43:41 GMT

Calf values are more than double what they were three years ago, which speaks to considerable opportunity for cow-calf operators to invest in their cow herds.

“With beef cow inventory at a 60-plus year low and demand being very strong, cow-calf operations are clearly in the driver’s seat,” says Kenny Burdine, University of Kentucky livestock agriculture economist, in a recent press release.

Expansion is often the first opportunity that comes to mind in a strong calf market.

“There is likely merit in expansion, if doing so is consistent with the goals of the operation,” he explains. “Some producers are not interested in growing the size of their cow herds due to land constraints, management limitations or other reasons.”

Burdine shares these four investment opportunities, beyond herd expansion, to consider:

Genetics.
“Some producers may choose to use the current increase in cow-calf revenues to improve the genetics of their herds,” he says. “Investment in genetics often has long-run implications, resulting in more valuable calves to sell over multiple years. Sires certainly come to mind, but the current calf market combined with the strong cull cow prices may provide an opportunity to cull a bit harder and also purchase some higher quality females.”
Facilities.
Working facilities are crucial resources for cow-calf operations for numerous reasons. Value-added opportunities such as health protocols, post-weaning programs, castration and implantsare made much easier with quality working facilities. The same is true for receiving, sorting and loading of cattle.
“If facilities have historically been a constraint, the current market may be providing an opportunity to make improvements and position the operation to sell higher value calves in the future,” he adds.
Grazing systems.
Winter feeding days are typically the most expensive days for cow-calf operations as stored feed (hay) is being fed. Improved grazing systems (interior fencing, additional water sources, portable mineral feeders) allow for more efficient use of existing forage during the grazing season.
Burdine says this has the potential to increase the number of grazing days and reduce the number of hay feeding days. In most cases, this results in lower costs per cow per year and puts an operation in a better position when calf prices fall.
Debt service / financial management.
Strong markets also provide an opportunity to make financial moves that set an operation up for the long run.
“Increased revenues may allow an operation to pay down some debt and thereby lower their cost structure going forward,” Burdine says. “Similarly, it may provide an opportunity to build some working capital and lower dependence on operating loans. In both cases, future interest expenses are reduced, which has implications for profitability.”

Burdine says he does not discourage expansion.

“There are likely operations that need to do just that,” he says. “But I also live in an area where land constraints are real and know that expansion is not always feasible. Plus, I have seen situations where operations expanded during strong markets and wished they had not done so a few years later.”

He summarizes, “The current calf market provides a significant opportunity for a cow-calf operation to position itself for the long-run, and that will look different for each one of them.”

Your Next Read: Cattle Prices Predicted to Continue Climbing: Breaking Down the Latest USDA Reports

10 Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:43:07 GMT

Hay is a major feed for beef production and other livestock industries in Missouri and across the U.S.

“Despite the vastness of the hay industry, making hay can be an indicator of an unprofitable cow-calf enterprise,” says University of Missouri Extension State Forage Specialist Carson Roberts. “Every measure to improve profit margins should be taken to capitalize on the record-breaking cattle prices.”

There is a consensus that making your own hay is the cheapest way to feed cattle through the winter, Roberts says. “This couldn’t be further from the truth. Hay is expensive to make, expensive to feed.”

Roberts offers 10 key reasons why you should quit making hay:

Skyrocketing equipment costs. Inflation on machinery has outpaced cattle inflation over the past 50 years by a ratio of 10-to-1. In the 1970s, it only took 14 500-lb. weaned calves to purchase a new round baler. Today, even with record prices, it takes 41 of the same calves to pay for a new baler.
Overequipped farms. A farm’s size should reflect the amount of equipment owned. Nearly all farms in Missouri with fewer than 400 cows would be more profitable if they simply sold the haying equipment and bought hay, says Roberts.
Haying takes time. Your most valuable resource is time. Roberts says he sees too many producers spending their day doing $15 per hour work making hay when they should be doing $30-$100 per hour work such as marketing, education, finance, improving efficiency and improving pasture.
Variable forage quality. How often does the hay crop get rained on? How often does harvest get delayed, thus reducing forage quality? With purchased hay, you can use a hay test to have complete control over forage quality. “You can 100% control the quality of the hay you purchase. You cannot always control the quality of hay you make,” Roberts says.
Haying removes nutrients. In general, 1 ton of fescue hay will remove 32 lb. of nitrogen, 12 lb. of phosphorus and 45 lb. of potassium, plus a whole suite of micronutrients. This puts the fertilizer value of hay at right around $72 per ton, he says.
Profitable alternatives. If you didn’t make hay, what could you do instead? Custom grazing, stockers or adding value to home-raised cattle by grazing excess springtime forage will often pay more per acre than producing hay. Preliminary MU research estimates that a 2025 stocker enterprise can make $200 more per acre than a hay crop.
Labor shortages. “It’s hard to find good help nowadays,” Roberts says. “Even if you can find help, it can be very expensive. Most hardworking young people are interested in making money, and they expect to be compensated for their marketplace value.”
Oversupply of hay. The past two years have brought good spring rains and good-yielding hay crops. This, coupled with a record low number of cattle, means hay is cheaper than usual.
Soil degradation. Next to tillage, haying is the easiest way to degrade the soil. Carbon is an essential part of soil function, so removing all the aboveground carbon sends the soil in a downward spiral. Fertilizers can help, but they cannot replace the benefits of returning some of the biomass back to the soil.
Cheap winter feeding strategies. Viable alternatives like milo grazing and stockpiled fescue reduce winter feeding costs by more than half. Roberts says he often hears people say, “Reducing hay sounds great, but you can’t starve weight onto a cow.”
This sentiment is true, Roberts says. So why would you insist on feeding hay when stockpiled milo or tall fescue is often as good or better in forage quality than the average bale of fescue? Furthermore, these stockpiled forages can be produced for a fraction of the price.

Roberts says he regularly works with very profitable producers who do not make hay. “Not only is it possible, it is essential if you are serious about making money as a cow-calf producer.”