Livestock

NDA Encourages Livestock Producers to be Mindful of Mycotoxin Levels in Grain November 16, 2018

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture encourages growers to be mindful of mycotoxin levels in corn being fed to livestock this winter. Summer drought in some areas couple with wet harvest conditions created a high risk for mycotoxins to grow.

Is my Alfalfa Safe to Graze? November 9, 2018

Many alfalfa fields had good late-season growth, making grazing an option for some growers. While there's no guarantee against bloat when grazing alfalfa, taking these steps can minimize the risk.

Cattle grazing a corn field — Cows grazing corn residue may not remove as much organic material and as many nutrients as might be expected, but they will likely redistribute some nutrients in the field due to their traffic patterns.

Nutrient Removal by Cows Grazing Corn Residue November 5, 2018

Nutrient removal by cows grazing corn residue may not be as much as you might think. Here a livestock and a forage specialist break down the numbers and look at removal rates for organic matter and minerals.

Can Damaged or Discolored Soybeans be used as Cattle Feed? October 24, 2018

Quality issues with soybeans this year are leading some growers to seek alternative markets. Damaged or discolored whole, raw soybeans can be a good protein source for cattle and provide a market option for growers.

Making Silage from Late-Season Hail-Damaged Corn August 29, 2018

For corn growers with cattle or whose neighbors have cattle, making silage from late-season hail-damaged corn can be a good option. Here's what to consider.

Cover Crop, Adaptive Grazing Program Sept. 5 August 24, 2018

Allen Williams, a founding partner of Grass Fed Beef and Grass Fed Insights, will lead an all-day program on Grazing for Soil Health Sept. 5 in Fullerton. Register by Aug. 30.

Odor plumes from land application of manure

Timing Manure Application to Avoid Neighbor Nuisances August 14, 2018

Roughly half of all neighbor complaints of livestock odors originate from land application of manure. This article outlines the weather conditions to consider when planning a manure application.

Cattle grazing rye cover crop near Tecumseh — Figure 1. Cattle grazing cereal rye cover crop near Tecumseh. Often grazing poses less of a nitrate toxicity risk than haying and feeding.. (Photo by Mary Drewnoski)

Reducing Nitrate Concerns When Grazing Forage Cover Crops July 9, 2018

Nitrate toxicity can be a concern when planting cover crops for forage in hail-damaged crop fields. With proper management of haying and grazing, the risk can be reduced.