Livestock

Cattle feed in pasture adjacent to corn field — Of all farm and ranch expenditures for Nebraska in 2023, the livestock expense category was the leading expenditure at $168,667 per operation — 5.72 times the national average.

2023 Farm Production Expenditures Down 1%

August 15, 2024

Livestock expenses increased 11% in 2023 and accounted for 27% of Nebraska's total production expenditures.

Man squats near demo table while speaking — Riley Hackbart, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service soil scientist, discusses the results of the live rainfall simulator at a previous Nebraska Soil Health School event. Hackbart will have the rainfall simulator and soil health demonstrations at the Sept. 4 Nebraska Soil Health School at Fort Robinson State Park. (PREEC photo)

New Focus for September Nebraska Soil Health School

August 7, 2024

The next soil health school will focus on integrated crop and livestock system goals and objectives that might affect soil health management. Attendance is free, and certified crop advisor CEUs will also be offered.

Cow drinking water from stocktank — Producers have a multitude of options for keeping stock tank algae at bay, from algicides and bleach to barley straw and goldfish.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Heat Effects on Alfalfa, Stock Tank Algae Control

August 5, 2024

Extension educators outline options for mitigating weeds in summer annual grasses and algae growth in stock tanks, as well as challenges that summer heat may create for alfalfa plants and harvest.

Cattle in corn stubble — Key findings from the study indicate that while current adoption rates are relatively low — only 14% of cattle operations with cropland used cover crops as of 2017 — there are notable variations depending on the type of operation. (IANR News photo)

Nebraska Researchers Contribute to Study on Cover Crops in Livestock Operations

July 11, 2024

The research team's work underscores the potential for significant expansion in the use of cover crops, particularly in areas where integration with livestock is feasible.

Cattle drinking from pond — Nitrates and blue-green algae are two main concerns of water quality for livestock in Nebraska, and while not as common, salinity can also be an issue.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Forage, Insect and Water Quality Issues for Grazing Livestock

July 9, 2024

Extension educators review common issues for producers to bear in mind as livestock graze throughout the summer, including prussic acid, horn flies and face flies, and water contamination.

Hay bale sits in field — Nebraska hay stocks are substantially higher than last year, and coupled with low demand, there's currently downward pressure on forage prices. (Photo by Chabella Guzman)

Staying Current on Forage Prices

June 18, 2024

There are several resources that Nebraska producers can use to stay up to date on current hay prices. Use these sites to stay informed throughout the forage production season.

Annual forage field — This webinar reviews the pros and cons of adding an annual forage into crop rotations, with insights from Mary Drewnoski, extension beef systems specialist, Jay Parsons, extension farm and ranch management specialist, and Daren Redfearn, extension crop residue specialist. (USDA NRCS photo)

Measuring Up: Annual Forage vs. Row Crop

May 10, 2024

This webinar highlights the economics and production benefits of incorporating annual forage systems into crop rotations for producers interested in diversifying their operation.

Cow in tall grass — Making a decision on when to graze winter annuals such rye, winter wheat or triticale in the spring should depend on plant growth — ideally, the best time to graze is when the plants are about five to six inches tall.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Annual Forage Webinar Series, Improving Alfalfa Stands

April 17, 2024

Extension educators introduce a new webinar series for producers interested in adding an annual forage rotation to their operation, plus insights on grazing spring cereal grains and options for thin alfalfa stands.

Explore Tags