Livestock

Q&A on Grazing Cereal Rye after an Anhydrous Application April 19, 2018

This week a CropWatch reader asked: Can you safely graze cover crop rye this spring after anhydrous has been applied? That depends on several factors, write three extension specialists in agronomy and beef production.

Figure 1. Two options for determining pasture rental rates are per acre and per cow-calf.

Q&A: How do I determine a fair pasture rental rate? March 9, 2018

What are some of the reasons why you would choose either a per-acre or a per cow-calf pair to determine pasture rental rate? Extension Forage Specialist Bruce Anderson discusses several benefits of each method.

Nebraska Feedlot Cattle up 10% from 2017 January 26, 2018

Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.61 million cattle on feed on January 1, up 10% from last year.

Cattle grazing in corn stalks — Figure 1. Studies conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at seven locations found that winter grazing of corn fields does not result in biologically significant compaction or negative impacts on subsequent crop yields. (Photo by Mary Drewnoski)

Studies Show Minimal Soil Compaction With Winter Grazing October 24, 2017

Studies conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at seven locations found that winter grazing of corn residue did not result in biologically significant compaction or negative impacts on subsequent crop yields. This review of the results includes short- and long-term studies

Silage or grain? When making the decision about harvesting corn, farmers should consider several factors.

Is Your Corn Worth More as Grain or Silage? August 29, 2017

Silage or grain? When making the decision about harvesting drought- and hail-damaged corn, farmers should consider several factors. Calculations here can help you determine the end value for both uses.

Online Crop Residue Exchange Links Growers and Grazers August 16, 2017

A new interactive online tool, the Crop Residue Exchange, links farmers with fields of crop residue with livestock producers looking for new grazing opportunities.

Drought monitor map for Nebraska for June 27, 2017

Forecast: Expect High Heat Indices after July 4 June 29, 2017

Short range numerical models bring additional chances for moisture to the eastern half of the state from July 2 through early July 4, likely the best chance for moisture for northern Nebraska through next weekend. If substantial rains in excess of 2 inches fail to materialize, there is a strong possibility that moderate drought conditions will be introduced across portions of the eastern Sandhills and northeast Nebraska next week.

cattle grazing cool-season grasses — Figure 1. With grain prices down and input costs up, converting cropland to pastureland could create a profit opportunity for 2017. A successful and cost-effective conversion starts with careful planning. (Photo by Jerry Volesky)

Converting Cropland to Pastureland March 16, 2017

At a time when crop production costs remain high as crop prices decline and cattle compete for scarce pastures, converting cropland to pasture might make sense. If you’re considering this change, take time to plan and do it right.