To creep, or not to creep? That is the million dollar question for many producers. When determining whether or not to creep feed, a producer must assess financial variables with production goals to determine what creep protocol (if any) is the best fit for their production scenario. Prior to weaning, a calf’s diet consists of […]
Begin Preparing for the Next Drought
by Patrick Gunn, Iowa State University It is no secret that the Southeast experienced a significant drought in 2016. Historically, droughts tend to move north and west, and, as such, those of us in the Midwest should be planning ahead for potential forage restriction. This projected drought highlights the necessity of making plenty of good-quality […]
VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S Now Available with MOS
VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® 5/S is now available with MOS. Concept•Aid is a line of vitamin and mineral supplements for beef cattle formulated to promote effective, easy breeding when fed 60 days pre-calving through 60 days post-breeding. High concentrations of vitamin E and organic trace minerals, coupled with the Amaferm® advantage, support quick repair of the reproductive […]
Tips to Reduce and Handle Heat in Your Stock
Warmer temperatures are quickly approaching, and that means producers should start considering how to help their animals handle the heat. Heat stress is almost inevitable, but some management practices can be implemented to help animals better cope with rising temperatures. All mammals regulate their internal body temperature involuntarily. Heat stress occurs when the animal’s ability […]
Timely Internal Parasite Control Needed for Positive Summer Gains
by Dana Zook, Oklahoma State University NW Area Livestock Specialist, With early spring growth comes new infestations of internal parasites in beef herds. The practice of deworming cattle for internal parasite control has been a best management practice many years, however, this concealed enemy is easily overlooked. Strategic deworming starts with the understanding of the parasite life cycle. […]
Tips for Bloat Prevention when Grazing Wheat Pasture
For many cattle producers in the Plains states, putting stockers out on wheat pasture in the spring makes perfect sense. The pasture is an available, palatable forage source that is high in protein, energy and minerals. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful, and that includes grazing your calves on wheat pasture, […]
Considerations for Getting Weaned Calves to the Bunk
It’s time to start thinking about weaning those fall-born calves, and although you expect to hear some upset mama cows and calves for a few days, there are ways to eliminate stress in the calves and keep them healthy by getting them to the bunk to eat. Three key factors to getting calves used to […]
Focus on Getting Cows Bred Early in the Breeding Season
by Travis Meteer, University of Illinois, Beef Extension Educator I was speaking at a meeting one evening and I was talking about how nutrition affects reproduction. I got to the portion of the talk discussing how post-partum interval affects cows getting bred in a 60 day season. I asked the members of the crowd to raise […]
What’s Going On In There: Fetal Development of the Beef Calf
by Kalyn Waters, former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist One of the most rewarding days for many cow/calf producers is sale day. Watching a calf crop grow from calving to weaning brings many challenges, but it also is very gratifying when those calves you slaved to save from the snow drift, branded, and doctored finally […]
Preventing Stocker Health Wrecks
Health can have a major impact on performance of stocker cattle and your bottom line. By utilizing these tips you can work to prevent dreaded health wrecks. Work with your veterinarian ahead of time to develop a herd health protocol for receiving. Also, have your protocols in place for cattle that become sick. Calves treated […]
