MANAGEMENT...
Forage Following Winter Wheat
What are the options and production costs?
by Jessica Johnson & Gary Hergert
Drought in western Nebraska has strained rangeland and other forage production. For some wheat producers, this is a unique opportunity for additional income.
Area cattle producers are creating demand for reasonably priced forage, as alfalfa prices reach and exceed $180 per ton in western Nebraska. Wheat growers might consider two postharvest options for meeting some of this demand: baling wheat straw and planting an additional forage crop. Read more.
Ron Torell with his wife, Jackie
Cow Camp Chatter
Technological tools of the trade
Modern technology and the products that we take for granted, such as computers with high-speed Internet access, iPods, GPS, PDAs and cell phones, would be fascinating to generations gone by. Computers are no longer new technology, but a given in the educational system and business world. It's astonishing that almost every child graduating from high school today will have been educated by way of computers beginning as early as preschool. Which of these modern-day innovations fascinates you the most?
For some it's none of the above. It's human nature to resist change and stick with what we are comfortable. Due to cost, tradition or simply stubborn nature, those who are reluctant to go along with the new-fangled technology take on tasks the hard way knowing there are tools available that may simplify their work. Read more.
Treating Forage with Ammonia
is Feed Option During Drought
UNL Extension educators and soil/nutrient management specialist discuss treating forage with ammonia.
The heat and drought have caused cattle producers to look for methods of adjusting to local conditions. Many who don't want the expense of additional feeds are considering early weaning and selling replacement heifers. However, an alternative may be ammonia treatment of low-quality forages. Read more.
Crossbred Bull 'Fix'
Composites may trade predictability for simplicity.
A good crossbreeding program takes some background in genetics, a big enough herd and land base, good bull suppliers and time to figure all that out. Producers looking for a simpler route to heterosis often opt to use a composite bull, which is basically a crossbred bull resulting from a structured breeding plan.
"In order for a crossbreeding operation to maximize heterosis, it takes a lot of different pasture, a lot of management," says Jarold Callahan, president of Express Ranches, Yukon, Okla., adding that a lot of people can't devote that much land and time to their cow herd. "You basically have to have different herds within your herd." Read more.
AgriLife Extension Has Information
On Flood Preparation, Recovery
Information available on preparation for and recovery from floods.
The Texas AgriLife Extension Service provides information regarding what to do before, during and after a flood, as well as other disasters, according to agency experts.
"AgriLife Extension has a lot of information, most of it free, related to preparing for and recovering from flooding and other disasters available online," said Joyce Cavanagh, AgriLife Extension specialist in family economics. "With flooding, there are a number of things you can do to minimize damage to your home or business, protect your family's health and restore your property after the flood." Read more.
Kris Ringwall
Beef Talk
Does late calving mean late weaning?
Does late calving mean late weaning? The Dickinson Research Extension Center changed calving dates, so the bull turnout date this year will be Aug. 1.
A slight adjustment backward by one week was made to better position the birth of the calves between May 1 and May 31. However, that brought up the question: Does late calving mean late weaning? If one listens carefully, many presenters will hedge. "That depends," is the most common answer. Read more.
New Products
Industry affiliates provide a wide array of products and services to assist you on the farm and ranch. Here's an assortment of new products to hit the market recently.
- T-style bale processor
- Updated cornstalk baler
- Retrofit torches and electrodes for plasma cutting systems
- Versatile welding system
- Handheld spotlight with permanent mount
- Print and interactive catalog launched
Angus Advisor
Click here for July herd management tips from cattle experts across the nation. Advice separated by region.
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