Cool season annual grasses provide high quality forage at a time that warm season forages are dormant, low in crude protein, and high in fiber. Although tall fescue grows at the same time of year as most of our small […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
URBANA, Ill. – Corn prices declined following the USDA’s Crop Production report released on Nov. 10 and continue to trade just above marketing-year lows. According to a University of Illinois agricultural economist, the rate of corn consumption has increased […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
When feed costs are too high, consider selling the higher-maintenance cows. Now is the time to make the necessary adjustments for the future of your cowherd. The cow is slowing down. The cow is not challenged by cold or […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
A significant risk of grazing certain species of drought or frost-damaged forages is hydrocyanic acid poisoning. This is more commonly known as prussic acid or cyanide poisoning. While prussic acid toxicity occurs less frequently than nitrate poisoning, cases are […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Last week’s Crop Progress report indicated that 65 percent of Oklahoma winter wheat was planted, close to the five-year average of 66 percent. Most of the remaining one-third of wheat to be planted is for grain-only rather than for dual-purpose […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
If you haven’t experienced a freeze yet this fall, you soon will. And remember, a freeze can cause hazards for using some forages. When plants freeze, changes occur in their metabolism and composition that can poison livestock. But you can […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
What should you do with fall alfalfa? Leave it? Cut it? Graze it? Each of these options can be correct under appropriate conditions. Making the best decision requires balancing the associated rewards and risks with each option. CUT IT: Rewards: […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
The Rainfall Index – Annual Forage Insurance Plan is a new pilot insurance program from the USDA – Risk Management Agency (RMA). It was first offered in 2014 for the states of Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
A common metric that indicates expansion or contraction in the cattle herd is the availability of forage. Pasture conditions are one indicator of the short-run amount of grass, while measures of current and expected stockpiled forage indicate the level of […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
It is a truism in the commodity markets that “rain makes grain.” This month, that old adage is bumping up against another equally-valid axiom that “too much of a good thing is a bad thing.” Persistent rains across the Midwest […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
High quality forage is essential to beef cattle’s nutrition and beef producers’ bottom lines, said University of Georgia Extension forage specialist Dennis Hancock. Focusing on forage quality helps farmers keep overall costs low, he said. “That means two things. […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Significant rains that have occurred in North Dakota and neighboring states in the Northern Plains the last two weeks have improved pasture and range conditions. After a relatively snow free winter and dry early spring, there was concern that beef […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
URBANA, Ill. – After hauling feed to cows all winter, there is no better thing than turning cows out to spring pastures. However, spring pastures are very lush and high in protein. These factors can ultimately contribute to poorer performance […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
The start of the growing season may be a couple of months away, but it is not too early to start thinking about grazing and forage plans for the upcoming year. Grazing plans should include projected cattle numbers (or stocking […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
As farmers put together least-cost rations this winter, many of them will be using corn as an ingredient. For many farmers, corn stored on farm will be the cheapest source of energy. It has been a few years since corn […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Getting the correct amount of seed planted with a grain drill requires calibrating the drill before planting begins. Jim Johnson, Noble Foundation soils and crops consultant, demonstrates step-by-step how to perform this calibration and the calculations required to determine accurate […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Corn, wheat and other grains contain 68-70% starch, 10-13% protein, 2-4% oil, 2-3% fiber and 2% minerals. Bioethanol production only uses the starch from the grain. Therefore, the protein, oil, fiber, and minerals are much more concentrated in the dried […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Limited grazing of wheat pasture has proven to be the best and also more efficient approach for utilizing this high-quality forage with mature beef cows. The protein requirements of a dry cow can be met by allowing her to graze […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Research by Purdue University scientist Jon Schoonmaker and his colleagues has shown that small amounts of calcium oxide can neutralize the acid in distillers grains, a commonly used alternative to corn in many livestock feed mixes. The findings are good […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…
Feed costs are a large part of livestock producer’s expenditures. Hay is one of many feeding options producers in South Dakota use. The alternative of either growing or buying quality hay is important to producers as well. Adequate hay […] ↓ Read the rest of this entry…