Unl Beefwatch

Being able to identify toxic plants to livestock and management practices to minimize risk of poisoning is the focus of this series. To register go.unl.edu/toxicplants

Cattle need a safe, readily available water supply for health and performance. Both quantity and quality factors producers need be attentive to are discussed.

In parts of Nebraska there is a trend towards leafy spurge blooming earlier in the spring. Because the onset of reproduction is an opportune time to control this plant with herbicide, recognizing this change is important for management.

Net present value is a tool cow-calf producers can use to evaluate the amount they can afford to spend to purchase or develop bred replacements for the cow herd based on current prices, costs, and expected future returns from calf and cow sales. The factors impacting this calculation are discussed.

Horn flies populations at greater than 200 per animal can significantly impact cattle performance and comfort. Different methods and approaches to reduce horn flies on grazing cattle are discussed

The public is expressing angst about the state and direction of the economy at a level not seen since the early 1980s. The potential implications of this on beef demand are disussed.

Management practices to enhance the liklihood that cows calving late will quickly return to estrus and conceive are discussed.

Recognizing that calves are eating mineral needs to be included when calculating the total amount to be delivered to the herd to meet targeted levels of consumption.

Pasture and precipitation conditions prior to and after a wildfire greatly influence the approach to grazing management. Principles to pay attention to are discussed.

Conception rates are often high in cattle. However, numerous factors can inhibit maternal recognition or lead to pregnancy loss from days 7 to 50 after breeding. Management practices to reduce these losses are discussed.

Rangeland grasshoppers may be problematic this year in parts of Nebraska due to high populatoins last fall and winter conditions that may support survival of populations hatching this spring. Information on assessing grasshopper numbers and options for control are discussed.

Soil moisture, air temperature along with plant health and vigor, all contribute to grass growth on native range and pastures. Understanding when key grass species grow and the timing of when to reduce stocking rates when drought conditions are present is discussed.

Dr. Rick Funston discusses the fundamentals and factors to enhance sucess, as well as resources to utilize when selecting and executing an estrus synchronization protocol with heifers or cows.

Understanding the factors that contribute to grass tetany in cattle is the foundation for preventing it. Brock Ortner discusses why magnesium deficiences occur and recommended levels to feed when grazing forages that are prone to trigger tetany.

Weeds in a pasture may be a natural part of the plant community ebb and flow or they may represent a noxious invasive species. Understanding classes of weeds and the why behind their presence will give insights into appropriate management practices to address them.

Interested in learning a systems approach to cattle and ranch management? The Practicum provides current research delivered through a hands on experience at the Gudmundsen Sandhills lab. Application deadline is May 5 to participate in this year's class.

Eastern red cedars are aggressively encroaching on grasslands in Nebraska. Understanding how they spread gives land managers knowledge they can use to eradicate rogue cedars and strategically steward existing shelterbelts.

Cattle harvested at heavier weights may be at greater risk for late term death loss during the finishing period. Factors that may increase this risk and stratgies to migitage them are dicussed.

Every operation is different and the appropriate vaccination plan will depend on health challenges specific to an individuals herd. Principles for developing a plan are discussed.

Salt is often used to limit intake of protien supplements to cattle grazing low-quality forages. This research explores the potential impacts of high levels of salt intake on digestion.