Information about raising all types of beef in Wisconsin: production and business management, beef quality assurance, housing, well-being, nutrition, and reproduction.
Planning for winter feed is an important step in beef cattle operations. Alternatives include stockpiling, corn stalk grazing, and bale grazing. Swath grazing (also known as windrow grazing) has recently gained interest as an additional option.
Cattle need both macrominerals and microminerals. Here’s a look at the benefits these supplements provide and the different ways they can be offered to the herd.
Considering a shift from dairy to beef? Learn how forage needs, land use, and cow nutrition differ across beef enterprises.
Having a set breeding season is crucial for cattle producers. But determining the ideal length of that season for your herd can be complicated.
Building a reputation for high-performing, quality cattle can take a while to build, but choosing to take a short cut in a bullish market can have long lasting consequences.
With cattle prices at all-time highs, forward-thinking cattle feeders and backgrounders will be doing some calculations to determine what they can pay for feeder calves, and/or what they should forward contract them for.
Crossbreeding is overlooked as a tool that has many benefits for beef producers to improve herd productivity. A well-planned crossbreeding program leads to improvements in both the calf crop and the lifetime of momma cows compared to straight bred cows.
Reducing stress during livestock handling can increase productivity, maintain or improve meat quality, reduce sickness, and enhance animal welfare. Implementing low-stress handling techniques when working with cattle is the first step to reducing stress.
While other articles discuss when and how to deliver calves, this one helps you assist the calf and cow in recovering from a difficult calving (dystocia). Providing post-calving care following dystocia makes a huge difference for the dam and her calf.
Setting herd goals is one of the first steps towards driving on-farm success.
