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.
Deworming is beneficial for beef and dairy operations, provided it is done correctly with effective products. However, due to anthelmintic resistance, relying solely on dewormers is insufficient.
To better understand the amount of meat you may expect from different types of poultry, the first step is to recognize the difference in live weight compared to carcass weight.
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.
Avian influenza is caused by a virus. It is not uncommon for wild birds (esp. waterfowl and shorebirds) to carry this virus. As these birds migrate, influenza can spread long distances quickly.
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.
Grazing cattle sounds so simple. The forage grows, the cattle eat the forage, and it all ends with a “happily ever after.” Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it sounds. To maximize cattle performance while grazing, producers must pay attention to the forage itself and how it can affect the grazing animals.
In 2023, a grazing farmer network in northwestern Wisconsin was asked to identify the greatest needs for research. At the top of their list was the practice of winter bale grazing. We designed a research project that sought to answer some of their questions about the practice.
