Fall 2024 Cattle Feeder Enterprise Projections Now Available

To assist with the task of determining what cattle feeders can pay for feeder calves UW-Madison Division of Extension has assembled a set of fall projections.

Feral Hogs in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has had only a few isolated feral hog sightings. However, we all need to do our part to make sure we keep this significant threat to our environment and agricultural operations under control.

How reputation influences feeder calves’ value

Seller reputation is often included in discussions on traits that influence feeder calf prices. Yet, historically it has not had a value assigned to it as many other traits have.

Vaccination to Improve Reproductive Health in Wisconsin Cow-Calf Herds

Reproductive diseases of concern for Wisconsin’s cow-calf herds include those caused by bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.

My Farm is Infected with a foreign animal disease (FAD), Now What?

You should contact your veterinarian early on as symptoms present, especially for something you have a negative gut feeling about. The odds of successfully returning the animal to health are improved the earlier it is correctly diagnosed and treated.

The Importance of Beef Calves’ Preconditioning Nutrition

For many producers, ‘preconditioning’ is synonymous with ‘vaccinating’; however, while vaccinations are important, they take a back seat to calves’ preconditioning nutrition. Separation anxiety at weaning causes the release of cortisol which suppresses the immune response and increases susceptibility to diseases.

Raise or purchase replacement heifers?

Table of Contents Introduction The topic of raising one’s own replacement heifers or buying them has been discussed many times over the years. As fall gets closer and beef cow calf producers begin thinking about what they might do with the heifers, now is a good time to evaluate options. Both options have some pros […]

Water’s Role in Beef Cattle Production

Water is often overlooked as the most important nutrient for beef cattle.

Establishing alfalfa following wheat

A late summer seeding of alfalfa following a spring wheat crop is a great option to maximize seasonal productivity and fits very well as a part of a diverse crop rotation. Aside from the usual considerations when performing a late summer seeding of alfalfa, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when planting alfalfa following a wheat crop: the potential for residual herbicide damage to alfalfa and the impact of volunteer wheat.