Unl Beefwatch

The University of Nebraska is examining factors that impact methane production from cattle. This research includes the microbial population in the rumen, inoculation of the rumen environment early in an animal’s life, diet and cattle genetics.

Current crop commodity prices, fertilizer input costs, and a shortage of grazeable forage in Nebraska is creating a senario where planting summer annual forages for grazing or harvested feed may be a more profitable option than growing row crops in 2026.

Taking time to annual review your insurance policy to understand what is and is not covered in the event of a wilfire is an important practice for farm and ranch owners.

Jessie Jarvis, a rancher from near Eagle, Idaho shares her family's experience with using virtual fence to graze cows on portions of allotments that didn't burn without building physcial fence. The lessons earned and the opportunities she sees going forward with this technology are discussed also.

Dr. Matt Hille, Veterinary Pathologist and Extension Specialist, discusses the westward movement of the Asian Longhorned Tick and the impact it can have as a vector for Bovine Theileriosis which is caused by a protoza which results in anemia for infected animals.

The conditions hay is stored under is the major driver of how quality is retained. Factors that impact hay deterioration are discussed.

Nebraska Extension Educator Jessica Groskopf discusses things land owners should know regarding Nebraska fence law and Federal cost-share programs, before removing and replacing fences.

Drs. Jerry Volesky and Mitch Stephenson discusses factors that influence when pastures impacted by wildfires will be ready to be grazed.

Dr. Karla Wilke discusses management practices that producers should pay attention to if the breeding season will need to occur in a dry lot setting this year.

Dr. David Smith and Dr. Dale Grotelueschen discuss the circumstances and system that they developed with producers, which became known as the Sandhills Calving System. This management practice has been shown to drastically reduce the incidence of scours in young calves.

Dr. Travis McCarty and Dr. Randall Spare, two veterinarians from Kansas, share their experiences of going through multiple wildfires personally and with their clients on principles for caring for livestock and supporting the impacted people. Nebraska Extension veterinarians Dr. Funk and Dr. Vander Ley also discuss key things that can help producers wortk through these circumstances.

Snap2Graze is a web based tool based on Univeristy of Nebraska research, that utilizes a photo to estimate forage avaible for grazing.

The content that will be covered is discussed, as well as how people can learn more or register.

Neonatal calf diarrhea is a common concern among cow-calf producers. Understanding why scours occurs, can help prevent the problem.

Breed genetic trends for greater growth, milk production and mature weight are impacting cowherd nutrient needs and thus profitability.

Opportunities to use technologies to improve reproductive performance in cows and heifers is discussed.

Past research and new integrated projects across multiple disciplines in cattle are discussed.

Dr. Peel shares his perspective on the factors that are supporting cattle prices and what to expect for the rest of 2026.

How do cattle contribute to green house gas emissions? University of Nebraska researchers describe what is currently known and future research that will further enhance this knowledge.

Much of the winter cold weather may be past, but extended periods of wet and cold events can still impact cattle. Understanding the factors that contribute to and ways to mitigate cold stress are discussed