Livestock

Using the ‘Grazing Stick’ To Assess Pasture Forage

Assessing pasture forage is a key step in planning grazing strategies. A grazing stick is a tool that uses simple math and measurements to determine herd size, stocking rates and available grazing days. We will address how to use a grazing stick in this article.

Focus on Grazing Management, Not Grazing ‘Systems’

Focusing only on the system and forgetting the fundamental truths of grazing will break any grazing strategy. Producers should instead focus on intensive management, making informed decisions based on the current conditions.

Fall Is the Time To Plan for Fire

Fall is the time to begin planning for spring prescribed fire. This article examines the three primary components to a successful burn: burn unit preparation, burn planning and burn implementation.

2021 Beef Cow Synchronization Protocols

The Beef Reproduction Task Force has developed recommended synchronization protocols for producers that will provide optimal pregnancy rates based on research and field use for both conventional and sexed (gender-selected) semen.

Using the Estrus Synchronization Planner

The Estrus Synchronization Planner has been available since 1998, developed by Iowa Beef Center. It has evolved over the years, proving to be an effective and easy tool to help select and implement synchronization protocols.

2021 Beef Heifer Synchronization Protocols

With the 2021 Artificial Insemination Beef Sire Directories now available, it is time to think about breeding season, especially if you will be using synchronization.

Haul the Feed or the Cows

Reduction in pasture forage availability may require producers to decide between hauling feed or hauling cows. Learn how to decide which option is best for your operation.

Attending World Pork Expo? Consider Biosecurity

The World Pork Expo will return to the Iowa State Fair June 9–11, 2021. Pork producers and production employees must always be vigilant about biosecurity, especially when visiting industry events.

Impacts of Drought on Soil, Water, Forage and Livestock Grazing Systems

Grazing systems are complex, because soil, water, forage and livestock components are interconnected and affect each other. Producers can put themselves back in the driver’s seat by developing annual systems-level grazing plans for favorable and unfavorable situations.

Registration Open for Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd

May 10, 2021

To date, the Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd series has drawn participants from 79 operations, plus 22 industry and Extension personnel from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado and Illinois.