February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 1 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 Vol. 80 | Issue 2 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY.
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6 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 THE ONLY PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO THE NEBRASKA CATTLE INDUSTRY. NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 Vol. 80 | Issue 2 REGULARS Insights ...................................................8 Ruminations ........................................10 MARC ................................................... 98 Consider This ....................................100 BQA .....................................................102 NC Foundation ..................................108 Boots on the Ground ........................112 Advertiser Index ................................113 NC Partners ........................................114 NC Dispatch ........................................116 Sale & Event Calendar ......................117 FEATURES PRODUCTION Nutrition Is Health ..................................................................................................14 Managing and monitoring herd health through unpredictable weather. Spring Annual Forages to Consider for Grazing and Haying..........................20 It’s not too early to begin planning your grazing and forage needs for the upcoming year. Herd Health and Reproductive Management ...................................................26 Range Beef Cow Symposium presenters address two topics important to producers’ operations. Maximizing Beef Potential.................................................................................... 32 Exploring the benefits and challenges of beef x dairy. Leveraging Commercial Data............................................................................... 36 Matt Spangler, Ph.D., discusses leveraging data to improve selection and management decisions. PEOPLE Conserving for the Future ....................................................................................52 A look at the importance, history and impact of the Leopold Conservation Award. Meet Nebraska Cattlemen’s Newest Board Members...................................... 82 Get to know Nebraska Cattlemen’s newest leaders. PERSPECTIVES Grow. Expand. Connect. ........................................................................................ 42 AFAN remains committed to growing agriculture in Nebraska. PAST Nebraska’s Thoroughbred Horse Racing History............................................. 46 A look at the people, horses and racetracks that have impacted horse racing in Nebraska. POLICY NC’s Policy-Making Process .................................................................................58 NC policy begins and ends with members. SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE 2023 NC Convention Recap .................................................................................. 62 Upcoming Nebraska BQA Workshop, Guest Speaker John Cook ................ 103 Manuscripts and advertisements are welcome. Nebraska Cattlemen reserves the right to edit and refuse advertisements. Readers are welcome to submit letters to the editor. Full name and address of writer must accompany all letters. Letters are accepted with the understanding that they may be condensed to fit the magazine format and edited for accuracy and clarity. Letters contain the opinion of the writer and not that of the Nebraska Cattlemen. You can get Nebraska Cattleman via email. Receive each issue even before the Post O ce ships the printed edition. Just send an email to us at NCmag@necattlemen.org and put “Email NC Magazine” in the subject line. We assure you we will not share your email address with anyone! ON THE COVER: Spring calves on the Diamond Bar Ranch at Stapleton tuck into hay while flurries swirl around them. Photo courtesy of Natalie Jones.
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8 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 NC BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT: Jerry Kuenning*, Lemoyne, (308) 883-8382 PRESIDENT-ELECT: Dick Pierce*, Miller, (308) 440-2489 VICE PRESIDENT: Craig Uden*, (308) 325-0285 TREASURER: Laura Field, Lincoln, (402) 475-2333 SECRETARY: Lee Weide, Lincoln, (402) 475-2333 PAST PRESIDENT: Steve Hanson*, Elsie, (308) 289-0225 MEMBER SERVICES VICE CHAIR BY REGION 1 – Jaclyn Wilson, Lakeside, (308) 762-3196 2 – Kat Kennedy, Purdum, (308) 645-7036 3 – Allan Louthan, Stanton, (402) 841-6601 4 – John Ecklund, Atkinson, (408) 602-5905 5 – 6 – Chuck Graff, Ogallala, (308) 289-5841 7 – Heath Clausen, Leigh, (402) 750-4433 8 – Allen Bruntz, Friend, (402) 525-2651 9 – Shannon Peterson, Gothenburg, (308) 529-2116 COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR: Travis Chrisman, Wauneta, (308) 883-6781 VICE CHAIR: Jake Johnson, Hastings, (402) 984-8824 FARMER-STOCKMAN COUNCIL CHAIR: Marc Hanson, Morrowville, Kan., (402) 729-7174 VICE CHAIR: Dwight Dam, Hooper, (402) 720-4250 FEEDLOT COUNCIL CHAIR: Ryan Danehey, Manhattan, Kan., (308) 440-8267 VICE CHAIR: Daron Huyser, Lexington, (308) 233-4368 SEEDSTOCK COUNCIL CHAIR: Reiss Bruning, Bruning, (402) 768-3332 VICE CHAIR: James Felt, Wakefield, (402) 287-2488 ALLIED INDUSTRIES COUNCIL Jake Pullen, Aurora, (308) 380-9040 ~ COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ~ ANIMAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION CHAIR: Jared Walahoski*, Overton, (308) 746-1965 CHAIR-ELECT: Jeff Heldt, Scottsbluff, (308) 641-5781 BRAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS CHAIR: Brock Terrell, Hay Springs, (308) 430-1213 CHAIR-ELECT: Matt Blackford, Brownlee, (402) 322-1377 EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CHAIR: Marcus Urban, Leigh, (402) 276-3830 CHAIR-ELECT: Suzanne Jagels, Davenport, (402) 469-3374 MARKETING AND COMMERCE CHAIR: Joe Eisenmenger, Humphrey, (402) 920-0665 CHAIR-ELECT: Chance McLean, Stromsburg, (402) 366-2254 NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT CHAIR: Eric Hansen*, North Platte, (308) 530-3899 CHAIR-ELECT: Sam Drinnin, Grand Island, (402) 910-0233 TAXATION CHAIR: Scott Peterson, Valentine, (402) 322-0225 CHAIR-ELECT: Stephen Sunderman, Norfolk, (402) 750-0149 MEMBER SERVICES CHAIR: Jim Edwards, Ord, (308) 750-0881 NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK MARKETING ASSOCIATION REP. Bryce Dibbern, Interior, S.D., (308) 293-7766 UNL EXTENSION REPRESENATIVE Erin Laborie, Beaver City, (419) 494-3872 UNL REPRESENTATIVE Deb VanOverbeke, Lincoln, (402) 714-5879 * member of the Executive & Finance Committee INSIGHTS STRUGGLE WELL; PERSEVERE! TRAVIS CHRISMAN | WAUNETA | COW-CALF COUNCIL CHAIR Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV) As I write this, another trial is headed our way. It is Christmas Eve, and a majority of the state is forecast to receive 6 to 18 inches of snow with wind gusts upwards of 50 miles per hour, lasting around 48 hours. It appears that 2023 is going to end much the same way it began. For those of us who care for cattle, our focus has shifted from Christmas gatherings (though we certainly look forward to those times, many will have to be rescheduled) to moving livestock and feed to the best situation possible. I must admit, I am currently not feeling much joy in my heart at the prospect of longer days with increased workload. However, when I stop a minute to consider James’ original audience and realize that the trials they were facing most certainly included persecution and death in the name of Jesus Christ, then I shift my thoughts to consider the blessings that can and will result from our daily struggles. Trials offer the opportunity to display the very best in people. As I think back on the past year, I know of many circumstances – whether it be fire, blizzard, flood, health, death or financial struggles – that have been met by hard-working, compassionate and caring individuals who identify as ranchers and cattlemen. I am fortunate to be surrounded by them nearly everywhere I go and am grateful to call many of them neighbor or friend. Just this morning as I attempted to lead a group of fall pairs home by myself ahead of the storm, I realized I was short-handed. A quick call to my neighbor, John, and he blessed me with his time, talent and a smile to help get the job done. He even brought me a cinnamon roll! Another positive result of trials and challenges is that it motivates us to come together as an organization to gain understanding and present solutions to issues that affect our freedoms and profitability. Most recently, in early December, all Nebraska Cattlemen members had the opportunity to meet at the annual convention in Kearney. For many cow-calf operations including ours, it can feel very difficult to find the time to get away. I must admit that I have made excuses in the past that one guy really can’t matter in such a sizeable organization. That is absolutely true if you choose to stay at home. In Kearney, the most debated topic at the annual meeting came out of the Marketing Committee regarding mandatory minimum cash trade for fed cattle. There was much good discussion and ultimately the issue was decided by just one vote. In my mind, lack of competition in the packing industry is the No. 1 issue impacting the revenue side of the cow-calf sector. However, I have never been comfortable CONTINUED ON PAGE 96
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10 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 LAURA FIELD | NC EVP RUMINATIONS 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 Phone (402) 475-2333 | Fax (402) 475-0822 nc@necattlemen.org | www.nebraskacattlemen.org NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN STAFF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | Laura Field lfield@necattlemen.org VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY ENGAGEMENT | Melody Benjamin VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING | Jeff Stolle DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | John Roberts DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS | Libby Schroeder DIRECTOR OF PRODUCER EDUCATION | Bonita Lederer DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP-RETENTION | Jessica Rudolph DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP-RECRUITMENT | Steven Stettner EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT | Patty Goes Nebraska Cattleman is published monthly, except for May and July, by the Nebraska Cattlemen, 4611 Cattle Drive, Lincoln, NE 68521 – (402) 475-2333. --------------------------------------------------------------------- MAGAZINE PRODUCTION: BLUEPRINT MEDIA LLC www.blueprintma.com | ncmag@necattlemen.org EDITOR | Lisa Bard MANAGING EDITOR | Jessie Topp-Becker COPY EDITOR | Larisa Willrett DESIGNER & MATERIALS COORDINATOR | Megan Sajbel Field ADMINISTRATION | Leslie McKibben CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Coe | Natalie Jones STATE & REGIONAL ADVERTISING Amber Coleman | (402) 340-1588 acoleman@necattlemen.org NATIONAL ADVERTISING Wendy McFarland | (334) 271-6100 mcfarlandadvantage@gmail.com Working for Nebraska Beef Producers PASTURE TO PLATE TO PLATE NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN VIEW NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN DIGITAL VERSION BY SCANNING THE QR CODE. GATHERINGS LAURA FIELD | NC EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT At the end of the year, I attended the funeral of a Nebraska cattle industry legend. As I sat in the back row of the beautiful Omaha church, I thought about the gathering of all who attended. So many came to pay their respects and celebrate a life tremendously lived. As I hugged members of his beautiful family, I pondered the profound impact of people who come and go in our lives. Gathering is defined as “a coming together of people in a group.” Synonyms for “gathering” include meeting, get-together, assembly, convention, multitude and panel. As cattlemen and cattlewomen, gathering is what we do – we gather at coffee shops, at bull sales and at auction barns. We gather for celebrations, to work out deals and find solutions, for honors and awards, for joys and for comfort in times of sadness. Over the past 10 months, I have gathered with many cattle producers across the great state of Nebraska. Each time, I leave full of pondering and hope for the next gathering. The conversations around every table are different, and I think what I appreciate most is hearing different opinions and perspectives. I learn so much from sitting back and observing while I listen. Gatherings often bring together people with different ideas and thoughts about current issues affecting agriculture. It is in these times of discussion that I grow the most. If there is dissension on a topic, my observation is that both sides are generally very passionate about the points on which they stand. And what I find the most fascinating is that, even after firm words while the energy is rising, when a decision is reached, the parties involved almost always come together with a handshake. Even if it takes additional gatherings and negotiations to get resolve, the meeting and getting together is powerful and necessary to move forward. In this month’s magazine, we outline the Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) policy-making process (see article on page 58.) This key focus of the association begins and ends with members. NC membership adopts or rejects proposed policy at the NC Annual Meeting each December. Adopted policy guides the association’s path. Ensuring members’ ideas are fully vetted and discussed is imperative to NC’s success. Each member can introduce policy important to you. I encourage members to become familiar with the association’s current policy and develop ideas you think should be added or modified. If one person is thinking of an idea, there’s a great chance many more have the same idea. Gathering to discuss and develop those ideas sometimes takes many iterations to get language just as it needs to read. If you have an idea or two, use your voice for the good of your operation and the cattle business as a whole. This is a busy time of year for meetings across the state where members and friends will gather. The Nebraska Unicameral is in full swing, and Nebraska Cattlemen is actively engaged on legislative matters impacting the beef industry. Many cattle producers are also returning from the Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) meetings in Orlando. The gathering CONTINUED ON PAGE 96
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 11 Access sale details here ➥ OPPORTUNITY SALE of 2024 Thursday, April 4, 2024 • 12 Noon Online Sale With Live Bidding Watch the sale and bid live online at Bid.SuperiorLivestock.com and DVAuction.com SELLING 400 BULLS & 50 ELITE OPEN HEIFERS Limousin, Lim-Flex, Angus Evaluate the sale offering in person Open House at Sandy Ridge Ranch Atkinson, Nebraska March 26 & 27, 2024 n Bull Selection Index n Feeder Calf Procurement n Value Added Opportunities n Source & Process Verification n Feedlot & Carcass Data n Dairy Beef Program Office: 26406 470th Ave., Morris, Minnesota 56267 / Ranch: 89868 472nd Ave, Atkinson, Nebraska 68713 Office: (320) 392-5802 / Fax: (320) 392-5319 / Wulf@WulfCattle.com Casey Fanta: (320) 288-6128 / Casey.Fanta@WulfCattle.com Visit www.WulfCattle.com
12 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 13 Wednesday. MARCH 6. 2024 1:00 PM (CST) At the Ranch, Arapahoe, NE 38th Annual Bull Sale Tuesday, March 5, 2024 1:00 PM (CST) At the Ranch, near Oxford, NE Plan to attend our marketing partner’s sale for a selection of 200 bulls between the two sales. GELBVIEH, BALANCER® AND ANGUS BULLS Selling120lots. Bulls bred right and fed right FOR TODAY’S PROGRESSIVE CATTLEMEN. Dan and Kate Warner 42198 Road 721, Arapahoe, NE 68922 Dan Warner: 308.962.6511 Monte Warner: 308.962.6136 Darren Warner: 308.824.2950 warnerbeef.com INVESTMENT Bull Sale Genetic Glory 11 SONS SELL • Sight Unseen Guarantee || Full Guarantee • Large Sire Groups • Complete Data and Genomics on every bull • Free Delivery || Volume Discounts Headline 12 SONS SELL E-Trade 14 SONS SELL CED BW WW YW MILK CW RE MARB $FPI 12 -0.6 78 122 27 50 0.33 0.44 86.75 AMGV 1489055 CED BW WW YW MILK CW RE MARB $FPI 8 2.0 87 135 17 58 0.75 0.32 84.92 AMGV 1438992 CED BW WW YW MILK CW RE MARB $FPI 11 -0.9 80 121 22 31 0.46 1.08 103.82 AMGV 1484648
14 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 NUTRITION IS HEALTH Managing and Monitoring Herd Health rough Unpredictable Weather CALLIE CURLEY | CONTRIBUTING WRITER When it comes to winter and spring on the Great Plains, unpredictable weather is one of the only things to be counted on. That means monitoring and managing herd health through nutrition requires forethought and planning to garner positive results, often starting in early fall. Kacie McCarthy, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kevin Herrick, Ph.D., POET, and Jennifer Schutz, Ph.D., Chr. Hansen, each share insights on how producers can effectively and economically manage range cow and calf nutrition at each stage of the production cycle. Plan Ahead With Body Condition Scoring “Time between weaning and the start of winter is when body conditioning efforts should begin,” says Kacie McCarthy, Ph.D., cow-calf specialist at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “The last stage of gestation – 90 days prior to calving – that’s the last chance to do it economically.” McCarthy says wet, cold and windy conditions can increase a cow’s energy and protein requirements by 10 to 30 percent. Ensuring the availability of quality feedstuffs that prioritize energy and protein in the heart of winter is critically important. “When we get into winter and cows grow a coat, it can be deceiving,” McCarthy says. “Keeping an eye on cows from early gestation through calving is important. They can gain a lot in fetal growth and placental weight. Don’t let them slip behind during late gestation.” How often you’re assessing body condition scores (BCS) depends on weather and timing. Producers feeding a protein supplement might be out one or more times per week, whereas energy supplements may have you out among the PRODUCTION
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 15 herd every day. Regardless of feeding regimens, checking in on condition before and after weather events is key. Learn to Body Condition Score “I’ve often asked a producer what the condition is on their herd, and they’ll reply, ʻthey’re pretty good,’” chuckles Kevin Herrick, Ph.D., technical services manager at POET. “But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Phrases like ʻpretty good’ are hard to work with and make it even harder to measure change over time. Learning and using body condition scoring, and having others assess your cattle to compare notes is always a good idea.” Herrick recommends targeting a BCS of 6 for mature cows, and a bit higher for heifers, since they have more growing to do coming into calving and future breeding. “Body condition scores are the heart of it all,” emphasizes Jennifer Schutz, Ph.D., head NA technical service manager, animal and plant health and nutrition at Chr. Hansen. “You’d better have assessed body condition scores in the fall before that first giant storm comes sweeping across the plains with a 30-degree temperature swing. … You’ve got to have animals sorted in order to support herd nutrition and health in the long term.” Failing to assess BCS and then losing a cow or calf at the end of the season is an avoidable outcome in many cases. “Understanding and managing body condition scores is the most important thing you can do for your herd,” Schutz says. Producers wanting to brush up on their skills assessing BCS can contact their local Extension agent, graduate students in the industry or a representative from their nutrition company. Fresh Eyes McCarthy, Herrick and Schutz agree on the benefits of inviting a third party to assess BCS on your herd, especially in early fall. “Intellectually, based on body condition scores, it should be easy to look at every animal and sort them into their group,” Schutz says. “But over hundreds of cattle on thousands of acres? That can be much more difficult to manage.” Your local Extension agent, the technical services manager at a company you work with or a fellow producer with attention to detail can all be great resources for getting a fresh set of eyes on your herd. “If you see your animals daily or weekly, it’s harder to recognize changes or trends,” Herrick says. “Bringing someone in to take a look and share their perspective can help you spot potential problems before they arise.” Know Your Cattle, Know Your Forages Sorting and managing cow herds by nutritional needs is a simple first step after assessing BCS. Younger or thinner cows can be separated from fleshier or more mature cows to allow for more precise nutrient distribution and minimize wasted nutrients on animals that don’t need them. This approach is made even easier when a producer has a base knowledge on the quality of forages available and what supplementary sources will be needed. “When you have animals on dormant forage and winter range, it’s often advanced in maturity, so you need to look at protein and energy,” McCarthy says. “Analysis on your forages and feedstuffs can be arranged with your local Extension agent.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 Want to learn how to body condition score your cows? Scan the QR code to go to the UNL Learning Module on “Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows” or go directly to https://beef.unl.edu/learningmodules.
16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 BEEF UP Beef up with BOVAMINE DEFEND® Plus. An innovative combination of four proven strains of good bacteria, BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus supports cattle gut health and immunity, allowing cattle to be more productive. Research also shows improvements in feed efficiency, cattle performance, dressing percentage and hot carcass weight — all helping to beef up your profit potential, too. It’s the power of good bacteria at work. Scan to learn more. YOUR CATTLE. YOUR OPERATION. YOUR BOTTOM LINE. Chr Hansen BDP_Half page_NECattlemen_Fall2023.indd 1 10/10/23 11:07 AM Identifying what your forages are lacking will help with planning ahead in procuring supplementary sources of energy and protein before cold stress or inclement weather create dire need. Supplement for Success “We live in the land of distillers grains,” McCarthy says. “It’s a versatile byproduct that can pack a punch on energy and protein, especially when lower quality forages are at play.” Additionally, soil types, forage quality and bioavailability of minerals all play a role in determining which mineral supplements may be best for your herd. Talking with your mineral supplier is a good place to start. “Mineral is one of those supplements that is often overlooked,” Herrick says. “Because it’s not something you see right away, it’s hard to know immediately that action is needed. But a moderate mineral deficiency over years and years will show up as issues in reproduction, foot health and a number of other areas, so managing it consistently will only be of benefit.” Probiotics can also be of benefit when it comes to “maintaining normal” regarding herd health. “With probiotics, the goal is maintaining normal herds,” Schutz says. “Wind, rain, snow, mud and low-quality forages are all examples of potential stressors that can cause economic losses. Supplementing with probiotics can minimize economic losses due to these often unavoidable stressors.” Probiotics are nothing new in feedlot nutrition and have grown in popularity for range cows as product shelf life has improved. “Tubs, blocks, liquid supplements and mineral mixes are all viable options, depending on each operation’s needs,” Schutz says. “Probiotics are easy to feed and ensure cows and calves alike stay healthy with fully functioning immune systems.” Range probiotic products offer live bacteria in a more stable form, allowing for easier application and still guaranteeing the levels of live bacteria needed for ruminant systems. NUTRITION IS HEALTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 BCS Post-Partum Interval (Days) 3 89 4 70 5 59 6 52 7 31 80 55 › HOW BODY CONDITION RELATES TO INTERVAL FROM CALVING TO FIRST HEAT ›
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 17 Precision Feeding Precision feeding or precision nutrition involves matching what you’re feeding to what an animal’s individual needs are. This can be supported by sorting your herd into like groups – older cows, first-calf heifers or those that are over or under conditioned. “As we gain more understanding of range cows’ dietary requirements, as feed and forage testing becomes more accessible and environmental impacts are clearer, we see precision nutrition as a solution,” Herrick says. Precision feeding can also help with another common challenge: balancing a variety of forage qualities across the seasons. “A common question from producers is often, ʻI’ve got four or five different forages, what do I feed, when?’” Herrick says. “Matching your forage qualities to the nutritional needs at different stages of production can help.” That means considering lower quality forages early and prioritizing higher quality forages leading up to and after calving. Numbers Matter “It may be surprising, but very few producers really know their cost per head per day,” Herrick says. “Getting the nutrients into your cattle is important, but capitalizing on ways to reduce your feed costs while optimizing performance should be the goal.” It’s also important to know the value of the forages you grow. Watching hay markets, talking with folks in the industry or staying in touch with hay buyers can be strategies to understand what it costs to produce your forages. Land rent, seed prices, baling and storage costs should all be factored in. “Sometimes it’s important to think outside the box,” Herrick says. “If you produce a high-quality forage you might assume you should feed it. I might ask you ʻwhy?’ “Another option would be to sell at a premium and buy a lower quality forage with supplementation still at a lower price, which has a positive impact on profitability for your operation while still getting the herd what they need. Different approaches – but you can’t make those choices if you don’t know your numbers.” Nutrition Is Health When it comes down to it, nutrition and health cannot be separated. Working closely with your nutritionist, veterinarian and trusted partners will only improve herd health and longevity over time. “Health on a range cow is surrounded by nutritional management, and consistency is key,” Schutz says. “The magnitude of hardships caused in the winter months cannot be overstated. Getting proper nutrition consistently and ensuring cows are being fed effectively to keep them in a normal state, regardless of the environment, are critical in the overall success of that herd and operation.” ~NC~ Selling approximately 175 RegisteRed Angus Bulls • 50 RegisteRed Angus HeifeRs Wed, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 At the Bull Center • neAr ClArkson, ne 24tH AnnuAl Production SAle Call or stop by anytime! Nick Jindra • 402-920-3171 • Clarkson, NE 68629 nickjindra@hotmail.com • www.jindraangus.com Designed by Chrisman Cattle Services lArgeSt Sire grouPS by Woodhill Domain • Jindra Superior • Jindra Assurance • Sterling Pacific Tehama Tahoe • Jindra Strategy • Hoover No Doubt • Jindra Cutting Edge Jindra Megahit • Hoffman Thedford • KCF Bennett Exponential • Jindra Xpansion Smith Valley Gratitude • Connealy Bohannon • Connealy Guardrail Williams Hollywood • Connealy Clarity • Hoff Blockbuster Preserving the power of Scotch Cap genetics Jindra Assurance x Jindra Megahit BW 87 • Adj. WW 802 • $C 294 lot 35 - 20818697 Gratitude x Jindra Top Notch BW 81 • Adj. WW 804 • $C 220 lot 101 - 20848145 Bohannon x No Doubt BW 80 • Adj. WW 828 • $C 256 lot 123 - 20847971 Jindra Superior x Resource 1441 BW 81 • Adj. WW 767 • $C 293 lot 91 - 20818748 Jindra Xpansion 121 x Guinness BW 84 • Adj. WW 953 • $C 269 lot 53 - 20818753 Jindra Assurance x Jindra Rectify BW 83 • Adj. WW 806 • $C 287 lot 26 - 20818690 Hollywood x Jindra Superior BW 74 • Adj. WW 790 • $C 333 lot 5 - 20845218 Bohannon x Colonel BW 77 • Adj. WW 847 • $C 284 lot 126 - 20847973
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 19 © 2024 POET, LLC. All rights reserved. poet.com/feed Contact our team today! Call 844.735.5385 When it comes to winter on the Great Plains, unpredictable weather is one of the only things you can count on. Cold and snow from winter weather conditions can increase the nutrient requirements of your cattle. Continue to monitor and supplement your herd’s health with POET® Pellets and Cubes to provide additional nutrients during the harsh winter months. POET Pellets and Cubes offer: • High Consistency • Superior Handling • Boost Performance • Extremely Palatable
20 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 CONSIDERATIONS FOR GRAZING AND HAYING KELSEY POPE | CONTRIBUTING WRITER With spring on the not-so-distant horizon, it’s not too early to begin planning for grazing and forage needs for the upcoming year. Now is the time to develop a strategy to plant spring annual forages or small cereal grains and book seed purchases. Producers should also chart outcomes for grazing and/or haying spring annual forages and selecting fertilizer needs and soil health measures. Deciding What to Plant Price point, location, soil type and expected outcomes all come into consideration when choosing spring-planted, small-grain seed. Jerry Volesky, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Extension range and forage specialist based in the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, says there is not one specific forage that outperforms the others. “Oats, spring triticale and spring barley are all cool-season annual forages that grow well in Nebraska,” Volesky says. “Oats is probably the most common. However, spring triticale or spring barley are two other small-grain options that have been found to perform similarly to oats in terms of forage yield and quality.” Volesky explains these varieties are also similar in terms of how long it takes for them to grow and reach a stage where they’re ready to be grazed or hayed. “They’re also all really compatible together to mix the seed,” Volesky adds. Seed costs and availability can help the producer determine what seed is planted or mixed. Oat seed is typically less expensive, so oftentimes that choice is made as there is not much difference in quality and yield compared with spring triticale and barley. These types of spring forages work statewide, with the year-to-year variability in yield and quality coming from precipitation and spring growing conditions, soil type and added fertilization. Nebraska Extension Forage and Crop Residue Specialist Daren Redfearn notes that knowing your soil type could help a producer make the decision on what to plant. “If your soil is on the sandy side and a little coarse, it might be better off to plant triticale as the root structure can hold it up a little better,” Redfearn says. However, Volesky and Redfearn agree that all of these varieties have been researched to work in Nebraska (See the table on page 22). PRODUCTION SPRING ANNUAL FORAGES
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 21 Planting and Nutrients For spring annual forages, the planting period is typically late March to early April, or when soil temperatures are in the 42° to 45° F range. “We generally recommend planting spring annuals beginning in late March/early April. Even some places in southwest Nebraska, or if there’s a really early spring with warm temperatures, mid-March can work,” Volesky says. Forage is going to be needed for many producers this spring, so timely planting is critical. Redfearn warns producers to pay attention to the timeliness of the establishment. “We’re probably looking somewhere a week or two earlier than corn planting time in whatever area you are in,” Redfearn says. “Those soil temperatures are still cool, but they’re on the rise. While we can see some colder weather still, it’s rare to see much freezing loss on early growth of those annuals.” Forages planted too late in the spring will typically see a yield loss and stunted plants as it gets too warm too quickly for the cool-season crop. For annual forages to reach their yield potential, nitrogen fertilizer is recommended as it is usually the limited nutrient. While forage crops are managed differently from row crops, a soil test could help the producer determine what nutrients they need. “Nitrogen is probably the most important nutrient, with application anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds to really produce a nice, adequate crop,” Volesky says. “With that fertilizer, they do need to consider what was growing there the previous year and maybe even, in some cases, do some soil testing to make sure they’re on target with their fertilizer rates.” He also advises producers to consider the herbicides that may have been used on a field the previous year. Some herbicides have long residuals that could hinder establishment even into this spring. The amount of nitrogen is going to differ depending on location, growing temperature and precipitation. In the panhandle and northern parts of Nebraska, for example, plants are not going to have as much production potential so less nitrogen is needed, around 30 to 40 pounds. The central and eastern parts of the state where spring temperatures warm up earlier, around 60 pounds of nitrogen is needed. Nitrogen fertilization has also been shown to increase forage crude protein. “I always recommend to go ahead and plant the crop and don’t fertilize it until it gets up,” Redfearn says. “That way, if you have a failure from no rain or whatever, you’re not putting that added expense on top of something that’s not going to work.” Redfearn says he also gets producer questions about phosphorus and potassium. He says neither of those are typically much of an issue to growing a good forage crop. “If you’re planting on cropland in an area that might be eroded or have some lower quality soil, 20 to 30 pounds of phosphorus is probably not going to hurt,” Redfearn adds. “Potassium is generally not a big issue.” Grazing If grazing is the primary goal for early spring-planted annuals, grazing can typically begin around the third week of May into early June, depending on spring growing conditions. Management of grazing spring annuals is critical. Producers should be ready to start grazing when plant height reaches 6 to 8 inches. Once it is at that height, growth will occur quickly, and it can shoot up to 12 inches in almost no time. The early grazing will stimulate the formation of new tillers. Redfearn says that regrowth after grazing is better off of barley and triticale than oats, which is why a mix of those forages when planting could be a good combination. Ideally, producers should graze to keep the growth between 6 and 12 inches. This might require an initial lighter stocking rate, about one cow-calf pair for every two acres, then adjust animal numbers upward as forage growth changes. In general, a good stand of cereal small grains could support up to two cow-calf pairs per acre for about a six-week period. “In the spring, forages are green, lush and highly desirable for cattle, and there could be a concern of grass tetany,” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 “I always recommend to go ahead and plant the crop and don’t fertilize it until it gets up. That way, if you have a failure from no rain or whatever, you’re not putting that added expense on top of something that’s not going to work.” – Daren Redfearn
22 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 Volesky states. “This can be common, but the solution is to have some magnesium mineral available to those cattle before you start grazing on that spring forage crop.” There are varieties of small-grain cereals that have been developed specifically for forage use. For these varieties, some of the characteristics might include plant height, leaf width, days to maturity and overall forage yield and quality. “When it comes to oats, there is one variety in particular that is late maturing, called EverLeaf. This can be more suited for grazing because it is late maturing and lasts longer in the field when it’s grazed,” Volesky adds. Italian ryegrass could be included in a mix to result in a longer grazing period. This annual regrows well after grazing and will continue growth well into the summer if there SPRING ANNUAL FORAGES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 • Oats • Spring triticale • Spring barley • Italian or annual ryegrass • Field peas • Several other legumes • Oats: 2 to 3 bushels (76 to 114 lbs.) per acre • Spring triticale: 2 bushels (about 116 lbs.) per acre • Spring barley: 2 to 2.5 bushels (96 to 120 lbs.) per acre • Planting date: midMarch to mid-April • Grazing: mid-May through June • Hay: mid to late June Spring Forage CoolSeason Annuals Seeding Rate Recommendations “Working Bull” HAYNES CATTLE CO. 16TH ANNUAL ANGUS SALE Tuesday, February 27, 2024 • 1 PM Ogallala Livestock Auction • Ogallala, Neb. SELLING 130 REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS For further information, contact: Gale & Cynthia Haynes • Office: (970) 854-3310 Cell: (970) 520-3374 • cowsrus@pctelcom.coop • 61284 CR 14 • Holyoke, CO 80734 Bulls are located at Stateline Ranch, 15 miles southeast of Holyoke, CO, or 25 miles west of Imperial, NE. • Check out our website at www.HaynesCattleCo.com Buy ’em Your Way! n 100% AI from industry leading sires n Free delivery to surrounding states n Genomic enhanced EPDs n Developed on native range without creep feed n Athletic and ready to work in big country n Many heifer bulls in the offering and all are cow makers! n First breeding season guarantee. n Sight unseen purchases are guaranteed. n Trich tested n Ask about our “On Ranch Inspection” discount n Volume and repeat buyer discounts n Ultrasound data available early February Sires represented include: BJ Surpass (19774516) (18 sons) B A R Dynamic (19923789) (23 sons) HAYNES Headliner 1267 (20159337) (12 sons Tehama Patriarch F028 (18981191) (14 sons) HAYNES Fortify 822 (19234274) (4 sons) HAYNES Breakout 9153 (19545006) (9 sons) Bigk/WSC Iron Horse 025F (19415015) (16 sons) Casino Constable T34 (19904224) (11 sons) KCF Bennett Exponential (19507801) (15 sons) Man in Black (19955191) (15 sons) Watch the sale and bid live online at DVAuction.com and CattleUSA.com. HAYNES Man In Black 3100 20786342 • 1/13/23 Sire: LAR Man In Black Maternal Grandsire: 4M Ace 709 Top 1% WW, YW, CW, $F • Top 2% $C • Top 3% $W, $B • Top 4% REA Haynes 7.25x4.875 4c-NE Ctlmn (3100).indd 1 1/5/24 11:37 AM Key Forage Management Dates
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 The Nebraska Lo ery’s MVP Club is always welcoming new members! Join today and get a FREE $5 Nebraska Pick 5 coupon. Just visit nelo ery.com and click on “MVP Club.” JOIN THE CLUB THAT’S EXCLUSIVELY FUN! nelo ery.com Must be 19. Free problem gambling help for Nebraskans at problemgambling.nebraska.gov. is adequate moisture. Field peas are another species that could be included to enhance forage quality and provide some nitrogen fixation. Haying Most generally, spring forages are planted with hay production in mind. Some producers use a combination of grazing/haying, but if a producer has a lot of early pasture, they may be strictly growing forages for hay. Spring annual forages are usually ready for hay harvest around the third week of June, depending on growing conditions and the desired forage quality. Even when forages are planted later, the day length and warm weather drives them to start producing a seed head the same time as earlier planted ones. “We like to go until you can actually see a little bit of liquid in those kernels; they’re starting to form in the late milk or even a soft dough stage,” Volesky says. “At that harvest date, you’re really going to see higher quality.” Early harvests, such as when the crop is in a late-boot stage, will result in forage with a crude protein content of 12 to 14 percent. When harvested at a later growth stage, such as milk to soft-dough, yield will be greater and crude protein content may range from 7 to 10 percent. If producers plan to use spring annuals as haylage or silage, moisture at ensiling is another factor to consider along with grain maturity. Wilting is needed in most cases when ensiling forages as haylage and silage. At harvest, small grains in the boot stage may be at or above 80 percent moisture or 20 percent dry matter. When ensiling, forage should be 40 to 60 percent dry matter prior to ensiling. Generally, small grains harvested from boot stage to soft dough require wilting of 24 hours or more to achieve the targeted range of 40 to 60 percent dry matter. Soil Health Considerations of soil health are important in any crop/ grazing situation. Spring annual forages are productive, yet compared to perennials, their root structure is not as great. They are, nevertheless, still contributing to soil health from their root turnover. “In terms of soil health measures, the root biomass that they provide is added to that overall system, even though they’re going to be short lived, as well as leaving crop residue on the soil surface,” Redfearn states. “They also help hold the soil in place during the high-intensity rainfalls that we sometimes see during the spring.” While spring triticale and barley have a deeper, more robust root system than oats, any combination of spring annual forages will add to the overall soil health and root biomass of a well-managed crop production system. ~NC~
24 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024
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26 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 PRODUCTION HERD HEALTH AND REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS JESSICA WESSON | CONTRIBUTING WRITER One of the most important tools a cow-calf producer can have is their herd health plan. Unfortunately, sometimes this isn’t realized until after disaster strikes, but at that point it’s too late. Russ Daly, Extension veterinarian at South Dakota State University, presented at the Range Beef Cow Symposium, and he said there are many different definitions for what a herd health plan consists of. “For some producers a heard health plan might be just a vaccine program written down on a piece of paper,” Daly said. “For others, it might be avoiding those clinical disease wrecks. No matter what your definition of a herd health plan is, I think we all kind of know when it goes wrong.” Daly has plenty of experience with tough herd health situations through his time as the Extension veterinarian. He’s helped many producers overcome their challenges. He says the top three most common calls he receives are Johne’s Disease, bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and calf scours. During his presentation, Daly shared three examples that he has seen over the years to help other producers understand why a herd health plan is important. His first example was about a herd from southeastern South Dakota. A producer had a sick, 4-year-old cow that was presenting with weight loss and diarrhea. He had bought the cow and did not know her origins. The vet visited and diagnosed the cow with Johne’s Disease. This disease can take two years or longer to present itself after the initial infection. One case he recently encountered was a producer who originally thought his cattle were suffering from pneumonia. The local veterinarian confirmed this and set the cattle up on a treatment plan. As months passed, the producer realized his cattle were not getting better. In fact, some of them were
February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 27 starting to die. The veterinarian came back out to the operation and did post-mortem testing only to discover the cattle were suffering from BVD. This highly contagious, sometimes deadly disease can present with a variety of symptoms. Pregnant animals that recover will most likely abort their fetus. This disease can be costly, especially for cow-calf producers, if herds are unvaccinated. There was no identifiable source for this particular case; however, the infected herd did comingle with a neighboring herd during the cows’ gestation period. It is suspected that the calves might have been infected in utero. Unfortunately, that producer had to euthanize nearly half of his herd due to this disease. Daly’s third example came from a student in a class he taught. Students were assigned to write a paper about a personal experience they had with disease on their own farm or ranch. One of his students wrote about her parents’ cow-calf operation. They had bought some replacement heifers and put them in a barn away from the rest of the herd. When calving season came, those heifers were taken to a different location, and the cows that were about to calve were placed in that same barn. When the cows gave birth, their calves suffered from scours. Each of these cases shed light on preventative actions that producers can take to mitigate or avoid herd health wrecks. Incoming Animals “We’re lucky that we don’t have to worry about biosecurity like hog or poultry producers,” Daly said. “But we do have to think about the ways that new germs can get introduced to a farm. Our biggest issue is when new animals come, because they are biological sources of bacteria and viruses.” Cattle that have bacteria and viruses are constantly shedding them in the environment where the other cattle are living. Daly said it’s important to prepare for the arrival of new animals before they get to the premises. Also, it is important to know as much about where animals come from as possible. “It’s always a good idea to have a good relationship with your seedstock producer,” Daly said. “That way you can ask them questions about their disease status and their testing programs. They’d most likely be willing to share that information with you.” However, sometimes it is impossible to know a cow’s history, especially if she is purchased through a sale barn. This was the case with Daly’s first example concerning the bred cow that had Johne’s disease. “We can test individual cows for some diseases, and that’s a start,” Daly said. “A negative test would be really meaningful for a producer in that case.” Once the animals arrive at the operation, one of the best things a producer can do is to isolate the new animals. “Whether they are from far away or from right down the road, they need to transition to your environment, your way Russ Daly, Ph.D., gives four key points to a herd health framework that will help producers avoid wrecks. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 of doing things, your vaccine program and your dewormer program,” Daly said. “It’s better to gradually introduce them into your ranch rather than dumping them cold turkey into a new herd.” He recommends an isolation period of 30 to 60 days. “That’s enough time for most of our infectious diseases to bubble up to the surface,” Daly said. “It also gives them time to reduce their stress from transportation. No matter what the germ is, they will be shedding more of it when they are stressed.” This is also the perfect time for diagnostic testing and getting them up to speed on deworming and vaccinations. Promptly Detecting Problems It might seem there are always problems on an operation. Cattle breaking through fencing, weather conditions not being favorable or cattle getting sick are all issues that producers face every day. But when cattle are sick, how do producers know when it is time to call the vet? According to Daly, the earlier, the better. As soon as a problem is noticed, it should be addressed. “That was the critical component for the Johne’s Disease and the BVD cases,” Daly said. “Both producers took action, and it saved the rest of their herds from contracting the disease.” Using Vaccines as a Safety Net Daly’s advice when it comes to vaccines is to view them differently.
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