During the summer I frequently get asked about mowing pastures. Often, farmers are seeking a yes or no answer…and hopefully validation of their current practice. Unfortunately, the answer is somewhat dependent on previous pasture management and the chosen grazing system.If pastures have heavy weed...
The foundation of a least-cost, balanced winter ration starts with a forage test. For those buying or selling hay, forage testing can play an even bigger role in pricing and purchasing value. Sample in lots A ‘lot’ is defined as forages from the same field, harvested at...
Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2025 Illinois Performance Tested (IPT) Bull Sale. The IPT Bull Sale is the leadoff event for the annual Illinois Beef Expo. The sale is scheduled for Thursday, February 20 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield....
There is no more unnerving feeling than hearing the veterinarian say “open” too many times during preg-check. Having some open cows is normal in a 60-90 day breeding season. However, if the number of open cows is excessive (greater than 6-10%), evaluation of management, nutrition and herd health...
As high summer temperatures continue, it is important to ensure water quality levels are in the appropriate range. Beef cattle require one-to-two gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight, but this amount increases during summer months and different stages of cattle. When water quality...
The unique microbiota of the rumen allows cattle to ferment a variety of by-products, such as soybean hulls from soybean processing. The hull is made from the skin of soybeans, making them a good source of fiber and non-structural carbohydrates, and can be made into pellet or...
As June begins, flies are ready to bother cattle all summer long. It is important to plan an effective fly control system to limit the chances of reduced grazing time, spread of disease, and increased stress. Observing herds and combining different prevention methods can save up to $1 billion in...
Recently, the Asian longhorned tick was found in west-central Illinois. This invasive species can pose challenges to cattle populations in the area. It is important for cattle producers in Illinois to train themselves to identify the tick and be aware of the risks this pest brings to their...
As breeding season for spring-calving cows’ approaches, now is a good time to refresh on semen handling practices. Often, semen handling gets overlooked as we focus on estrus detection, synchronization, and semen placement. However, proper handling is just as important and cannot be overlooked....
Observation and reflection seem to be a lost art in a world dominated by phone screens, data sets, and short attention spans. I challenge you to observe and reflect when watching cows graze. Below are just a few of many observations that I have made when watching cows graze in the spring/summer...
