Dixon Springs Ag Center to Host Beef Day
Illinois Extension and the University of Illinois Department of Animal Sciences are pleased to announce the annual Beef Field Day at Dixon Springs Agricultural Center will be on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The program will feature Dr. Nevil Speer from...
Drought conditions pose significant challenges for beef cattle producers, particularly in terms of ensuring an adequate water supply for their herds. Water shortage affects not only the well-being of the animals but also their productivity and overall profitability. Implementing effective water...
Cattle producers have been watching pasture productivity underperform due to dry conditions. Lower forage availability in pastures and hayfields has farmers investigating alternative forage options.
Protecting Pastures
Supplementing stressed pastures with hay can help fill the forage gap. It is...
As temperatures start to rise and rain becomes scarce, cattle farmers are facing the challenge of managing their herds in dry weather conditions. With limited access to water and very limited forage resources, it is crucial to implement strategies that prioritize the health and well-being of the...
Feed costs represent the greatest percentage of total costs for cow/calf producers. Thus, focusing on opportunities to reduce feed costs will lend to the greatest cost control for cow/calf operators. Improving management of permanent pastures is crucial to profitability. Increasing land costs,...
The first week of March is traditionally when many in central and northern Illinois are frost seeding clover. However, this year has brought a dry, mild winter and the grass as even started to green up. It feels like spring, and the plants feel it too.
The question has come up quite a bit in the...
As the desire for locally grown, niche marketed beef grows, many people are considering feeding cattle for personal consumptions or local sale. Here are some things to consider before you get into finishing beef cattle:
Raising your own beef will not guarantee that it will be less expensive than...
Calving season in Illinois offers an array of uncontrollable challenges such as cold, windy weather and mud. However, being knowledgeable and prepared during calving season is completely controllable and is one of the most important preparations. Understanding the three stages of parturition will...
Calving season is here! Breeding decisions made the previous year are finally coming to life and are showcased through newborn calves. Although there are year-round management strategies that can impact calving season success, here are some short-term, in-the-moment calving tips for success...
Dystocia, meaning “difficult birth,” often results in the loss of a calf or complications after birth of a live calf. Some examples of complications after a difficult birth can include aspiration pneumonia, joint damage, nerve damage, and hypoxia. Another big problem can be failure of passive...
