Livestock
Drought Tips from Noble Research Institute Consultants
The Noble Research Institute Agricultural Consultants provide drought tips on a number of topics.
Guidelines for Culling Cows
For most cattle producers, culling cows is not an easy task. However, some culling needs to be done each year to maintain optimal productivity.
Cattle Handling Facilities
Cattle handling facilities are necessary for proper animal husbandry. Low stress cattle handling practices combined with good facilities will allow you to process cattle safely and efficiently.
Performance of Bull Versus Steer Feeder Calves
When selling feeder calves, it is understood that bull calves will often receive a discount over steer calves. Buyers justify this discount by claiming that post-arrival castration of bull calves will result in decreased average daily gains due to increased stress, disease susceptibility and days on feed.
Production Alternatives for Small Acreages
A majority of recently added Noble Research Institute cooperators are new to agriculture and/or have relatively small landholdings. Most of these cooperators are either retired or have a full-time job off the farm.
2011 Cattle Cycle Book
Having a good working knowledge of the cattle cycle is one of the keys for economic success in the livestock business. This is true whether one is in a cow-calf operation, a forage grazing operation,...
Using Value of Gain To Determine Calf Affordability
The price of calves finished 2010 on a strong note, and these increased prices have changed the value of gain. The value of gain is what the market pays for an additional pound of weight gained.
Planning Your Winter Feeding Program for Profitability
How would you like to save $15 per cow on your winter feeding bill? What if I told you it could easily be done by making one timely change in what you are feeding your cows grazing on native grass pasture?
Common Mistakes in Growing Alfalfa
With high protein prices, many people are thinking about growing alfalfa, some for the first time ever. While alfalfa can be very profitable, there are some common mistakes that can take you from profitability to loss quickly.
Monitor and Manage Heat Stress
Heat stress can greatly impact cattle producers through decreased milk production and subsequent calf growth, decreased reproductive performance in cows and bulls, and decreased stocker and feeder performance. It has been estimated that heat-related events in the Midwest have cost the cattle industry over $75 million in the past 10 years.