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Beef Tips

Author: Angie Denton

Management Considerations for April 2025

Posted on by Angie Denton

By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

Evaluate BCS and adjust nutrition for spring-calving females going into breeding.

  • Ensure thin (BCS ≤ 4.0) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition.
  • BCS 5.0+ females should be maintaining weight and condition.
  • Record cow BCS and use it as a guide for future management.
  • Start lactation rations/supplementation by end of first calving cycle.

Pregnancy check fall calving cows and make culling decisions.

  • How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
  • Do we need to re-think our fall/winter nutrition program?

Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.

  • Make effort to measure intake regularly and adjust it as needed.
  • If using fly control products, start them at recommended area times.
  • Properly store bagged mineral and avoid damaging bags and pallets.

Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows and older cows. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing the following:

  • wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass, and other cool-season forages

Use the estrus synchronization planner to help plan synchronization protocols.
https://www.iowabeefcenter.org/estrussynch.html

Schedule breeding soundness examinations on bulls well prior to turnout.

  • Allow plenty of time to re-test or find a replacement bull if needed

Calf Management
Review health protocols for spring-born calves and schedule processing activities.

If not already completed, wean and market fall-born calves.

Consider the economic return by implanting nursing calves and grass cattle.

If not already done, schedule your breeding protocols for replacement heifers in advance of the breeding season.

  • If synchronizing with MGA, make sure intake is consistent at 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate per hd per day for14 days, and remove for 19 days prior to administering prostaglandin.

 

General Management

Use the Management Minder tool on KSUBeef.org to plan key management activities for your cow herd for the rest of the year.
https://cowweb.exnet.iastate.edu/CowWeb/faces/Index.jsp

Adjust turn-out dates as needed for drought stressed pastures.

Consider your storage method for any leftover hay and feed and look for opportunities to minimize shrink during extended storage.

Good sanitation around winter feeding and bedding areas helps reduce stable fly populations.

Take a balanced, multi-tool approach to fly/insect control.

Wrap up any last minute pasture management projects before spring turn-out:

  • Finish repairing fences.
  • Conduct burns, work to control trees and brush
  • Ensure sufficient water is available when cattle are turned out.

MUD

Posted on by Angie Denton

There are very few issues, outside of health, that can wreck cattle performance and decrease cattle comfort more than muddy pen conditions. Some regions of Kansas have seen record snowfall amounts this winter and although we are getting closer to spring, we still have a lot of winter left. The impact of mud on cattle performance is profound, 4-8 inches of mud reduces gain by approximately 14% and 12-24 inches of mud reduces gain by approximately 25%. Thus, for every four days cattle have to slog through hock-deep mud, add another day and 20 lbs of dry matter feed to reach finish and add 1 additional day for every seven days of slogging through mud over their pasterns.

It is also not uncommon for cattle to make fewer trips to the bunk when pens are exceptionally muddy, leading to reduces feed intake. Reduced feed intake coupled with increased maintenance energy requirements due to cold
and the additional energy expenditure associated with getting to the bunk and the water tank further reduces cattle performance.

We cannot prevent winter storms, but we can prepare for them. Use the good days to improve pen conditions.

Make sure all pens have good drainage to prevent water from standing and creating permanently muddy pens. Also, have a plan for snow removal. A wet snow has about 1 inch of moisture in each 8-10 inches of snow. If snow is
removed from the pen immediately after the storm and before it can melt, that can prevent additional moisture from further degrading the pen surface.
Finally, if muddy conditions do occur, have a plan in place to remove at least a portion of the mud. After several days of severely muddy pens, you can watch cattle follow the box scraper and lay down in the firm, dry area the scraper leaves behind.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu

Communication in the Workplace

Posted on by Angie Denton

Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Garden City, KS

Effective communication is essential in the workplace. Communication is an important aspect of workplace satisfaction, organizational productivity and customer service. In today’s world there are many different methods of
communication, which adds to the complexity and challenge of communicating in the workplace. There are countless examples of poor communication that led to unfortunate, unintended outcomes. So, what is effective communication and how can we become better communicators? Effective communication in the workplace
accurately conveys information in a clear and concise manner while maintaining or enhancing personal relationships. Communication is a two-way process and requires an intentional effort from both the sender and the receiver. A recent article from Penn State Extension (https://extension.psu.edu/effective-communication-in-the-workplace) suggests that senders should clearly define the idea of the message and identify the purpose of the message (gain information, behavior change etc.) before sending. Senders also have to be increasingly aware of the physical and emotional environment the message is communicated in. Receivers are encouraged to focus on the message, and not let emotions determine the meaning of the words. It also best to assume positive intent and ask clarify questions if necessary. Effective organizational communication is essential and should strengthen the workplace by building trust and commitment within the organization.

Cold Stress Increases Energy Requirements

Posted on by Angie Denton

Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Garden City, KS

Cattle are most comfortable within the thermonuetral zone when temperatures are neither too warm nor cold. During the winter months cattle experience cold stress anytime the effective ambient temperature, which takes into account wind chill, humidity, etc., drops below the lower critical temperature. The lower critical temperature is influenced by both environmental and animal factors including hair coat and tissue insulation (body condition). The table below lists the estimated lower critical temperatures of cattle in good body condition with
different hair coats. In wet conditions, cattle can begin experiencing cold stress at 59°F, which would be a relatively mild winter day. However, if cattle have time to develop a sufficient winter coat, the estimated lower critical temperature under dry conditions is 18°F. Cold stress increases maintenance energy approximately 1% for each degree below the lower critical temperature, but does not impact protein, mineral, or vitamin requirements. Thus, maintenance energy requirements of cattle may increase by 15-20% on those exceptionally
cold and windy days that commonly occur in January and February. Increased maintenance energy requirements essentially means that less energy is available for production (gain), which translates to lower ADG, increased Feed:Gain, and greater Days on Feed.

 

 

 

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu

“Trust is Everything”

Posted on by Angie Denton

Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Garden City, KS

Trust is easily one of the most essential traits of successful leaders and teams in the workplace. Good leaders build trust and successful teams create and foster trust. Trust is simply defined as the belief in the reliability, ability, or
strength of someone or something. However, trust is challenging to quantify and often leaders or teams are built upon performance or skills and not necessarily trust. Leadership consultant and author, Simon Sinek offers some perspective on trust versus performance in a team or organization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTo9e3ILmms and building trust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAfGb-AYx6I.

I would highly encourage you to watch these short videos. Essentially, what Sinek discusses in these videos is why trust is the foundation of leadership and successful teams. Trust is important but challenging to quantify and foster. The “Harvard Business Review” suggests that leaders foster trust by following through on commitments “Do what you said you were going to do”, demonstrating integrity, fairness, and becoming more self-aware of what they are good at, what they are not good at and how others perceive them. Trust is not built overnight, it is built over time and reinforced by how leaders and teams respond to different situations. It is not the sum of one key indicator but multiple
indicators over time.

Management Considerations for February 2025

Posted on by Angie Denton

By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

Target BCS at calving for spring-calving cows:

  • 5 for mature cows
  • 6 for young females

Be ready to start your post-calving nutrition program for spring-calving cows.
Evaluate fall-calving cows for BCS:

  • Adjust nutrition program as needed relative to weaning date

If conditions allow, keep grazing crop residues and dormant pastures but be prepared to move cattle or provide supplemental feed.
Increase energy content 1% for every degree F below the lower critical temperature (LCT) when dry, 2% if they have a wet hair coat.
Put down bedding, remove snow, ensure cattle have access to wind protection.
Supply adequate water volume and space in freezing conditions.
Don’t forget about your herd bulls!

  • Bulls need to be in a BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use
  • Keep young and mature bulls separate if possible and provide plenty of space to prevent injury
  • Spread sufficient fresh bedding to help avoid testicular frostbite

Calf Management
Do you have a plan for weaning and marketing fall-born calves?

  • Evaluate your feed resources and cost of gain relative to the value of gain
  • Talk to prospective buyers in advance of selling

Evaluate calf health protocols, both spring- and fall-born calves.
Monitor growth and pubertal development of replacement heifers.

General Management
For spring-calving herds this calving season:

  • How are you going to record your calving data?
  • What information are you going to record?

Take inventory of supplies and clean equipment prior to spring calving.
If making bull selection decisions:

  • Review your herd performance relative to your marketing and genetic goals.
  • Study EPDs impacting your marketing and genetic goals and do your homework well before sale day

Management Considerations for January 2025

Posted on by Angie Denton

 

By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

Body condition score both spring- and fall-calving cows.

  • Target BCS for spring calvers at calving: 5 for mature cows, 6 for young females
  • Adjust nutrition program prior to calving as needed for spring-calvers
  • Ensure fall-calvers maintain BCS through winter if still nursing calves

Continue grazing crop residues and dormant pastures as they are available but be prepared to move cattle or provide supplemental feed as conditions dictate.

Be ready to react to severe winter weather effects on cow nutrient requirements by providing additional feed.

Review your nutrition program and test harvested forages for the following:

  • Moisture/dry matter
  • Crude protein
  • Energy (NEm, NEg, and/or TDN)
  • Fiber components (ADF, NDF)
  • Macro-minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, salt)
  • Nitrates when appropriate
  • Starch for silage crops

Manage young and mature bulls during the offseason to ensure bulls are BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use and have adequate winter protection.

Calf Management

Consider your plans for weaning and marketing fall-born calves.

  • Watch the feeder calf market
  • Evaluate your feed resources and cost of gain
  • Talk to prospective buyers in advance of selling

Review/update your health protocols as needed for newborn calves.

Consider either supplementing fall-calving pairs or creep feeding fall-born calves to maintain calf performance on low-quality winter forages.

Monitor replacement heifers to ensure they are adequately growing and developing, take check weights and adjust your plane of nutrition accordingly.

General Management

Update herd records and use them to assess performance.

Review your genetic selection strategy to ensure your goals are met.

Develop and/or revise your risk management plans for the coming year.

Discuss herd health protocols with your veterinarian.

Take inventory of supplies and clean equipment prior to spring calving.

Ensure plans are in place to provide bedding, wind protection, and snow removal.

Make arrangements to ensure sufficient water is available in freezing conditions.

Evaluate your short- and long-term herd inventory goals with current conditions.

Renew lease arrangements as necessary.

Schedule an annual meeting with your lender, insurance agent, and extension professional.

Historical Perspective on Feedlot Exit/Market Weights

Posted on by Angie Denton

Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Garden City, KS

Currently, one of the common discussion items in the feedlot industry is cattle exit weights. Feedyard managers have continued to market both steers and heifers at greater exit weights in recent months. Data from the October 2024, K-State Focus on Feedlots reported an average final weight 1497 lbs. for steers and 1342 lbs. for heifers. The recent increase in marketing cattle at greater exits weights has been attributed to feedlot managers retaining cattle on feed longer as a means of managing cattle inventories.
Continue reading “Historical Perspective on Feedlot Exit/Market Weights” →

Traits of Successful Teams in The Workplace

Posted on by Angie Denton

Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Garden City, KS

Most of us have had some experience with being part of a team or different groups of individuals. Some teams of individuals are highly successful and some are not. What makes some teams more successful than others. The tech giant “Google” has invested a great deal of time and resources into studying teams and reported (http://www.businessinsider.com/google-explains-top-traits-of-its-best-teams-2015-11) that their most successful teams have the following traits.

Successful teams

  • Establish psychological safety within the team. The team creates an environment where all members of the team feel free to bring new ideas forward to the group.
  • Are dependable. The team holds its members accountable, getting things done on time and up to the standards of the group.
  • Have structure and clarity. The members of the team know their role in the team and have a clear vision of the team’s structure and the expectations associated with their role on the team.
  • Have a purpose. The team members believe that what they are doing matters.

A wealth of information on building teams and characteristics can be found with a simple internet search.

Management Considerations for December 2024

Posted on by Angie Denton

Management Considerations

By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

If not already done, take inventory of and test harvested forages for the following:

  • Moisture/dry matter
  • Crude protein Energy (NEm, NEg, and/or TDN)
  • Fiber components (ADF, NDF)
  • Macro-minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, salt)
  • Nitrates and/or prussic acid when appropriate
  • Starch for silage crops

Calculate forage needs based on herd inventory, cattle weight, and days, and develop a plan to ensure that adequate harvested forage is available if grazing is limited (agmanager.info/hay-inventory-calculator).

Body condition score cows to develop informed supplementation strategies (both spring and fall-calving herds).

Consider utilizing crop residues for late-fall and winter grazing needs. Assess down grain in the field and be aware of nitrates and prussic acid (around the time of frost for sorghums).

For spring-calving cowherds:

  • Schedule pregnancy checking if not already done.
    • How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
    • Do we need to re-think our fall/winter nutrition program?

For fall-calving cow herds:

  • Plan to adjust your nutrition program to match needs of lactating cows.
  • Use the estrus synchronization planner (iowabeefcenter.org/estrussynch.html) to help plan synchronization protocols.

Review your marketing strategy for cull cows.

  • Cows with a BCS ≥ 6.0 will likely sell well with current market prices.
  • Look for opportunities to increase value by adding weight prior to market.

Ensure bulls undergo breeding soundness exams prior to fall/winter service.

Manage young and mature bulls during the offseason to ensure bulls are BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use.

Calf Management

If not already done, make arrangements to wean spring-born calves.

  • Finalize plans to either market calves or retain and add weight post-weaning.
  • If marketing calves, communicate your strategy to prospective buyers in advance.

If not already done, schedule your breeding protocols for fall replacement heifers in advance of the breeding season.

  • If synchronizing with MGA, make sure intake is consistent at 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate per hd per day for 14 days, and remove for 19 days prior to administering prostaglandin.

If retaining calves post-weaning:

  • Review your nutrition plan.
  • Ensure you have sufficient forages available to match cow herd needs.
  • Closely observe feed and water intake the first few weeks.
  • Make sure all cattle have sufficient access to feed and water.

Review/update your health protocols as needed for either weaned or new-born calves.

Consider either supplementing fall-calving pairs or creep feeding fall-born calves to maintain calf performance on low-quality winter forages.

For replacement heifers, manage your program to properly develop them prior to your given breeding time.

Forage/Pasture Management

Make plans for controlling invasive species for the next growing season.

Winterize water sources if applicable.

Work on fencing/facility projects as time/weather allows.

General Management

Develop and/or review your risk management plans for the coming year.

Evaluate your short and long-term herd inventory goals with current conditions.

Update lease arrangements as necessary. ·

Schedule an annual meeting with your lender, insurance agent, and extension professional.

Consider opportunities to lock prices in, if possible, for co-products and commodity feeds.

Understand what nutrients you are targeting to purchase and price feeds on a cost per unit of nutrient basis.