http://midwesterncattle.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Sun, 17 Jan 2010 18:59:32 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en What, how, when, where? Ron Scott, director of research for Land O’ Lakes Purina Feed, said those variables throughout a calf’s life factor into final beef quality. “There are many things besides just genetics and time on feed that affect marbling and we now know, we can say with confidence, that ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=306 By Steve Suther When you count your blessings this holiday season, remember to include the ones disguised as challenges. Some of them you decided to take on as calculated risks; others intruded on your farm or in your life, but turned out to be ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=303 There’s Plenty to be Thankful For! It has been one of those years. Unsettled markets, fluctuating fuel prices, uncertain financial futures for many. Some of us have been challenged by illnesses, family dynamics, job losses – and a gamut of other things that only you may know about. ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=301 “Management isn't just about production; it's about marketing and analyzing the markets,” says Dave Delaney, vice president and general manager of ranching operations for King Ranch at Kingsville, TX. “The lesson is that a good manager retains marketing flexibility and options, and looks for buying and selling opportunities.” He's referring to ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=298 Only eight or nine months ago, the spring-calving cows were calving, the temperature was cold and the calving pastures were muddy. Experience would say you don’t want to ask cow-calf operators how "calving" is then, because the response would be less than objective, reflecting bone-chilling cold and not enough sleep. ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=295 Listing 1 Great Alfalfa! Wilsonville, NE; Grade: Medium; Stem Size: Large/Med; Color: Green/Golden Brown; Leaf Retention: Good; Cutting: 2nd; Bale Type: 3x4; Estimated Bale Weight 1300 lbs.; #of tons per load 25; # of loads 1; Total estimated tons=25; (Lab-Olsens Ag Lab; Moisture 13.3; RFV 115; Protein 20; ADF 38.1) 2nd cutting, One rain at 32 days. All Bids ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=293 Looking for some quality Nebraska Alfalfa Hay? Check out this listing! Great Alfalfa! Wilsonville, NE; Grade: Medium; Stem Size: Large/Med; Color: Green/Golden Brown; Leaf Retention: Good; Cutting: 2nd; Bale Type: 3x4;Estimated Bale Weight 1300 lbs.; #of tons per load 25; # of loads 1; Total estimated tons=25; (Lab-Olsens Ag Lab; Moisture 13.3; ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=290 Your cowherd checklist might look pretty sparse after the calves are weaned and rebreeding is confirmed. Maybe the cows regained some condition and they’re coasting now on crop residue. Next item would be, what, calving? More properly, the next item would be nutrition during late gestation. New results from the University ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=286 Source: UNL Beef Cattle Production; By: Bruce Anderson, Ph.D. Many of you winter cows on corn stalks or other crop residues. Do you also sometimes feed grass or prairie hay to supplement those stalks? If you do, double check to learn if those hay fields were sprayed with herbicides before hay ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=279 Black Ink by Miranda Reiman If Wal-Mart were in the cattle business, it would probably serve as an operating definition of “least-cost producer.” People might refer to its cowherd enterprise as the model for slashing expenses. That’s the way to make more money in this margin business, isn’t it? The simple economic equation ... http://midwesterncattle.com/blog/?p=288