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| Duane A. Lienemann |
January 25, 2013 Edition
As I write this column the Annual Farmers Ranchers Cow/College - Partners in Progress Beef Seminar is history and it was probably one of the best seminars that I have been a part of. It was also one of the best attending meetings in that we had around 140 people in attendance. That is saying something, because I thought we had some very good topics and speakers in the previous 12 seminars. I think that the topics and the theme had a lot to do with it, as everyone that I talk to is concerned about what we faced in 2012 and are likely to face in 2013. Incidentally, if anyone that could not make the Cow/Calf College and wanted copies of any hand-outs, please feel free to give me a holler and I will get you a copy.
Nobody likes uncertainty and that is a key word for this year. Let’s take a look at why there seems to be that feeling in this week’s column. Why is there that uncertainty? Before we look at some of the things that came out of the seminar, let’s look at some areas of concerns. Soil moisture profile is high on the list. Just to put it bluntly, we are extremely dry. It is obvious to those that are digging post holes, taking out trees, renovating dams and ponds, or doing any kind of dirt work. We knew it was dry this past growing season and it was confirmed during harvest and then according to those that put on fall anhydrous that we have some hard, dry ground, particularly in last year’s soybean fields. We have had some rains, which is good, but they have not been enough to really do anything but perhaps give the wheat and perhaps some pasture grasses a much needed shot in the arm to give some encouragement at least. The discouraging part is that we will likely need 8-10 inches of rain or about 12 feet of snow before planting to get us – just to get to normal moisture conditions.
That really is not uncertainty, because I am fairly certain we won’t be getting that much in either form of moisture. Now that makes some other things uncertain. Those uncertainties would include if we will have any grass to go to at the normal pasture entry time. My own experience and the recommendations of range experts suggest that we need to likely hold off putting cattle into the pasture perhaps till June and then perhaps look at some things like early weaning, supplementation of pastures and shortening the grazing season. We may have to go in late and come out early. One of our speakers (Allan Vyhnalek) suggested just that, and then reminded people that pasture rent should be adjusted accordingly, something that some landlords may not understand. We are going to have to be good communicators this year when it comes to discussing rental rates, stocking rates and even things like water, fence and control of weeds in our pastures.
Another uncertainty is the quantity and quality of forages that will be availability, another speaker (Dr. Bruce Anderson) gave some good suggestions on the utilization of some alternative forages, and those that are available to us. He showed us how plants grow and what they need to survive the drought, let alone provide for our beef cattle. He had some very good suggestions on how to graze. Weeds of all sorts could be a problem and we can expect to be faced with control of those as well. He pointed out what we should expect this spring, even with “normal” rainfall. Once again uncertainty creeps in!
Another uncertainty that faces beef producers is the availability of corn stalks or other residue for late fall and winter grazing. It seems that there is uncertainty of the availability of that resource. For some reason corn and other crop producers have the idea that grazing cattle, especially on no-till fields dramatically affects their yields and soil tilth/bulk density, and as a result are reluctant to rent those stalks out which, especially in times of short roughage supply. Even seed corn dealers and crop consultants have furthered this bit of misinformation which adds to the specter of all that roughage out there waiting to be used. Another speaker (Dr. Aaron Stalker) reported on research by UNL and other Land Grant Universities that showed that there is not the yield penalty and in fact it shows an increase in yields in corn and soybeans by running cattle on stalks with a non-depreciable effect on the soil. He pointed out that the corn producer should be working with the cattle producer for many reasons and that no-till producers should know that cattle only remove about 20-25% of the residue and in return give back readily available nutrients that pass through the digestive system of the cow.
Uncertainty also exists in the reproduction side on how to develop heifers with low quality and short forage supplies. We were fortunate to have another excellent speaker (Dr. Rick Funston) go over his research and the response of beef heifers to development on corn and soybean residue and feeding to a pre-set target weight and using synchronized breeding programs. He also looked at calving timing and effects of different feeds or wintering systems on maturity and puberty. I found the comparison between heifer development in dry lot systems and residue grazing interesting.
The biggest uncertainty is probably where we will be with the drought. Our last speaker (Al Dutcher) didn’t pull any punches in showing us why we are likely to see more of the same from 2012. When pressed on the chances of drought for us in SC Nebraska in 2013, he put the odds at 70%. He said we will likely get some rain, but it is doubtful that it will be enough to put us anywhere close to normal. Of course, weather is always uncertain, but then so is the uncertainty of the 2013 Farm Bill, how or what to sign up or even plant. The uncertainty of if there will be emergency payments for livestock producers that should have kicked in last year, or how the discussion on the “New” farm bill will line up is always in the back of the mind. Throw in the message that producers hear from many in Washington, that agriculture and farming is insignificant and uncertainty raises its ugly head again. The only thing certain it seems is uncertainty!
The preceding information comes from the research and personal observations of the writer which may or may not reflect the views of UNL or UNL Extension. For more further information on these or other topics contact D. A. Lienemann, UNL Extension Educator for Webster County in Red Cloud, (402) 746-3417 or email to: dlienemann2@unl.edu or go to the website at: http://www.webster.unl.edu/home
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