NC_old1181: Enhancing resiliency of beef production under shifting forage resources

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

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SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[09/01/2015] [10/26/2016] [10/12/2017] [10/04/2018]

Date of Annual Report: 09/01/2015

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/11/2015 - 08/12/2015
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2014 - 09/01/2015

Participants

Bruce Anderson – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Mary Drewnoski – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Jaymelynn Farney – Kansas State University, Manhattan

Walt Fick – Kansas State University

John Guretzky – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Debora Hamernik - University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Keith Harmoney – Kansas State University, Western KS Ag. Res. Center, Hays, KS

Karla Jenkins – University of Nebraska, Panhandle R&E, Scottsbluff

Lyle Lomas – Kansas State University, Southeast Ag. Res. Center, Parsons, KS

James MacDonald – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Martin Massengale – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Joe Moyer – Kansas State University, Southeast Ag. Res. Center, Parsons, KS

Jay Parsons – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Rick Rasby – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Daren Redfearn – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Walt Schacht – University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Aaron Stalker– University of Nebraska, West Central R&E, North Platte

Jerry Volesky – University of Nebraska, West Central R&E, North Platte

Participants Attachment:

Attachment

Brief Summary of Minutes

Full 2014/2015 annual report attached as "Copy of Minutes" file below.

Dr. Deb Hamernik (Administrative Advisor) addressed the group and explained that some groups invite USDA-NIFA personnel to attend these meetings by conference call or adobe connect. The consensus of the group was that we should invite Dr. Steve Smith, the program coordinator for USDA-NIFA systems work in the beef cattle area to join the 2016 meeting.

Preliminary results of studies related to each objective were discussed by each group member. One of the experiments implemented this year to address objective 2 was implemented in 3 locations in Kansas and 3 locations in Nebraska. The preliminary results of this collaborative project were very different across locations. Additional collaborative project ideas were discussed for objectives 3 and 5.

The meeting next year will be held in Hays, KS and will likely be held after the Grazing Conference in Kearney, NE.

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Objectives List objective(s) worked on. The objectives listed in the project are: 1. Optimize the utilization of crop residues by grazing and harvesting and determine the effects on agroecosystems. 2. Evaluate strategies to increase efficient use and productivity of range and pasturelands through strategic timing and density of stocking and shifting species composition to more productive species. 3. Evaluate effects of integrating annual forage crops into year-round forage systems for beef production. 4. Develop innovative beef systems that match shifting forage resources. 5. Conduct multi-faceted education/extension program to disseminate research results, to include extension papers as well as regional conferences on the use of crop residues, annual forages, and range and pastureland by livestock. Accomplishments Nebraska Short-term outcomes: • Objective 1 o Beef producers can graze corn residue as a low cost feed option to improve sustainability without detrimental effects on subsequent corn grain productivity. o Average daily gains of calves grazing residue and supplemented with distillers grains can be predicted with reasonable accuracy. o Metabolizable protein supplementation with rumen undegradable protein is a key determinant in gains of growing calves grazing corn residue. o Harvesting methods which leave stems in the field result in higher quality residue bales. • Objective 2 o Measured dry forage mass of 4226 kg ha-1 in unfertilized smooth bromegrass stands on 2 June 2015 before interseeding annual warm-season grasses on 9 June 2015. The value is similar to other forage mass data we have collected in unfertilized smooth bromegrass pastures at this location. o Soil moisture content at depths of 0-15 and 15-45 cm average 19% 1 d after planting on 10 June 2015. o Annual warm-season grass establishment success varied with species. Seedlings m-1 row measured 30 d after planting on 7 July 2015 averaged 4 for corn, 18 for forage sorghum, 27 for sudangrass, 28 for sorghum-sudangrass, and 58 for pearl millet. o After 5 years of treatment application on Sandhills meadow, there is no difference in botanical composition and aboveground plant production among grazing systems (mob grazing, simple rotation grazing, and continuous grazing); and trampling of standing live vegetation is the greatest and harvest efficiency and yearling weight gain are the lowest for mob grazing. o On upland Sandhills range, grazing treatments (season-long continuous, 4-pasture deferred rotation, and 50-pasture rotation) have resulted in significant differences in grazing distribution with the 50-pasture rotation resulting in the most uniform distribution and continuous grazing the least. Effect of a heavy stocking rate (vs. moderate) is trending towards lower annual plant production. Length of grazing period (150 vs. 40 vs. 3 days) has not affected aboveground plant production. • Objective 3 o Late summer planted double cropped annual forages comprised of a mix of cool season grasses and brassicas can be a source of high quality forage and be used to background growing calves. Steers weighing 250 to 300 kg appear to gain 0.68 to 1 kg/d in Nov and December. However, herbicide strategy has a major impact on success of double crop forages, especially brassica species. • Objective 4 o Pregnancy rates of cows wintered on corn residue while nursing calves were adequate (90 – 100%), but additional numbers are needed to determine real effects of wintering system on reproductive performance. o Preliminary data suggest that wintering summer-calving pairs on cornstalk residue as part of an intensively managed system may result in cow BW and BCS losses compared to feeding pairs in a drylot. o Any negative changes in BW or BCS may be less of a hindrance on reproduction provided losses occur well after the breeding season and cows are in adequate BCS (? 5.0) prior to calving. o Daily gains for calves wintered on cornstalks with their dams may be similar to or less than those managed in a drylot, but delaying weaning beyond a conventional age (205 d) may increase weaning weight. o Complete sugarbeets can be mixed into a complete diet with wheat straw and wet distillers grains to maintain gestating beef cows on a limit fed diet. • Objective 5 o Research update articles have been disseminated to producers on forage cocktail mixtures. Accomplishments South Dakota Short-term outcomes: • Objective 1 o 45 corn hybrids were evaluated for yield and quality for corn and beef production. • Objective 3 o Experiments were initiated to evaluate impacts of stocking rate on performance and N excretion while grazing cover crops o An experiment was initiated evaluating cover crop mixtures for grazing cattle. • Objective 5 o Producer tours were given to show the progress of the cover crops. Nebraska Outputs: • 6 peer-reviewed journal articles • 4 professional presentations • 9 scientific abstracts • 21 research reports or proceedings • 1 popular press article • 7 webinars Accomplishments Illinois Short-term outcomes: • Objective 1 o Four methods of processing corn stalk residue were determined to have similar impacts on cattle performance • Objective 4 o MaxQ and KY-31 tall fescue were determined to have similar digestibility. Differences in cattle performance when grazing the two cultivars are not due to digestibility differences. • Objective 5 o Two field days were conducted to share the research results from Objectives 1 and 4 so producers could implement best management practices based on research. Milestones: • Research has been initiated and economic evaluation is ongoing. Project results have been presented at scientific meetings. Impacts: • Additional means of harvesting corn stover will be available for producers to determine the best practice for within their system. Producers are already incorporating these results. Accomplishments Kansas Short-term outcomes: • Objective 2 o Intensive early stocking rates were compared to continuous stocking rates on native pasture. Cow body condition score and calf weights were similar for both treatments. Yearling heifers also had similar gains regardless of treatment. o Legumes were interseeded into four tall fescue cultivars with varying endophyte status. Grazing will begin in 2016. o Warm season annual grasses were seeded into cool season perennial western wheatgrass and tall fescue at three locations across Kansas as part of a joint project with Nebraska where annuals were interseeded into cool season grasses across three locations. • Objective 5 o Extension meetings were conducted on research results of cover crop utilization for cattle and integrating crops and livestock. Approximately 450 producers attended. Kansas Outputs: Webinar for Kansas agriculture agents about fall annual forages for cattle production. 10 listened live, but the webinar is posted on the internal website for future agent visits. • Potentially toxic forage crops for livestock extension publication – MF3244, currently in publication department with estimated online publication date of October 2015 • AgToday radio interview about fall forage for cattle. • Davis. C, D. Presley, J. Farney, G. Sassenthrath. 2015. Evaluating multi-species cover crops for forage production. In: SEARC Agricultural Research 2015. Kansas State Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. and Coop. Extn. Serv., Manhattan, KS. 76p Nebraska Activities: • Objective 1 o Ongoing work at the West Central Water Research Field Laboratory near Brule, NE and at the Monsanto Water Learning Center near Gothenburg, NE continues where research experiments aims to determine the effects of corn residue by grazing and baling. o The impacts of grazing cornstalk residue in 3 tillage methods on subsequent crops of corn, dry edible beans, and sugarbeets were evaluated. One year of data is collected. Subsequent yield was not different in any crop between grazing or not grazed. However, yield was greater for conventional tillage and zone tillage compared to no tillage. o Harvesting methods which collect different proportions of plant parts were evaluated. o Supplementation strategies of calves grazing residue were evaluated. o Collaborated with Iowa State University to submit a NIFA-CAP grant focused on integrating cropping and livestock systems using corn residue (Objective 1), double crop annual forages (Objective 3), and summer confinement of cows (Objective 4). • Objective 2 o Establishment of a project to evaluate success of interseeding annual warm-season grasses into existing cool-season grass pastures at three locations in Nebraska (Mead, North Platte, and Sidney) and three locations in Kansas (Parsons, Manhattan, and Hays). o Establishment of the multi-state experiment on interseeding annual warm-season grasses into existing cool-season grass pastures at Mead, Nebraska. o Collected and analyzed data from the first year of the interseeding experiment at Mead including measurements of forage production from smooth bromegrass before interseeding, soil moisture before planting, soil moisture 45 days after planting, annual warm-season establishment 30 days after planting, forage mass 45 days after planting, and forage functional composition (seeded species, cool-season grasses, and other species) 45 days after planting. o Established the interseeded annual warm-season grass experiment at Mead with a Great Plains No-Till Drill. Great Plains Ag is a Salina, Kansas based company that specializes in seeding equipment. o Continued the grazing studies on meadow and upland range at UNL’s Barta Brothers Ranch. The sixth year of field data is being collected in 2015. • Objective 3 o Summer annual forage mixtures (forage cocktails) were compared to monoculture species in a semi-arid region in a dryland cropping rotation. Forages were evaluated for dry matter yield, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients. One year of data has been collected. There were no statistical differences in any mixtures or monocultures in tonnage produced, total digestible nutrients or acid detergent fiber. Crude protein was improved in the mixtures compared to the monocultures. o Collaborated with Kanas State University to submit a NCR-SARE grant focused on strengthening management guidelines for use of double cropped annual forages including species selection and grazing management. • Objective 4 o A second year of comparing summer calving cows wintered in a dry lot or wintered on corn residue was initiated. o Gestating beef cows were limit fed energy dense diets containing wheat straw, complete sugar beets and wet distillers grains or wheat straw, corn, and wet distillers grains. Diets were balanced to be isoenergetic. No differences in BCS change or BW were detected after a 47-d trial. • Objective 5 o Research from Objective 4 has been presented at 10 producer meeting and 3 producer conferences. o 2 field days related to Objective 1 were held at the West Central Water Research Field Laboratory. o Research results from the grazing strategy studies in Objective 2 have been presented at the 2015 Barta Brothers Field Day, the 2014 Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory Open House, the 2014 Nebraska Grazing Conference, and multiple producer meetings. o Collaborated with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension to submit a USDA-Risk Management Agency Risk Management Education Partnership proposal to provide comprehensive risk management education to livestock and forage producers in 2015-16. Milestones: • Objective 1 o Fields were established or evaluations of established fields continued where residue was removed either by grazing or baling. Soil samples were collected from fields. • Objective 2 o Multistate interseeding projects were initiated as described in the Activities section above. o Data on the long-term impacts of grazing strategy on vegetation productivity and utilization, harvest efficiency, and rangeland health continues to be collected on meadow and upland range at the Barta Brothers Ranch. • Objective 3 o Purchased seed for the interseeding annual warm-season grass project, which is used across all locations, from Green Cover Seed in Bladen, Nebraska, a local source specializing in no-till cover crop seed and cover crop seed mixes. o Baseline soil measurements were taken on fields where cover crop research will be occurring. • Objective 4 o Two treatments were imposed on multiparous, cross-bred beef cows that calve in July: • Cows and cow/calf pairs are managed in a drylot 365 days. • Cows and cow/calf pairs are managed in a drylot and graze corn residue. • At least three years of pregnancy data needs to be recorded. • Based on year one data, supplementation strategy may need adjusted to get comparable cow and calf performance. • Objective 5 o Received funding ($26,316) from the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center to provide market risk management and cost of production training to cattle producers in Nebraska in 2015-16.

Publications

Multi-State, Peer-Reviewed Publication (Nebraska and Kansas): Watson, A.K. Moore, T.J. Klopfenstein, L.W. Lomas, J.L. Moyer, and J.C. MacDonald. 2015. Strategic timing of distillers grains supplementation for growing cattle grazing smooth bromegrass pastures. The Professional Animal Scientist 31:417-424; http://dx.doi.org/10.15232/pas.2015-01398   Nebraska Publications Peer-reviewed Journals 1. Jenkins, K.H., S.A. Furman, J.A. Hansen, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2015. Limit feeding high-energy, by-product-based diets to late-gestation beef cows in confinement. Prof. Anim. Sci. 31:109-113.   2. Parlak, A.O., M. Parlak, H. Blanco-Canqui, W.H. Schacht. J. Guretzky, and M. Mamo. 2015. Patch-brun grazing: implications on water erosion and soil properties. J. Environmental Quality 44:903-909.   3. Peterson, S. J., B. L. Nuttelman, D. B. Burken, M. K. Luebbe, G. E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald. 2015. Use of a pelleted corn residue complete feed in receiving diets. The Professional Animal Scientist. 31:201-206.   4. Scasta, J. D., Engle, D. M., Fuhlendorf, S. D., Redfearn, D. D., Bidwell, T. G. Meta-analysis of exotic forages as invasive plants in complex multi-functioning landscapes. Invasive Plant Science and Management. Accepted: April 27, 2015. doi: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/IPSM-D-14-00076.1">http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/IPSM-D-14-00076.1 </a>   5. Stephenson, M.B., W.H. Schacht, J.D. Volesky, K. Eskridge, and D. Bauer. 2015. Time of grazing effect on subsequent-year standing crop in the eastern Nebraska Sandhills. Rangeland Ecol. & Manage. 68:150-157.   6. Watson, A. K., J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, P. J. Kononoff, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2015. Optimizing the use of fibrous residues in beef and dairy diets. J. Anim. Sci. 93:2616-2625.   Abstracts/Posters/Professional Presentations 1. Rasby, R., K.H. Jenkins, J. Warner, T. Klopfenstein. 2015. Managing beef cows in confinement. 2015 Northern States Beef Conference, January 4-5, 2015. Morton, MN. Proceeding. 2. Drewnoski, M., J. MacDonald, G. Erickson, K. Hanford and T. Klopfenstein. 2015. Long term effect of corn residue grazing on crop yields. J. Anim. Sci. 93, Suppl. 2: 24. 3. Cox. J., K. Hales, K. Ulmer, R. Rasby, S. Shackelford, H. Freetly, and M. Drewnoski. 2015. Effect of backgrounding system on beef calf performance. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93, Suppl. 3:885. 4. Jenkins, K.H., J. Warner, R.J. Rasby, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2014. Limit feeding production cows in confinement. Ken and Caroline Eng Foundation Cow-Calf Symposium. 5. Jenkins, K.H. 2014. Limit feeding production cows in confinement. High Plains Nutrition Roundtable. 6. Jenkins, K.H. 2014. Limit feeding production cows in confinement. State of Beef Conference. 7. J.M. Warner, K.H. Jenkins, R.J. Rasby, M.K. Luebbe, G.E. Erickson, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2014. Effects of calf age at weaning on cow and calf performance and feed utilization in an intensive production system. JAS 92(E-Supplement 2): pg 44 (Abstr 0101). 8. J.M. Warner, K.H. Jenkins, R.J. Rasby, K. Brooks, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2014. An economic analysis of conventional and alternative cow-calf production systems. 2014. JAS 92(E-Supplement 2): pg 125 (Abstr 0283). 9. MacDonald, J. C., G. E. Erickson, P. J. Kononoff, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2014. Optimizing the use of fibrous residues in beef and dairy diets. J. Anim. Sci. 92 (E-Suppl 2): 156 (Abstr.). 10. Harding, J. L., M. L. Jolly, J. C. MacDonald, and G. E. Erickson. 2014. Effects of processing of treated corn stover and distillers grains in intake and digestibility of feedlot diets. J. Anim. Sci. 296 (E-Suppl 2): 99 (Abstr.). 11. Jones, M., J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein, and G. E. Erickson. 2014. Comparison of commercially available lick tubs to daily by-product supplementation of calves grazing corn residue. J. Anim. Sci. 92 (E-Suppl 2): 772 (Abstr.). 12. Jones, M., J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein, G. E. Erickson, and A. K. Watson. 2014. Effect of distillers grains on average daily gain of cattle grazing corn residue. J. Anim. Sci. 92 (Suppl 2): 92 (Abstr.). 13. Jones, M., J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein, G. E. Erickson, K. Glewen, A. K.. Watson. 2014. Evaluation of changes in nutritional quality of corn residue throughout the grazing period. J. Anim. Sci. 92 (Suppl 2): 99 (Abstr.). 14. Lindsey, T.W., W.H. Schacht, J.D. Volesky, and M.D. Redden. 2015. Animal activity influenced by grazing strategy. Annual Meeting of Society for Range Management, Sacramento, CA. Abstr. 15. Peterson, S. J., B. L. Nuttelman, D. B. Burken, J. C. MacDonald, and G. E. Erickson. 2014. Use of treated corn residues in growing diets. J. Anim. Sci. 92 (Suppl 2): 172 (Abstr.). Book Chapters None to report at this time.   Curricula/Educational Materials 1. Drewnoski, M and D. Redfearn. 2015. Annual Cool-season Forages for Late-fall or Early-Spring Double-crop. NebGuide G2262. 2. Drewnoski, M and H. Blanco. 2015. Effect of Grazing Double-Cropped Annual Forages on Soil and Crop Yields. NebGuide G2264. 3. Rasby, R., M. Drewnoski, and L. Stalker. 2014. Grazing Crop Residues with Beef Cows. UNL Extension Circular. EC278: 1-14. <a href="http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/live/ec278/build/ec278.pdf">http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/live/ec278/build/ec278.pdf </a>   Extension Reports/Publications 1. Warner, J.M., A.J. Doerr, G.E. Erickson, R.J. Rasby, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2015. Supplementing cow/calf pairs grazing smooth bromegrass. 2015 Nebraska Beef Report. MP101:14-15. 2. Warner, J.M., C.J. Bittner, K.H. Jenkins, R.J. Rasby, M.K. Luebbe, G.E. Erickson, T.J. Klopfenstein. 2015. Effects of calf age at weaning on cow and calf performance and feed utilization in an intensive production system. 2015 Nebraska Beef Report. MP101:16-17. 3. Warner, J.M., K.H. Jenkins, R.J. Rasby, M.K. Luebbe, G.E. Erickson, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2014. Effects of calf age at weaning on cow and calf performance and efficiency in a drylot/confinement production system. 2014 Nebraska Beef Report. MP99:27-28. 4. Drewnoski, M and J. Parsons. 2015. Converting Marginal Irrigated Cropland To Cool Season Perennial Forage Production: Will It Pay?. UNL BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4433/25184.">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4433/25184. </a> 5. Drewnoski. M. 2015. Benefits of Corn Residue Grazing. Center for Grassland Studies Newsletter. <a href="http://grassland.unl.edu/documents/1980339/4508730/CGS+Winter-Spring+2015+web.pdf/48b82292-cd62-4bb6-811f-00f8555778f7.">http://grassland.unl.edu/documents/1980339/4508730/CGS+Winter-Spring+2015+web.pdf/48b82292-cd62-4bb6-811f-00f8555778f7. </a> 6. Jhala, A, B. Anderson and M. Drewnoski. 2015. Corn and Soybean Herbicide Options for Planting Cover Crops for Forage in Fall. UNL CropWatch Electronic Newsletter <a href="http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archive/-/asset_publisher/VHeSpfv0Agju/content/cover-crop-herbicide-options">http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archive/-/asset_publisher/VHeSpfv0Agju/content/cover-crop-herbicide-options </a> 7. Anderson, B., Redfearn, D. (2014). Establishing Cover Crops as Annual Forages in Hail-damaged Crop Fields. BeefWatch. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3455/19309">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3455/19309 </a> 8. Elmore, R., Redfearn, D., Hergert, G. W., Proctor, C., Blanco, H. (2014). Cover Crops: What we know and don't know., Amit Jhala (Ed.), (pp. 21-24). Lincoln NE: Proceedings 2015 Crop Production Clinics. Univ. of NE Extension. <a href="http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc">http://agronomy.unl.edu/cpc </a> 9. Mitchell, R., Anderson, B., Redfearn, D. (2014). Switchgrass for Forage and Bioenergy. (pp. pp 48-53). Proceedings of the 2014 Nebraska Grazing Conference. Center for Grassland Studies. 10. Drewnoski, M., Redfearn, D. (2014). Grazing Corn Residue is Win-Win for Crop and Cattle Producers. UNL CropWatch. <a href="http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archive/-/asset_publisher/VHeSpfv0Agju/content/grazing-corn-residue">http://cropwatch.unl.edu/archive/-/asset_publisher/VHeSpfv0Agju/content/grazing-corn-residue </a> 11. Drewnoski, M., Redfearn, D., Parsons, J. (2014). Adding Value to Calves by Grazing Corn Residue. (pp. 1). UNL BeefWatch. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3616/21149">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3616/21149 </a> 12. Redfearn, D., B. Anderson, J. Volesky. (2015). Converting Cropland Back to Grass Pastures. UNL BeefWatch. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3906/22010">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3906/22010 </a> 13. Redfearn, D., Drewnoski, M., Parsons, J. (2014). Hay Quality and Supplemental Feeding. UNL BeefWatch. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3543/20505">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3543/20505 </a> 14. Burr, C., Effect of residue removal on irrigated corn yields. 2014 Demonstration Report, Monsanto Water Learning Center at Gothenburg, NE. Available at: http://www.monsanto.com/ products/documents/learning-center-research/2014/glc-lc-effect-of-residue-removal-on-irrigated-corn-yields.pdf 15. Jones, M., J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, and R. Bondurant. 2015. Dried distillers grains supplementation of calves grazing irrigated corn residue. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 25-26. 16. Jones, M., J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, K. R. Brooks, D. B. Burken, R. Bondurant, and A. K. Watson. 2015. Comparison of commercial lick tubs to distillers grains supplementation for calves grazing corn residue. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 27-29. 17. Harding, J. L., C. J. Bittner, D. B. Burken, G. E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald. 2015. Effects of processing treated corn stover and distillers grains on performance of growing cattle. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 36-37. 18. Peterson, S. J., M. L. Bremer, A. L. Shreck, J. C. MacDonald, and G. E. Erickson. 2015. Digestibility of calcium oxide treated corn residue with de-oiled distillers grains. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 38-39. 19. Bremer, M. L., S. J. Peterson, A. L. Shreck, G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. 2015. Digestibility of de-oiled modified distillers grains plus solubles in forage-based diets. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 40-41. 20. Updike, J. J., A. C. Pesta, R. G. Bondurant, J. C. MacDonald, S. Fernando, G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein. 2015. Evaluation of the impact of an alternative corn residue harvest method on performance and methane emissions from growing cattle. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 42-44. 21. Drewnoski, M. E., L. A. Stalker, J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, K. J. Hanford, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2015. Effect of corn residue removal on subsequent crop yields. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 53-55. 22. Jones, M., J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein, G. E. Erickson, K. Glewen, and A. K. Watson. 2015. Evaluation of changes in nutritional quality of corn residue over time. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 59-61. 23. Schacht, W.H. and J.D. Volesky. 2014. Mob grazing research. (pp. 11-15) Proceedings of the 2014 Nebraska Grazing Conference. Center for Grassland Studies. 24. Updike, J. J., J. L. Harding, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. 2015. Effect of harvest method on in vitro digestibility of corn residues. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 101. Pp. 62-63. 25. Parsons, J. and K. Brooks. 2015. “LRP Insurance Performance 2005-2014.” UNL BeefWatch. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lincoln, NE. August 2015. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4433/25161.">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4433/25161. </a> 26. Brooks, K. and J. Parsons. 2015. “Marketing Plans for Your Livestock Operation.” UNL BeefWatch. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lincoln, NE. July 2015. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4399/24975.">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4399/24975. </a> 27. Jansen, J. and J. Parsons. 2015. “The Livestock Forage Disaster Program and Estimated Drought Losses in Nebraska from 2012 to 2014.” UNL BeefWatch. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lincoln, NE. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4050/23231.">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4050/23231. </a> 28. Parsons, J. and J. Jansen. 2015. “Recordkeeping and Documenting Livestock Indemnity Program Eligible Losses.” UNL BeefWatch. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lincoln, NE. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4050/23150.">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4050/23150. </a> 29. Parsons, J. and J. Jansen. “The Livestock Indemnity Program and the Importance of Recordkeeping.” UNL BeefWatch. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lincoln, NE. February 2015. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3955/22417.">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/3955/22417. </a> 30. Parsons, J. 2015. Controlling Risk in Grazing-Based Production Systems. (pp. 56-63.) Proceedings of the 2015 Nebraska Grazing Conference. Center for Grassland Studies. Articles in the Popular Press (non-peer reviewed) 1. Total confinement of beef cows is expensive. Ridin’ Herd. Angus Journal. March 2014.   Webinars/Videos and URL for online access 1. Dry Lotting and Confinement Cows Series o Part 1: Nutritional Considerations (February 2015) • http://beef.unl.edu/confinement-cows-series-part-1-nutritional-considerations o Part 2: Considerations on Facilities (March 2015) • http://beef.unl.edu/confinement-cows-series-part-2-facilities o Part 3: 42 Years of Research (April 2015) • http://beef.unl.edu/confinement-cows-series-part-3-42-years-of-research o Part 4: Economics (April 2015) • http://beef.unl.edu/confinement-cows-series-part-4-economics o Part 5: Pricing Feeds (April 2015) • http://beef.unl.edu/confinement-cows-series-part-5-pricing-feeds o Part 6: Management Considerations (April 2015) • http://beef.unl.edu/confinement-cows-series-part-6-management-considerations o Part 7: Understanding Environmental Regulations (April 2015) • http://beef.unl.edu/temporaryconfinement Student theses and/or dissertations None to report at this time.   South Dakota Extension Reports/Publications Grings, E. and R. Gates. Fall grazing of cover crops, July 24, 2014 SDSU Extension iGrow Website Sexton, P., B. Rops, G.C. Buus, J. Shubeck, W. Rusche, and E. Grings. Preliminary studies on grain yield following grazing of annual forages in a no-till corn-soybean system. SE Farm Annual Report 2014. Page 15 – 17. Grings, E., P. Sexton, and B. Rops. Preliminary results comparing grass and broadleaf based cover crop blends for livestock performance and effect on the following crop. SE Farm Annual Report 2014. Page 20 – 22. Articles in the Popular Press (non-peer reviewed) Grings, E., D.P. Casper and N. Mueller. Corn stalks can be great forage for beef and dairy cattle. Forage Focus. Page 20. December 2014   Illinois Publications: Peer-reviewed Journals 1. Kim, Minseok, Tara L. Felix, Steve C. Loerch, and Zhongtang Yu. 2014. Effect of haylage and monensin supplementation on ruminal bacterial communities of feedlot cattle. Curr. Microbiol. 69:169-175. 2. Felix, T.L., S.C. Loerch, and F.L. Fluharty. 2013. Protein supplementation for growing cattle fed a corn silage based diet. Prof. Anim. Sci. 30:327-332. 3. Felix, T.L., C.J. Long, S.A. Metzger, and K.M. Daniels. 2014. Adaptation to various sources of dietary sulfur by ruminants. J. Anim. Sci. 92:2503-2510. 4. Bohrer, B.M., B.M. Edenburn, D.D. Boler, A.C. Dilger, and T.L. Felix. 2014. Effect of feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx) with or without supplemental zinc and chromium propionate on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing steers. J. Anim. Sci. 92:3988-3996. 5. Duckworth, M.J., A.S. Schroeder, D.B. Faulkner, G.C. Fahey, and T.L. Felix. 2014. Effects of feeding calcium oxide treated wet distillers grains with solubles or treated corn stover to cattle on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal metabolism. Prof. Anim. Sci. 30:551-560. 6. Nuñez, A.J.C., T.L. Felix, R.P. Lemenager, and J.P. Schoonmaker. 2014. Effect of calcium oxide inclusion in beef feedlot diets containing 60% dried distillers grains with solubles on ruminal fermentation, diet digestibility, performance, and carcass characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 92:3954-3965. 7. Schroeder, A.R., M. Iakiviak, and T.L. Felix. 2014. Effects of feeding dry or modified wet distillers grains with solubles with or without supplemental calcium oxide on ruminal metabolism and microbial enzymatic activity of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 92:3997-4004. 8. Schroeder, A.R., M.J. Duckworth, D.W. Shike, J.P. Schoonmaker, and T.L. Felix. 2014. Effects of calcium oxide treatment of dry and modified wet distillers grains plus solubles on growth performance and apparent digestibility of feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. 92:4661-4668. 9. Stewart, J. L., C. F. Shipley, F. A. Ireland, T. L. Felix, V. L. Jarrell, S.C. Jimenez-Poveda, and D.W. Shike. 2014. Effects of different applications of pyrethrins and cyfluthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid, on bull reproductive parameters. Clin. Therio. 6:349 10. Shoup, L. M., A. C. Kloth, D. González-Peña, F. A. Ireland, S. Rodriguez-Zas, T. L. Felix, and D. W. Shike. 2015. Prepartum supplement level and age of weaning: I. Effects on pre- and postpartum cow performance and calf performance through weaning. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted) 11. Shoup, L. M., D. González-Peña, F. A. Ireland, S. Rodriguez-Zas, T. L. Felix, and D. W. Shike. 2015. Prepartum supplement level and age of weaning: II. Effects of developmental programming on performance and carcass composition of steer progeny. J. Anim. Sci. (Accepted) 12. Segers, J. R., T. L. Felix, A. R. Green, G. N. Maia, B. C. Ramirez, and D. W. Shike. 2015. Effect of dietary fat concentration from condensed corn distillers’ solubles, during the growing phase, on beef cattle performance, carcass traits, digestibility, and ruminal metabolism. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 13. Chapple, W.P., M.J. Cecava, D.B. Faulkner, and T.L. Felix. 2015. Effects of feeding processed corn stover and distillers grains on growth performance and metabolism of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 14. Nuñez, A.J.C., G. D. Lowe, T.L. Felix, S.C. Loerch, and J.P. Schoonmaker. 2015. Effect of dried distillers grains with solubles or corn in growing diets, followed by a corn-based finishing diet, on performance of feedlot cattle. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. (Accepted) Posters/Professional Presentations Fiber Conference, Champaign, IL. “Use of chemical treatments to increase the energetic value of fiber”. September 1, 2014 Alltech, Lexington, KY. “Insulin Resistance in Beef Cattle”. December 4, 2014 Alltech, Lexington, KY. “Programmed Nutrition”. December 4, 2014 Illinois Cattle Feeder Meeting, Macomb, IL. “Receiving and Transitioning Rations for Beef Cattle”. March 5, 2015 XIX Curso: Novos Enfoques na Produção e Reprodução de Bovinos. Uberlandia, MG, Brazil. “Use of alternative feeds for beef cattle”. March 19, 2015. XIX Curso: Novos Enfoques na Produção e Reprodução de Bovinos. Uberlandia, MG, Brazil. “Transitioning beef cattle from forage to grain”. March 19, 2015. XIX Curso: Novos Enfoques na Produção e Reprodução de Bovinos. Uberlandia, MG, Brazil. “Limit feeding strategies to optimize efficiency in beef cattle”. March 20, 2015.   Abstracts 1. Edenburn, B.M., N.A. Pyatt, and T.L. Felix. 2014. Effects of dose and duration of ractopamine hydrochloride supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 92(E-Suppl. 2):74. 2. Shoup, L.M., A.C. Kloth, D. Gonzalez Peña Fundora, F.A. Ireland, S.L. Rodriguez Zas, T.L. Felix, and D.W. Shike. 2014. Prepartum supplement level and age of weaning: I. Effects on pre-and postpartum beef cow performance and calf performance through weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 92(E-Suppl. 2):65. 3. Shoup, L.M., D. Gonzalez Peña Fundora, F.A. Ireland, S.L. Rodriguez Zas, T.L. Felix, and D.W. Shike. 2014. Prepartum supplement level and age of weaning: II. Effects of developmental programming on performance and carcass composition of progeny. J. Anim. Sci. 92(E-Suppl. 2):66. 4. Bloemer, M.E., M. Srinivasan, F.A. Ireland, D.W. Shike, and T.L. Felix. 2015. Differences in forage quality when comparing novel and endophyte-infected fescue over the growing season. J. Anim. Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 2):193. 5. Timlin, C.L., J.L. Stewart, F.A. Ireland, C.F. Shipley, V.L. Jarrell, D.W. Shike, and T.L. Felix. 2015. Effects of different applications of pyrethrin/pyrethrod insecticides on bull reproductive parameters. J. Anim. Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 2):194-195. 6. Wilson, T. B., B. C. Ramírez, L. F. Rodriguez, A. R. Green, D. D. Boler, A. C. Dilger, T. L. Felix, and D. W. Shike. 2015. Effects of Maternal Plane of Nutrition During Mid-Gestation on Beef Calf Post-Weaning Growth and Feed Efficiency, Methane Production, Insulin Sensitivity, and Carcass Characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 2):37. 7. Wilson, T. B., B. C. Ramírez, L. F. Rodriguez, A. R. Green, D. D. Boler, A. C. Dilger, T. L. Felix, and D. W. Shike. 2015. Effects of Maternal Plane of Nutrition During Late Gestation on Beef Calf Post-weaning Growth and Feed Efficiency, Methane Production, Insulin Sensitivity, and Carcass Characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 2):176. 8. Kneeskern, S.G., A.C. Dilger, S.C. Loerch, D.W. Shike, and T.L. Felix. 2015. Effects of Cr supplementation during gestation on beef cow performance and the interaction with Cr during finishing on progeny growth performance and carcass characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 2):189. 9. Edenburn, B.M., S.G. Kneeskern, B.M. Bohrer, W. Rounds, D.D. Boler, A.C. Dilger, and T.L. Felix. 2015. Effects of zinc, chromium, and beta-agonist supplementation on feedlot steers on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. J. Anim. Sci. 93(E-Suppl. 2):169.   Extension Reports/Publications 1. Felix, Tara L. 2015. Use of alternative feeds for beef cattle. XIX Curso: Novos Enfoques na Produção e Reprodução de Bovinos. March 19-20, 2015. 2. Felix, Tara L. 2015. Transitioning beef cattle from forage to grain. XIX Curso: Novos Enfoques na Produção e Reprodução de Bovinos. March 19-20, 2015. 3. Felix, Tara L. 2015. Limit feeding strategies to optimize efficiency in beef cattle. XIX Curso: Novos Enfoques na Produção e Reprodução de Bovinos. March 19-20, 2015.   Articles in the Popular Press (non-peer reviewed) 1. Felix, Tara L. 2014. Corn co-products: Challenges and changes. Progressive Dairyman. Issue 3, February 7, 2014.   Student theses and/or dissertations Chapple, Wesley, M.S., November 1, 2011 to December 14, 2014, “Utilization of chemically treated cornstalks and co-products to finish cattle”, now at UIUC, Orr Agricultural Research and Development Center, Beef Farm Manager Kneeskern, Samantha, In progress, August 16, 2013 to June 2015, “Effects of Cr Supplementation During Gestation on Beef Cow Performance and the Interaction with Cr During Finishing on Progeny Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics”, now at ASAS as Journalist Intern Edenburn, Bailey, In progress, August 16, 2013 to September 2015, “Effects of Zinc, Chromium, and Beta-agonist Supplementation to Feedlot Steers on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality”   Kansas Publications: Davis. C, D. Presley, J. Farney, G. Sassenthrath. 2015. Evaluating multi-species cover crops for forage production. In: SEARC Agricultural Research 2015. Kansas State Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. and Coop. Extn. Serv., Manhattan, KS. 76p. Lomas, L. W. and J. L. Moyer. 2015. Effects of supplementation with corn or dried distillers grains on gains of heifer calves grazing smooth bromegrass pastures, pp. 33-34. In: SEARC Agricultural Research 2015. Kansas State Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. and Coop. Extn. Serv., Manhattan, KS. 76p. <a href="http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/12/">http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/12/ </a> Lomas, L. W. and J. L. Moyer. 2015. Evaluation of supplemental energy source for grazing stocker cattle, pp. 30-32. In: SEARC Agricultural Research 2015. Kansas State Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. and Coop. Extn. Serv., Manhattan, KS. 76p. http://www. <a href="http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/11/">http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/11/ </a> Lomas, L. W. and J. L. Moyer. 2015. Effects of cultivar and distillers grains supplementation on grazing and subsequent finishing performance of stocker steers grazing tall fescue pasture, pp. 1-21. In: SEARC Agricultural Research 2015. Kansas State Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. and Coop. Extn. Serv., Manhattan, KS. 76p. <a href="http://www.newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/9/">http://www.newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/9/ </a> Lomas, L. W. and J. L. Moyer. 2015. Effects of various forage systems on grazing and subsequent finishing performance, pp. 22-29. In: SEARC Agricultural Research 2015. Kansas State Univ. Agric. Exp. Stn. and Coop. Extn. Serv., Manhattan, KS. 76p. http://www. <a href="http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/10/">http://newprairiepress.org/kaesrr/vol1/iss4/10/ </a> Min, D. H. and J. L. Moyer. 2015. Establishing legumes in a tall fescue sward. Amer. J. Pl. Sci. 6:355-361. Doi.org.10.4236/ajps.2015.62040. Moyer, J. L. and D. W. Sweeney. 2015. Responses of eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] forage quality to nitrogen application and harvest system. J. Plant Nutr. 38: (In Press). Moyer, J. L., R. J. Whitworth, and H. Davis. 2014. Flaming dormant alfalfa for pest control. Amer. J. Pl. Sci. 5:915-923. Doi.org.10.4236/ajps.2014.57104. Sweeney, D. W. and J. L. Moyer. 2014. Nitrogen timing, placement, and rate to improve tall fescue yield and quality. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.2134/FG-2014-0080-RS.

Impact Statements

Interseeding warm-season annuals in cool-season grass pastures can improve their utility during the ?summer slump? that typically occurs. Forage production and nutritive value could increase animal production and performance without requiring conversion of cropland to pasture. The potential of several forages needs to be evaluated for use in improving perennial pasture to extend the effective grazing season. The economic impact of beef production has been estimated from $1850 to $5200 per cow, depending on whether or not the economic impact of the feeder and finishing sector is separated from the cow/calf sector. If expansion of the forage resource on the same area were to enable the cowherd to expand from 29 million to 33 million head as a result of improved utilization for forage resources through the proposed strategy, the economic impact would be estimated at $7.4 billion for the cow-calf sector, and over $20 billion for the beef industry as a whole.
Data from previous studies (2015 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pp. 14-15 & 16-18) indicate that intensive management (confinement) of cowherds may be a viable alternative when forage resources for grazing are limited. Cornstalk residues represent a valuable forage resource for fall/winter grazing and may complement an intensive cow-calf production system because areas with fewer traditional forage resources also tend to favor grain crop production. Results from economic analyses of alternative cow-calf systems suggest that incorporating cornstalk grazing may decrease production costs (2015 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pp. 19-21). Gestating spring-calving cows have acceptable performance grazing cornstalk residue, yet few data are available regarding a lactating female and her calf when grazing the same forage resource.
Although mob grazing, using ultrahigh stocking density during the growing season, is commonly reported to increase aboveground plant production and to increase soil organic matter and soil depth, we have found no improvement in vegetation characteristics or soil properties relative to other grazing strategies after 5 years on Sandhills meadows. Furthermore, mob grazing has not resulted in an increase in harvest efficiency, carrying capacity, or livestock performance. The additional infrastructure and human resource requirements of mob grazing compared to other grazing strategies does not appear to be justified.
The length of grazing period during the growing season on upland Sandhills rangeland does not affect aboveground plant production, botanical composition, or soil organic matter content after 5 years of treatment application. Stocking rate appears to be the principal management factor affecting vegetation cover regardless the length of grazing period.
Effects of wintering system on cow-calf performance and reproduction in a summer-calving intensively managed cowherd were evaluated at two locations. Cow body condition change was not different between treatments in western Nebraska, but was greater for pairs fed in a drylot in eastern Nebraska. In western Nebraska, calf gain and weights were not different between treatments, but were greater for drylot calves in eastern Nebraska. Initial data indicate that wintering pairs on cornstalks may decrease cow performance and calf gain. If reproduction is adequate and grazing is not impeded, wintering pairs on cornstalks may be viable for later-calving cowherds.

Date of Annual Report: 10/26/2016

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/11/2016 - 08/12/2016
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2015 - 09/30/2016

Participants

Jaymelynn Farney (Kansas)
Keith Harmoney (Kansas)
Dale Blasi (Kansas)
Lyle Lomas (Kansas)
Joseph Moyer (Kansas)
Daren Redfearn (Nebraska)
Walt Schacht (Nebraska)
Jay Parsons (Nebraska)
Martin Massengale (Nebraska)
Mary Drewnoski (Nebraska)
John Guretzky (Nebraska)
Jerry Volesky (Nebraska)
Mary Drewnoski (Nebraska)
Mitch Stenphenson (Nebraska)
Deb Hamernik (Administrative Advisor; Nebraska)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Keith Harmoney (Kansas) served as Chair and host for the 2016 meeting in Hays, KS. Mary Drewnoski (Nebraska) served as Secretary.

Steve Smith (National Program Leader, USDA NIFA) joined by teleconference and provided an overview of NIFA funding opportunities and the potential fiscal year 2017 budget for NIFA.

Mary Drewnoski (Nebraska) will organize the 2017 meeting. Suggestions for dates and locations should be sent to Mary.

Minutes Attachment:

2016 NC1181 Report 102016.pdf

Accomplishments

Short-term outcomes: Objective 1 <ul> <li>Grazing pairs on cornstalks while supplemented DDGS appears to be a viable for later-calving cowherds and it is more profitable than the confining pairs and feeding a corn residue and distillers based diet. Partial budgets analysis suggests it will save $137/cow in winter feeding cost.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Beef producers can graze corn residue without negatively impacting the soil physical properties or soil organic matter.  Thus corn residue can be a low cost feed resource for cattle producers and a source of income for crop producers.</li> </ul> Objective 2 <ul> <li>After 6 years of treatment application on Sandhills meadow, there is no difference in botanical composition and aboveground plant production among grazing systems (mob grazing, simple rotation grazing, and continuous grazing); and trampling of standing live vegetation is the greatest and harvest efficiency and yearling weight gain are the lowest for mob grazing. The additional infrastructure and human resource requirements of mob grazing compared to other grazing strategies does not appear to be justified.</li> <li>After 6 years of grazing, the advantages of the additional infrastructure and human resource requirements of grazing strategies using short grazing periods (3-day and 37-day vs 150-day) are only beginning to appear. Although we have not yet reported our results in research and extension publications, ranchers are taking note of our research results presented at field days, open houses, the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, and the Nebraska Range Short Course.</li> <li>Modified intensive early stocking with cow/calf pairs on native rangeland appears to be viable option for producers and may allow producers to maintain or increase cow numbers on fewer perennial grassland acres. However, multiple years are needed to better evaluate effects.</li> </ul>  Objective 3 <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li>Quality of late summer planted oat and brassica mixes is very good and calf gains range from 1.5 to 2.2 lb/d. After two years of comparing performance of calves during the winter grazing period, use a late summer planted oat-brassica mix is slightly more costly than using corn residue and distillers in the midwest. However, it does result in slightly better marbling.</li> <li>Summer annuals grasses (BMR Sorghum Sudangrass vs foxtail millet) were compared as monocultures or in a mix with one of two legumes (soybean vs cowpeas) in combination with collards. A monoculture of Sorghum Sudangrass was high yielding but had lower CP than the foxtail millet or the mixes. Adding legumes and collards increased CP and TDN but also increased cost without increasing yield. Adding a legume and collards to either grass increased TDN and CP of the forage. With a July planting in the panhandle of NE the millet monoculture was the most economical when evaluated on a cost/ton of DM, CP, or TDN produced.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>In August 2014 and 2015, sixteen treatments were drill seeded at the Southeast Kansas Research Station near Columbus, Kansas. Each treatment consisted of a three-way mix representing cover crops from the plant families Brassicaceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae.  Eight species were planted, Forage radish (Raphanus sativus), Purple top turnip (Brassica rapa), Oat (Avena sativa), Rye (Secale cereale), Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Wheat (Triticum aestivium), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense), and Berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum). Forage quality analyses indicate that all mixes were of excellent forage value; therefore, the economic analysis evaluated the biomass produced with respect to the cost of the seed. Oat, turnip, and winter pea mix was the least expensive to plant at $21.44/acre and yielded the greatest biomass.</li> </ul> Objective 4 <ul> <li>Including feed beets in limit fed confinement diets resulted in similar BCS and BW as diets containing corn as the energy source. Beets harvested for feed beets had greater sugar content than rotting beets previously harvested for sugar. Beets in either production system were an acceptable energy source for maintaining production cows in confinement.</li> </ul> Objective 5 <ul> <li>Information presented on the use of cover crops for forage and the integration of cattle into cropping systems was valued at over 5.5 million dollars by participants in Nebraska.</li> </ul> During the three day Husker Harvest Days 169 producers modified their plans related to planting and/or using cover crops for forage.

Publications

Abstracts/Posters/Professional Presentations <ol> <li>K. Rakkar, H. Blanco, R. J. Rasby M. E. Drewnoski, J. C. MacDonald. K. M. Ulmer and J. L. Cox. 2016. Regional Assessment of Cattle Grazing and Baling of Corn Residues in Nebraska: Implications on Soil Ecosystem Services. SSSA National Meeting. Abstract 99962.</li> <li>C. Conway, T. M. King, M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein and M. E. Drewnoski. 2016. Effect of harvest method and ammoniation on apparent digestibility and intake of baled corn residue in lambs. ASAS National Meeting. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (E-Supplement 5): 678.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. M, J. L. Cox, M. K. Rakkar, R. G. Bondurant, M. E. Drewnoski, J. C. MacDonlad, H. Blanco-Canqui, and R. J. Rasby. 2016. Effect of baling or grazing of corn residue on the subsequent crop yields. ASAS National Meeting. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (E-Supplement 5): 563.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. M., R. G. Bondurant, J. L. Gramkow, G. W. Lesoing, M. E. Drewnoski and J. C. MacDonald. 2016. Observations of forage yield and steer average daily gain when double cropping forage following crop harvest. ASAS National Meeting. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (E-Supplement 5): 287.</li> <li>Cox, J. L., K. M. Ulmer, M. Rakkar, L. Franzen-Castle, H. Blanco-Canqui, M. E. Drewnoski, J.C. MacDonald, R. J. Rasby. 2016. Perceptions of crop consultants and producers in Nebraksa on grazing corn residue. ASAS Midwest Meeting. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (Supplement 2): 27.</li> <li>Cox, J.L., K. E. Hales, K. M. Ulmer, R. J. Rasby, S.D. Shackelford, H. C. Freetly and M.E. Drewnoski. 2016. Effect of backgrounding system on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers. ASAS Midwest Meeting. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (Supplement 2): 173.</li> <li>Volesky, J.D., W.H. Schacht, M.D. Redden, T. Lindsey, and J. Johnson. 2016. Grazing strategy effects on herbage utilization, production, and animal performance on Nebraska Sandhills meadow. p. 171-172. Proceedings 10th International Rangeland Congress. Saskatoon, SK., Canada.</li> <li>Soper, J.M., W.H. Schacht, J.D. Volesky, and J.L. Milby. 2016. Predicting aboveground plant production from precipitation patterns on Nebraska Sandhills rangeland. Annual Meeting of Society for Range Management, Corpus Christi, TX. Abstr.</li> <li>Tarr, K., W.H. Schacht, and J.D. Volesky. 2016. Does grazing period length affect herbage yield and heterogeneity of rangeland vegetation? Annual Meeting of Society for Range Management, Corpus Christi, TX. Abstr.</li> <li>Lindsey, T.W., J.D. Volesky, W.H. Schacht, and M.D. Redden. 2016. Animal activity influenced by grazing strategy. Annual Meeting of Society for Range Management, Corpus Christi, TX. Abstr.</li> <li>King, T. M., R. G. Bondurant, J. L. Harding, J. C. MacDonald, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2016. Effect of harvest method and RUP supplementation on residue quality and performance of growing calves. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (Suppl. 2): 42 (Abstr.).</li> <li>King, T. M., M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, J. L. Gramkow, J. C. MacDonald, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2016. Effect of harvest method on digestibility of corn residue. J. Anim. Sci. 94 (E-Suppl. 5): 677 (Abstr.).</li> <li>Redfearn, D.D., R.B. Mitchell, K.P Vogel, J.A. Guretzky, J.C. MacDonald, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2015. Cool-season Perennial Grass Options for the Western Corn Belt. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings, Minneapolis, MN.</li> </ol> Journal Articles <ol> <li>Moyer, J. L. and D. W. Sweeney. 2016. Responses of eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] forage quality to nitrogen application and harvest system. Plant Nutr. 39:17-26.  doi:10.1080/01904167.2014.962703.</li> <li>Drewnoski, M.E., J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, K. Hanford and T. J. Klopfenstein. Long-term corn residue grazing improves subsequent soybean yields in a corn-soybean rotation. Crop, Forage, and Turfgrass Management. doi: 10.2134/cftm2015.0192</li> <li>Blanco, H., L. A. Stalker, R. Rasby, T. Shaver, M.E. Drewnoski, S. van Donk, and L. Kibet. 2016. Does Cattle Grazing of Corn Residue Cause Losses of Sediment, Carbon, and Runoff Nutrients? Soil Science Society of America Journal. 80:168-177. doi: 10.2136/sssaj2015.07.0254.</li> <li>Warner, J.M., K.H. Jenkins, R.J. Rasby, M.K. Luebbe, G.E. Erickson, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2015. The Effects of Calf Age at Weaning on Cow/Calf Performance and Feed Utilization by Cow/Calf Pairs. Prof. Anim. Sci. 31:455-461</li> <li>Gramkow, J. L., C. J. Bittner, M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, D. B. Burken, G. E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald. 2016. Effects of processing treated corn stover and distillers grains on performance and total tract digestion of finishing cattle. J. Anim. Sci. doi: 10.2527/jas.2016-0546.</li> <li>Gillespie-Lewis, K. L., B. L. Nuttelman, J. D. Volesky, G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, C. MacDonald, and A. K. Watson. 2016.  Case Study: Distillers grains supplementation in a forage system with spayed heifers.  Prof. Anim. Sci. 32:357-367. DOI: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15232/pas.2015-01452">http://dx.doi.org/10.15232/pas.2015-01452</a>.</li> <li>Harding, J. L., C. J. Bittner, M. L Jolly, D. B. Burken, G. E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald. Effects of processing of treated corn stover and distillers grains on total tract digestion and performance of growing calves. Prof. Anim. Sci. 32:183-191. DOI: <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.15232/pas.2015-01429">http://dx.doi.org/10.15232/pas.2015-01429</a></li> </ol> Extension Reports/Publications <ol> <li>Lomas, L. W. and Moyer, J. L. (2016) "Effects of Supplementation with Corn or Dried Distillers Grains on Gains of Heifer Calves Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 2: Iss. 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1188</li> <li>Lomas, L. W.; Farney, J. K.; and Moyer, J. L. (2016) "Evaluation of Supplemental Energy Source for Grazing Stocker Cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 2: Iss. 3. http://dx.doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1187</li> <li>Lomas, L. W. and Moyer, J. L. (2016) "Effects of Various Grazing Systems on Grazing and Subsequent Finishing Performance," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 2: Iss. 3. <a>http://dx.doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1186</a></li> <li>Warner, J.M., C..J. Bittner, R. G. Bondurant, K.H. Jenkins, R.J. Rasby, M.K. Luebbe, G.E. Erickson, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2016. Effects of Wintering System on Cow and Calf Performance in a Summer-Calving Intensive Production System. 2016 Nebraska Beef Report. MP103:5-7.</li> <li>Jenkins, K.H., A. Berger, G. Hergert. 2016. Annual Forages Following Irrigated Wheat. 2016 Nebraska Beef Report. MP103:68-70.</li> <li>Cox, J. L., K.E. Hales, K. M. Ulmer, R. Rasby, S. D. Shackleford, C. Engle, J. Rieckman, H. C. Freetly and M. E. Drewnoski. 2016. Utilizing Corn Residue or Fall Double Cropped Forages for Winter Backgrounding of Calves. Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. MP 103: 55-57.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. M., R. G. Bondurant, L. Harding, G. Lesoing, M. E. Drewnoski and  J. C.  MacDonald. 2016. Observations of Forage Quality and Calf Gain when Grazing Double Cropped Forage following Wheat Harvest.  Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. MP 103: 65-67.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. M., C. J. Bittner, F. H. Hilscher, G. E. Erickson, and G. E. Erickson. 2016. Evaluation of different byproduct combinations along with treated corn stover on growing steer performance. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 27-28.</li> <li>Tibbitts, B. T., J. C. MacDonald, R. N. Funston, C. A. Welchons, R. G. Bondurant, and F. H. Hilscher. 2016. Effects of supplemental energy and protein source on performance of steers grazing irrigated corn residue. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 31-32.</li> <li>Harding, J. L., M. L. Jolly. G. E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald. 2016. Effects of replacing a traditional growing diet with a complete pelleted feed on total tract digestibility of growing diets. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 33-35.</li> <li>Welchons, C. A., C. J. Bittner, D. B. Burken, J. C. MacDonald, and G. E. Erickson. 2016. Effect of pelleted byproducts on performance when fed to growing cattle. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 36-37.</li> <li>Welchons, C. A., R. G. Bondurant, F. H. Hilscher, J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, and C. A. Nichols. 2016. Effect of pelleted feed products and Bambermycins on performance when fed to cattle grazing residue. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 38-39.</li> <li>Bondurant, R. G., B. L. Nuttelman, C. J. Bittner, J. C. MacDonald, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2016. Effect of winter distillers grains supplementation level on spayed heifer performance. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 52-53.</li> <li>McPhillips, L. J., J. J. Updike, J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein, J. L. Harding, and M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt. 2016. Effect of corn residue composition on digestibility by lambs. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 74-75.</li> <li>Updike, J. J., L. J. McPhillips, M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, J. L. Harding, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. 2016. Effect of corn residue harvest method on in vivo and in vitro digestibility. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 76-78.</li> <li>King, T. M., R. G. Bondurant, J. L. Harding, J. C. MacDonald, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2016. Effect of harvest method on residue quality. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 103. Pp. 81-83.</li> <li>Jhala, A. J., D. D. Redfearn, B. A. Anderson, M. E. Drewnoski, and C. A. Proctor. 2016. Herbicide options for planting Forage Cover Crops Following corn and Soybean. NebGuide. G2276. 1-7. <a>http://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/g2276.pdf</a></li> <li>Schott, L. and M.E. Drewnoski. 2016. Life underground: effect of cover crop use on soil microbe populations in crop fields. In perspective. Central North Platte NRD newsletter. August. <a>http://cpnrd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/August2016.pdf</a></li> <li>Drewnoski, M.E. 2016. Planting cover crops for forage in August After Wheat-Research Summary. UNL BeefWatch. May. <a>http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/5311/30449</a></li> <li>Volesky, J.D. and M. Drewnoski. 2016. Planning Annual Forage Systems. UNL BeefWatch and CropWatch. March. <a>http://cropwatch.unl.edu/planning-annual-forage-systems</a></li> <li>Drewnoski, M.E., N. Mueller, R. Saner, P. Jasa, G. Zoubek, J. Rees, K. Pekarek, R. Elmore, D. D. Redfearn and G. Lesoing. 2015. Report on Cover Crop Survey of Nebraska Farmers. CropWatch Electronic Newsletter. December. <a>http://cropwatch.unl.edu/report-cover-crop-survey-nebraska-farmers</a></li> <li>Drewnoski, M. E. 2015. How Much Can Selective Harvest Improve The Feed Value Of Baled Corn Stover For Cattle? BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. November. <a>http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4656/26888</a></li> <li>Parsons, J. and M. E. Drewnoski. 2015. Rental Agreements for Cover Crop Grazing. Cornhusker Economics. November. <a>http://agecon.unl.edu/cornhusker-economics/2015/rental-agreements-cover-crop-grazing</a></li> <li>Drewnoski, M. E. 2015. Should you be using cover crops on your corn silage fields? Moosletter (Nebraska Diary).October. <a>https://www.smore.com/pmzz0-moosletter</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D D., R. B. Mitchell, J. Parsons, M. E. Drewnoski. 2015. Incorporating Annual Forages into Crop-Forage-Livestock Systems. Proceedings Nebraska Grazing Conference. <a>http://grassland.unl.edu/documents/Redfearn%20edited.pdf</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D. (2015). Cover Crop or Forage Crop…You Decide. BeefWatch. November <a>http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4656/26826</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D., B. Anderson. The Nitrate Dilemma. (2015). BeefWatch. November <a>http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4452/25542</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D., B. Anderson. The Nitrate Dilemma. (2015). CropWatch. November <a>http://cropwatch.unl.edu/high-nitrate-forages</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D., B. Anderson, Jerry Volesky, and M. Stephenson. 2016. Winter small grains or spring small grains-which should I plant? BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. July. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/5404/31138">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/5404/31138</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D., J. Volesky, and B. Anderson. 2016. What can we expect from forage cover crops? BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. January. <a>http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/4870/27932</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D., J. Volesky, and B. Anderson. 2016. What can we expect from forage cover crops? CropWatch Electronic Newsletter. January. <a href="http://cropwatch.unl.edu/what-can-we-expect-forage-cover-crops">http://cropwatch.unl.edu/what-can-we-expect-forage-cover-crops</a></li> <li>Anderson, B., and D.D. Redfearn. 2016. The Challenge of Nitrates in Cover Crop Forages. BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. September. <a>http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/5578/31876</a></li> <li>Jhala, A., D. Redfearn, B. Anderson, M. Drewnoski, and C. Proctor. 2016. Herbicide options for planting forage cover crops after corn and soybean. BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. April. <a href="http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/5145/29837">http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/5145/29837</a></li> </ol> Articles in the Popular Press (non-peer reviewed) <ol> <li>Jenkins, K. H. April 2016. Alternatives to Grazing Native Range in Emergency Situations. Progressive Cattlemen. <a href="http://www.progressivecattle.com/topics/range-pasture/7306-3-alternatives-to-grazing-native-range-in-emergency-situations">http://www.progressivecattle.com/topics/range-pasture/7306-3-alternatives-to-grazing-native-range-in-emergency-situations</a></li> <li>Jenkins, K. H. July 2016. Drylot Design for Cow-Calf Operations. Progressive Cattlemen. <a href="http://www.progressivecattle.com/images/downloads/2016/06/14/0716pc-centerspread.pdf">http://www.progressivecattle.com/images/downloads/2016/06/14/0716pc-centerspread.pdf</a></li> <li>Redfearn, D.D. 2016. Small grains as forage: Harvest soon, not late. Progressive Forage, January 29, 2016. Online: http://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-production/management/small-grains-as-forage-harvest-or-graze-soon-not-late#</li> </ol> Webinars/Videos and URL for online access Nebraska <ol> <li>Volesky, J.D.  Planning Annual Forage Systems. (March 2016). <a href="http://beef.unl.edu/planning-annual-forage-systems-webinar">http://beef.unl.edu/planning-annual-forage-systems-webinar</a></li> <li>Drewnoski, M. E. Understanding and Managing Nitrate Risk in Double Crop Forages. (November 2015).<a>http://beef.unl.edu/understanding-and-managing-nitrate-risk-double-crop-forages-cover-crops</a></li> <li>Drewnoski, M. E. Cool Season Annuals (cover crops) for Late Fall and Early Spring Forage. (October 2015). <a href="http://beef.unl.edu/cool-season-annuals-late-fall-early-spring-forage">http://beef.unl.edu/cool-season-annuals-late-fall-early-spring-forage</a></li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Using management practices that mimic modified early intensive stocking to increase beef cattle stocking density for breeding herds may allow producers to maintain or increase cow numbers for beef production on fewer perennial grassland resources.

Date of Annual Report: 10/12/2017

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/15/2017 - 08/16/2017
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2016 - 09/30/2017

Participants

Jaymelynn Farney
Lyle Lomas
Keith Harmony
Mary Drewnoski
Karla Jenkins
Jim McDonald
Darren Redfearn
Mitchell Stephenson
Jay Parsons
Jerry Volesky
John Guretzky
Deb Hamernik (Administrative Advisor)

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

NC1181 final report 201710.pdf

Accomplishments

Accomplishments Multi-state collaborations: <ul> <li>Objective 2</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Five site locations have completed two years of replicated research in Kansas and Nebraska where summer annuals were interseeded into perennial cool season forages. All site locations followed the same protocol for treatments and data reporting.  Individual locations have presented data in local publications; however, there is discussion to generate a multi-state, multi-location peer-review article.</li> <li>Interseeding summer annuals in cool season perennials data and abstract were presented at National Agronomy meeting.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 3</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Farney and Drewnoski have completed a survey about nitrate issues in cattle operations, with plans to submit a regional SARE grant about nitrates in cover crops (annual forages). Submissions close October 1, 2017.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 5</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Planning began in August between Drs. Jenkins, Drewnoski, and Farney to host a 3-part meeting series at the borders of Kansas-Nebraska in 2017 with the over-reaching theme “Cattle management in limited perennial pastures”. Meetings are scheduled for December 12 in Marysville, KS; December 13 in Blue Hill, NE; and December 14 in Oberlin, KS.</li> </ul> Short-term outcomes: <ul> <li>Objective 1</li> </ul> <ul> <ul> <li>Grazing pairs on cornstalks while supplemented DDGS resulted in less ADG for calves and decreased BW for cows compared to pairs limit fed in total confinement. Body condition score was in excess of maintenance for the confined cows. The pairs on the cornstalk residue were more profitable than the confined cows.</li> <li>Displacing distillers grains with corn does not maintain performance of steers grazing corn residue.</li> <li>Providing supplemental urea or bambramycin does not improve the performance of steers grazing corn residue.</li> </ul> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 2</li> </ul> <ul> <li>After 6 years of treatment application on Sandhills meadow, there is no difference in botanical composition and aboveground plant production among grazing systems (mob grazing, simple rotation grazing, and continuous grazing); and trampling of standing live vegetation is the greatest and harvest efficiency and yearling weight gain are the lowest for mob grazing.</li> <li>Shorter grazing periods improve grazing distribution and reduce utilization at preferred topographical positions. Shorter grazing periods appear to support higher stocking rates without negative impacts to pasture production and species composition.</li> <li>Modified intensive early stocking with cow/calf pairs on native rangeland appears to be viable option for producers and may allow producers to maintain or increase cow numbers on fewer perennial grassland acres. Cow performance appears, after two years of data, to be improved in an intensive early stocking system, where calf removal occurs at mid-season of grazing.</li> <li>In the first year after establishment, legumes in tall fescue pasture for stocker steers did not impact their finishing performance or carcass characteristics</li> <li>Stocker gain and gain per acre is reduced on high-endophyte fescue pastures versus reduced or modified endophyte fescue pastures. This continued through finishing where steers on high endophyte fescue had lower final wight, carcass weight, while having a lower backfat and numberical yield grade.</li> <li>In the first year of establishment, regardless of whether legumes were interseeded in bermudagrass or not, and grazed by gestating beef cows, cow gains and forage availability were similar.</li> <li>Summer annual interseeded into fescue may fill a “gap” in forage production for cattle operations. Corn and fields with fescue only had the lowest yield of forage, and a 1-cut system produced 33% more in fall than those that were cut twice.</li> <li>The summer annuals, sudangrass and sorghum-sudgangrass intreseeded into Western wheat grass yielded the most while a one-cut system of harvesting also yielded the most grass. In Western Kansas rainfall during the summer plays a significant role in summer annual emergence and persistence.  During 2015 all the warm-season plants desiccated under continued dry conditions prior to harvest thus mitigating any additional tonnage effects, however, in 2016 there was some warm-season annuals that were harvestable.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 3</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Scanning images of blood and analyzing for red, green, and blue values shows potential as an inexpensive, chute-side test for methemoglobin as a diagnosis for nitrate toxicity. Nitrates are high in cover crops and have potential for toxicity issues in ruminant species.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 4</li> <ul> <li>Field peas were evaluated relative to distillers grains as a protein supplement for grazing cattle. Two levels (0.4 and 0.8% BW) of field peas or dried distillers grains were fed to assist in the establishment of price structure for cull peas when they are unacceptable for human consumption or the pet food market is saturated. Preliminary results indicate supplementing field peas does not result in as much daily gain as feeding distillers grains.</li> <li>Horn fly control and growth implants are effective strategies for heifers grazing Flint Hills pasture.</li> </ul> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 5</li> <ul> <li>Producer publications have been written, approximately two consultations with producers per week regarding feeding and managing confinement cows have been conducted, 6 conference or extension meeting presentations have been conducted.</li> </ul> </ul> Outputs: <ul> <li>7 peer-reviewed journal articles</li> <li>16 scientific abstracts</li> <li>29 research reports or proceedings</li> <li>32 popular press article</li> <li>16 audio recordings</li> <li>4 theses</li> </ul> Activities <ul> <li>Objective 1</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Master’s student reported on year 1 data at the Nebraska and National Society for range management meetings and at the UNL Barta Brothers Ranch Field Day.</li> <li>Two studies evaluating the effects of ammoniation of corn residue on feeding value were conducted</li> <li>Third year of on-farm research in Nebraska at 6 sites evaluating the impacts of grazing and baling of corn residue on crop yields and soil ecosystem services were completed.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>An experiment evaluating supplementation of urea to calves grazing corn residue supplemented with distillers grains was conducted.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 2</li> <ul> <li>The 2nd year of data was collected evaluating intensive early stocking of native mixed-grass rangelands with cow/calf pairs in Kansas at two sites.</li> <li>The second year of no-till interseeding of annual warm-season grasses into perennial cool-season grass pastures (smooth bromegrass, tall fescue, and Western wheatgrass) and annual cool-season grasses into warm-season grass pastures (native rangeland and bermudagrass) was conducted in Nebraska and Kansas.</li> <li>Experiments evaluating perennial legumes in tall fescue pastures and annual and perennial legumes in bermudagrass pastures was continued in Kansas.</li> <li>Interseeding warm-season annuals into cool-season perennials were continued for the second year at five locations in Kansas and Nebraska.</li> </ul> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 3</li> </ul> <ul> <li>An on-farm research experiment evaluating the profitability of grazing rye with growing calves within an integrated production system was initiated.</li> <li>Completed a summer scholars event with undergraduate student to determine the feasibility of using blood and color via images to determine methemoglobin concentrations as a measure of nitrate toxicity.</li> <li>Collected one year data from producer ranches and began research evaluating a cool-season annual forage within a wheat rotation. A Master’s student was recruited.</li> <li>The second year of data evaluating the use of oats planted after corn silage or high moisture corn for background calves and the subsequent impact on summer cash crop productivity was conducted.</li> <li>An on-farm research experiment evaluating the profitability of grazing rye with growing calves within an integrated production system was conducted.</li> <li>The second year of data evaluating the use of oats planted after corn silage or high moisture corn for background calves and the subsequent impact on summer cash crop productivity was conducted.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 4</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Complete sugar beets will be evaluated for growing and finishing cattle as an energy source replacing some corn.</li> <li>Field peas will be evaluated for relative value to more traditional supplementation <ul> <li>An experiment evaluating a traditional cow-calf production system to one utilizing confinement, crop residue, and annual forages was initiated.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 5</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Producer publications will continue to be written, one on one consults for feeding and managing confinement cows will be conducted, extension meetings are being planned, specifically a series of joint extension meetings with the members from Kansas are being planned to address results from objectives 1,3,4, and 5.</li> <li>Over 375 participants in 7 extension presentations received information about horn fly control for pasture animals.</li> <li>At KSU Beef Stocker Field Day and Cattlemen’s Day, were nearly 1,250 participants were exposed to information about grazing cover crops, pasture management, and animal management for improvement production.</li> <li>Delivered 15 extension presentations to approximately 750 participants on objectives 1 and 2.</li> <li>Co-hosted 4 extension outreach events including the Barta Brother Open House and cover crop field days that were attended by nearly 200 participants.</li> <li>Developed online Crop Residue Exchange (http://cropresidueexchange.unl.edu) for crop producers to list cropland available for grazing using an interactive map and entering information about the type of residue, fencing situation, water availability, and dates available. Also, livestock producers can search the database for cropland available for grazing.</li> </ul> Milestones: <ul> <li>Objective 1</li> <ul> <li>A journal article describing the effect of corn residue harvest methods was submitted to the Journal of Animal Science for publication.</li> <li>The multi-year experiment evaluating the effect of grazing or baling of corn residue on crop yields and soil ecosystems services at multiple site in NE was completed.</li> </ul> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 2</li> </ul> <ul> <li>The multi-year experiments evaluating grazing strategies and their effects on native rangeland and meadows were continued in NE.</li> <li>A new multi-year experiments to evaluate the impacts of early intensive stocking was continued in KS.</li> <li>The multi-year experiment evaluating interseeding of annual into perennial pastures at multiple locations in KS and NE was continued</li> <li>A multi-year experiment evaluating interseeding legumes into cool season perennials in KS was continued.</li> <li>Serecia lespedeza control and pasture restoration in heavily infested areas has completed year one of two data collection and working on analysis.</li> <li>A multi-year study evaluating continuous and rotational grazing in cool season grasses was completed.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 3</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Experiments evaluating forage quality, biomass production, calf gains and economics of annual forages and cover crops planted in KS and NE were conducted.</li> <li>First test to determine if a chute-side test for methemglobin as a measure of nitrate toxicity was completed and data presented at BCI Summer Scholars meeting.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Objective 5</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Information related to the outcomes of objectives 1 through 4 were disseminated through UNL Beef online through the beef.unl.edu website which had 5,000 repeat visitors and 650,000 views in 2016. The BeefWatch electronic newsletter which had 46,000 views in 2016.</li> <li>Research results studies in objective 1, 3 and 4 were presented at 16 events, educating 1,130 cattle and/or crop producers.</li> <li>A survey of cattle producers was conducted to gauge current management and perceptions regarding nitrates in annual forages to allowing more targeted and informed educational programming.</li> <li>A presentation was made at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Convention and four workshops were held at four locations in Nebraska focused on risk management tools for forage and livestock producers educating 54 producers on using annual forage and pasture insurance tools. A recorded webinar presentation titled Annual Forage Insurance Plan for Precipitation was posted online at http://beef.unl.edu/annual-forage-insurance-plan-precipitation.</li> </ul>

Publications

Abstracts/Posters/Professional Presentations <ol> <li>Sweeney, D. W., J. L. Moyer, and J. K. Farney.   N, P, and K fertilization for newly established tall fescue.  Poster, ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ.  6-9 Nov. </li> <li>Moyer, J. L., R. R. Price, and L. W. Lomas.   Estimating crude protein concentration of smooth bromegrass pasture using NDVI data. Poster, ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ.  6-9 Nov.    </li> <li>Guretzky, J. A., J. Volesky, M. Stephenson, J. L. Moyer, W. H. Fick, and K. R. Harmoney.   Establishment of annual warm-season grasses in cool-season grass pastures.  Poster, ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ.  6-9 Nov.*</li> <li>Trehal, S.S, J.L. Talley, K.D. Sherrill, T.J. Spore, R.N. Wahl, W.R. Hollenbeck and D.A. Blasi. 2017. Horn fly control and growth implants are effective strategies for heifers grazing Flint Hills pasture. 2017 Cattlemen’s Day poster.</li> <li>S. Weibert, T.J.Spore, M.A. Johnson, F.K. Brazle, G.L. Kuhl, W.R. Hollenbeck, R.N. Wahl and D.A. Blasi. 2017. Salt and trace mineral sources and growth implants on performance of stocker cattle grazing native Flint Hills pastures. 2018 Cattlemen’s Day poster (to be presented).</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B., B. Schiltz, and R. Bolze. 2017. Evaluation of the Nebraska Grazing Land Coalition Rangeland Monitoring Program. Abstracts of the 70th Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. St. George, UT.</li> <li>Stott, J., and M. B. Stephenson. 2017. Grazing distribution on Nebraska Sandhills. Abstracts of the 70th Annual Meetings of the Society for Range Management. St. George, UT.</li> <li>Sprinkle, J., M. B. Stephenson, and K. Olsen. 2017. Grazing behavior in-service. Workshop organized in conjunction with the 70th Annual Meeting of the Society for Range Management. Springdale, UT. 35 participants</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B., and D. W. Bailey. 2017. Methodologies to determine if independence exists among individuals grazing within the same pasture. Grazing Behavior In-service. Springdale, UT, January 27, 2017.</li> <li>Cox, J.L., K. E. Hales, K. M. Ulmer, R. J. Rasby, S.D. Shackelford, H. C. Freetly and M. E. Drewnoski. 2017. Two-Year Study: Effect of Backgrounding System on Growing and Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Steers. ASAS Midwest</li> <li>Drewnoski, M. E., J. Parsons, D. Redfearn, H. Blanco-Canqui and J. C. MacDonald. 2017. Can cover crops pull double duty: Conservation and profitable forage production? ASAS Annual Meeting.</li> <li>Redfearn, D., and R. Mitchell, M. Schmer, and V. Jin. A model integrated crop-livestock system for eastern Nebraska. In meeting abstracts of Prairie and Native Grass International Conference; Switchgrass IV, August 7-11, 2017, Lincoln, NE.</li> <li>Redfearn, D.D., R.B. Mitchell, A. Hassebrook, and S. Masterson. 2016. Yield and nutritive value trends for stockpiled small grains in the western Corn Belt. In 2016 Annual Meetings Abstracts ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. Online: https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2016am/webprogram/Paper100980.html</li> <li>Schmer, M.R., R.M. Brown, V.L. Jin, R.B. Mitchell, and D.D. Redfearn. Corn residue utilization in the USA. In 2016 Annual Meetings Abstracts ASA, CSSA, SSSA, Madison, WI. Online: <a href="https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2016am/webprogram/Paper100118.html">https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2016am/webprogram/Paper100118.html</a></li> <li>Welchons, C. A., V. B. Ferrari, R. G. Bondurant, F. H. Hilscher, G. E.Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. 2017. Supplementing varying ratios of modified distillers grains and corn to growing beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl. 1): 168 (Abstr.).</li> <li>Welchons, C. A., R. G. Bondurant, F. H. Hilscher, J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein, and A. K. Watson. 2017. Effect on continuous or rotational grazing on growing steer performance and land production. J. Anim. Sci. 95 (Suppl. 1): 170 (Abstr.).</li> </ol>     Journal Articles <ol> <li>Moyer, J. L., and D. W. Sweeney.   Growth and forage quality responses of smooth bromegrass to nitrogen placement and timing.  Agron. J. 108:1-9. doi:10.2134/agronj2015.0503.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B., H. Wilmer, R. Bolze, and B. Schiltz. 2017. Evaluating an on-ranch rangeland monitoring program in Nebraska. Rangelands accepted</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B., and D. W. Bailey. 2017. Do movement patterns of GPS-tracked cattle on extensive rangelands suggest independence among individuals? Agriculture 7(58):1-17.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B., D. W. Bailey, R. Bruegger, and L. Howery. 2017. Factors affecting the efficacy of low-stress herding and supplement placement to target cattle grazing locations. Rangeland Ecology and Management 70:202-209.</li> <li>Rakkar, M., M. E. Drewnoski, J. C. MacDonald, T. K. Klopfenstein, R. Driber, and H. Blanco. 2016 (accepted). Impacts of Cattle Grazing of Corn Residues on Soil Properties after 16 years. Soil Sci. Soc. of America J.</li> <li>Cox, J., K. M. Ulmer, M. Rakkar, L. Franzen-Castle, H. Blanco-Canqui, M. E. Drewnoski, J. C. MacDonlad and R. J. Rasby.2017. Perceptions of Crop Consultants and Crop Producers on Grazing Corn Residue in Nebraska. Journal of Extension. (accepted)</li> <li>Mitchell, R.B., D.D. Redfearn, K.P. Vogel, T.J. Klopfenstein, S. Baenziger, and B.E. Anderson. 2017. Beef cattle grazing gains on wheat, cereal rye, and triticale cover crops following soybean in eastern Nebraska. Agronomy Journal (submitted September 13, 2017).</li> </ol>   Extension Reports/Publications <ol> <li>Lomas, L. W.; Farney, J. K.; and Moyer, J. L. (2017) "Evaluation of Supplemental Energy Source for Grazing Stocker Cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 3: Iss. 2. <a href="https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1371">https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1371</a></li> <li>Lomas, L. W. and Moyer, J. L. (2017) "Effects of Interseeding Ladino Clover into Tall Fescue Pastures of Varying Endophyte Status on Grazing Performance of Stocker Steers," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 3: Iss. 2. <a href="https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1372">https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1372</a></li> <li>Lomas, L. W. and Moyer, J. L. (2017) "Effects of Supplementation with Corn or Dried Distillers Grains on Gains of Heifer Calves Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 3: Iss. 2. <a href="https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1370">https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1370</a></li> <li>Lomas, L. W. and Moyer, J. L. (2017) "Effects of Various Grazing Systems on Grazing and Subsequent Finishing Performance," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 3: Iss. 2. <a href="https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1373">https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1373</a></li> <li>Moyer, J. L. and Lomas, L. W. (2017) "Including Legumes in Bermudagrass Pastures," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 3: Iss. 2. <a href="https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1375">https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1375</a></li> <li>Trehal, S.S, J.L. Talley, K.D. Sherrill, T.J. Spore, R.N. Wahl, W.R. Hollenbeck and D.A. Blasi. 2017. Horn fly control and growth implants are effective strategies for heifers grazing Flint Hills pasture. 2017 Cattlemen’s Day</li> <li>S. Weibert, T.J.Spore, M.A. Johnson, F.K. Brazle, G.L. Kuhl, W.R. Hollenbeck, R.N. Wahl and D.A. Blasi. 2017. Salt and trace mineral sources and growth implants on performance of stocker cattle grazing native Flint Hills pastures. 2018 Cattlemen’s Day poster (to be presented).</li> <li>Dunn, C. D., M. B. Stephenson, J. Stubbendieck. 2017. Common Forbs and Shrubs of Nebraska: Rangeland, Prairie, Pasture (Revision). University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Circular EC1180. 260 p.</li> <li>Dunn, C. D., M. B. Stephenson, J. Stubbendieck. 2017. Common grasses of Nebraska: Rangeland, Prairie, Pasture (Revision). University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Circular EC170. 178 p.</li> <li>Groskopf, J., C. Creech, G. Hergert, M. Luebbe, D. Santra, M. Stephenson, G. Stone. Agriculture in the Nebraska Panhandle. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Circular EC864. 6 p.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Module 11: Livestock grazing management on range and pasture. UNL Beef Cow Basics-Plus Online Course. 7 p.</li> <li>Gardine, S. E., J.M. Warner, C.J. Bittner, R. G. Bondurant, K.H. Jenkins, R.J. Rasby, M.K. Luebbe, G.E. Erickson, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2017. Wintering System on Cow and Calf Performance in a Summer- Calving Intensive Production System. Nebraska Beef Report. MP104:19-21.</li> <li>Greenwell, H.L., J.L. Gramkow, M.L. Jolly-Breithaupt, J.C. MacDonald, K.H. Jenkins. 2017 Effects of Field Pea Supplementation on Digestibility and Rumen Volatile Fatty Acid Concentration of Diets Containing High and Low Quality Forages. Nebraska Beef Report MP104:38-39.</li> <li>Jenkins, K.H., C. Creech, R. Higgins, J. Buttle. 2017. Summer Cocktail Forage Research in the Nebraska Panhandle. Nebraska Beef Report MP104:55-56.</li> <li>Greenwell, H.L., K.H. Jenkins, J.C. MacDonald, M.K. Luebbe. 2017. Evaluating the Impacts of Field Peas in Growing and Finishing Diets on Performance and Carcass Characteristics. Nebraska Beef Report MP104:36-37.</li> <li>Voegele, H.R., K.I. Domenech, E.K. Kunze, F.A. Ribeiro, K.H. Jenkins, J.C. MacDonald, C.R. Calkins. 2017. Effect of Feeding Field Peas on Fresh Beef Quality. Nebraska Beef Report MP104:101-103.</li> <li>Conway, A. C., T. M. King. M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, J. C. MacDonald, T. J. Klopfenstein and M. E. Drewnoski. 2017. Effect of Harvest Method and Ammoniation on Digestibility and Intake of Corn Residue. Nebraska Beef Report. MP104:62-63.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. M., J. L. Cox, M. K. Rakkar, R. G. Bonderant, H. Blanco, M. E. Drewnoski, K. H. Jenkins, J. C. MacDonald, and R. J. Rasby. 2017. Effect of Corn Residue Grazing or Baling on Subsequent Crop Yield and Nutrient Removal. Nebraska Beef Report. MP104: 46-49.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. M., R. G. Bondurant, J. L. Gramkow, M. E. Drewnoski and J. C. 2017. Nutrient Content of Summer-Planted Oats after Corn Harvest and Grazing Performance. Nebraska Beef Report. MP104: 43-45.</li> <li>Miller, J.J, K. Koehler-Cole, R. Werle, and D.D. Redfearn. Cover crops: A primer. Nebraska Extension, G2284. http://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g2284/build/g2284.htm</li> <li>Hamilton, H. C., J. L. Gramkow, J. C. MacDonald, G. E. Erickson, A. K. Watson, and T. J. Klopfenstein. Relationship between dietary total digestible nutrients and digestible organic matter in beef cattle finishing and growing diets with or without distillers grains. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 76-78.</li> <li>Hamilton, H. C., J. L. Harding, J. C. MacDonald, and T. J. Klopfenstein. 2017. Impact of inoculum source for in vitro and in situ digestion procedures performed on corn residue and grass samples. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 67-68.</li> <li>Ferrari, V. B., J. J. Updike, J. L. Harding, K. Glewen, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. 2017. In situ digestibility of residue parts of corn planted in different populations and row widths. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 57-59.</li> <li>King, T. M., M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, J. L. Gramkow, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. 2017. Effect of harvest method on digestibility of corn residue. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 53-54.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. M., R. G. Bondurant, J. L. Gramkow, M. E. Drewnoski, and J. C. MacDonald. 2017. Nutrient content of summer-planted oats after corn harvest and grazing performance. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 43-45.</li> <li>Welchons, C. A., and J. C. MacDonald. 2017. Pooled gain analysis of steers grazing corn residue and supplemented with distillers grains. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 34-35-26.</li> <li>Welchons, C. A., R. G. Bondurant, F. H. Hilscher, J. C. MacDonald, and G. E. Erickson. 2017. Rumen undegradable protein and bambermycins supplementation of calves grazing corn residue. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 32-33.</li> <li>Ferrari, V. B., R. G. Bondurant, G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. Effects of modified distillers grains and corn ratios as supplements in diets varying in forage quality on performance of growing beef steers. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 29-31.</li> <li>Bondurant, R. G., G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, and J. C. MacDonald. 2017. Effect of crude glycerin concentration on growing steer performance in forage diets. Nebr. Beef Cattle Rep. MP 104. Pp. 25-26.</li> </ol>   Articles in the Popular Press (non-peer reviewed) <ol> <li>Trehal, S.S, J.L. Talley, K.D. Sherrill, T.J. Spore, R.N. Wahl, W.R. Hollenbeck and D.A. Blasi. 2017. Horn fly tags, implants effective for stockers. Bottom Line of Nutrition: Beef. Feedstuffs magazine. May 8, 2017.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Understanding grazing management terms and improving harvest efficiency. Progressive Cattleman, September issue: 48-49.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Coping with drought conditions in central Nebraska. June 30, 2017. Panhandle Perspectives, Scottsbluff Star Herald, 7/9/2017</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Abnormally dry conditions in the central Sandhills. 7/2017 UNL BeefWatch article.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Maps detail rangeland areas in western Nebraska. The Business Farmer, May 2017.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Rangelands in western Nebraska, a valuable grassland resource. The Fence Post, 5/8/2017. 43-44.</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Targeted grazing for specific management objectives. Progressive Cattleman, June issue: 19-20</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Challenges facing rangelands in western Nebraska. Panhandle Perspectives News Release. Scottsbluff Star Herald, 4/30/2017</li> <li>Stephenson, M. B. 2017. Understanding cattle behavior with GPS technology. Plants, Pots, and Plots UNL Agron/Hort Newsletter.</li> <li>Anderson, B., D. Redfearn, J. Volesky, and M. Stephenson. 2017. Increase pastures through cropland conversion. Progressive Forage.</li> <li>Jenkins, K. Intensively Managing Cows as Part of a System with Limited Grass – Panhandle Perspectives – Scottsbluff Star Herald</li> <li>Jenkins, K. Nutrient Value of Standing Annual Forages through the Winter – BeefWatch –December 2016</li> <li>Jenkins, K. Spring Planted Forage Cocktails for Beef Cattle –BeefWatch – March 2017</li> <li>Jenkins, K. Preparing for a Drought – BeefWatch – July 2017</li> <li>Jenkins, K. Storing and Utilizing Sugar Beets Rejected for Human Consumption- BeefWatch March 2017</li> <li>Jenkins, K. Using CRP Hay during a Drought – BeefWatch – August 2017</li> <li>Parsons, J., M. Drewnoski, and D. Redfearn. Online crop residue exchange links growers and grazers. CropWatch Electronic Newsletter, August 16, 2017. Online: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2017/online-crop-residue-exchange-connects-farmers-ranchers</li> <li>Parsons, J., Drewnoski, M., and Redfearn, D. “Crop Residue Exchange Available.” BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter, September 2017. Online: http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/6901/39143.</li> <li>Anderson, B., D. Redfearn, J. Volesky, M. Stephenson. Increase pastures through cropland conversion. Progressive Forage, March 7, 2017. Online: https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-types/grasses-and-grazing/increase-pastures-through-cropland-conversion</li> <li>Drewnoski, M. E. and J. Parsons. 2016. Grazing Cornstalks-Do You Have a Rental Agreement? BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. October.</li> <li>Drewnoski, M. E., J. MacDonald, K. Ulmer and J. Cox. 2016. Value of Oats and Brassicas for Fall Forage. CropWatch Electronic Newsletter. December.</li> <li>Drewnoski, M., and D. Redfearn. Planting guidelines for annual forages. BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter, February 2017. Online: https://beef.unl.edu/planting-annual-forages</li> <li>Parsons, J. “Annual Forage Insurance Plan Changes.” BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter, July 2017. Online: http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/6710/38420.</li> <li>Redfearn, D., Drewnoski, M. and Parsons, J. Need spring pasture? Try oats. BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter, April 2017. Online: http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/6399/35908</li> <li>Redfearn, D. Truisms for successful cover crops. Progressive Forage, September 7, 2017. Online: https://www.progressiveforage.com/forage-types/other-forage/truisms-for-successful-cover-crops</li> <li>Redfearn, D. Seed vigor, quality may improve cover crop establishment. Nebraska Farmer, July 21, 2017. Online: http://www.nebraskafarmer.com/cover-crops/seed-vigor-quality-may-improve-cover-crop-establishment</li> <li>Redfearn, D. Grass hay production practices simply stated. BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter, June 2017. Online: http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/6650/38089</li> <li>Redfearn, D., and B. Anderson. 2016. Frosted sorghums: To graze or not to graze? BeefWatch Electronic Newsletter. November. Online: http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/beef/5891/33380</li> <li>Redfearn, D., and B. Anderson. 2016. Is nitrogen fixation oversold with legume cover crops? CropWatch Electronic Newsletter. December 16, 2016. Online: http://cropwatch.unl.edu/2016/nitrogen-fixation-oversold-legume-cover-crops</li> <li>Redfearn, D., B. Anderson, J. Volesky, and M. Stephenson. 2017. Converting cropland to pastureland. UNL CropWatch.</li> <li>Redfearn, D., B. Anderson, J. Volesky, and M. Stephenson. Converting cropland to pastureland. CropWatch Electronic Newsletter, March 16, 2017. Online: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2017/converting-cropland-pastureland</li> <li>Farney, J. K.. 2017. Cautions using cover crops for cattle production. Progressive Cattlemen. April. https://www.progressivecattle.com/topics/feed-nutrition/7812-cautions-using-cover-crops-for-cattle-production</li> </ol>   Webinars/Videos and URL for online access None   Student theses and/or dissertations <ol> <li>Bondurant, R. G. 2017. Use of byproducts in forage-based, post-weaning beef systems and effects of serial slaughter on performance and profitability. Dissertation. University of Nebraska – Lincoln.</li> <li>King, T. M. 2017. Estimates of corn residue quality. Thesis. University of Nebraska – Lincoln.</li> <li>Welchons, C. A. Effect of Backgrounding Management Strategies on the Performance and Profitability of Yearling Beef Cattle. Dissertation. University of Nebraska – Lincoln.</li> <li>Ulmer, K. 2016. Managing Corn Residue and Double Cropped Forages in Crop and Livestock Systems. Thesis. University of Nebraska – Lincoln.</li> </ol>   Funding (include grants and contracts) Source, amount, start/end dates, title of project, Project Director, Co-Project Director(s) <ol> <li>National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (project no. 2003.12.039817) – KC Olson, PI $547,630 “Restoration of Tallgrass Prairie Infested with Sericea Lespedeza through Grazing and Fire during the Late Growing Season”; July 2013 to June 2018.</li> <li>Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, $50,000, 1/1/2017 – 6/1/2019, Grazing cover crops and annual forages, Mitch Stephenson, Karla Jenkins, Cody Creech</li> <li>Northern Plains Regional Climate Hub, $4,858, 1/1/2017 – 12/31/2017, Fostering collaborative, adaptive, and climate smart rangeland decision-making through digital storytelling in Colorado and Nebraska, (PI) R. Bruegger, M. Stephenson, M. Wilmer</li> <li>Optimizing Cropping Systems for Resilience to Stress: The Role of Maturity Group Selection and Cover Crops on Yield, Weeds, Insects, and Microbes (2017-2021). C. Proctor, R. Elmore, D. Redfearn, M. Drewnoski, J. Parsons, S. Everhart, J. McMechan, J. Laborde, M. Licht, L. Lindsey, E. Haramoto, R. Werle, and M. Cortasa. USDA-NIFA ($461,187).</li> <li>Enhancing Animal Protein through Crops and Cattle (2017-2022). J. MacDonald. T. Awada, S. Banerjee, H. Blanco, M. Drewnoski, G. Erickson, J. Okalebo, J. Parsons, D. Redfearn, and A. Suyker. Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research ($1,000,000)</li> <li>IANR Strategic Investment in Beef Systems (2017-2022). W. Schacht, J. Parsons, D. Redfearn, M. Spangler, R. Funston, J. MacDonald, M. Stephenson, and M. Drewnoski. Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Internal Funding ($1,500,000).</li> <li>Evaluating nitrate toxicity potential in grazed cover crops. Lenz, M.E. and M. E. Drewnoski. 9/1/17 – 8/31/18. $11,948</li> <li>Soil Health Initiative (2017-2022). R. Rasby, D. Redfearn, and R. Elmore. USDA-NRCS ($314,184).</li> <li>Risk Management Education for Nebraska Livestock and Forage Producers, Women in Agriculture, and New and Beginning Producers (2016-2017). Parsons, J., Griffith, C., Lemmons, T., Shulski, M. USDA-Risk Management Agency ($85,779).</li> </ol>

Impact Statements

Distillers grains appears to be the best nutritional option for growing calves grazing corn residue. The addition of feed additives or urea does not appear beneficial. Corn supplementation does not provide the same animal performance as distillers grains.

Date of Annual Report: 10/04/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 08/09/2018 - 08/10/2018
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2017 - 09/30/2018

Participants

Kansas State University
Jaymelynn Farney
Keith Harmony
Walt Fick

Iowa State University
Katana Lippolis

University of Nebraska
Mitchell Stephenson
Mary Drewnoski
Daren Redfearn
Jerry Volesky
John Guretzky

Brief Summary of Minutes

The 2018 meeting was held at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus - College Conference Center Room

2310 Centennial Road Salina, KS 67401-8196. Current officers are: Jamelynn Farney (KSU), President and Jim MacDonald (UNL), Secretary. In 2019, Jim MacDonald will be President and Keth Harmony (KSU) will be Secretary. The date and location for the 2019 meeting will be determined in the near future.

Collaborative projects that will be conducted, include:

Multi-university goals

Results of interseeding annuals into perennial forage (K-state and UNL; Guretzky to lead)

Publish producer survey on Nitrate Toxicity(K-state and UNL; Drewnoski to lead)

Corn residue grazing capacity (UNL, K-state, and ISU; Redfearn to lead)

Develop a in-service training for extension personnel regrading integrated cropping and cattle systems

Mary Drewnoski volunteered to lead the development and writing of the next, five-year plan of work that will be submitted in the Fall of 2018.

Minutes Attachment:

2018 NC1181 Report MED KJ MS KH DR JP JV JM 20181004.docx

Accomplishments

Accomplishments Short-term outcomes: <ul> <li>Objective 1</li> </ul> Ammoniated corn residue can be fed in round bale feeders to cows without excessive waste, thereby allowing beef producers to use this feed resource in place of medium quality grass hay during times of low hay stocks or high hay prices. <ul> <li>Objective 2</li> </ul> The cool-season annual invasive Bromus tectorum can only be utilized early in the growing season in western Nebraska. Strategic grazing on these grasses provides high quality forage for cattle and may increase the prevalence of native perennial grasses that are more sustainable and productive for longer periods in the spring. Forage production on native rangelands is temporally and spatially variable. Greater understanding of factors that influence this variability allows producers to better match livestock demand with forage availability in both wet and dry years, thereby increasing the efficient use and increasing productivity per acre. Breeding heifers strategically stocked and bred at a greater density early in the grazing season, and then removing open heifers at the growing season mid-point, provided producers with significantly more pounds of beef produced per acre as well as more heifers that remained on pasture with a similar calving due date.  Production results were similar to intensive early stocking studies performed with stocker steers in which productivity increased per acre and beef was produced more efficiently. After 7 years of treatment application on Sandhills meadow, there is no difference in botanical composition and aboveground plant production among grazing systems (mob grazing, simple rotation grazing, and continuous grazing); and trampling of standing live vegetation is the greatest and harvest efficiency and yearling weight gain are the lowest for mob grazing. <ul> <li>Objective 3</li> </ul> Late summer planted oats and brassica are high in energy and protein. They can be stockpiled for winter grazing with little loss in nutritive value. These forages can be used to background fall weaned calves over the winter. Oat-pea forage mixtures provide an option for producers to balance to quantity and quality of an early-season annual forage. The ratio of the mixture can be adjusted to better supply the producer with the best option for the growing region (eastern vs, western Nebraska) and the type of grazing livestock. Cow preference for annual forages indicates that grass species are the most preferentially selected in both summer and winter forages.  In the winter, low glucosinolate radish and winter peas were intermediate with many of the other brassicas a low preference.  During the summer sunflower and sunn hemp were intermediate in preference with mungbean, safflower, and okra least preferred. <ul> <li>Objective 4</li> </ul> Complete chopped sugar beets can be mixed and packed with crop residue and used as an energy source for cattle in an alternative beef production system. <ul> <li>Objective 5</li> </ul> Information related to objectives 1 through 4 was disseminated to over 5,000 producers, consultants and advisors through presentations as at face-to-face meetings  Information related to the outcomes of objectives 1 through 4 were disseminated online through the beef.unl.edu website which had 359,000 users.

Publications

Impact Statements

Although mob grazing, using ultrahigh stocking density during the growing season, is commonly reported to increase aboveground plant production and to increase soil organic matter and soil depth, we have found no improvement in vegetation characteristics or soil properties relative to other grazing strategies after 7 years on Sandhills meadows. Furthermore, mob grazing has not resulted in an increase in harvest efficiency, carrying capacity, or livestock performance. The additional infrastructure and human resource requirements of mob grazing compared to other grazing strategies does not appear to be justified.