A two-year study was initiated in southeastern Idaho to evaluate non-lactating cow performance with only the benefit of dormant forage and no protein supplementation.

Winter backgrounding systems can vary greatly from backgrounding in a drylot to grazing cornstalks or native range.

“Sustainability” is undoubtedly a buzzword, and buzzwords elicit passionate opinions. Such is the dilemma of the word sustainability. It is a multifaceted, emotionally charged and oftentimes controversial topic.

Sometimes what looks cheaper may not be when all costs are considered. 

Rain has abandoned us during a vital forage-growing period. In tall fescue pastures, two-thirds of forage growth comes in the spring, and one-third grows in the fall. 

We’ve all known animals we call "easy-keepers" – memorable cows that always seem to hold their own or even gain weight on overgrazed pastures of rocks and cactus.

When people hear that they need to “make a plan,” it can seem overwhelming, which leads them to looking for anything else to do instead. If I say, “Make a nutrition plan,” you are probably going to suddenly decide it sounds like a great time to fix all your water gaps and check the wheel bearings on your trailer.

A properly balanced mineral program is important for optimum immune function, calf health and growth, milk production, and reproductive performance of beef cattle.

Backgrounding spring-born calves on winter range or cornstalk residue after weaning is a way to increase weight and add value to weaned calves. However, calves grazing low-quality dormant forages or residues need protein supplementation to support gain.