Tuesday October 07 Ag News - Grazing Corn Stalks - Feeding the Cow webinar series - IA Women in Ag Conference - USDA Market News, Meat Inspections Continue - and more!

 Keys for Cornstalk Grazing
Aaron Berger - Beef Extension Educator

Nebraska has 10.5 million corn acres and 1.5 million beef cows — more than enough acres of corn residue for grazing beef cows through the winter.

Scouting fields before grazing is important to determine the amount of corn present and to look for spilled corn that could cause grain overload, which could result in cattle bloat or death. If there are more than 8-10 bushels of corn on the ground per acre as ears of corn, a grazing strategy to control corn intake will need to be used to minimize grain overload risk. 

When there is a minimum of ears of corn on the ground, the number of cattle to be grazed and the length of time for grazing should be determined based on corn bushel yield per acre and the average weight of cattle. The UNL Corn Stalk Grazing Calculator https://cap.unl.edu/livestock/tools is an Excel® spreadsheet that can be used to calculate this. A quick way to estimate grazing days per acre available for a 1,200-pound non-lactating cow is to take the corn bushel yield and divide by 3.5. For example, 180-bushel yield / 3.5 = 51 grazing days per acre.

Cattle tend to select for downed corn first and then seek out husk and leaves. The quality of grazing starts high at approximately 70% total digestible nutrients (TDN) and then decreases to a low of 45% TDN at the end of the grazing period. The rate of quality decline is dependent on stocking rate and environmental factors such as moisture and field conditions. Mature non-lactating, spring calving cows in a body condition score 5 or better will not need protein supplement, but will need salt, mineral and vitamins when grazed at Nebraska Extension recommended stocking rates.

First-calf heifers within 90 days of calving will need protein and energy supplementation to meet nutrient requirements. Feeding 3.5 lbs. per head per day of dried distillers grains will meet this need. Fall-calving cows will also need additional protein and energy to meet nutrient requirements. Feeding 5 lbs. per head per day of dried distillers grains would supply this need. Grazing weaned calves with a targeted gain of one pound per day will need to be fed an energy and protein supplement. Research has demonstrated that dried distillers grains fed at 2 lbs. per head per day to calves will usually meet this targeted level of gain. 

Deep snow and ice can severely limit cattle's ability to graze corn residue. Have a backup plan and other feed resources available to meet cattle feed needs when this occurs. Corn residue can be an excellent, economical resource for late fall and winter grazing in many parts of the state. 

Knowing the keys for grazing can help producers effectively utilize it. The Nebraska Extension NebGuide EC278, “Grazing Crop Residues with Beef Cattle” http://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/pdf/ec278.pdf provides additional information for grazing corn residue. 



Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series returns in November

Nebraska Extension will again offer its popular Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow webinar series this November, providing cattle producers with practical tools to understand and meet the nutrient requirements of their herds.

The five-session program will run on Monday and Thursday evenings, Nov. 3, 6, 10, 13 and 17, from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. CT. The cost is $65 per participant and includes a notebook of Extension resources. Attendance is limited to 40, and registration is due by Oct. 20 to ensure delivery of materials. Registration is available at https://go.unl.edu/feedingthecow.

“This series gives cattle producers straightforward, real-world strategies for feeding management throughout the year,” said Erin Laborie, Nebraska Extension educator.

“Participants value the flexibility of a Zoom-based course and the opportunity to apply what they learn directly to their own operations.”

More than 145 producers have previously completed the course, consistently rating it among the best educational opportunities available.

One participant noted, “I really liked that it is Zoom based. It’s hard to get away to attend conferences. I appreciated the ‘real life’ examples discussed. It made the material easier to apply to our own scenarios.”

Sessions will cover:
    How nutrient requirements shift throughout the cow’s production cycle.
    Reading and interpreting feed test analyses and feed tags.
    Comparing feed options and determining the best buy.
    Developing cost-effective, year-round feeding plans.


For more information, contact Laborie at 308-268-3105 or erin.laborie@unl.edu.



UNL graduate student earns national award for beef quality research

University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate student Kyra Elliott has been named the 2025 recipient of the American Meat Science Association Dr. Bobby VanStavern Award for Beef Quality Research, an honor that commemorates the USDA scientist whose work helped define the original Certified Angus Beef carcass specifications.

Elliott was honored at this year’s Reciprocal Meat Conference for her work on predicting marbling in the ribeye, a key factor in grading beef quality. Her project compared new grading camera systems with U.S. Department of Agriculture experts and laboratory tests, finding that low-cost imaging technology can provide accurate intramuscular fat predictions.

Elliott decided to make Nebraska her new home after visiting campus in 2022 with a collegiate judging team. Inspired by the university’s nationally recognized animal science program and meat science research, she enrolled at UNL and is now in her second year working under Jessie Morrill, assistant professor of animal science.

“Dr. Morrill takes a cutting-edge but untraditional path in meat science,” Elliott said. “The opportunity to learn alongside her, in a program with such strong research and equipment, was unmatched.”

Working with Morrill, Elliott has pursued projects ranging from intramuscular fat prediction to gene mutations tied to heat stress in cattle. She said the research’s range is preparing her for a career in research and development while also benefiting producers and consumers.

“We’re working to build confidence in new grading technologies, especially for smaller processors, while also clearing up misconceptions about beef nutrition,” Elliott said. “Beef absolutely has a place in a healthy diet.”

The VanStavern Award recognizes outstanding student research supporting beef quality and commemorates the impact of Bobby VanStavern, whose work helped define the original Certified Angus Beef carcass specifications. Elliott’s recognition underscores Nebraska’s leadership in meat science and UNL’s national reputation.

UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources prepares students for leadership across agriculture, food, natural resources, and communities, and was recently ranked among the Top 10% worldwide in Agriculture & Forestry in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject.



Nebraska FFA Foundation Announces 2025 Grants Recipients

A total of 33 Nebraska FFA chapters, agricultural classrooms, or FFA members were awarded funds through the 2025 Nebraska FFA Foundation grant program, with $111,000 awarded in total grant funding.

The grant program, in its ninth year, supports Nebraska agricultural education classrooms, FFA programs, and individual student entrepreneurship Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Each year, funds are provided by the Nebraska FFA Foundation’s general fund dollars, plus additional funding provided by numerous corporate sponsors, which will be announced over the coming weeks. 

This year, the Foundation is funding 17 individual SAE grant requests, and 16 grants for agricultural classrooms, FFA chapters, or school-based enterprises. A breakdown of the allocated funds are listed by categories below. 

"We are committed to growing support of FFA members’ innovative supervised agricultural experiences, as well as local FFA and agricultural education classroom needs,” says Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director Stacey Agnew. “Funding these needs are critical to building students' success toward career-ready skills and our future workforce." 

Agricultural Classroom, FFA Chapter and School-Based Enterprise Grants

16 total grants allocated in the following categories/areas:
Agribusiness = $15,000
Animal Science = $20,000
Food Production = $16,000
Plant Science = $11,000
Power, Structural & Technical = $21,000

Individual SAE Grants
17 total grants allocated in the following SAE categories/areas:
Animal-Related SAE = $14,000
Plant-Related SAE = $6,000
Mechanics, Repair & Maintenance SAE = $2,000
Turf Grass Management SAE = $2,000
Sales & Processing SAE = $3,000

Many of the grant recipients and their impactful stories will be featured on the Nebraska FFA Foundation website and social media channels over the next several months. Applications for the 2026 Nebraska FFA Foundation grant program will open next April.



Nebraska Department of Animal Science awards more than $100,000 in 2025–26 scholarships

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Animal Science recognized 114 students with scholarship awards totaling more than $100,000 at its annual fall scholarship reception in the Animal Science Complex.

In all, 136 scholarships were presented, made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in animal science.

“These scholarships reflect the deep commitment of Nebraska’s agricultural community and industry partners to our students,” said Deb VanOverbeke, head of the Department of Animal Science.

“The support provides meaningful opportunities for students to succeed in their academic and future careers.”

2025–26 Scholarship Recipients
    Andy Bruntz Beef Industry Scholar Scholarship
        Evan Hartman, Fremont, Nebraska

    Art & Ruth Raun Scholarship
        Jaycee Bauman, Eagan, Minnesota
        Jackie Cozadd, Lawrence, Kansas
        Kaylin Kirchmer, Overland Park, Kansas
        Arianna Oliva, Rowlett, Texas
        Mia Maranville, Lincoln, Nebraska
        Ava McFarland, Bloomfield, Nebraska

    Arthur W. & Viola Thompson Scholarship
        Alexis Warner, Blair, Nebraska

    Baltzell Scholarship
        Gage Anderson, Gothenburg, Nebraska
        Savannah Jensen, Gothenburg, Nebraska
        Joel Katzberg, Juniata, Nebraska

    Charles & Beryle Adams Scholarship
        Cameron Berliner, Stapleton, Nebraska
        Ryan Brandes, Central City, Nebraska

    Chris & Sarah Raun Memorial Scholarship
        Sydney Hutchinson, West Point, Nebraska

    D.V. & Ernestine Stephens Memorial Scholarship
        Faith Miller, Mullen, Nebraska
        Alex Hicken, Lincoln, Nebraska
        Grace Regier, York, Nebraska
        Emelia Rourke, Waverly, Nebraska

    Doane Scholarship
        Jaylea Pope, Shelton, Nebraska
        Noah Summers, Gibbon, Nebraska

    Don & Ray Gard Scholarship
        Olivia Hansen, East Moline, Illinois

The Department of Animal Science is part of the university’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. With nationally recognized programs in beef cattle, meat science, dairy production, equine studies and companion animals, the department equips students with the skills and hands-on experiences needed to thrive in animal agriculture and related fields.



Upcoming Women in Ag Leadership Conference Inspires Resilience

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Leadership Conference
https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag/ is open to all. This year’s theme, “Leading with Resilience,” reflects the strength, perseverance and innovation of women who are shaping the future of agriculture.

Organized by an advisory committee of past attendees, the two-day event begins on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continues on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 8:30 to 4 p.m.

“We have planned an incredible lineup of speakers and workshops. Whether you are a farm producer or work in agriculture, whether you're young or old and whether you've been farming for five years or 50, we have something for everyone,” said Luci Sheriff, advisory committee member.

Attending from Oregon, American Farmland Trust social science director and Women for the Land advisor Gabrielle McNally will open the conference. Her storytelling and shared wisdom aim to encourage women to lead with confidence.   

Campus tours of Iowa State University will offer a glimpse into innovative research. Attendees can choose from a variety of topics, including greenhouses, drones, horses, forestry, winemaking, the ISU Creamery, the Ag 450 Farm or Jack Trice Stadium’s turfgrass.   

Next, the intensive workshop series will feature interactive mentoring, a women managing farmland panel, crisis incident management exercises and strategies for leading with excellence. A message from Brenda Clark Hamilton, founder of Fresh Coffee Professional Growth Programs, will conclude the first day.

On Thursday morning, keynote speaker Kiley Fleming, founder of outSIGHTin and executive director at Iowa Mediation Services, will deliver an uplifting message to inspire attendees to face challenges with strength and resilience.

The Women in Ag program will also recognize the 2025 Women Impacting Ag honorees: Tamara Deal, Darcy Moulsby, Natalie Paino and Loretta Reimers.

The afternoon panel will focus on advances in regenerative agriculture, featuring Keri Carstens, CEO for Jord Bio Science, and Lisa Schulte Moore, ISU Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences and co-director of the Bioeconomy Institute.

Additionally, Thursday’s breakout sessions will offer important insights and discussions on agricultural policy, financial security, team building, career mentoring, estate planning, farm safety, workplace challenges and farming’s financial situation.

Capstone speaker Julie Kenney will share a powerful message of leadership and resilience. As CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa and a 2024 Women Impacting Agriculture award recipient, Kenney exemplifies dedication to the industry and a commitment to empowering others.
Registration

Early bird registration is available through Nov. 10. Regular registration is $160 for adults and $70 for students. After Nov. 10, fees will increase by $20. Scholarships may be requested. For more information, view the full event program https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag/.

Support from Farm Credit Services of America and other sponsors allows the Women in Ag Leadership Conference to remain accessible for all attendees. Farm businesses and organizations are encouraged to become attendance sponsors by registering four or more participants to join the experience.



USDA’s Market News, Meat Inspections Continue During Shutdown
 
Tuesday, Sept. 30, at midnight, the federal government shut down after Congress failed to approve funding for fiscal 2026, which began Oct. 1. Without funding, many federal programs ceased, and the staff who administer them were temporarily laid off.
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected to furlough about half of its workforce, but employees for essential programs remained on the job. 
 
That included personnel who publish the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Market News, the twice-daily reports on livestock transactions and data. Federal meat inspectors also continue to work, although USDA warned that states handling their own meat and poultry inspections could run out of federal funds.
 
The National Pork Producers Council has asked Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to deem LMR staff as “essential” so they would not be furloughed during the shutdown.
 
USDA’s Market News includes information on livestock sales volume, pricing, supply-and-demand conditions, and livestock product prices. Producers rely on the report to make informed business decisions.
 
Additionally, USDA’s Risk Management Agency utilizes LMR data to determine ending values and indemnities owed to producers under Livestock Risk Protection insurance policies. Disruptions in LMR reporting could significantly impact the accurate settlement of such policies while the government is shut down.
 


Tight Supplies and Strong Demand
Stephen R. Koontz, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, Colorado State University

Cattle and beef market prices slowed and, in some cases, reversed moves from those into record highs. The weighted average 5-market fed cattle price retreated into the $230s while prices in the southern plains held onto uncharacteristic strength – with southern cattle priced at a premium to those in the north. But it is that time of year when northern cattle are more abundant and tend to be rather long-fed.

The USDA boxed beef composite value has retreated from the highs of better than $410/cwt seen before Labor Day to values just below $370. The Choice-Select premium is a solid close to $25/cwt. At the same time, cow-beef composite values are an excellent $335/cwt. Cow slaughter has fallen off in the second half of the year, and strength is expected to persist in the non-fed beef market. Fed steer and heifer slaughter have also weakened some with heifers reduced the most. These combined numbers suggest some level of herd building to be revealed or confirmed in the January USDA Cattle report. But the market impact of this is higher prices in the short term before any supplies expand.

However, when I work the numbers, I find DEC live cattle futures to be much stronger than that implied by supply and demand fundamentals. The tight placements through much of the summer are much smaller than the increases in slaughter weights. Therefore, higher cattle and beef prices are to be expected. Substitute meat prices do not offer a clear signal yet. Higher pork prices are largely offset by lower chicken prices. Income and disposable income remain strong but are also substantially offset by 3% inflation. My back-of-the-envelope forecasts suggest a fed cattle price closer to $220 in December rather than the current $235. Imports and exports only reinforce this perspective. Exports will be nothing but challenged by record-high-priced beef regardless of the weakening dollar. And import volumes themselves will likely set records with non-fed beef supplies tight and tightening. What is the cause stronger than can be explained by prices? It is clearly the very strong domestic beef demand. Consumers and food service providers are willing to pay the good 10% more than fundamentals suggest. I will be keeping an eye on the composite value and values of the main primals.