IL Beef Extension

Join us next week for the Orr Beef Research Center Field Day!

Mark your calendars! Join us on Wednesday, September 11th for the University of Illinois Orr Beef Research Center Field Day. The program will start at 5:30pm with a complimentary meal.

Ensuring proper water quality levels can help in promoting water intake. Check out the blog below to learn more! extension.illinois.edu/blogs/cattle-c…

As high temperatures continue this week, be on the lookout for heat stress warning signs. Check out our blog on managing heat stress to learn more! extension.illinois.edu/blogs/cattle-c…

Are you interested in knowing the size of the U.S. cattle herd? Check out the video below to learn more! youtube.com/watch?v=wAjFFU…

Beef Field Day at Dixon Springs Ag Center is quickly approaching! Check out the link below to find instructions on how to register. ow.ly/Kjyi50SJHp9.

Loading and transporting cattle properly can reduce the risk of complications and injuries. Providing sufficient space is extremely important, especially in the summer heat. Check out the BQA loading density guidelines for mature cattle below! bqa.org/Media/BQA/Docs…

Creep feeding provides supplemental nutrients to calves while they are nursing. The additional feed can help support the growth and development of calves. Find out more using the link below! ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag…

Wondering how to get the most out of culling? Improving genetics by making room for replacements can be beneficial to your herd and profits. Visit the link below to learn more! extension.illinois.edu/beef-cattle/cu…

Are you looking to improve your hay storage? Check out the link below to see what practices might help you refine storage to get the most out of your hay! extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/…

Are you planning to save replacement heifers to build your cowherd? Learn more about developing your next generation of cows here: agproud.com/articles/59809…

Illinois Beef is offering three summer Beef Quality Assurance trainings this summer! Find one near you! Register online at illinoisbeef.com/programs-event… or by calling into the IBA office

Join us at Hanson Land and Cattle in Danforth, IL for the Integrating Crops and Livestock pasture walk this Thursday! Lunch will be held at Hanson Family Meats followed by presentations. Register and find out more information using the following link: thelandconnection.org/event/integrat…

Rubber matting for concrete slat floors has shown to increase cattle comfort, improve locomotion scores, and decrease lameness. Learn more about recent research done at the University of Illinois on the effects of rubber matting via this link: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…

Limiting feed bunk space can improve feed efficiency, reduce handling costs due to lower manure production and unnecessary bunk cleaning, better identify sick cattle, and decrease heat stress on account of limited feed intake minimizing heat production.

Beef Quality Assurance provides producers with information and resources to improve on practices for safety, well-being, and quality of beef cattle. BQA also has the option for free certification, online or in-person. Use the link below to find out more! bqa.org

As temperatures increase, water systems need checked regularly to ensure daily requirements are being met by cattle. Make sure water systems are accessible, plentiful, and clean with the ability to keep up with refill demands. Remember to check systems before moving herds!

Dudley Smith Farm Field Day is right around the corner! This year, the topic of discussion will be soil health and quality. Register by June 17th to receive a free lunch at the informational event! Find out more details by following the link below. ow.ly/Zxr750ScH3t

Proper hay storage will help retain its nutritional content, which can help reduce costs of feeding when forage becomes limited. Take a look at the link below for tips on storing hay, both indoor and outdoor, to be prepared when the times comes! extension.illinois.edu/beef-cattle/ha…

Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit put cattle under heat stress. Check the cleanliness and refill rate of water tanks. Try to provide 3 linear inches per head for water space to allow simultaneous drinking access. Don't forget to keep an eye on the humidity index!