MSU Extension Provides Education to Beef Producers and Industry

Priority Areas

The beef industry is largely segmented--made up of cow/calf, background, stocker and feedlot when compared to other livestock industries. This segmentation presents a diversity of management and husbandry practices for beef producers. In 2024, the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension beef team continued to meet the challenge of serving this diverse industry by supporting Michigan beef producers through education or regenerative grazing practices, reproductive efficiency, marketing decisions and genetics, such as beef crossed with dairy (beef x dairy). 

Impacts

• 10 producer-led pasture walks in Michigan
• 5 bull breeding soundness exam programs for beef producers to have their bull's fertility tested
• 7 programs focused on livestock risk management options when marketing cattle
• 7 producer outreach meetings and 1 scientific meeting presentation resulting from MSU beef x dairy research

Regenerative grazing and winter feeding for beef cows on pasture

Feeding costs typically account for the largest expense, ranging from 40 to 70% on beef cattle operations (USDA, 2022). Having beef cattle graze grass can be a cost effective feeding strategy compared with purchasing outside feed resources, while reducing labor costs incurred to feed cattle. Additionally, grazing takes advantage of beef cattle's unique ruminant digestive tract design that allows them to digest forages and absorb the necessary nutrients needed for maintenance and growth. 

When stockpiled pasture is no longer available during winter, beef producers must resort to different feeding practices. For many Michigan beef producers, beef cows are typically fed in a barnyard or dry lot setting that is close to the main operation. When cattle are confined to a barnyard or dry lot, manure must be gathered and removed to utilize the nutrients from the manure as fertilizer. Manure application can be an effective practice for applying nutrients to fields and pastures, but it comes with additional costs such as labor, equipment and possibly land availability. Additionally, nutrient loss through leaching into the soil in dry lot confinement systems is a concern compared with concrete barnyard systems.