General
Kentucky Beef Book (ID-108) - University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- The University of Kentucky Extension created the Kentucky Beef Book, while being written with Kentucky producers in mind, the general applications of beef production still apply to producers in Maryland. The document covers facilities, reproduction, breeding programs, health, feeding, marketing, and the economics of beef production.
Beef Cattle Breeds and Biological Types (Publication 400-803) - Virginia Cooperative Extension
- This publication discusses beef cattle breeds and biological types in this publication. With more than 250 breeds worldwide, use this publication to familiarize yourself with the common breeds and their characteristics.
Economics
Economic Factors Affecting Cow Herd Performance (AGEC-595) - Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
- Use this publication by Oklahoma State University to learn about the Economic Factors Affecting Cow Herd Performance, including cow herd size, investment in land, investment in machinery, investments in livestock calving percentage, calving death loss, and the breeding season length.
Beef Cows Fall Calving: Hay Ration (Publication 446-048) - Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Virginia Cooperative Extension offers multiple budgets for different producers (fall vs spring calving, hay vs alfalfa feed, etc.). Use this fall calving–hay ration calculator budget to determine feed costs, or visit 2011 Virginia Farm Business Management Livestock Budgets page at the Virginia Cooperative Extension website for more budget options.
Breeding & Reproductive Management
Beef Sire Selection Manual - National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium
- The National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium publishes the Beef Sire Selection Manual. This publication provides information about breed and composite selection, data collection, EPDs, and genetics to aid in breeding and reproduction management.
Keeping Production Records for the Beef Herd (ASC-150) - University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- University of Kentucky Extension provides this short publication on Keeping Production Records for the Beef Herd. It tells you how to get started, what to focus on during breeding season, pregnancy testing, calving, and weaning.
Managing Body Condition to Improve Reproductive Efficiency in Beef Cows (ASC-162) - University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- University of Kentucky Extension provides information on how to keep cows conditions during reproduction in their publication Managing Body Condition to Improve Reproductive Efficiency in Beef Cows.
Health Management
Using Nutrition to Improve Immunity against Disease in Dairy Cattle: Copper, Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamin E (ASC-154) - University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- The University of Kentucky Extension provides a short publication on Using Nutrition to Improve Immunity against Disease.
Beef Cow/Calf Herd Health Program and Calendar (Publication 400-007) - Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Virginia Cooperative Extension discusses Beef Cow/Calf Herd Health Program and Calendar in this publication. Read this to get an understanding of what vaccines are common in cattle production as well as how to prevent disease in your herd.
Nutrition Management
Estimating Winter Hay Needs for Beef Cattle - University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- Use University of Kentucky Extension Estimating Hay Needs Calculator to determine your herds’ hay needs.
Beef Feed Ration Calculator - Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Use Virginia Cooperative Extension Beef Feed Ration Calculator to balance rations and determine costs.
Using a Grazing Stick for Pasture Management - University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- Learn how to use a Grazing Stick to better manage your grazing with this University of Kentucky publication on Using a Grazing Stick for Pasture Management.
Facilities
Fencing Material for Livestock Systems - Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Use Virginia Cooperative Extension’s publication on Fencing Material for Livestock Systems to learn about fencing types including woven wire, electric, barbed wire, cable, mesh wire, board fences, and more.
Planning Fencing Systems for Intensive Grazing Management - University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
- University of Kentucky Extension provides information on how to set up your farm for intensive grazing with their short publication on Planning Fencing Systems for Intensive Grazing Management.
