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Introduction
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WORLD CLASS EDUCATION
A lternAtiVe CoW-CAlF ProduCtion systems:
e cONOMicS
Conventional cow-calf production systems are dependent on forage resources for grazing or hay production. If such traditional forages become limited or unavailable, other feedstuffs must be utilized to maintain the beef cow-calf enterprise in an intensively managed (confinement) system. While grain commodity prices have fluctuated recently, many dynamics have increased land values and initiated the conversion of traditional forage acres to grain crop production, particularly throughout the Midwest and Northern Great Plains. Although traditional forage production in these regions has decreased, the availability of alternative forage in the form of corn residue is growing as a result of increased corn production. Therefore, corn residues represent a valuable forage resource for beef cattle production systems in areas where grain production is abundant. Our objectives with this report are to review the changes in cattle inventory, land use trends and forage production, present the composition and nutritional value of corn residue, and discuss the utilization of residues in intensified cow-calf systems using either grazing or harvesting.
Cattle inventory
Rick Rasby, Professor of Animal Science and Jason Warner, Graduate Student, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln www.BeefUSA.org
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There has been much discussion within the industry regarding the declining cattle inventory. Clearly, cattle inventories have decreased over time for a myriad of reasons, including the fact that the industry has become more efficient with fewer animals. Regardless, many have questioned what the long-term implications will be if the cattle industry continues to downsize. While the NATIONAL CATTLEMEN
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