In parts of Nebraska there is a trend towards leafy spurge blooming earlier in the spring. Because the onset of reproduction is an opportune time to control this plant with herbicide, recognizing this change is important for management.

Net present value is a tool cow-calf producers can use to evaluate the amount they can afford to spend to purchase or develop bred replacements for the cow herd based on current prices, costs, and expected future returns from calf and cow sales. The factors impacting this calculation are discussed.

Horn flies populations at greater than 200 per animal can significantly impact cattle performance and comfort. Different methods and approaches to reduce horn flies on grazing cattle are discussed

The public is expressing angst about the state and direction of the economy at a level not seen since the early 1980s. The potential implications of this on beef demand are disussed.

Management practices to enhance the liklihood that cows calving late will quickly return to estrus and conceive are discussed.

Recognizing that calves are eating mineral needs to be included when calculating the total amount to be delivered to the herd to meet targeted levels of consumption.

Pasture and precipitation conditions prior to and after a wildfire greatly influence the approach to grazing management. Principles to pay attention to are discussed.

Conception rates are often high in cattle. However, numerous factors can inhibit maternal recognition or lead to pregnancy loss from days 7 to 50 after breeding. Management practices to reduce these losses are discussed.

Rangeland grasshoppers may be problematic this year in parts of Nebraska due to high populatoins last fall and winter conditions that may support survival of populations hatching this spring. Information on assessing grasshopper numbers and options for control are discussed.

Soil moisture, air temperature along with plant health and vigor, all contribute to grass growth on native range and pastures. Understanding when key grass species grow and the timing of when to reduce stocking rates when drought conditions are present is discussed.