Economics of Grazing Calves on Oats Planted After Corn Silage in Eastern Nebraska

Authors

Kallie J. Calus, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
McKenna M. Brinton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Benjamin H. Hansen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kristen M. Ulmer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Zachery E. Carlson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Fred H. Hilscher, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M. E. Drewnoski, University of Nebrask-LincolnFollow
Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
J. C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

2022 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

A five-year study (2015–2019) evaluated profitability of planting and grazing an oats cover crop after early harvested corn silage in eastern Nebraska. Oats were typically planted in the first week of September. Stocking rate ranged from 1.7 to 0.6 steers per acre and was based on oats biomass. Calves were turned out in early November each year and allowed to graze until oats biomass or weather limited intake. Grazing period ranged from 30 to 69 days. Average daily gain of calves ranged from 3.35 to 1.29 pounds with an average of 1.97 pounds. Shortened grazing seasons in some years were due to ice or excessive trampling losses which resulted in higher forage expenses per day and calves being sold prior to the usual market uptick in January which reduced profitability. However, the system was profitable four out of five years.