(ND Ag Connection) – North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension specialists are set to conduct an informative webinar on backgrounding calf management. Scheduled for November 28 at 7 p.m. CST, the webinar aims to provide ranchers with updated strategies and insights.

Many North Dakota ranchers are delaying calf weaning, moving from the traditional October period to November and December. This shift results in younger, lighter calves due to April-May calving, a change implemented to avoid late spring snowstorms.

Backgrounding refers to feeding calves post-weaning to promote growth, improve health, adjust to new feed rations, and strategically delay marketing. Typically, this practice is done during the winter, excluding grazing.

Feed, a significant cost in backgrounding, has seen a drop in prices, especially corn, reducing the cost per pound of gain. The webinar will delve into detailed rations and the economics of feed costs.

Karl Hoppe, an NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist, will discuss feed prices and gain costs. Bryon Parman, an agricultural finance specialist, will compare costs for weaned versus backgrounded calves, emphasizing the importance of market outlook and livestock risk protection.

Tim Petry, a livestock marketing specialist, will provide insights on market trends and pricing strategies.

NDSU Extension veterinarian Jerry Stokka will address calf health post-vaccination, and Zac Carlson, a beef cattle specialist, will talk about the effective use of implants for weight gain, highlighting new regulations.

Those interested can register for the webinar at ndsu.ag/backgrounding23. It will be recorded for later access at www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/livestock/beef.

For more details, Karl Hoppe can be contacted at 701-652-2951 or karl.hoppe@ndsu.edu, or contact your local agriculture and natural resources Extension agents.