Jeff Garrett

Critical Nutrients and How Requirements Change in Winter Energy (TDN or NEm) Energy is the primary limiting nutrient during winter. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit drop in wind chill below a cow’s lower critical temperature, generally 20 to 30 degrees for a dry cow with a winter hair coat, energy requirements increase by roughly 1 percent. Example:A 1,300-pound mature cow in good condition may require 13 to 14 pounds of TDN per day at 40 degrees. At 0 degrees with a 20 mph wind, that same cow can require close to 22 pounds of TDN per day, a 50 to 60 percent increase. Crude Protein Dormant native range and warm-season grasses often test 4 to 6 percent crude protein in winter. Cows in late gestation or early lactation require approximately 8 to 11 percent crude protein. UNL research shows that even mild protein deficiencies reduce fiber digestion and can increase overall feed intake by 20 to 30 percent, driving costs higher. Vitamins and Minerals Vitamin A deficiency is common in cows consuming weathered forage or corn crop residues. A single pre-winter vitamin A-D-E injection or consistent mineral supplementation helps prevent weak calves and supports timely rebreeding. Proven Winter Feeding Strategies Used by Top Producers Test Your Forage Every Year Research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln shows that even mild protein deficiencies reduce fiber digestion and can increase overall feed intake by 20 to 30 percent, driving costs higher. Typical regional forage values: Sandhills meadow hay: 8 to 11 percent CP, 52 to 58 percent TDN Late-cut warm-season grass hay: 5 to 7 percent CP, 48 to 54 percent TDN Grazed corn stalk residue: 4 to 6 percent CP, 50 to 55 percent TDN Use the Nebraska Limit-Grazing Plus Supplement System One of the most cost-effective systems across Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado combines grazing with targeted supplementation: Allow cows to graze corn stalks or dormant grass for four to six hours per day Provide 20 to 30 pounds of good-quality hay plus either 2 to 4 pounds of alfalfa or 1 to 2 pounds of distillers grains in the afternoon Research from UNL’s Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory shows this approach can reduce harvested feed needs by 40 to 50 percent while maintaining a body condition score of 5.5 to 6.0 at calving. Strategic Use of Distillers Grains and Alfalfa Distillers grains are widely available and cost-effective in Nebraska, eastern Colorado, and parts of South Dakota. Feeding 2 to 4 pounds per head per day of dried or modified distillers grains supplies both energy and bypass protein In many rations, distillers grains can partially or fully replace alfalfa at a lower cost per unit of nutrient Windbreaks and Bedding Reduce Feed Costs For every 10 mph increase in wind speed, a cow’s energy requirement increases by roughly 13 percent. Well-designed windbreaks, shelterbelts, and dry bedding routinely reduce winter feed costs by 10 to 20 percent by limiting cold stress. Target Body Condition Scores for Winter Success UNL research provides clear benchmarks: Mature cows should enter winter at a BCS of 5.5 to 6.0 First-calf heifers should enter winter at 6.0 to 6.5 Cows should calve at 5.5 to 6.0 to achieve 85 to 90 percent rebreeding within the first 45 days Maintaining condition through winter is significantly more cost-effective than trying to add condition after calving. Winter Feeding Cost-Saving Checklist Test all hay and forages before feeding Monitor body condition score monthly using the UNL BCS chart Provide adequate wind protection and dry bedding Supplement protein when hay tests below 7 percent crude protein Use corn stalks, cover crops, or residue grazing when available Feed highest-quality forage to late-gestation and early-lactation cows Increase energy intake 10 to 20 percent ahead of major winter storms Final Thought Winter feeding does not have to overwhelm your budget. By understanding cold stress, matching supplementation to forage quality, and applying research-backed strategies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, producers across Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado can maintain cow condition, protect reproductive performance, and control feed costs. Healthy, productive cattle are also a major driver of ranch value. At #1 Properties Ranch & Recreation, we help buyers and sellers evaluate forage resources, carrying capacity, and winter feeding infrastructure as part of every land transaction. Ready to explore ranch properties with proven winter grazing systems and strong water development?Contact our team for a free consultation or browse current listings across Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Why Realtors Land Institute Membership Matters for Landowners and the Agents Who Serve Them When buying or selling farms, cattle ranches, or recreational land, the quality of representation matters as much as the quality of the property itself. Land transactions are complex, capital intensive, and often tied to long-term family or business objectives. That is why affiliation with the Realtors Land Institute is not simply a credential. It is a meaningful advantage for both landowners and land professionals. At Ranch and Recreation, RLI membership reflects how we approach our business and how we serve our clients. What Is the Realtors Land Institute? The Realtors Land Institute is the leading professional organization in the United States dedicated exclusively to land real estate. Its members specialize in farms, ranches, recreational land, timberland, and rural investment properties. Unlike general real estate associations, RLI is focused on land-specific education, collaboration among experienced land brokers, and maintaining a high professional standard across the industry. Membership is intentional and specialized, designed for professionals who make land brokerage their primary focus. How RLI Membership Benefits Landowners and Clients National Reach for Specialized Properties Buyers of quality land assets often come from outside the local market. Through RLI, properties gain exposure to a nationwide network of qualified land buyers, investors, and brokers who actively transact in agricultural and recreational real estate. For sellers, this results in broader market visibility, more informed buyer interest, and improved opportunities to connect with serious, capable purchasers. Broker-to-Broker Networking That Produces Results One of the strongest benefits of RLI is the depth of its professional network. Members regularly collaborate on complex transactions, including multi-state acquisitions, 1031 exchanges, portfolio diversification strategies, and off-market opportunities. When a property requires a specialized buyer or when a buyer is seeking a specific type of asset, these relationships often lead to solutions that would not exist through local marketing alone. Sophisticated Deal Structuring Land transactions frequently involve more than a simple sale. RLI members are trained and experienced in alternative structures such as partial sales, retained ownership models, long-term leasing strategies, and legacy or conservation considerations. This approach allows landowners to evaluate options that align with financial goals, operational needs, and long-term planning rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all transaction. Why Top Land Agents Choose RLI and Why That Matters to Clients A Higher Professional Standard RLI attracts land professionals who focus exclusively on land, regularly handle large and complex transactions, and value accuracy, ethics, and reputation. This professional environment raises expectations and performance across every transaction. For clients, this translates into more informed guidance and a higher level of execution. A Culture of Collaboration Within RLI, cooperation is a defining principle. Members routinely share market insights, buyer relationships, and deal opportunities. This collaborative mindset benefits clients by expanding reach, improving buyer matching, and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. A Clear Signal of Commitment RLI membership signals that an agent is fully invested in the land business. For landowners, it is a clear indicator that their broker understands the nuances of agricultural and recreational property and is committed to staying at the forefront of the industry. What This Means at Ranch and Recreation Our involvement with the Realtors Land Institute reflects a broader philosophy behind how Ranch and Recreation operates as a brokerage. The firm specializes in farms, cattle ranches, and hunting properties, with an emphasis on thoughtful representation rather than transactional volume. Long-term relationships are prioritized over short-term outcomes, and national collaboration is balanced with strong local knowledge. Ethics, education, and professional accountability guide every transaction, ensuring landowners receive informed guidance and consistent execution. For clients, RLI membership means a property is represented with national connectivity and specialized land expertise. For land agents considering joining the team, it reflects a brokerage culture built around professional development, collaboration, and principled leadership within the land real estate industry. Final Thoughts Land represents more than acreage. It represents livelihood, legacy, and long-term investment. Choosing the right representation is critical. Affiliation with the Realtors Land Institute ensures that when you work with Ranch and Recreation, you are supported by one of the strongest land-focused professional networks in the country and guided by professionals who take that responsibility seriously.

Buying a ranch with high interest rates can have significant financial implications, so it's important to carefully consider the potential risks and evaluate your ability to manage the associated costs. Here are some considerations when buying a ranch with high interest rates: Financial Assessment: • Conduct a thorough assessment of your financial situation, including your income, expenses, and existing debts. Consider the impact of high interest rates on your overall budget. Loan Terms: • Review the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, repayment period, and any potential for rate increases in the future. Understand the total cost of the loan over its lifetime. Down Payment: • A larger down payment can help mitigate the impact of high interest rates. Consider saving more money upfront to reduce the principal amount and, consequently, the overall interest paid. Credit Score: • Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining the interest rate you'll be offered. Work on improving your credit score before applying for a loan, as a higher score may result in more favorable interest rates. Market Conditions: • Keep an eye on current economic and real estate market conditions. Interest rates may fluctuate based on broader economic trends, so it's helpful to be aware of the larger financial landscape. Explore Lender Options: • Shop around and explore different lenders to find the most competitive interest rates. Different financial institutions may offer varying rates and terms, so comparing options is essential. Budgeting for Fluctuations: • Plan your budget with some flexibility, taking into account potential interest rate fluctuations. A sudden increase in rates could impact your monthly payments and overall financial stability. Financial Advisors: • Consult with financial advisors or mortgage specialists to gain insights into managing high-interest rates. They can provide guidance on strategies to minimize interest costs and optimize your financial approach. Negotiate with Lenders: • Negotiate with lenders to secure the best possible terms. In some cases, lenders may be open to adjusting interest rates or terms based on your financial profile and negotiation skills. Long-Term Financial Planning: • Consider the long-term financial implications of high interest rates on your ranch investment. Assess whether the potential returns from the ranch align with your financial goals despite the higher borrowing costs. Before making a final decision, it's crucial to conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and ensure that you are comfortable with the financial commitment associated with buying a ranch with high-interest rates. Additionally, exploring options to refinance or renegotiate the loan terms in the future may be worth considering as part of your overall financial strategy.