Nutrition is essential year-round. Everything hinges on the cow’s nutritional needs being met, from putting on weight for the market to reentering the reproduction cycle. However, meeting these demands can be complicated.
The fall of the year can be a problem for producers. Even if you had forages growing, their overall quality declines drastically during this time of year. As the forages mature, they become more fibrous, their crude protein level decreases, and they become less palatable. If a producer has his herd calves in the fall, the problem becomes even more of an issue.
The issue with having a fall-calving herd is that the quality of forages decreases as her nutrition needs increase. The critical thing to remember is to meet the cow’s nutritional demands. It may seem impossible, but that is not the case. With some proper planning, it is possible to avoid having this become an issue. Continue reading
What is the proper strategy for heifer development for my cowherd?
Soil testing, often overlooked, is
Winter can be a challenging season for cattle, but with the proper preparation, you can keep your herd healthy and thriving. As the cold months approach, it’s crucial to plan for everything from proper nutrition to shelter. By taking proactive steps today, you can avoid costly problems and ensure your cattle make it through winter in top condition. Now, let’s delve into what you must do to set your herd up for success.
The fall season can be problematic for a beef producer. As you go into it after a dry, hot summer, the entire herd may be stressed. The combination of high heat, short grass, and low water tanks can stress cattle and make them more prone to disease.
Early pregnancy detection is a powerful tool for increasing profits in your herd. As a producer, knowing early if your replacement heifers or cows are bred can save you a significant amount of money by preventing the wastage of supplements for non-producing cows.
Understanding shrinkage is a 
Prickly pear, along with other cactus species, is a pressing issue in pastures. The proliferation of these cacti can impede livestock movement and pose serious health risks.
BRD, or bovine respiratory disease, is a general term for any respiratory disease in cattle. A range of factors can cause this disease. The common names usually used for this disease are pneumonia or shipping fever. Stocker and feedlot operations are often where this disease occurs. It occurs more often there because of the extreme stress that calves are put under from weaning and then being shipped.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, it’s essential to give your cows their best chance going into winter. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle and keep feed costs reasonable.
