Though the weather may not feel like it, still in the high 90s here, the fall season is upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a new need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
It is during this time of year when many producers are hauling hay to their storage lots to use for winter. On top of this, they are also pricing and buying any additional hay that they may need. Seems everyone has it figured out though they may not be aware of problems lying just below the surface.
A major problem for producers is that there is a large range in hay quality depending on many conditions. Things like the level of maturity, fertilization, growing conditions, harvest conditions, and storage methods all play a part. Accurately sampling and testing hay is the only way to get a real understanding of the nutritional value of your hay.
This is not really something you want to guess at. Using values from previous years or a “book value” can be costly since a producer may incorrectly develop a ration using values that aren’t even present. Here are some tips to follow in order to get an accurate hay sampling.
Growing your own feed despite the cost of time and equipment can have many benefits. Having an inventory on hand can reduce some risks of short supplies. It can also help protect you from any seasonal price volatility. Both energy and protein production can better match your herd’s requirements for simple feed use.
Weaning is one of the most important times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with a nice large calf crop. Though it may be of benefit to the producer it doesn’t come without its problems.
A protein tub is a very good way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture you don’t need to check it every day. This is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
Drought can be a very devastating thing to deal with. Forages stop producing, making it difficult for ranchers to make it. All in all, drought can make things seem pretty bleak while going through it.
Sulfur for cattle tends to be a bit of a dividing subject for most producers. When it comes to this subject it generates a love/hate relationship with cattlemen. There are ones who love them as well as swear by them, then there are others who feel they are a waste of money.
Destocking is a very common practice during a drought. They are rarely easy to make and will still cost you most of the time. However, because drought is a common consequence of ranching it will still need to be made. It is important to include plans for when droughts occur so producers are never caught unprepared.
Having calves weaned early is often something that occurs during periods of low forage quality. This typically happens during extremely dry periods, such as what is currently happening in many western states. But what exactly does it mean to wean early?
Breeding season puts a lot of demands on cows. During this time she is expected to provide adequate nutrition for her calf while her body recovers from giving birth. Then she is expected to get back into estrus just before she is bred again. All of this is expected to occur within 90 days after calving to maintain a yearly calving interval.
Trich, or the more scientific name Trichomoniasis, is a very serious economic problem for cattle producers. Some of the problems that it can cause are a reduced calf crop as well as lower weaning weights. It can cause this because it makes your breeding cows infertile and possibly causes a longer breeding season.
