As a rancher, you’re the driving force behind the weaning process—and how it goes depends mainly on you. Weaning is when you start to see the results of all your hard work, from your breeding program to your daily care. But even now, the question remains: will this weaning season be a success? That answer lies in your hands.
Success looks different for every operation. It could be related to achieving a certain weight gain, maintaining healthy calves, or reducing stress during the transition. Whatever your goals are, defining what “success” means for your ranch is the first step.
There are numerous ways to go about weaning calves, and everyone has their own methods. But no matter how you do it, the end goal is the same—wean every calf with as little loss as possible. And to do that, it all comes down to starting them off on the right foot.
Those first 30 to 45 days after weaning are the most stressful in a calf’s life. They’re leaving the comfort of their mother, adjusting to a new feed, and learning a whole new routine. Stress can lead to poor performance if it’s not handled correctly.
So, what can you do? Please focus on the basics: make sure they’re eating well, staying healthy, and not overwhelmed by their new environment. Preventing nutritional gaps, keeping up with vaccines, and reducing stress from overcrowding or unfamiliar pens can go a long way.
Bottom line: a smooth weaning transition doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because you planned for it—and your calves will thank you for it down the road.
Feeding supplements are a reality in any cattle operation—but let’s be honest, it’s not something most of us enjoy spending money on. Feed costs can take up a considerable part of your annual budget, sometimes more than any other expense. In tough years, especially during droughts, feed alone can account for as much as 70% of your total operating costs.
Do you need miles of fencing and a big budget to implement rotational grazing? Think again. If you’re raising cattle in a dry climate like West Texas, you know how valuable every blade of grass is. Forage doesn’t grow fast out here, and overgrazing can wear down your pastures before you know it. That’s where rotational grazing comes in—it’s a simple but powerful way to stretch your forage, improve soil health, and keep your cattle in better condition.
Breeding season prep isn’t just another thing on your to-do list—it’s one of the most essential parts of your ranch’s success. For cow/calf producers, the steps you take before the season starts can make or break your calf crop. At the end of the day, it’s those good-quality calves that bring in the income and keep your operation moving forward. A healthy, consistent calf crop isn’t luck—it results from solid planning and management.
Controlling flies on your cattle is one of those frustrating challenges that can make you feel like you’re in an endless battle. No matter what you try, those pesky insects keep returning year after year. It’s like they’ve got a personal vendetta against your herd, making it seem almost impossible to get them under control.
Calf dehydration is a serious problem that often sneaks up on producers. It’s easy to overlook until it becomes critical, but by then, the damage may already be done. The most common culprits are scorching summer heat and scours, both of which can strip a calf of fluids fast. The key to saving a dehydrated calf is spotting the signs early and acting quickly.
Knowing when to step in and help during calving can feel like walking a tightrope—it’s all about timing. Act too soon, and you might be stepping in when nature could have handled things on its own. But wait too long, and you risk running into serious problems that could cost both the calf and the cow their lives. Finding that perfect middle ground takes practice, a good eye, and sometimes a bit of luck. For many ranchers, it’s one of the trickiest parts of calving season.
Winter brings a unique set of challenges for livestock producers. As temperatures drop, pastures go dormant, leaving forages unable to meet the nutritional demands of your animals. This challenge means purchasing supplemental feed becomes necessary, but with feed prices often climbing this season, balancing animal health and budget concerns can feel like walking a tightrope.
What is the proper strategy for heifer development for my cowherd?
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.
