It’s July in West Texas—and if you’ve been outside for more than five minutes, you already know what that means. The sun’s blazing, the pastures are crisping up, and the cows are doing everything they can to find a patch of shade and stay put. Grazing? Not unless it’s early morning or there’s a breeze blowing. It’s just flat-out hot.
This stretch of summer is tough on everyone, but it hits your herd especially hard. When the heat rolls in and the forage dries out, cattle often reduce their feed intake. And when they’re not eating as much, they’re not gaining as much as they should. You might even notice some slipping backward, losing a bit of condition, moving less, just not looking as sharp. Sound familiar?
You’re not the only one seeing it. The summer slump is a real deal for producers across the region. But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be your reality. You can’t lower the temperature, but you can take a few smart steps to help your cattle stay cool, continue eating, and gain weight.
Whether you’ve got a few head on pasture or you’re running a bigger outfit, there are ways to set your herd up for success—even when the thermometer says otherwise.
So if you’re ready to beat the summer slump, stick with me. Let’s walk through five practical strategies you can put to work right now to keep your cattle gaining through the worst of the heat. These are not just theoretical solutions, but practical steps that you can take with confidence.
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.
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?
