Tag: cow calf management

Is Creep Feeding Practical and Actually Worth The Cost?

February 13, 2026 / / 1 Comment
Is Creep Feeding Practical and Actually Worth The Cost?Creep feeding allows calves to access feed that mature cows cannot. This practice can promote superior calf growth and raise weaning weights, meaning the calf’s weight when separated from its mother. Elevated weaning weights typically result in higher sale prices at year’s end. Providing calves with a digestible supplement supports growth even if forage quality or milk yield declines. Still, creep feeding is not a universal fix. Like any cow-calf management decision, it is most effective when applied strategically for clear objectives.
Before you start, take a moment to look at the bigger picture. Calf prices, feed costs, and market conditions all play a role in whether creep feeding is worth it. Labor matters too. Someone needs to manage feeders, monitor intake, and track costs. This approach isn’t hands-off, and what worked last year might not work this year, especially if feed prices or weather change.
Decisions about creep feeding must fit each ranch. Operations vary in forage, calving season, and marketing goals. What works for your neighbor may not suit you. It’s essential to determine when creep feeding delivers value versus simply adding cost. In the next sections, we’ll examine when creep feeding pays off, what risks to consider, and how to assess its profitability for your ranch.

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The Simple Hidden Risks of February Calving Season

February 9, 2026 / / 0 Comments
The Simple Hidden Risks of February Calving SeasonAt first glance, February calving doesn’t seem too bad. The harshest winter days are usually over; daylight is increasing, and some warmer afternoons are appearing. It’s easy to believe the hardest part of winter calving is behind you.
But then, on a cold February morning, you might find a calf that’s slow to get up, unsteady, or having trouble nursing. Suddenly, the situation changes.
February calving isn’t usually about big wrecks or obvious mistakes. It’s about small stressors stacking up quietly. Cold stress lingers. Moisture steals body heat. Mud drains energy. Nursing gets delayed. And timing—especially in the first few hours of a calf’s life—starts working against you. By the time a calf looks “off,” the problem has often been building for longer than you realize.
Most weak-calf problems don’t come from a single mistake. They happen when several small risks come together during February’s unpredictable weather. That’s why this month often surprises people.
The key takeaway: Most February calving problems are preventable. By watching for early warning signs and checking calves at the right times, you can make simple changes that greatly improve survival rates and early growth.
In the next sections, we’ll move from understanding these quiet risks to the concrete actions that keep calves warm, nursing, and healthy. By bridging the challenges with solutions, careful observation—not panic—becomes your best tool.

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February Calving Prep: What You Should Have Ready Now

February 5, 2026 /
February Calving Prep: What You Should Have Ready NowFebruary can catch even the most prepared cattle producers off guard, especially in cow-calf operations juggling winter feeding and the start of calving season.
One day, you’re focused on hay supply, cow condition, and stretching winter feeds. Suddenly, calves arrive—and your priorities shift. The weather turns unpredictable, nights are cold, and small problems quickly become big if you’re unprepared.
This month bridges winter survival and strong calf starts. Preparation now determines if calving runs smoothly or chaotically.
Most calving problems aren’t from one big failure, but small gaps: a missing tool, bedding runs out, unnoticed mineral slumps, frozen water, or no plan for nighttime emergencies.
The good news? These are all fixable in advance.
Instead of scrambling later, now is the time to get organized. The following checklist covers essentials, double-checks, and common shortfalls.
Let’s see how preparation saves time, cuts stress, and helps cows and calves start well.

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The Easy Way To Actually Choose Replacement Heifers

January 24, 2026 /
The Easy Way To Actually Choose Replacement HeifersReplacement heifers are the backbone of a successful and profitable cow-calf operation. They aren’t just “extra cattle”—they’re the future of your herd. Over time, older cows need to be culled to maintain strong genetics, reproductive performance, and overall herd health. As cows age, conception rates drop, and calving problems often increase, which can leave gaps in your breeding program if you’re not prepared. Having quality replacement heifers ready to step in helps keep your herd productive, profitable, and moving in the right direction year after year.
When it comes to sourcing replacement heifers, producers usually face one big decision: raise them at home or buy them. Many ranchers prefer raising their own because it allows for greater control over genetics, health, and management. Others choose to purchase replacement heifers to save time, reduce labor demands, or quickly adjust herd size. Neither option is right or wrong—the best choice depends on your operation’s resources, goals, and current conditions. What works well for one ranch may not pencil out for another.
Choosing the most practical and cost-effective replacement heifer strategy requires an honest look at your operation. Feed costs, labor availability, facilities, cash flow, and market conditions all play a role in the decision. Whether you’re investing time and resources into developing your own heifers or paying upfront to buy them, the goal is the same: build a herd that stays productive without stretching your budget too thin. In the sections ahead, we’ll break down the key factors, pros, and trade-offs of each option so you can decide what makes the most sense for your ranch.

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Beat Calf Scours Before It Hits Your Bottom Line

January 16, 2026 /
Beat Calf Scours Before It Hits Your Bottom LineCalf scours is one of those problems that instantly puts cow/calf producers on high alert—and for good reason. It’s the number one cause of financial loss in young calves, costing operations time, money, and sometimes entire calf crops if it gets out of hand. What makes calf scours in cattle especially frustrating is how quickly it can appear and spread. One day calves look fine, and the next you’re dealing with diarrhea, weak calves, and long nights in the barn. It can feel like a wildfire moving through a pasture, leaving producers scrambling to get ahead of it.
Part of the challenge is that calf scours isn’t a single disease. It’s a clinical sign associated with several causes, ranging from management issues to infectious pathogens. No matter the trigger, the result is the same—diarrhea that prevents the calf’s intestines from absorbing fluids and nutrients. That fluid loss leads quickly to dehydration, weakness, and a calf that just can’t keep up. If left untreated, scours can escalate fast, turning what looks like a minor issue into a life-threatening emergency.
Ask any experienced producer, and they’ll tell you just how serious scours can be. Calf scours is the leading cause of death in calves between 2 and 30 days of age, and dehydration is usually the real killer, not the infection itself. The good news? Calf scours is highly treatable when caught early. With quick action, proper treatment, and a solid prevention plan, most calves can recover and go on to perform well. In the sections that follow, we’ll break down what causes calf scours, how to spot it early, and the practical steps you can take to protect your herd and your bottom line.

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