It’s August—and at first glance, your cattle might look like they’ve weathered summer just fine. The calves are filling out, the cows are holding condition, and the pastures, while a little crispy, are still holding up well. But don’t let that surface-level calm fool you. One sneaky issue that could be dragging down performance and profits without making much of a scene is parasites. The potential loss of earnings due to parasites is a genuine concern that should not be overlooked.
Horn flies, ticks, and internal worms don’t care if it’s hot, dry, or the tail-end of summer. In fact, August is prime time for some of these pests to ramp up their damage—especially if your earlier control efforts are wearing off. That pour-on you applied in June? It may no longer be holding. And if your deworming strategy didn’t account for reinfection cycles, your herd could be quietly losing weight, milk production, and overall health. This reduction could translate to significant economic losses for your operation.
This season is the perfect time for a late-summer parasite check—a simple reassessment that could save you pounds, performance, and money come weaning. In this article, we’ll walk through how to evaluate if your herd is still protected, what warning signs to watch for, and the best options for correcting any gaps. Remember, early assessment can prevent performance loss, putting you in control of your herd’s health and productivity.
Don’t let parasites get the last word this season. Let’s make sure your herd finishes strong.
When that West Texas sun starts cooking the ground, and the temps soar past 100 degrees, it’s not just miserable for you—it’s brutal for your cattle, too. Imagine standing out in the middle of a pasture all day, wrapped in a leather jacket, with no breeze, no shade, and no cold drink in sight. That’s what your cows are dealing with during a summer heatwave.
Nobody wants to walk out to the pasture and see a sick cow. Cattle diseases don’t just hurt the animal—they can slow down your whole operation and hit your wallet harder than expected. Sick animals may eat less, grow slower, or lose condition, and treating them takes time and money you probably hadn’t planned on spending. The good news? Many common issues can be spotted early and dealt with before they turn into big problems.
Creep feeding can be a powerful tool to boost the weaning weight of your calves, potentially translating into increased profits when it’s time to sell. However, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before implementing this strategy. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, when used effectively, it can significantly enhance your bottom line.
When it comes to raising healthy, productive cattle, the saying “
A good breeder plays a crucial role in shaping the cattle industry’s future. The calves they produce can significantly influence the genetic potential of your herd. This genetic foundation is why choosing a reputable breeder is essential; the quality of their stock will directly impact your herd’s performance and success.
Roughages, often overlooked but crucial, are an essential part of a cow’s diet. While the focus is usually on crude protein, energy, and mineral content, understanding the role of roughages is equally essential. A certain amount of roughage is necessary to keep the rumen functioning and aid in the digestion of protein, energy, and minerals, contributing significantly to cattle’s overall health and production. This knowledge empowers you, the reader, to make informed decisions about your cattle’s nutrition.
As the breeding season concludes, it’s crucial to understand that the bulls’ work is far from over. The off-season is a pivotal time for their care, as it significantly influences their performance in the upcoming breeding season. Similar to athletes post-competition, bulls require a period of recovery and conditioning. Neglecting their care during this time could adversely affect your next calf crop.
Deciding which cows to cull is a challenging task for most producers. Sometimes, their personal feelings about that particular animal get in the way. Sometimes, they don’t even know which ones are under-performing and which ones need to be kept.
Heifer development, while challenging, is a rewarding task that shapes the future of your herd. The transformation of young heifers into productive mothers is a process that, with careful planning and management, can lead to long-term success. Every decision, from nutrition to breeding, has a lasting impact on the productivity of your herd, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation for the future.
