If you wean calves in the fall, you already know it’s one of the most important—and sometimes most stressful—times of the year. Calves are adjusting to life without mom, their immune systems are under pressure, and the weather can’t seem to make up its mind from one day to the next. Those temperature swings, along with increased parasite activity and post-weaning stress, make fall a prime time for health problems to sneak in. Respiratory disease, in particular, can spread fast in weaned calves when their defenses are already down. The good news? A little planning now can save you big headaches later—think less weight loss, fewer treatment costs, and a lot fewer sick calves.
In this post, we’ll break down the key things to focus on this season: why booster vaccinations and parasite checks matter more than ever after weaning, how cooler fall weather increases respiratory risks, and practical, real-world steps you can take to keep your calves thriving all the way through winter. Whether you’re running a small cow-calf operation or managing hundreds of head, these fall health strategies can make a noticeable difference in your herd’s performance and bottom line. Let’s dig in and set your calves up for a strong, healthy start to winter. Continue reading
