When it comes to mineral supplements for cattle, the focus often lands on spring and fall, and for good reason. These seasons bring significant demands on your herd, whether it’s calving or preparing for winter. However, it’s crucial to remember that your cattle’s mineral needs are a year-round affair. If you’re not attentive during the summer, you could be overlooking a vital aspect of their care.
Summer is a pivotal period, especially for breeding. Most ranchers plan for calves in the spring, which means cows are bred during the hotter months. And here’s the critical point: a cow that’s deficient in minerals is less likely to breed back on time—or at all. This is a costly miss. Therefore, ensuring they receive the right minerals now isn’t just beneficial, it’s absolutely essential.
Summer is tricky because it’s kind of a “transition season.” The lush spring grass starts to mature, and as it does, it loses some of its nutritional punch. So, just when your cows’ mineral needs are going up, the grass isn’t giving them what it used to. That gap has to be filled somehow.
So, how do you stay ahead of the game? How do you make your mineral program work for your herd—not just in spring and fall, but during summer, too? Don’t worry; I have three simple tips to help you get it right. They’re practical, doable, and make a real difference in your cows’ health and productivity.
Let’s dive into them.
