You can feel it in the air; the days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting cooler (maybe). It will soon be the time that most producers do their fall processing. They will be running their cows through the chutes, and for any spring-born calves, they will be weaning them from their mommas.
Much like during the spring, this can be a hectic time for producers. With all of the doctoring and separating that is going on, it can take a lot of work to keep track of what is going on. However, there is a better time to slouch when it comes to your calf crop.
What you do here can determine the productivity of your fall calves. Calving will be stressful for them, so whatever you can do to alleviate as much of that as possible will be helpful. Here are five steps that you can follow to get your calves going in the right direction.
Nutrition significantly affects your herd’s health during the cold winter months. In order to meet this need, producers should plan ahead when it comes to their fall and winter forages. There are many factors to consider when figuring out how much hay will be needed.
Nutrition is one of those things that is essential year-round. Everything hinges on the cow’s nutritional needs being met, from just putting on weight for the market to reentering the reproduction cycle. However, meeting these demands can be complicated.
What is the proper strategy to develop replacement heifers for my cowherd? 
Winter this year is going to be a rough time for producers. Worries about the continuing drought and how it has affected forage production have taken a large part of our thoughts. Because of this, there will be limited to no stored forage available to feed cattle this winter.
Shrinkage is a genuine concern when it comes time to sell your calves. This concern is because it is a reduction in the sales weight, which means a reduction in the price that you will get. Of course, some price adjustments are standard in order to compensate for varying shrinkage and gut fill.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, giving your cows their best chance going into winter is essential. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle. It also plays a part in keeping feed costs reasonable.
Though the weather may not feel like it, temps are still in the 100s with no end in sight here, the fall season is almost upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a further need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
Growing your own feed despite the cost of time and equipment can have many benefits. Having an inventory on hand can reduce some risks of short supplies. It can also help protect you from any seasonal price volatility. Both energy and protein production can better match your herd’s requirements for simple feed use.
Weaning is one of the most critical times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with an excellent large calf crop. Though it may be of benefit to the producer, it comes with its problems.
