WHAT PRODUCERS SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT IN NOVEMBER
Spring Calving Cows
Cowherd Management
- Pregnancy check (if not already completed)
- If candidates for culling were not selected in September or October, it should be completed now.
- Consider feeding cull cows to increase body weight, value, and utilize cheap feedstuffs. Value of gain is equal to the difference between the ending value and beginning values divided by the gain. Compare this to cost of gain figures. When cost of gain is less than value of gain, profit will be realized.
- Body Condition Score
- Provide thin cows (body condition score 3s and 4s) extra feed now. Take advantage of weather, stage of pregnancy, lower nutrient requirements, and quality feedstuffs.
- In late fall and early winter, start feeding supplement to mature cows using these guidelines:
- Dry grass 1ó ‐ 2 lb supplement/day of a 40% CP supplement
- Dry grass 3 ‐ 4 lb supplement/day of a 20% supplement
- Dry grass 10 lb good nonlegume hay, no supplement needed
- Compare supplements on a cost per pound of nutrient basis.
- Utilize crop residues.
- Average body condition cows can be grazed at 1 to 2 acres/cow for 30 days assuming normal weather. Available forage is directly related to the grain production levels.
- Limiting nutrients are usually protein, phosphorus, and vitamin A.
- Strip graze or rotate fields to improve grazing efficiency.
- Discontinue feeding tetracycline if used for anaplasmosis control.
Calf Management
- Participate in National Level Breed Association Performance Programs CHAPS and(or) other ranch record systems.
- Finalize plans to merchandise calves or to background through yearling or finishing programs.
Forage/Pasture Management
- Plan winter nutritional program through pasture and forage management.
General Management
- Document cost of production by participating in Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) programs.
- Review management decisions, lower your costs on a per unit of production concept.
- Plan your marketing program, including private treaty, consignment sales, test stations, production sales, etc.