By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist
Cow Herd Management
- Evaluate BCS and adjust nutrition for spring-calving females going into breeding.
- Ensure thin (BCS ≤ 4.0) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition.
- Females in a BCS ≥ 6.0 should not be losing condition.
- Record cow BCS and use it as a guide for future management.
- Start lactation rations after first calving cycle.
- Pregnancy check fall calving cows and make culling decisions.
- How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
- Do we need to re-think our fall/winter nutrition program?
- Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.
- Measure your cows’ intake and adjust it as needed.
- If using fly control products, start them at recommended times for your area.
- Properly store bagged mineral and avoid damaging bags and pallets.
- Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing the following:
- wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass, and other cool-season forages
- Use the estrus synchronization planner from KSUBeef.org to help plan synchronization protocols.
- Schedule breeding soundness examinations on bulls well prior to turnout.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to find a replacement bull if needed.
Calf Management
- Review health protocols for spring-born calves and schedule processing activities.
- If not already completed, wean and market fall-born calves.
- Consider the economic return by implanting nursing calves and grass cattle.
- If not already done, schedule your breeding protocols for replacement heifers in advance of the breeding season.
- If synchronizing with MGA, make sure intake is consistent at 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate per hd per day for 14 days, and remove for 19 days prior to administering prostaglandin.
General Management
- Use the Management Minder tool on KSUBeef.org to plan key management activities for your cowherd for the rest of the year.
- Evaluate forage production potential, particularly on pastures that were drought stressed in 2022, and adjust turn-out dates as needed.
- Consider your storage method for any leftover hay and feed and look for opportunities to minimize shrink during extended storage.
- Good sanitation around winter feeding and bedding areas helps reduce stable fly populations.
- Take a balanced, multi-tool approach to fly/insect control.
- Wrap up any last minute pasture management projects before spring turn-out:
- Finish repairing fences.
- Conduct burns, work to control trees and brush.
- Ensure sufficient water is available when cattle are turned out.