By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist
Cow Herd Management
- If not already done, take inventory of and test harvested forages for the following:
- Moisture/dry matter
- Crude protein
- Energy (o(NEm, NEg, and/or TDN)
- Fiber components (ADF, NDF)
- Macro-minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, salt)
- Nitrates and/or prussic acid when appropriate
- Starch for silage crops
- Calculate forage needs based on herd inventory, cattle weight, and days, and develop a plan to ensure that adequate harvested forage is available if grazing is limited (https://www.agmanager.info/hay-inventory-calculator.)
- Body condition score cows to develop informed supplementation strategies (both spring and fall-calving herds.)
- Targeted BCS at calving: 5 for mature cows, 6 for young females (2,3, & 4 year olds)
- Record scores with the BCS Record Book (https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/Item.aspx?catId=562&pubId=19320) from KSRE!
- Consider utilizing crop residues for late-fall and winter grazing needs.Assess down grain in the field and be aware of nitrates and prussic acid (around the time of frost for sorghums.)
- For spring-calving cow herds:
- Schedule pregnancy checking if not already done.
- How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
- Do we need to re-think our fall/winter nutrition program?
- Schedule pregnancy checking if not already done.
- For fall-calving cow herds:
- Plan to adjust your nutrition program to match needs of lactating cows.
- Use the estrus synchronization planner (https://www.iowabeefcenter.org/estrussynch.html) to help plan synchronization protocols.
- Review your marketing strategy for cull cows.
- Cows with a BCS ≥ 6.0 will likely sell well with current market prices.
- Look for opportunities to increase value by adding weight prior to market.
- Ensure bulls undergo breeding soundness exams prior to fall/winter service.
- Manage young and mature bulls during the offseason to ensure bulls are BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use.
Calf Management
- If not already done, make arrangements to wean spring-born calves.
- Finalize plans to either market calves or retain and add weight post-weaning.
- If marketing calves, communicate your strategy to prospective buyers in advance.
- If not already done, schedule your breeding protocols for fall 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.
- If retaining calves post-weaning:
- Review your nutrition plan.
- Ensure you have sufficient forages available to match cow herd needs.
- Closely observe feed and water intake the first few weeks.
- Make sure all cattle have sufficient access to feed and water.
- Review/update your health protocols as needed for either weaned or new-born calves.
- Consider either supplementing fall-calving pairs or creep feeding fall-born calves to maintain calf performance on low-quality winter forages.
- For replacement heifers, manage your program to properly develop them prior to your given breeding time.
Forest/Pasture Management
- Make plans for controlling invasive species for the next growing season.
- Winterize water sources if applicable.
- Work on fencing/facility projects as time/weather allows.
General Management
- Develop and/or review your risk management plans for the coming year.
- Evaluate your short and long-term herd inventory goals with current conditions.
- Update lease arrangements as necessary.
- Schedule an annual meeting with your lender, insurance agent, and extension professional.
- Consider opportunities to lock prices in, if possible, for co-products and commodity feeds.
- Understand what nutrients you are targeting to purchase and price feeds on a cost per unit of nutrient basis.