Scheduling anything—from family gatherings to meetings—can be challenging in today’s busy world. Despite technological advances, time remains a limited resource. For cow-calf producers, investing time and money in the right areas can yield significant returns.
- Sample and Test Forage Quality
In recent years, 6–20% of diagnosed abortions at the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Lab were linked to nitrate poisoning, often without visible symptoms in the cow. Inaccurate or missing forage testing contributed to these losses. Keep forage lots separate until test results are received. Testing is a small investment that can prevent costly losses. Also, request a forage quality test to ensure efficient use of feed resources. - Determine Pregnancy Status and Plan Accordingly
Most producers wait to see which cows calve, but early pregnancy detection allows for better planning. Nationally, only 19% of operations include palpation for pregnancy, although this rises to 54% in herds with over 200 head. Consider how a low pregnancy rate might affect replacement strategies and when to begin corrective actions. - Improve Body Condition of Thin, Spring-Calving Cows
After weaning, cows have the lowest nutrient requirements, making this the best time to regain weight. As pregnancy progresses into the third trimester, nutrient demands rise. Thin cows require more energy to maintain weight in winter, and poor condition can negatively affect both the calf and future fertility. Know when the third trimester begins for your herd. - Graze Corn Residue First
Corn leaves and husks offer high-quality feed but are degraded by wind or totally blown off the field. Grazing corn residue first preserves nutrients and returns value to the field via manure. Milo residue maintains quality longer and can be grazed later.
We can’t pursue every opportunity, but the combination of small actions can lead to meaningful gains. For more insights, see the article by Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska, The 5% Factor for Improving Profitability for Cow-Calf Producers.