As September is coming, take into consideration these recommendations from Jason Warner, Extension Cow-Calf Specialist.
For spring-calving cow herds:
• If not already done, make plans for weaning calves.
• Test your forages and have feedstuffs on hand prior to weaning.
• Check and clean waterers and prepare weaning/receiving pens.
• Evaluate cow body condition scoring (BCS) at weaning.
• Record scores with the BCS record book from a local K-State Research and Extension office.
• Use BCS to strategically supplement cows during fall, if needed.
• Female requirements are lowest at weaning, so weight and BCS can be added more easily in early fall rather than waiting until closer to calving.
• Schedule pregnancy checking and fall health work if not already done.
• How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
• Do you need to re-think our fall/winter nutrition program?
• Evaluate the cost of gain relative to the value of gain when making feeding and marketing decisions for cull cows.
For fall-calving cow herds:
• The final 60 days prior to calving represents the last opportunity to add BCS economically.
