Livestock management considerations for July

As July creeps up on cattle producers in the Southwind District, much of the attention is set to continue baling the winter feed. While this is true, there are also cow herd management decisions to think of. 

By

Lifestyle

June 27, 2023 - 2:43 PM

Jason Warner, K-State Research and Extension Cow-Calf Specialist, offers some insight on what we need to watch for in July:

∙ For spring-calving cow herds:

— Score cows for BCS concurrent with grass growth.

— 2-4-year-old females and thin females will respond most to early-weaning.

— Those planning to early wean should Develop a plan for feeding and marketing calves; prepare weaning/receiving pens and waterers in advance; and if feeding early-weaned calves, test forages and have ration plan and ingredients in place 2-3 weeks prior to weaning.

— Schedule early pregnancy checking activities if not already done.

∙ For late-summer and early-fall calving cowherds:

— Evaluate cows for BCS and adjust your plan to ensure mature cows are ≥ 5.0 and 2-4-year-old females are ≥ 6.0 at calving.

— The final 60 days prior to calving represents the last opportunity to add BCS economically.

— Review your calving health protocols as needed.

∙ Closely manage free-choice salt and mineral programs.

— Record date and amount of salt and mineral offered and calculate herd consumption on a pasture or group basis.

— Adjust how you are offering product to cattle if needed to achieve target intake.

— If consumption is 2X the target intake, then cost will be too!

— Properly store bags and pallets to avoid damage and product loss.

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