Winter this year is going to be a rough time for producers. Worries about the continuing drought and how it has affected forage production have taken a large part of our thoughts. Because of this, there will be limited to no stored forage available to feed cattle this winter.
Due to this issue, producers will need to be more efficient with their supplements. It will not be feasible just to put out some feed and hope for the best. Hay or standing forage intake must be estimated to calculate winter feed needs.
It can be very tempting to go with the cheapest option, expecting it to be the best option. The goal is to be the most efficient rather than the least costly. Going with the cheaper option can often lead to more costs down the road. Here are four things that you can look to make it through this winter in a relatively good position.
The fall season can be problematic for a beef producer. As you go into it after a dry, hot summer, the entire herd may be stressed. The combination of high heat, short grass, and low water tanks can stress cattle and make them more prone to disease.
Early pregnancy detection with your herd is a tool that producers can use to increase profits. It is essential for a producer to know early if their replacement heifers or even cows are bred. Knowing this bit of information can save you a lot of money from wasting supplements for cows that are not producing.
Shrinkage is a genuine concern when it comes time to sell your calves. This concern is because it is a reduction in the sales weight, which means a reduction in the price that you will get. Of course, some price adjustments are standard in order to compensate for varying shrinkage and gut fill.
Prickly pear, as well as other cactus species, is a common problem in pastures. It is not an uncommon sight to have many cacti growing out in a pasture. They can interfere with the movement of livestock and cause serious health problems.
BRD, or bovine respiratory disease, is a general term for any respiratory disease in cattle. There is a range of factors that can cause this disease. The common names usually used for this disease are pneumonia or shipping fever. Stocker and feedlot operations are often where this disease occurs. It occurs more often there because of the extreme stress that calves are put under from weaning and then being shipped.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, giving your cows their best chance going into winter is essential. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle. It also plays a part in keeping feed costs reasonable.
Hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures are going to be getting cooler (somewhat), and the days are getting shorter. Fall is undoubtedly a time of year when a lot of transitioning will be going on. Now is also the time to be thinking about what supplements to provide for your cattle.
Though the weather may not feel like it, temps are still in the 100s with no end in sight here, the fall season is almost upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a further need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
Growing your own feed despite the cost of time and equipment can have many benefits. Having an inventory on hand can reduce some risks of short supplies. It can also help protect you from any seasonal price volatility. Both energy and protein production can better match your herd’s requirements for simple feed use.
