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.
This time of year can be a problem for all of your cattle. At the end of summer, the cows are likely pulled down to a thin body condition because of lower-quality forage and nursing calves. Your bulls are worn out from breeding and may also be on the light side. A typical situation during this time of year is that the calves deal with the most stressful time of their lives during weaning.
Producers can effectively prevent or minimize health problems in the fall by reducing stress. This proactive approach, achieved through providing adequate nutrition and improving sanitation, can significantly mitigate the risk of diseases. Below is some information about four diseases you might encounter during this time of year, along with the preventive measures you can take.
Early pregnancy detection is a powerful tool for increasing profits in your herd. As a producer, knowing early if your replacement heifers or cows are bred can save you a significant amount of money by preventing the wastage of supplements for non-producing cows.
Understanding shrinkage is a 
Prickly pear, along with other cactus species, is a pressing issue in pastures. The proliferation of these cacti can impede livestock movement and pose serious health risks.
BRD, or bovine respiratory disease, is a general term for any respiratory disease in cattle. A range of factors 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, it’s essential to give your cows their best chance going into winter. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle and keep feed costs reasonable.
It’s hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures will be getting cooler (
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?
Despite the time and equipment costs, growing your own feed can be a powerful strategy. It allows you to maintain an inventory, reducing the risk of short supplies and protecting you from seasonal price fluctuations. Moreover, it empowers you to tailor energy and protein production to match your herd’s feed requirements, giving you a strong sense of control and confidence in your operations.
Weaning is one of the most critical times for cattle producers. It is a period when all their hard work begins to pay off with an excellent large calf crop. This challenging yet promising time assures long-term benefits and a thriving herd, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation in cattle producers.
