If you have spent any time running cattle in West Texas, you know not to count on the rain.
If you have spent any time running cattle in West Texas, you know not to count on the rain.
If you have spent any time running cattle in West Texas, you know not to count on the rain.
When March arrives, it’s natural to feel hopeful about spring grazing. A few warm afternoons appear, the pasture starts to show a faint green tint, and cows begin pacing the fence line as if they sense turnout is near. After months of winter feeding and looking at dormant grass, those first green shoots seem like freedom and a sign of lower feed costs ahead.
When it comes to cattle supplements, most producers have a classic love/hate relationship with them. You know they can boost performance, improve body condition, and keep cows productive through tough forage seasons… but you also feel that sting when you look at the price tag. It’s the reason many ranchers wait until the last minute—or until cows start dropping condition—to bring supplements into the mix.
Wheat pastures are one of the most significant hidden advantages in a cattle operation—especially here in Texas and across the Southern Plains. When managed right, they’re more than just a winter grazing option. They’re a dependable, high-quality forage source that can stretch your grazing season, support substantial cattle gains, and still leave room for grain production. That dual-purpose value is exactly why wheat pasture grazing has become such a powerful tool for producers looking to get more out of every acre.
The extended grazing season provided by wheat pastures is a significant relief for cattle producers. In a typical year, wheat pasture can carry your herd from November all the way into early spring—sometimes even into March if the weather cooperates. This extended window is a lifesaver when warm-season grasses fade out and hay costs start creeping up. Instead of burning through your winter feed pile, wheat gives you a consistent, reliable forage source during the months when everything else is running short.
But getting the most out of wheat pasture grazing isn’t as simple as turning cattle loose and letting them go to town. Wheat is a high-quality forage, but timing, supplementation, and correct stocking rates all play a massive role in whether you get top performance—or leave pounds (and profit) on the table. Managing factors such as turnout dates, first hollow stem, and energy supplementation can make or break both cattle gains and grain yield. By understanding and implementing correct stocking rates, you can empower your operation and promote productivity.
In the following sections, we’ll break down how to manage wheat pastures the right way—from when to turn cattle out, to how much supplement they actually need, to the stocking rates that keep wheat productive all winter long. Let’s dig in and make every acre count.
When it comes to cattle nutrition, the ‘big three’ — crude protein, energy, and minerals-often steal the spotlight. However, there’s a key player that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: roughages. They’re the unsung heroes —the foundation that keeps the rumen functioning correctly and, thus, the entire digestive process.
Roughages are not just another component of the diet; they are the fuel that keeps your herd’s internal engine running smoothly. Without enough fiber, the rumen can’t effectively digest protein or energy from feed. That means even the best supplements or rations won’t work as well if your cows aren’t getting the right amount of roughage in their diet.
Inside the rumen, billions of beneficial microbes work around the clock to break down plant fibers. These microbes need to be fed, too — and roughage is what keeps them alive and thriving. When that balance is correct, your cattle stay healthier, gain better, and perform more efficiently.
Of course, not all roughages are created equal. Factors like rainfall, forage maturity, cutting schedule, and overall management all affect the nutritional quality of what ends up in your bale or pasture. By testing your roughages and carefully managing your forage program, you can stretch your feed dollars further while supporting your herd’s long-term performance.
At the end of the day, healthy rumens make healthy, productive cattle — and it all starts with understanding the value of good roughage.
Minerals are one of those topics in cattle nutrition that seem simple on the surface but can get pretty complicated once you start digging in. Every rancher knows cows need them, but how often do you stop and really think about the type of mineral you’re feeding? Most of the time, the conversation at the feed store sticks to the basics—tubs vs. bags, blocks vs. loose mineral. But there’s another angle that’s just as important, and it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: chelated minerals.
Now, you’ve probably heard the term tossed around. Maybe you’ve even seen it printed on a mineral tag and wondered if it was just marketing fluff. After all, with feed prices where they are, nobody’s looking to tack on extra costs unless it actually pays off. So here’s the real question—what are chelated minerals, and do they actually make a difference in your herd’s health and performance?
That’s precisely what we’re going to cover. In this post, we’ll break down what chelated minerals are in plain English, how they’re different from standard mineral forms, and the situations where they can give your cows a real advantage. We’ll also discuss whether they’re worth the investment for your operation this fall and winter. Because at the end of the day, if you’re going to spend money on supplements, you want minerals that are working as hard as your cattle do.
If you’ve been running cows for long, you already know this truth: nothing beats a good stand of winter pasture when it comes to stretching your hay supply, trimming feed costs, and keeping cattle in solid condition. Whether you’re in West Texas or anywhere across the Southern Plains, having oats, wheat, or rye ready for grazing can make all the difference once those native warm-season grasses lose their quality. A green field in December isn’t just pretty—it’s money saved and pounds gained.
But here’s the kicker—winter pasture doesn’t just “happen” because you scatter some seed and hope for rain. Successful planting takes a little strategy. If you don’t plan ahead, you can end up with bare spots, thin growth, and a pasture that never lives up to its potential. On the other hand, a little forethought now can set you up with a thick, graze-ready stand that feeds cows well into the cold months.
In the following sections, we’ll cover key reminders for drilling and broadcasting small grains, as each method has its place depending on your land and equipment. We’ll also cover the part that’s easy to overlook: how to protect those young seedlings. It’s tempting to turn cattle in early when you see green shoots, but overgrazing too soon can undo all your work before the pasture really has a chance to establish.
The good news? With the correct seeding method, a solid fertility plan, and innovative grazing management, winter pasture can be one of the best investments you’ll make this fall. Let’s break it down step by step so you can set your herd—and your wallet—up for success this winter.
Let’s face it—every cow/calf producer wants calves to hit weaning weight with as much gain and as little extra cost as possible. One tool that’s catching more attention lately is creep grazing. This system provides calves with access to high-quality forage while preventing the cows from reaching it.
Creep grazing can help calves gain extra weight before weaning, much like creep feeding with grain. The difference? It often comes at a lower cost and with less labor. You’re not refilling feeders, and you’re not buying bags of supplement every week. For producers looking to stretch their dollar and still see solid calf growth, that’s a big win.
That said, creep grazing isn’t a silver bullet. While creep feeding with concentrates has been widely researched and yields predictable outcomes, creep grazing remains a relatively underexplored opportunity. It requires planning—picking the right forages, setting up the access gate or fencing, and making sure your pasture can support the extra grazing pressure. But for many, that little bit of extra effort can translate into real savings.
Adding weight is excellent, but weight alone doesn’t equal profit. Before jumping in, take a step back and look at the whole picture: What are your feed costs? What’s the market doing? Will the added pounds pay off when it’s time to sell? Remember, the potential for increased profits is a strong motivator in considering creep grazing.
Bottom line: creep grazing is a tool worth considering. It might not be the perfect fit for every operation, but with the proper setup, it can help calves grow, reduce feed costs, and provide more flexibility without eating into your bottom line.
If you’ve been around cattle producers lately, you’ve probably heard more folks talking about protein tubs—for good reason. These self-fed supplements are becoming a go-to solution for operations, big and small. Why? Because they’re simple, efficient, and save you time. Just set them out in the pasture, and your cattle help themselves—no daily mixing, measuring, or hauling feed—just more time back in your day.
Now, in a perfect world, cattle would get everything they need from the grass or feed you give them. But let’s be honest—we don’t live in that world. Forage quality can change a lot from season to season, and cattle don’t all need the same nutrients year-round. Growing calves, nursing cows, and even the time of year can shift what their bodies require.
That’s where protein tubs come in. Think of them as a safety net for your herd’s nutrition. They’re designed to help “fill in the gaps” when forage isn’t quite cutting it. Whether the pasture’s a little too mature or the weather has taken a toll on quality, tubs ensure your cattle still get the protein and minerals they need to stay healthy and productive.
Plus, they regulate themselves—good tubs are made so cattle don’t overeat. And with weather-resistant designs, you don’t have to worry about rain or sun ruining your investment.
Bottom line? Protein tubs take some of the guesswork and workload out of feeding while giving your herd the steady nutrition they need. It’s no wonder more producers are making the switch.
Fertilizer prices have been on a steady climb for decades, but the past few years have seen some of the sharpest increases yet. Take nitrogen fertilizer, for example—it has doubled in price in just the last two years. Unfortunately, there’s no sign that things will get better anytime soon. With costs continuing to rise, ranchers and forage producers need to be smart about how they manage fertilizer use to keep their operations profitable. Simply put, wasting fertilizer means wasting money.
Among all the inputs that go into warm-season forage production, commercial fertilizer is by far the most expensive. However, by using it efficiently, there’s a significant potential for increased profits. This doesn’t just mean applying less—it means making sure every dollar spent on fertilizer gives the best possible return. If managed properly, the right fertilizer strategy can help maintain soil fertility, improve forage quality, and ultimately increase profits. The goal isn’t just to save money on fertilizer but to optimize every application for maximum returns.
When we talk about efficiency, it’s essential to understand that cheaper isn’t always better. Going for the lowest-cost option might seem tempting, but cutting corners can lead to poor soil health, lower yields, and higher costs in the long run. Instead of focusing solely on price, producers should aim to maximize the value of the fertilizer they apply. With that in mind, here are four practical ways to get the most out of your fertilizer investment while keeping forage production costs under control.
© 2026 West Texas Livestock Growers
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑