Across West Texas and the Southern Plains, a pasture may still look pretty decent from the road. There may be green color left, grass standing, and cattle scattered about, as if everything is working fine. But just because there is forage in front of your cows does not mean it still has the same nutritional value it had back in April or early May.That is where summer forage maturity can sneak up on a cattle operation. Spring grass is usually tender, leafy, higher in protein, and easier for cattle to digest. Once the heat settles in, those same plants start getting stemmier and putting more energy into seedheads. The pasture may still have volume, but forage quality, protein levels, and digestibility can begin to slip quickly. Cattle may be eating, but they may not be getting as much usable nutrition from every bite.
This matters if you are running pairs, trying to get cows bred back, raising replacement heifers, or keeping stocker cattle gaining weight through summer. The first signs are often subtle. You might see cows losing some body condition, calves not gaining as fast, manure getting drier, or cattle grazing longer without much improvement.
So in June, do not just ask, “Do I have grass?” Instead, ask, “Is this grass still meeting my cattle’s needs?”
This is why adjusting cattle supplements is a smart management move, not just another cost. A solid summer supplement plan fills the gaps left by mature forage and helps keep cattle performance steady before problems get costly.
Every April in West Texas, there’s a window where it feels like things are finally starting to work in your favor again. The grass is greening up, cattle are grazing aggressively, and after months of feeding hay, it looks like your pastures are ready to carry the load. You open the gate, turn cows out, and for a while, it seems like you’ve got more than enough forage to get through the spring. From the surface, everything points to a strong start.
Spring forage planning should begin before pastures turn green. Waiting until then is one of the costliest mistakes producers can make.
If you’ve ever stepped out into a pasture this time of year and seen nothing but brown, brittle grass waving in the wind, it’s easy to assume it’s “done for the season.” But here’s the truth — what your dormant grass looks like right now can tell you a lot about how next year’s grazing season will start. Those tan blades and leftover stems might look lifeless. Still, they’re full of clues about forage carryover, root health, and how your pastures handled the stress of the growing season.
Soil testing might not be the flashiest part of ranching, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you’ve got when it comes to range and pasture management. Think of it as a report card for your land. Instead of guessing what your grass needs, a soil test tells you exactly what’s going on beneath the surface—how fertile your soil really is, what nutrients it’s short on, and where you can make the most impact with fertilizer or amendments.
Prickly pear cactus, seemingly innocuous when scattered across a pasture, can swiftly transform into a significant challenge for livestock producers. Beyond being a mere nuisance, this cactus species, along with others, can impede cattle grazing, hinder livestock movement, and even cause harm to animals with its sharp spines. If left unattended, a productive pasture can soon be overrun by prickly pear, underscoring the urgency of its control.
At first glance, late summer pastures can look like everything’s fine—plenty of tall, green grass waving in the breeze. But here’s the thing: 
When it comes to mineral supplements for cattle, the focus often lands on spring and fall, and for good reason. These seasons bring significant demands on your herd, whether it’s calving or preparing for winter. However, it’s crucial to remember that your cattle’s mineral needs are a year-round affair. If you’re not attentive during the summer, you could be overlooking a vital aspect of their care.
Spring is just around the corner, which means rising temperatures and the return of fresh green grass. But don’t wait for the warm weather to hit before you start thinking about pasture management—it’s crucial to get a head start now. By preparing early, you’ll have time to plan and gather what you need to ensure a successful season.
Creep feeding can be a powerful tool to boost the weaning weight of your calves, potentially translating into increased profits when it’s time to sell. However, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before implementing this strategy. While it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, when used effectively, it can significantly enhance your bottom line.
