Regional Roundup

Standardized performance analysis records indicate that, on average, a beef cow is 6 years old before she pays off her developmental and feed costs and starts generating a profit. Therefore, starting her off on the right foot is key.

Many beef cattle producers graze winter annuals, but are they utilized in the most optimal way? Instead of unrestricted access to forage, limit grazing is a strategy which can be used to help provide short-term access to a high-quality forage crop and extend the use of other conserved forage resources being used on the farm.

Spring bull buying season is here, and when buying bulls, it is critical to evaluate what type of bull will benefit the operation most. This month will focus on bulls purchased to raise replacement heifers.

Continuing with the theme of nutrition at calving, we’ll now shift focus to how it relates to colostrum production along with management for the calf. Born essentially without immunity, calves don’t yet have the necessary antibodies to shield them from disease, which is why they have to rely on their mother for the immunoglobulin-rich nourishment of colostrum through passive immunity.

Winter feed expenses account for approximately one-third of the annual cost of production for a beef cow. Since hay makes up the largest portion of winter feed, minimizing feeding losses is the most efficient way to control feed costs.

How do you tie herd health and pregnancy determination together? Well, leave it to a reproductive physiologist to “try” and connect those seemingly independent dots. Several options exist for the producer to diagnose pregnancy.