It’s common for dairy producers to experience a “fall slump,” or a time when cows fail to reach their full production potential. Producers also might notice decreased feed intake or loose manure.

When determining the health of your herd, you probably rely primarily on external factors: evaluating body condition and looking for symptoms of illness or signs of injury. However, when it comes to overall cattle health, it’s vital to remember that what’s on the inside is just as important as what you can see on the outside.

Weather conditions are the number one factor influencing agriculture production. These weather conditions can leave ranchers with limited feed options for their cattle but at the same time also provide opportunity to access low-quality feeds at decreased costs.