The greatest percentage of a cow’s annual maintenance cost is almost always allocated toward her feed bill, which can include supplement, mineral and hay.

The largest expense for most stockman is winter feed or supplements. The more time that cattle can graze without needing hay, the better.  Today there are new forage varieties that can fill some gaps in the grazing calendar, enabling cattle to graze for more of the year.

Just as seasons change, cow herds will transition through production phases.

Winter grazing patterns or dry lot forage and hay feeding is on the horizon for many cow-calf producers. With pregnancy checking and the necessary culling of open or deficient females completed, the finalized herd is likely in place until calving season.

Bulls supply half the genetics for your calf crop, so you want to make sure they are fertile, healthy and sound and in good body condition through winter.