Young cattle can jump fences. There’s nothing new about that. We usually blame the fence – for being old and in the way – or the heifers and steers, for being … well … heifers and steers.

Come April, we’re going to know whether or not we were ready for calving season. I’m not talking about having supplies, feed or the calving area ready, I mean each of us will personally feel it in our backs, arms and legs if we we’re not in physical condition to handle calving season.

While labels on most injectables say they require refrigeration, our cold-weather winters are just a little too cold. But since beef production is 24/7, 365 days a year at all temperatures, we need to figure out how to keep our injectables at the proper temperature.

Every operation has its own unique approach to feeding cattle through the winter. Some feed hay on the ground in open fields, some use hay rings or feeders, or one of the many other options. Regardless of which option is used, each situation will come with challenges. Wear and tear to pastures, feed waste, equipment challenges – the list goes on.