From rising heat and humidity to increased pressure from parasites, this time of year can greatly impact calf health and performance, but with proactive management, producers can navigate these challenges, setting their calves up for a successful future.

There are many factors that influence grazing management decisions, and often it comes down to a grazier’s observation of a pasture system and how it responds to grazing decisions.

There is no perfect strategy for controlling horn flies, and the most successful strategies generally require more than one approach.

Proper storage of hay prior to feeding is important to reducing waste, avoiding nutrient loss and maintaining palatability.

April showers bring May flowers, right? These flowers that are beginning to appear in May just may be attached to a plant (noxious weed) that can actually cause harm to our livestock.

Veterinarians are not only needed when we have sick animals. Vets also aid with reproduction synchronization protocols, health certificates and livestock travel permit, education for their community and so much more.

With breeding season approaching, let’s look at some areas of focus that could be robbing from conception rates. Some factors that I think deserve discussion are cow condition, cow requirements, lush pastures, timing of vaccinations, lack of heterosis, stress and bull fertility.

A good mineral program can help to mitigate the risk of a deficiency and contribute to the overall success of the cattle herd. And as the adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

A vaccine plan is part of a sound preventive herd health plan. The vaccines that should be included will vary some depending on type of operation (cow-calf, stocker, etc.), geographic location, risk level and herd health history. However, a clostridial vaccine is one vaccine that is probably critical for all cow-calf operations.

I think now is a good time to look at your cattle herd and evaluate crossbreeding.