Collecting and recording cattle health and production data is a worthwhile endeavor, but even more important than where to store it is ensuring it’s of high quality. To meet this standard, it should be confirmed, useful and actionable for producers and experts alike to deliver the right information at the right time.

As exciting as calving season is, it is also riddled with challenges, including death loss. Now that we are nearing the end of calving season, and pasture turnout is around the corner, what are we going to do with the cows without a calf at side? All potential scenarios boil down to two: sell or keep.

As we move into spring, beef cattle producers are carrying out seasonal management tasks to prepare for grazing season. By now, many have either already begun or are getting ready for branding of calves and spring processing of cows. During the long but enjoyable days of gathering, sorting and processing, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

“Be prepared” is a motto to live by, especially during calving season. With that in mind, here are a few items that are essential to have on hand, plus some best-practice tips to consider.

Colostrum. Y’all know the story, or at least I thought I did. In the Southeast, calves are being born left and right, and out West, producers are gearing up for calving season. And while there are about 654,168,334 things to deal with in the middle of the calving season, colostrum could be one of the most important for the newborn calf.

Calving season is upon us, and being prepared can be the best strategy for a successful calving season and healthy calf crop. Gathering supplies and preparing facilities for the calving season is critical so that last-minute preparations are minimal.

Weak calf syndrome is exactly as it sounds; newborn calves are born weak, fail to thrive and often never get up to nurse. This is not a new phenomenon, and the industry has been combating it for decades.