I hope the grass and calves are growing strong at your operation this spring. Marketing is top priority for most producers right now, it seems. Guarding against market lows with value-added management can improve the bottom line. Pre-conditioned calf crops are in high demand.

In their February forecast, the Climate Prediction Center labeled much of the region as “drought remains but improves.” The extensive drought has left bare pastures and created sizable stand losses.

Spring is on its way – and not a moment too soon. Now may be a good time to look at soil fertility, particularly for those that missed fall fertilization due to drought.

The Southeastern drought of 2016 is expected to persist and expand into the deep South and to the West through early spring. Check all purchased feedstuffs for nutritional analysis.

Happy New Year! The past year was not the most enjoyable for Southeast producers. Over half the region was categorized as at least “severe drought” by mid-November. Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi were experiencing extreme or exceptional drought in large portions of their states.

This time of year tends to bring on more work with fewer daylight hours to get it done. A big thank- you to all the cattle producers for their unwavering commitment to the cattle, land and industry that is such a large part of this great country.

The end of the calendar year is fast approaching and it’s a good time to think about year-end accounting and future herd goals. Dr. Levi Russell, University of Georgia livestock economist, suggests producers look to IRS publication 225 for farm accounting questions.

Unfortunately, the majority of the Southeast has summered through a substantial drought. Needless to mention, the region is going through some rough times. As many have tried to restock herds over the last two years, many are now culling hard and have probably weaned spring calves a month or more earlier than normal.

For those in the West, this time of year is when much of your lush green grass – so abundant during the early months of the year – has peaked and either reached the end of its life cycle or come really close to it.

General For those in the Southeast, it’s time to look toward winter. August is a typical time for assessing any opportunities to stockpile fescue, plant winter annuals and check byproduct feed prices such as soyhulls and corn gluten.