In February, I discussed the benefits of maintaining a controlled calving season to produce an older, heavier and more uniform calf crop, reduce the risk of disease spreading among calves, simplify cow herd vaccination schedules and nutritional programs, and streamline more scheduled labor needs.

After a long winter in the region, now is a good time to elevate pasture conditions and forage management. While it is tempting to turn cows out to pasture as soon as it’s greening up, remember: Plants should be approximately 4 to 6 inches in height before grazing to avoid forage yield drags throughout the whole growing season.

Calving season decisions should be made based on labor availability, feed resources, cow nutrient demand, weather patterns and seasonal cattle markets.

As we gear up for calving season, now is a good time to consider what information we should be collecting to help us make informed decisions about the future of the cow herd.

With fall breeding season nearing completion and spring calving just a few months away, it’s easy to forget about herd sires during the winter months.

A cow herd offers diversity and flexibility to the farming enterprise; however, start-up or expansion of the cow herd can be a high-capital investment.

Historically, corn and corn dried distillers grains (DDGs) are priced at seasonal lows during the fall months. Due to their unique nutrient profile, DDGs are a good source of both protein and energy.

Many fall-calving herds may have calves on the ground already. Fall-calving cows and young calves are at risk for heat stress, and excessive heat can lead to lethargic calves at birth.

Many beef producers rely on corn silage to develop cost-effective, high-quality rations. Proper timing of harvest and storage management has a big impact on the success of feedstuff quality throughout the winter months and into the spring.

Many cows across the Midwest entered the breeding season in less-than-ideal body condition. Research has shown body condition score (BCS) is directly related to postpartum interval, or the number of days from calving to the subsequent calf conception.