In the summer months, cattle will consume approximately 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of bodyweight. Heat waves may increase this intake by 50 percent or more. If the water source you have is high in iron or sulfur, this represents a dramatic increase in total daily intake of these minerals.

Behind feed cost, reproductive efficiency is the second-biggest driver of profitability in the cow herd. Because of this, the importance of proper breeding season preparations cannot be overstated.

Warmer weather, the sight of green grass in weeks to come and thoughts of planting season is refreshing. However, for many producers, planting season also coincides with breeding season, which often results in some extremely important management practices for the cow herd being placed on the back burner.

March is an exciting time. Temperatures start creeping up slowly, days get longer, and many producers in the Midwest and North begin to see the results of their 2016 mating decisions.

The days are getting longer, but do not overlook the fact that winter likely will have a firm grasp on us for another six to eight weeks. As such, this month focuses on mitigation of cold stress.

As calving season approaches for a large majority of the northern U.S., be aware that the intensive use of calving ease genetics has shortened the gestation length in many herds.

Happy holidays to all. May everyone have a fun-filled time with family and get 2017 off to a great start.

November marks a point in time where corn plant residue quality often declines rapidly as a result of inclement weather. If using cornstalks or drought-stressed forage as a primary forage source this fall and winter, be sure that in addition to protein, energy and mineral supplementation, that vitamin supplementation is also adequate.