Adequate nutrition is critical, for not only the health and rebreeding success of the mother, but also for the health and vigor of the calf. Interestingly, feed costs represent the greatest cost for cow-calf producers, representing as much as 50 to 60 percent of total production costs.

As the end of summer approaches, most beef cattle producers are very busy. They are recovering from county fairs and state fairs, sending kids back to school, making third-cutting hay, watching the weather and crop development, beginning to think about chopping silage, and the list could go on.

Grazing season is just around the corner – a welcome break from cold weather, muddy lots and delivering feed to cows. As springtime approaches, it may be worthwhile to think about ways to improve your grazing system.

As we move into the new year, it will be worthwhile to spend a little time planning and preparing for the upcoming calving season. Excellent animal husbandry, deliberate preparation and common sense can go a long way to promote a successful calving season.

Frigid temperatures, howling winds, ice storms, freezing rain and snowdrifts are just a few of the winter highlights waiting just around the corner.

The fall season includes many seasonal highlights like cooler weather, football, back-to-school and of course weaning those spring-born calves.