Bull buying season is just around the corner, and it is important to have a plan in place prior to attending a sale or visiting a ranch for a private treaty purchase. Identifying the goals and marketing strategy for your operation is the first step in the decision-making process.

Winter-annual pastures (ryegrass, wheat, oats, etc.) are off to a great start due to good rains across much of the south-central region. To get the most out of these pastures, specific grazing and mineral supplementation strategies are needed.

Fortunately, drought and soil moisture conditions are improving for much of the South Central region. However, due to dry conditions during much of the growing season and a cool spring in some areas, hay supplies are low.

Unfortunately, drought and abnormally dry conditions have continued for much of the South Central region, and with these conditions come questions about nitrate toxicity.

Drought and abnormally dry conditions have continued for the South-Central region. During these times, it is imperative to preserve cow body condition, forage resources and financial equity.

As I look at the current drought monitor map for the week ending May 15, 2018, and compare it to the map for the week ending Feb. 13, 2018, the changes are mixed. Fewer total acres of Oklahoma and Texas are in the drought or abnormally dry categories.

Loose mineral supplements and molasses tubs or blocks are sometimes used to provide feed additives like fly control products, ionophores, antibiotics, bloat management drugs and others.

For many operations, May is calf-working time. This initial calf working may include branding or some other form of identification, vaccination, deworming, castration, dehorning and implanting. A little planning and attention to detail can reduce stress on both cattle and people, and ensure vaccines have the greatest chance to work.

As I look at the most current drought monitor map published on Feb. 15, most of the south-central region is experiencing dry conditions. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the area has received widespread rain, and pastures are covered with abundant supplies of green-growing forage.

With winter calving wrapping up and spring calving approaching, now is a good time to evaluate your cow herd for breeding potential this spring and summer. Cow body condition at or just prior to calving has the greatest impact on herd pregnancy rates and reproductive performance.