Controlling lice populations is important from both a performance and animal welfare standpoint. Proper lice management will help cattle get through the winter in better shape.

Reducing hay storage loss and feeding waste are always beneficial, but given limited forage supplies and the price of hay, this year they are even more critical.

The most appropriate feed cube option will vary depending on forage or hay quality, nutrient needs and body condition of the cows, and cost of the cubes.

Now is a good time to double-check hay inventories and test hay quality.

This month the focus will be on proper development of those heifers for both short- and long-term success. Heifer development includes getting heifers ready to breed and also making sure bred heifers are developed properly.

Heifer selection is important because of the long-term impacts it can have on an operation. 

Horn flies, stable flies, house flies and face flies can all be a challenge for cattle and cattle producers.

Stocking rate and fertilizer application are the two main factors that producers can control in terms of increasing forage production for grazing or hay.

Castration is an important part of beef production and animal welfare.

Identification of calves makes it easier to monitor them to ensure they are doing well and to check on any that might be sick or have some type of problem.