Spring Beef Herd Management Tips

Spring has arrived and it is important to review your management program to prepare the herd for pasture turn out. To prepare for pasture season check fences, make necessary repairs and plan your spring fertilizer needs. Adding nitrogen to grass pasture can increase carrying capacity and production, legume and grass mixtures can benefit from potassium and phosphorus. Soil tests should determine precise needs; over fertilization is neither cost effective nor environmentally compatible.

Dehorn and castrate all commercial calves prior to turn out. Plan a fly control program. Vaccinate cow herd prior to breeding season for IBR, BVD, leptospirosis etc. Research has shown that de-worming the herd prior to or shortly after turn out can increase weaning weights. Consult your veterinarian for the best vaccination and de-worming protocol for your herd.

Review cow herd inventory and identify cows to be culled. Cull cow prices generally peak mid summer when cows are still in good body condition. Consider weaning calves early from cull cows to facilitate marketing those cows during peak prices. Ensure all cows and calves are clearly identified prior to turn out for ease of identification when on pasture. Consider your mineral and salt supplementation needs and make sure you have supplies on hand.

Monitor pasture production throughout the season and have contingency plans for over and under production to ensure pasture is not wasted and cattle have required supply through out the season. Remember, the longer the cattle forage for themselves there is less need for expensive stored feed.