Whether calves will be retained and backgrounded or sold shortly after weaning, it is important to consider the impacts of weaning strategies on calf health and performance.
Ranchers in the Northern Plains have suffered multiple weather stresses and now may face a large number of cows not raising a calf. Many of those cows may be in less than ideal condition due to feed shortages.
Extension beef cattle specialists from four northern plains universities are accepting registrations for the series, titled “Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd.”
Many livestock operations harvested drought-affected crops, annual small-grains or other alternative forages this year. Those drought-stressed forages can be high in nitrates and cause toxicity issues in cattle.
Many ranchers in the Dakotas depend on surface water sources, such as dugouts and stock dams to provide water to grazing livestock. These sources naturally contain salts, which are dissolved minerals or solids.
Producers who have relocated their cattle out of state for winter feeding this year should consider having a weed management protocol in place when the cattle return.
Insect vector transmitted diseases can affect both wildlife and livestock. Veterinarian Gerald Stokka warns two notable infectious diseases transmitted by insects are Bluetongue and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease or EHD.
The drought of 2021 in the northern plains states has left many ranchers short of feed, both grazing forage and hay. A great option for spring grazing or hay production is winter cereals.
