While feedlots are incentivized to push for record weights, ranchers are feeling the strain of larger, high-maintenance cows. Experts say matching your herd to your environment is the only way to win.
The performance of growing calves on wheat pasture can by increased by providing a small amount of a concentrate supplement carrying an ionophore and minerals that are deficient in wheat pasture.
If pastures are slightly overstocked or have less forage available due to poor wheat growing conditions, forage allowance of 3 lbs. can provide enough forage for about 2.5 lbs. of gain per day.
To maximize grazing performance through fall and winter a stocking rate accumulation of 4-5 lbs. of forage dry matter per pound of steer bodyweight is a good rule of thumb.
Feeding free-choice hay with a concentrate supplement has the potential to add gain to growing calves without large investment in additional equipment.
Annual five-state beef conference hosted by beef extension teams from Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas will be held Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Dual purpose wheat for grazing and grain production is a major enterprise in the Southern Great Plains. Research at OSU showed the first hollow stem is the critical stage to minimize grazing damage to grain yields.
