Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist Jason Warner summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in March.
1. Start post-calving nutrition programs for spring-calving females.
- Begin lactation rations/supplement levels or feed higher quality hay once first calving cycle is complete.
- Ensure thin (BCS ≤ 4.0) females are maintaining or on an increasing plane of nutrition going into breeding.
2. As you make your bull selection decisions:
- Review your past herd performance relative to your marketing and genetic goals.
- Study EPDs and indexes that impact your operation profit centers and do your homework well before sale day.
3. If you will synchronize females this spring, schedule your protocols now well in advance of the breeding season and mark key dates on your calendars.
- Inventory your artificial insemination (AI) supplies and order products in advance.
- Check your tanks for current semen inventory and nitrogen levels.
4. If you have a fall-calving cow herd:
- Schedule pregnancy checks if not already done.
- Evaluate cost of gain vs. the value of gain when considering how to market fall-born calves this spring.
5. Evaluate your mineral program for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
- Work with your supplier to outline your needs.
- Consider magnesium supplementation levels, particularly for lactating cows grazing wheat, rye, or triticale in the spring.
6. Evaluate herd bulls for body condition score, adjust as needed prior to breeding.
- Bulls need to be in a BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use.
- Schedule breeding soundness examinations with your veterinarian well in advance of breeding.
7. Monitor replacement heifer growth and development.
- Check weights help ensure growth rates are on track.
- Consider tract scoring and pelvic measuring.
8. Review your calf health protocols before spring turn out.
- Schedule calf working activities, mark dates on calendars.
- Reflect if changes from last year are needed.
9. Take inventory of any feed/forage that will be left over from winter.
- Cover piles or close bags if silage is left over and won’t be fed until fall.
- Clean up any soiled bedding or unused/wasted feed in pens and calving lots to reduce the breeding and development of stable flies as the weather warms up.
10. Price risk management will be key again this year given record high calf prices.
- Consider if specific price risk management strategies (forward contracting, insurance) need to be part of your operation.
- Evaluate strategies for both cattle and pastures/forages.
