Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Jason Warner, Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist, summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in October.
1. The time is here to wean spring-born calves. Are you ready?
- If you’re going to retain them, know your cost of gain versus the value of gain.
- Prepare pens, check waterers and have your health protocols in place.
2. Don’t misread your cows. Evaluate body condition scores (BCS) closely at weaning.
- Make a record of BCS at weaning.
- Use BCS to be strategic with your feed dollars this fall.
3. Take time to schedule pregnancy checks on cows and heifers.
- This allows for other herd health problems to be identified.
- Track conception rates yearly to gauge herd performance.
4. Work through your cull pen.
- Feed prices are relatively low. Can you add value if cows are thin?
- If the cows don’t fit your herd, can they fit someone else’s?
5. Remember the fall calvers.
- Review your calving health protocols as needed.
- Locate and clean your calving equipment.
6. Plan your mineral needs for fall and winter.
- Record the date and the amount offered, then calculate herd consumption.
- If consumption is two to three times the target, then your cost is too.
7. Keep an eye on your herd bulls.
- Conduct a breeding soundness exam (BSE) on bulls to be used for upcoming fall service.
- Supplement thin bulls coming out of cows to regain condition.
8. Heifers are worth a lot, so let’s manage them as such.
- Know your target weight at breeding and grow them appropriately.
- Target 2-year-old heifers to be at a minimum BCS of 6 at calving.
9. Take inventory of and begin sampling harvested forages.
- Test for nitrates and prussic acid when appropriate.
- Be aware of the possible presence of molds and other anti-nutritional compounds in hay that has been harvested at higher-than-typical moisture levels.
10. If grazing crop residues following harvest, keep the following in mind:
- Nitrates accumulate in the bottom one-third of the stalk.
- High amounts of down grain (≥ 20 bu./acre) will require a change in management.
Your Next Read: Cow Herd Score Card: Evaluating Performance at Weaning
