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 April.
1. Evaluate cow BCS for spring-calving females going into breeding.
• Ensure thin (BCS ≤ 4) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition.
• BCS 5 or higher females should be maintaining weight and condition.
2. If you will synchronize females for breeding this spring, schedule your protocols well in advance and mark key dates on your calendar.
• Inventory your artificial insemination (AI) supplies and order products in advance.
• Check your tanks for current semen inventory and nitrogen levels.
3. If you have a fall herd, schedule pregnancy checks and make culling decisions.
• How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
• Do we need to rethink our fall/winter nutrition program for fall calvers?
4. Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.
• Make an effort to measure intake regularly and adjust it as needed.
• If using fly control products, start them at recommended times for your area.
5. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing lush, rapidly growing forages.
• Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass and other cool-season forages.
• Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows and older cows.
6. Evaluate herd bulls for BCS, 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. Review your calf health protocols before spring turnout.
• Schedule calf working activities, mark dates on calendars.
• Reflect if changes from last year are needed.
8. 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.
9. Take a balanced, multifaceted approach to fly and insect control.
• Use more than one method of fly control at the same time.
• Follow label directions and use proper dosage levels.
10. Wrap up any last-minute pasture management projects before spring turnout.
• Conduct burns, work to control trees and brush.
• Ensure sufficient water is available when cattle are turned out.
