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 August:
1. For all spring-calving cow herds:
- Continuously monitor BCS concurrent with grass growth and forage production.
- Make note of any females that return to estrus after the breeding season ends.
2. For spring-calving cow herds in drought-stressed areas:
- 2- to 4-year-old females and thin females will respond most to early weaning.
- If you plan to feed early-weaned calves, test your forages and have your ration plan and ingredients in place two to three weeks prior to weaning.
3. Continue to monitor bulls throughout the later stages of the breeding season:
- Make note of observed matings and if bulls are not aggressively covering females.
- Be thinking about supplementing young bulls post-breeding if needed.
4. If pulling bulls from cows to manage the length of the breeding season:
- Schedule those dates and have them on your calendar in advance so you don’t forget.
- Record the date removed so you can accurately calculate days in gestation at preg-checking.
5. If you have a late-summer or early-fall calving cow herd:
- Ensure mature cows are ≥ 5.0 and 2- to 4-year-old females are ≥ 6.0 in BCS at calving.
- The final 60 days prior to calving represents the last opportunity to add BCS economically.
6. If you are a fall breeder:
- Begin thinking about your breeding and mating decisions for this upcoming year.
- It’s never too early to schedule artificial insemination (AI) and synchronization activities for fall breeding.
7. Continue to closely monitor free-choice salt and mineral programs through the summer:
- Record date and amount of product offered, calculate herd or pasture consumption.
- Adjust how you are offering product to cattle if they over- or under-consume.
8. Consider early pregnancy diagnosis on yearling replacement heifers:
- It allows for an opportunity to market open females early in the season.
- Schedule these dates well in advance so you are adequately prepared.
9. Even if not impacted by drought, begin making plans for weaning spring calves.
- Review your health protocols and use records to guide any changes.
- Know your costs of production and calculate your calf break-even sales price.
10. Take inventory of hay produced this year and prepare for silage harvest if part of your program.
- Prepare pile sites and bunkers and have tarps on hand ready to cover.
- Closely monitor whole-plant dry matter — ideal at 30% to 35%.
