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 September:
1. For all spring-calving cow herds:
- Schedule dates to wean calves if they are not already weaned.
- If you plan to grow calves after weaning, have your diets and feedstuffs in place.
2. For spring-calving cow herds in drought-stressed areas:
- 2-4 year old females and thin females will respond most to early-weaning.
- Research data suggests each 2.5 days that calves are weaned leaves enough grass for 1 more day of grazing for a dry cow.
3. Closely monitor bull weight and condition going into the fall season:
- Ensure bulls don’t lose weight and condition to the extent they lose muscle mass.
- Be thinking about supplementing thin (≤ 4.0 BCS) bulls post-breeding if needed.
4. If you are both a spring and fall calver:
- Schedule breeding soundness exams well in advance of the breeding season.
- Allow 45 to 60 days of rest between seasons if using bulls for both spring and fall breeding.
5. For fall-calving cow herds:
- Have your calving kit handy and your equipment cleaned and ready to use.
- Review your calf heath protocols now so you can make adjustments as needed.
6. If you are a fall breeder:
- Begin thinking about your breeding/mating decisions for this upcoming year.
- It’s never too early to schedule AI/synchronization activities for fall breeding.
7. Continue to closely monitor free-choice salt and mineral programs through early-fall:
- 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. For pregnant yearling replacement heifers:
- Focus on ensuring heifers continue to gain BCS going into fall.
- Our target is an average BCS of 6.0 at calving for first calf heifers.
9. Fall is a great time to review your herd production records.
- Calculate your annual calf crop percentage.
- Know your breed up percentages and use them to guide your nutrition program for this coming year.
10. Collect samples on hay and silages that will be fed this coming season.
- Use a well-designed forage probe to sample baled hay.
- For sampling silage, collect from the loader bucket away from the face or pile.
