Spring-calving herds Weaning time is upon most producers in the Southern Great Plains. Make sure you are ready with adequate supplies of vaccines, needles, eartags (if not already tagged), dewormer, etc.
Check chutes and corrals for functionality and for wasp nests, potential snake-infested areas, etc. Have feed already delivered, and decide if it is best in your area to book future feed needs for the remainder of the winter or to buy on a cash basis.
Will you palpate cows? What is your marketing plan for them? Sell open cull cows that are structurally incapable of being rebred and in a good body condition score of 5 or greater.
Consider exposing open cows in good condition to bulls to rebreed and sell as bred females. Thin cows can benefit from weaning, allowing time to put on additional condition before marketing. Thin cows are more efficient converters of available forage nutrients back to lean tissue and fat.
Fall bull sales are underway. If you think there is a possibility of needing replacement bulls for the spring, now is a great time to find a good supply of high-quality bulls at a reasonable price.
Take the bulls back to the ranch and continue their developmental process by keeping them on feed, but allow them access to the pastures they will work in next spring. Alternatively, some breeders will offer to hold the bulls through winter on feed and pasture until they are needed in the spring for a nominal fee.
Fall-calving cow herds
The height of fall calving should be at its peak or be close to wrapping up. The next 90 days will be the cow’s highest nutrient requirements of the year. Make sure she has adequate quality and quantity of forage to meet her needs. It may be necessary to supplement her nutrition with additional feed if she is limited on either quality or quantity.
Get bulls ready to go out for breeding season by having a breeding soundness exam performed on each bull, leaving enough time between the test date and turnout in case you need to find a replacement. Consider a trichomoniasis test as well to ensure the bulls are free of this costly disease.
Winter stockers
If still purchasing stocker calves, make sure a receiving plan is in place and monitor the calves for any chance of illness. Consult with a veterinarian, nutritionist and extension agent to make sure all details are covered.
Start looking at futures markets to determine if you should buy risk protection, how much and what type. In declining markets, profitability is determined with risk protection and keeping calves healthy and gaining weight. 
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Robert S. Wells
- Livestock Consultant
- Noble Foundation
- Email Robert S. Wells
