If hay stocks seem short, now is the time to make those backup hay purchases. Every September seems to be a rainfall question mark.
Spring calving
It’s likely weaning time soon. Now is the time to administer pre-weaning vaccinations for BRD and other veterinary-recommended preventatives. This is also an ideal time to pregnancy check, if not already performed.
Pregnancy diagnosis from a veterinarian will help determine if cows are slipping in the breeding season compared to prior years in addition to any “opens” that might be looking for a free ride come winter.
Of course, culling for other reasons is important as well. Teeth, eyes, udders and feet are go-to for individual assessment, but body condition or weight are less obvious when producers see the cattle often.
Gather cow weights if scales are available and watch for thin cows weaning light calves. Culling is best for the animal’s welfare versus a long winter and ensures residual value to the profit column.
Fall calving
Calving season is coming on fast, particularly for those highly anticipated heifers. Gathering all the necessary calving items into one easy-to-find location is a huge time-saver and reduces the stress of an intense situation. Organizing a list is helpful. Using a bucket or tub for small items also keeps you from hunting all over the barn and pickup.
Pullers and obstetric chains are obvious, but make sure you have gotten them back from your neighbor. Other vital items are palpation sleeves, obstetric lube, paper towels, iodine and colostrum.
Making sure you have a flexible work schedule, or some additional help during calving could save calves and money in the long run. Of course, ideal body condition is a must prior to calving.
Females should be in a body condition score of 5 to 6 prior to calving. Proper nutrition at this time will benefit the calf to ensure appropriate development the last 60 days and promote good calf vigor after delivery. Prepartum females in ideal condition will be better able to deliver adequate colostrum and maintain ideal body condition at rebreeding. 
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Jason Duggin
- University of Georgia
- Beef Extension Specialist
- Email Jason Duggin
