Noxious plants are a part of life in the mountain West and commonly occur in our high-elevation pastures. Properly identifying plants is crucial to understanding their life cycle, including periods of toxicity to livestock, and when it is safer to put cows onto the pasture.

Forage for grazing, hay, baleage or silage production is critical for cow-calf operations. Producing quality forage and hay is also important to reduce or eliminate energy and protein supplementation for the cow herd.

Summer heat is inevitable and when the days start to heat up, it is nice to have a cool drink, right? As high temperatures set in, ensure that your cattle have access to plenty of water and that it is good quality.

Mineral interactions can result in one mineral restricting the bioavailability of another mineral. Subsequently, this can lead to deficiency. Another way to put this is: An excess can cause a deficiency.

Using a rotational grazing method can help to utilize forage more efficiently, leading to more grazing days on the same amount of pasture and saving excess forage for a time of year when forage availability is limited.

As you turn out onto the new green grass, keep in mind the potential health implications that come with the decision, and with some mitigation hopefully they are avoided.

Last month’s Regional Roundup discussed feed additive options to aid in horn fly control and some differences between horn, stable and house flies. This month’s roundup will focus on topical insecticide options and considerations to help control horn flies.