Your winter-early spring cattle checklist 

By Mark Z. Johnson, Extension beef breeding specialist

Winter weather might be mild in some parts of the Midwest but we aren't out of the woods yet. But, as the spring season approaches, here are a few management items to check off the checklist in preparation for warmer weather.

• READ MORE: Choose cows selectively to improve feed conversion

Maintain target weights on replacement heifers

In a typical year with good wheat pasture, getting replacement heifers to target weights by the beginning of spring breeding season can be effortless. But, this year is an exception. With this in mind, farmers should follow this rule of thumb: replacement heifers should be at two-thirds of their mature weight by 15 months of age at the beginning of your intended breeding season. Over 90% of heifers that hit this target weight at this age will be sexually mature and capable of conceiving in time to calve by 2 years of age. If heifers are behind schedule, there is still time to adapt the feeding plan, so that heifers can reach target weight by the breeding season. Farmers can determine the expected mature weight can be accomplished by weighing the 4- to 7-year-old cows that produced your replacement heifers.

• READ MORE: Snow and ice affect grazing

Supplemental feeding, mineral and protein supplementation is critical.

As winter weather continues, it's more important than ever that the cow herd is being fed supplements with non-traditional hay sources. At Extension events, we've gotten feedback from producers indicating tremendous variation in the type and quality of hays that are being fed this year. With this in mind, mineral, energy, and protein should be provided at adequate levels to have cows and heifers at optimum Body Condition Score (BCS) by the beginning of calving season to ensure timely bred back. It is also more efficient to condition dry cows than lactating cows. Optimum BCS for mature cows is 5 to 5.5. while, heifers should be at 5.5 to 6 by the start of calving season. If cows and heifers fall below the average BCS score, such as cows being too thin, they'll suffer during calving.

Prevent wheat pasture bloat

Many producers could be using wheat pasture for winter-early spring grazing for the first time in the near future. Farmers should be managing the pasture's stocking rates, and the use of monensin and poloxalene should be considered.

• READ MORE: Feeding monensin to beef cows decreases intake but increases efficiency

Deworming can sometimes be the least expensive feed

If feed is scarce and cows are thin, review the last time your cowherd was dewormed. Deworming could lead to a more efficient use of feedstuffs.

Be prepared for cold weather calving

The mild, dry winter has been optimum for calving on most farms. That being the case, we have several more weeks of potential for cold weather and winter storms, so don't forget to keep a close eye on your expecting cows and heifers.