Big Swede
Well-known member
We preg checked the cows today. Bull turnout was July 25th for a 60 day breeding period. I know we had a cooler than average summer but the later breeding period and dealing with the heat of summer didn't seem to affect the conception rate any. That was a concern and another year it might be different but I hope not. There were 6% open which was maybe just a bit lower than average. I think it usually runs about 7% if I remember right. A bright spot of the day was that not one of the 85 coming 3 year olds were open. Don't recall that ever happening before.
Calving went like a dream. Never had to deal with one single storm last spring. The percentage of calves weaned was as high as it's ever been. I'm going to sell 2 loads of steers next week so I will see how many pounds per head I gave up but I have a feeling that total pounds will be higher. Probably the first time I've sold calves that had all their ears.
Most people who are curious with the move later calving ask if I have any trouble keeping the neighbors bulls out and I haven't yet. I have the ability to rotate away from the neighbors cows that I border and with their turnout dates about the first week of June it has worked well so far.
Herd health was very good this past summer. I did use Scour Guard but I doubt that I will this year. Summer pneumonia which I sometimes struggle with wasn't an issue.
I weaned the oldest 1/3 of the calves Sept. 11th and weaned the youngest 2/3 on Oct. 10th. I was running short of grass and couldn't harvest any corn to put cows on stalks so I decided to save what grass I had for the cows. It's a good thing too because we didn't start harvest till November. Fat cows before winter hits is a very important management tool in my opinion so early weaning will probably continue.
Didn't mean to get long winded but lots of people have asked how things went so I thought I'd share. Good luck and good calving to all. Hope the weather straightens out soon for all of you who will be starting soon. :shock: :wink: :wink:
Calving went like a dream. Never had to deal with one single storm last spring. The percentage of calves weaned was as high as it's ever been. I'm going to sell 2 loads of steers next week so I will see how many pounds per head I gave up but I have a feeling that total pounds will be higher. Probably the first time I've sold calves that had all their ears.
Most people who are curious with the move later calving ask if I have any trouble keeping the neighbors bulls out and I haven't yet. I have the ability to rotate away from the neighbors cows that I border and with their turnout dates about the first week of June it has worked well so far.
Herd health was very good this past summer. I did use Scour Guard but I doubt that I will this year. Summer pneumonia which I sometimes struggle with wasn't an issue.
I weaned the oldest 1/3 of the calves Sept. 11th and weaned the youngest 2/3 on Oct. 10th. I was running short of grass and couldn't harvest any corn to put cows on stalks so I decided to save what grass I had for the cows. It's a good thing too because we didn't start harvest till November. Fat cows before winter hits is a very important management tool in my opinion so early weaning will probably continue.
Didn't mean to get long winded but lots of people have asked how things went so I thought I'd share. Good luck and good calving to all. Hope the weather straightens out soon for all of you who will be starting soon. :shock: :wink: :wink: