2014 Beef Management Calendar WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION MISC0396

Transcription

1 2014 Beef Management Calendar WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION MISC0396

2 Beef Management Calendar Appreciation is expressed to the University of Kentucky Beef and Tennessee Beef IRM Coordinating Committees for allowing adaptation of its Beef Integrated Resource Management Calendar for use in Washington State. Other sources: Cow-Calf Management Guide & Cattle Producer s Library, 2nd edition. Western Beef Resource Committee. Boyles, S., W. Shulaw, C. Little, and M. Sule. Ohio Beef Herd Management Calendar. Walker, R., C. Lamb, B. Lovaas, L. Weddle-Schott. The Cow/Calf Planner. University of Minnesota Extension Service. Washington State Pesticide Resource Service. Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook. Greenbook. Rangelands West. Riparian grazing reference book (National Riparian Service Team). Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (Natural Resources Conservation Service). NRCS grazing guidelines. Authors: Norman Suverly, former WSU Okanogan County Extension Educator Dr. John Wenz, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Susan Kerr, WSU Regional Livestock and Dairy Extension Specialist Dr. Don Llewellyn, WSU Area Extension Livestock Educator Dr. Holly Ferguson, WSU Prosser Extension IPM Coordinator Specialist Dr. Andrew Allen, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine John Fouts, WSU Walla Walla County Extension Educator, Emeritus Dr. Dale Moore, WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Extension Tip Hudson, WSU Kittitas County Extension Educator Don Nelson, WSU Extension Beef Specialist This calendar has been developed to assist you in formulating an overall management plan for your beef operation. Use it to schedule various management practices and farm-related activities. General Assumptions Spring-calving cows are bred to calve beginning March 1, with first calf heifers beginning approximately 30 days earlier. Fall-calving cows are bred to calve beginning mid-august through September. Herd Health Assumptions Local veterinarians are consulted to develop appropriate individual herd health programs. All practices are carried out according to label and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) recommendations. See Western Region BQA web site: Four general working opportunities are considered: pre-breeding, pre-weaning, weaning, and mid-summer. Cover photo: Angus calf from Larry Williams' herd near Mt. Adams in Glenwood, WA (courtesy Amber Conway). Funds for hard-copy publication were provided by the Washington State University Extension Integrated Pest Management Program. This work is supported by a grant from the Western Center for Risk Management Education at Washington State University and Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant # from the USDA National Institute of Food Agriculture.

3 Economic Considerations 1. Have employees complete I-9 and W-4 forms on their first day of employment. 2. Beginning of business year: a. Arrange for a line of operating credit for the beef enterprise. A monthly cash flow estimate will be useful in determining the line of credit. b. Inventory resources (herd, land, labor, capital, management) available for the beef enterprise. Prepare a budget to determine the cost of producing a calf. This will assist in marketing calves at a profitable level. See Determining_Econ_Unit_Cost.pdf. c. Set goals that include financial and production aspects of the beef cow/calf enterprise. Keep financial records on a monthly basis to monitor profitability and cash flow. d. Determine annual quantities of feed, medicine, and other inputs needed. Negotiate an annual price for each required input and schedule delivery dates prior to the time products are needed. 3. Every month: a. Record all cow purchases, sales, deaths, and movements among pastures. b. Maintain affidavits for source and age verification and Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (mcool). See text at end of calendar. 4. End of year: a. Prepare an income statement and balance sheet as of the last day of the business year. Determine if financial and production goals set at the beginning of the year were met. b. Insure assets to protect against wind, fire, theft, flood, lightning, liability, collision, etc. 5. Develop an agrosecurity plan to protect your crops and livestock against natural, accidental and intentional threats. An agrosecurity training and planning resource is available at org/course/view.php?id=54. Also develop a farm security plan; a checklist is available at

4 Customizing Your 2014 Beef Management Calendar Introduction The following instructions will guide you through the process of customizing your Beef Management Calendar. Keys to Maximum Benefit from the Beef Management Calendar Having a planned breeding/calving season and the availability of handling or working facilities are very important to getting the most from the Beef Management Calendar. Neither is essential for using the calendar. Both a planned breeding/calving season and handling facilities would be good goals if they are lacking on your ranch. Record Keeping for Process Verification Program (PVP) and Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (mcool) To participate in process verification marketing programs, records must be maintained showing birth dates of the first and last calf born in a calving group. Using the calendar to write the identification number of these calves on the appropriate date on the calendar can serve as the official record for a program. Keep birth date and other appropriate information for each calf on the record sheets in the back of this calendar. These records will also be useful in documenting the normal level of production to verify the origin of your calves, which is required for mcool. Some record keeping resources are: IRM red book at Cow-calf herd notebook (Western Region BQA) wa/modules.htm Breed associations Various computer-based record keeping systems Contact your local WSU Extension office about how to acquire these tools. General Assumptions for Recommendations in the Beef Management Calendar Spring-calving cows are bred to calve beginning March 1, with first-calf heifers beginning approximately 30 days earlier. Fall-calving cows are bred to calve beginning mid-august through September. Setting Goals and Finding Limiting Factors Although not necessary for customizing your Beef Management Calendar, spending some time on the following will help develop a stronger ranch plan. As a result, the planning done on this calendar will be more focused on the specific areas that most need improvement. 1. Set personal and business goals. 2. Determine limitations to meeting your goals and getting the maximum benefit from your beef/forage operation. The following are some topics to consider: a. Cattle limitations: herd health, genetic potential, nutritional status, reproductive status, and marketing. b. Forage limitations: soil type, fertility, land use, forage resources, hay quality, grazing system, and match of forage resources to monthly animal needs. c. Financial and management limitations: available credit, knowledge of financial position, marketing opportunities, and management skills.

5 Steps to Customizing the Calendar Step 1. Define the calving period you want for Define the desired calving period you want for Find due dates using the gestation table at the end of this calendar. For example, if you want calving to start on March 1, 2015 you will find that due date corresponds to a breeding date of May 23, Therefore, you should begin your breeding season on May 23, Dates are included in the calendar itself for convenience. (Caution: Do not go from year-round to short season calving in one year). Write Put bulls with cows on calendar Write Remove bulls from cows on calendar Write Calving season begins on calendar Write Calving season ends on calendar Step 2. Take care of bull/semen needs. Thirty to 45 days prior to breeding season, purchase bulls (tested for breeding soundness) and/or order semen and artificial insemination (A.I.) supplies or contact A.I. technician. Get a Breeding Soundness Evaluation on bulls already owned. Quarantine newly-purchased bulls for at least 30 days and do not turn in with cows unless laboratory test results are negative. Write Buy bull(s) on calendar Write Order semen on calendar Write Breeding soundness evaluation for bulls on calendar Step 3. Decide how many times and when you will work cattle. Suggested working periods: Pre-breeding or turn-out (most important working, but can be done any time prior to putting bulls with cows) Mid-July (good time to implant and deworm if needed) Pre-weaning* (usually done 3 to 4 weeks prior to weaning) Weaning* (unless you sell at weaning) Write the appropriate management practice on the calendar (e.g., preweaning working) Step 4. Forage planning. Place appropriate forage-related information on calendar (suggested month(s) in parentheses): Test soil (fall) Apply fertilizer (March/April or October/November, except for stockpiled fall pasture) Apply nitrogen for fall-stockpiled pasture (late August to early September) Sample hay for quality (August to October) Renovate pasture with clover (February for frost-seeding or later if drilling) Delay grazing of new or renovated pasture seedings until plants are well established and then graze lightly the first year Remove cattle from fields to develop fall stockpiling (late August to early September) Take first cutting of alfalfa hay and take first cutting of other hay Take last cutting of alfalfa hay Start feeding higher-quality hay for last trimester (November 1 for January-calving cows) Step 5. Evaluate rangeland stocking rates based on moisture and temperature conditions (April May). Step 6. Economic practices Place economic information on calendar: Inventory the beef herd (usually January) Estimate annual quantities of inputs (January) Arrange for line of credit (January March) *Might be combined.

6 January SPRING CALVING HERD Prepare for calving season. Select areas (past and new) of your operation to calve heifers and cows separately. Prepare a calving area and assemble equipment: Facilities to warm chilled calves Puller and chains Ear tags and applicator Frozen disease-free colostrum and commercial colostrum supplement Oral calf feeder 7% iodine for navels Scales Electrolytes Injectable antibiotics Syringes and needles Injectable VitaminE/Selenium supplement Other medical cabinet supplies (check expiration dates; store as recommended) Record book. Record calving dates to assess 21-day conception rates through the breeding season. Goals are 63%, 89%, and 95% pregnant by 21, 42, and 63 days, respectively. Lower values may be due to diseases, bull power issues, or nutritional problems, and should be investigated. Keep calf health records. At a minimum, record date, ID, treatment, and problem treated (pneumonia, scours, etc.). Line up calving season help for monitoring heifers and cows for calving difficulties. Make sure mature cows have a body condition score (BCS) of 5 or greater and first-calf heifers have a BCS of 6 or greater. See vt.edu/400/ / _pdf.pdf. Booster vaccine for scours as needed. Monitor cow herd for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Administer injectable Vitamin E/Selenium supplement to bred heifers and cows in last month of pregnancy if recommended by veterinarian. FALL CALVING HERD Continue with winter feeding program. Calves are 90 to 100 days old. They are becoming less dependent on milk as their digestive system develops a functional rumen. Consider this in your feeding plan. Monitor calves for scours and pneumonia; feed coccidiostats if clinical coccidiosis has been a problem in the past. Monitor cow herd for BRD. MANAGEMENT Monitor body condition scores and feed appropriately. Increase Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) of the diet by 1% for every 1 F below freezing. Provide clean water at all times. Be aware of the hazards of frozen water. Provide windbreaks. Repair equipment, machinery, and buildings. Monitor cattle for lice infestations; treat accordingly. MARKETING/BUSINESS Price cattle before delivery. Calculate basis between local prices and Chicago feeder cattle prices. Take feed and livestock inventory early in the month so you can prepare a financial statement for last year. Calculate year-end business analysis of profit or loss. Compare this to previous analysis and look for strengths and weaknesses. FORAGES Continue testing hay for nutrient content; supplement cattle as needed to meet requirements. Consider frost seeding as appropriate.

7 January 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Due Oct 10 Due Oct 11 Due Oct 12 Due Oct Due Oct 14 Due Oct 15 Due Oct 16 Due Oct 17 Due Oct 18 Due Oct 19 Due Oct Due Oct 21 Due Oct 22 Due Oct 23 Due Oct 24 Due Oct 25 Due Oct 26 Due Oct Due Oct 28 Due Oct 29 Due Oct 30 Due Oct 31 Due Nov 01 Due Nov 02 Due Nov Due Nov 04 Due Nov 05 Due Nov 06 Due Nov 07 Due Nov 08 Due Nov 09 Notes:

8 February SPRING CALVING HERD Calving Season Begins. Sort close-up cows from those farther off from calving, but monitor both groups. Consider new calving ground every two weeks for uncalved dams. Observe calving heifers closely. Expect calving difficulty and intervene if: No progress after 60 minutes of labor. Calf is backwards (only calf s tail is visible or dewclaws are pointed up). Calf s head and two feet are not visible. Calving difficulty can result in an increased incidence of BRD in preweaned calves due to a reduced ability to absorb colostral antibodies. Dip newborns' navels with disinfectant when possible. Identify calf with ear tag and/or tattoo while it is young and easy to handle. Administer injectable Vitamin E/Selenium if indicated. Record calf ID, dam ID, birth date, and birth weight if possible. Weigh registered calves during the first 24 hours. Castration and dehorning are less stressful when performed on young animals. Call A.I. technicians for spring breeding appointments. Determine how much you can spend for bulls and/or semen. Record the identification number of the first calf born on the appropriate calendar date to serve as a record for a PVP program (see end of calendar). Monitor calves for scours, pneumonia and navel ill. For neonatal calves, administer oral antibodies for specific disease-causing organisms on farm as recommended by veterinarian. FALL CALVING HERD Calves are functional ruminants and don t necessarily need their dam s milk. If hay is in short supply, consider early weaning. It costs less to feed calves directly than to feed them through their dam. Non-lactating cows can then be fed a lower-quality diet. MANAGEMENT Increase Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) of the diet by 1% for every 1 F below freezing. Provide clean water at all times. Provide wind breaks. Keep animals on dry ground and out of mud if possible. Late winter can be wet and cold, which is more dangerous than dry and cold. A wet hair coat dramatically increases cold stress and can predispose animals to BRD. Administer injectable Vitamin E/Selenium supplement to cows in last month of pregnancy if recommended by veterinarian. Monitor cattle for lice infestations; treat accordingly. Monitor body condition scores of all animals. MARKETING/BUSINESS Inform tax preparer of sales of unbred heifers in the breeding pool because they are considered breeding livestock by the IRS. Continue analyzing cash and futures feeder cattle prices and project your potential profit and production costs for selling your backgrounder/finisher calves immediately or at a later date. Prepare a monthly cash flow for your beef cattle enterprise and your total farm business. FORAGES Prepare for pasture renovation by purchasing seeds, inoculants, etc., and getting equipment ready. Assess hay quality and inventory. Allocate hay feeding based on animal needs and hay quality. Determine varieties to be used for renovation. Consider frost seeding of cool season grasses. Provide drinking water from a tank rather than a stream to increase water consumption (which maintains feed consumption) and protect water quality near confinement areas. Dirty water often has pathogens that may sicken cows and vulnerable calves.

9 February 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Due Nov Due Nov 11 Due Nov 12 Due Nov 13 Due Nov 14 Due Nov 15 Due Nov 16 Due Nov Due Nov 18 Due Nov 19 Due Nov 20 Due Nov 21 Due Nov 22 Due Nov 23 Due Nov Due Nov 25 Due Nov 26 Due Nov 27 Due Nov 28 Due Nov 29 Due Nov 30 Due Dec Due Dec 02 Due Dec 03 Due Dec 04 Due Dec 05 Due Dec 06 Due Dec 07 Notes:

10 March SPRING CALVING HERD Spring calving continues (cow herd). Monitor for difficult calving. Management of cow herd both before and after calving can affect calf health and the incidence of BRD in your herd. Dip newborns' navels with disinfectant when possible. Identify calf with ear tag and/or tattoo, brand while calf is young and easy to handle. Administer injectable Vitamin E/Selenium if indicated. Record calf ID, dam ID, birth date, and birth weight if possible. Weigh registered calves during the first 24 hours. Castration and dehorning are less stressful when performed on young animals. Watch for calf scours: Give fluids to scouring calves that become dehydrated Consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment Move cows approaching calving to a clean pasture Vaccinate calves 6 to 8 weeks or older for clostridial diseases (blackleg) according to label recommendations. Separate cows that have calves and increase their feed in accordance with their increasing nutrient requirements. Line up A.I. sires and/or purchase new bulls at least 30 days before the breeding season. Require performance records and check health history including immunizations. Choose a breed and use Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) plus visual observation to select the bull that best fits your production and marketing program. Quarantine purchased bulls for at least 30 days. Evaluate yearling replacement heifers for reproductive tract score, weight, and projected mature frame score. Heifers should be 55-65% of expected mature equivalent weight before being bred. Record the identification number of the last calf born on the appropriate calendar date to serve as record for a PVP program. For neonatal calves, administer oral antibodies for disease-causing organisms on farm as recommended by veterinarian. Continue monitoring calves for scours, pneumonia and navel ill. Consider the Sand Hills calving system, a pasture rotation calving system to reduce calf disease. Information is available at cgi?article=1016&context=rangebeefcowsymp. Prepare cow and calf facilities for pre-turnout handling. Employ low-stress techniques. If transportation is requried to move cows and calves to pasture, employ techniques to reduce stress and the associated risk for BRD. Provide supplemental magnesium in preparation for movement to spring pastures, which may place cows at risk for grass tetany. FALL CALVING HERD Pre-weaning period. Pre-weaning calf care and treatments can reduce the impact of BRD. Consult your veterinarian about a pre-weaning working of the herd, which may include: Vaccinating calves for: IBR, PI3, BVD, and BRSV Hemophilus somnus Clostridial diseases (e.g., blackleg) Deworming calves If feedlot programs allow, calves could be re-implanted. Consider the economics of creep-feeding calves with grain or high quality forage. Consider implementing a low-stress weaning program and preconditioning calves for days to increase value and reduce the incidence of BRD. Make preparations to reduce handling and transportation stress on weaned calves to reduce the risk for BRD. MARKETING/BUSINESS Marketing for fall calving herds. Make an economic analysis of all marketing options for calves, including selling at auction barn, video, and private treaty. Another option is retained ownership, either by backgrounding or sending calves to the feedlot. Backgrounded/growing calves should be reaching critical weights; decide to either sell or finish them. Compare your projected feed production for this year with your projected feed requirements developed in your business plan. Finalize your forage and grain production plans for the next year. FORAGES Determine the need for nitrogen (N) fertilization of selected grass pasture fields for early spring growth. Plan pasture utilization strategy (fencing, water, shade, salt/mineral, herding). Depending upon your region, consider frost-seeding legumes in legume-deficient pastures and frost-seeding grass seed. Prepare seedbeds for spring grass growing. New fences should follow vegetation types and landforms to create more homogenous management units to avoid localized overgrazing and riparian damage.

11 March 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Due Dec Due Dec 09 Due Dec 10 Due Dec 11 Due Dec 12 Due Dec 13 Due Dec 14 Due Dec Due Dec 16 Due Dec 17 Due Dec 18 Due Dec 19 Due Dec 20 Due Dec 21 Due Dec Due Dec 23 Due Dec 24 Due Dec 25 Due Dec 26 Due Dec 27 Due Dec 28 Due Dec Due Dec 30 Due Dec 31 Due Jan 01 Due Jan 02 Due Jan 03 Due Jan 04 Due Jan 05 Due Jan 06 Due Jan 07 Notes: 30 31

12 April SPRING CALVING HERD Prepare for breeding season. Line up A.I. services and/or purchase replacement bull(s) days before breeding season. Quarantine bulls for at least 30 days and test results are confirmed negative. Choose a breed and use Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) plus visual observation to select the bull that best fits your production and marketing program. Have a veterinarian perform breeding soundness evaluations on bulls. If you are going to use A.I. and/or estrus synchronization, make plans now and order needed supplies and semen. Make final selection of heifer replacements based on weight, projected mature frame score, docility, and reproductive tract score. A moderate frame score of 4 to 5 is desired for lower lifetime cow maintenance feed costs; these equate to mature weights of lbs. Record the identification number of the last calf born on the appropriate calendar date to serve as record for a PVP program. Collect ear notches from calves and send in for BVD testing prior to breeding. Give pre-breeding annual vaccinations to cow herd and bulls. FALL CALVING HERD Pre-weaning period. Pregnancy check: Consider selling open cows and heifers and those weaning poor calves. Inform tax preparer if sold cows and heifers were raised or purchased. Finish vaccinations of calves (see March). If feedlot programs allow, calves could be re-implanted. Obtain cow and calf weights at weaning and see your county Extension agent for information on record-keeping programs. Cull cows based on performance and pregnancy status and make initial heifer selections, keeping more than you intend to retain for the next breeding season. MANAGEMENT Repair fences, equipment and handling facilities. Plan new working facilities if needed. Provide magnesium to avoid grass tetany. MARKETING/BUSINESS Marketing for fall calving herds: Make an economic analysis of all marketing options for calves, including selling at auction barn, video and private treaty. Another option is retained ownership, either by backgrounding in a grazing program or sending calves to a feedlot. If backgrounding, be sure to complete all aspects of program requirements, including BRD vaccinations. To learn about direct marketing options in Washington, view the WSDA s direct marketing handbook at Farm/directmarketinghandbook.aspx. Prepare mcool affidavits. RANGE Record when each plant species starts to grow to help project when ranges will be safe to graze. Build a growth record over several years. Consider photo monitoring. Monitor development rates for forage plants to help determine the need for adjusting grazing plans, including evaluating stocking rates based on temperature and moisture conditions. Use yearlings rather than cows and calves to graze rough country. They will use forage more efficiently and cover terrain better. Weigh yearlings before turnout to monitor performance. Assess impacts, if any, of excessive winter wildlife impact on spring forage supply. Check fences. Avoid turnout on range if soils are still saturated and/or grass growth is minimal. Assess weed infestations and conduct targeted early-season control. FORAGES Complete pasture renovations. Prepare for spring seeding of alfalfa. If growth permits, begin grazing pastures. Plan and implement grazing system and rotation. Seed pastures and alfalfa fields depending upon local conditions. Watch for nitrate problems if grazing annual grasses. Control weeds and poisonous plants.

13 April 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Due Jan 08 Due Jan 09 Due Jan 10 Due Jan 11 Due Jan Due Jan 13 Due Jan 14 Due Jan 15 Due Jan 16 Due Jan 17 Due Jan 18 Due Jan Due Jan 20 Due Jan 21 Due Jan 22 Due Jan 23 Due Jan 24 Due Jan 25 Due Jan Due Jan 27 Due Jan 28 Due Jan 29 Due Jan 30 Due Jan 31 Due Feb 01 Due Feb Due Feb 03 Due Feb 04 Due Feb 05 Due Feb 06 Notes:

14 May SPRING-CALVING HERD Breeding season begins. Begin breeding replacement heifers for head-start calving when they are 55 65% of mature weight. Mate to known calving-ease bulls. Record inventory of all cows in each breeding pasture. Spring pre-breeding working. Consult your veterinarian on the vaccines and health products for your herd. These may include: Deworming cows Vaccinating cows for Vibrio, Lepto (5-way), IBR, BVD, P13, BRSV, pinkeye, and Hemophilus sommus Vaccinating calves for Clostridial diseases (e.g., blackleg), pinkeye, and Hemophilus sommus Branding and castrating calves Strive for a day breeding season of the main cow herd. Five to 6% of the herd should be coming into heat per day. If not, reevaluate nutrition and health. FALL CALVING HERD Weaning period. Vaccinate 4- to 12-month-old heifer calves for Brucellosis (Bangs). Vaccinate or booster vaccinate 6-month-old calves for clostridial and respiratory diseases with killed or modified live products, based on veterinarian recommendations. Brand and castrate any calves missed or delayed. Obtain cow and calf weights at weaning and see your county Extension agent for information on record keeping programs. Cull cows based on performance and pregnancy status. Make initial heifer selections, keeping more than you intend to retain for the next breeding season. Pregnancy test cows if not previously done. Put thin cows (body condition score less than 5) on high-quality feed or pasture. Creep graze calves or wean and put on best pasture. If calves are weaned, switch cows to lower energy ration or lower quality forage. Utilize low-stress weaning such as fenceline weaning. Weaned calves can be preconditioned by feeding a complete dry ration for days after vaccinating, with or without deworming and implanting. Abide by all required aspects of buyer's preconditioning (backgrounding) program. MANAGEMENT If grazing legume pasture, observe cattle for bloat and take preventable measures (e.g., bloat blocks). Maintain salt/mineral feeders and protect from weather. Provide a free-choice mineral mix containing adequate levels of salt, trace minerals, and necessary vitamins at all times. Avoid overuse of insecticides by delaying fly control until fly populations build up to threshold levels. Face fly numbers of 5, 13 and >20 per animal indicate low, moderate and heavy populations, respectively; treat when populations reach the moderate level. The horn fly threshold treatment level is 200 per animal. See other recommendations at RANGE Record when each plant species starts to grow to help project when ranges will be safe to graze. Build a growth record over several years. Consider photo monitoring. Monitor development rates for forage plants to help assess the need for adjusting grazing plans. Use yearlings rather than cows and calves to graze rough country. They will use forage more efficiently and cover terrain better. Weigh yearlings before turn out to monitor performance. Assess impacts, if any, of excessive winter wildlife impact on spring forage supply. Check fences. May is a critical growth period for native bunchgrasses; however, introduced coolseason bunchgrasses such as tall fescue need to be grazed aggressively now. With grazing, delay but do not prevent native grasses from going to seed because most of them reproduce via seed. Failing to let grasses generate viable seeds will cause declines in plant vigor and eventual displacement by less desirable species. Plan pasture rotations to rest each pasture during the critical growth period one year out of three. Plan for pre- and post-grazing photographs and/or rangeland monitoring. Assess weed and poisonous plant infestations and conduct targeted, early-season control. FORAGES Seed pastures and alfalfa fields depending on local conditions. Prepare for start of hay harvest. Depending upon region, start hay harvest to ensure adequate quality. Assess opportunity for weed control using recommended herbicides. Always read and follow label recommendations. Herbicide recommendations can be found at

15 May 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Due Feb 07 Due Feb 08 Due Feb Due Feb 10 Due Feb 11 Due Feb 12 Due Feb 13 Due Feb 14 Due Feb 15 Due Feb Due Feb 17 Due Feb 18 Due Feb 19 Due Feb 20 Due Feb 21 Due Feb 22 Due Feb Due Feb 24 Due Feb 25 Due Feb 26 Due Feb 27 Due Feb 28 Due Mar 01 Due Mar Due Mar 03 Due Mar 04 Due Mar 05 Due Mar 06 Due Mar 07 Due Mar 08 Due Mar 09 Notes:

16 June SPRING CALVING HERD Breeding season continues. Observe performance of bulls during breeding season. If the number of cows returning to estrus is large, determine cause and consider changing bulls. Maintain salt/mineral feeders. Provide a free-choice mineral mix containing adequate levels of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, selenium, copper, zinc and other trace minerals at all times. Protect mineral mix from weather. FALL CALVING HERD Finish collecting cow and calf weights at weaning. Pregnancy test cows if not done previously. Consider selling open cows and heifers, cows weaning lightweight or poor-quality calves, and problem cows. Inform tax preparer if the cows and heifers were raised or purchased. Make initial selection of replacement heifers. MANAGEMENT Avoid overuse of insecticides by delaying fly control until fly populations build up to threshold levels. Face fly numbers of 5, 13 and >20 per animal indicate low, moderate and heavy populations, respectively; treat when populations reach the moderate level. The horn fly threshold treatment level is 200 per animal. See other recommendations at org/insect/. Consider vaccinating for pinkeye in advance of pinkeye season if not already done. MARKETING/BUSINESS Study August and September feeder cattle prices for stocker cattle and early weaning options. RANGE On publicly-grazed lands, coordinate activities with a range conservationist. Foster and maintain an open line of communication with the conservationist. Record the level of grazing use by date. Determine if your grazing objectives are met. Use rangeland monitoring post-grazing and photos to document plant response to previous year's management. Avoid over-utilization of bunchgrasses. Fifty percent use is standard (about 3" to 4" stubble height). FORAGES Depending upon region, start hay harvest to ensure adequate quality. Rotate pastures as needed.

17 June 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Due Mar 10 Due Mar 11 Due Mar 12 Due Mar 13 Due Mar 14 Due Mar 15 Due Mar Due Mar 17 Due Mar 18 Due Mar 19 Due Mar 20 Due Mar 21 Due Mar 22 Due Mar Due Mar 24 Due Mar 25 Due Mar 26 Due Mar 27 Due Mar 28 Due Mar 29 Due Mar Due Mar 31 Due Apr 01 Due Apr 02 Due Apr 03 Due Apr 04 Due Apr 05 Due Apr Due Apr 07 Due Apr 08 Notes:

18 July SPRING CALVING HERD If cattle are on irrigated pasture, consider mid-summer working opportunities: Consider deworming cows and calves as needed, based on body condition, performance, and fecal exams Re-implant calves Bulls should be removed from the cow herd, grouped together in a pasture with good fence and allowed to regain condition. FALL CALVING HERD At the start of calving, aim for mature cows to have a BCS of and firstcalf heifers to have a BCS of Keep a good free-choice mineral mix available at all times and protect it from weather. Plan to have good pasture available for fall calving. Replacement heifers should gain at an adequate rate to reach their targeted breeding weight (55 65% of mature size) by Nov. 25. Consider deworming cows based on body condition or other health factors. Observe first-calf heifers closely now, since they should begin calving next month. Expect calving difficulty and intervene if: No progress after 60 minutes of labor Calf is backwards (only the calf s tail is visible or the dewclaws are pointed up) Calf s head and two feet are not visible Assemble, inspect and disinfect equipment for calving season. This equipment may include: Puller and chains, ear tags, record book, scales, disease-free frozen colostrum and commercial colostrum supplement, oral calf feeder, iodine for navels, electrolytes, injectable antibiotics, syringes and needles, injectable Vitamin E/Selenium supplement. Determine breed and type of bull needed for next breeding season. MANAGEMENT Prevent/control pinkeye: Clip tall, mature grass Reduce flies with adequate fly control Treat problems quickly Fly control methods may include: Back rubbers, spray, dust bags, pour-ons, and/or feed-throughs Insecticidal ear tags (usually two per animal) Maintain a clean water supply and check it routinely. Plan your winter feeding program. Administer injectable Vitamin E/Selenium supplement to bred heifers and cows in last month of pregnancy if recommended by veterinarian. Evaluate and maintain corrals and working facilities for fall processing and weaning Plan calf vaccination program so calves receive clostridial and BRD vaccines at 6 months of age with a booster 3 4 weeks later, 3 4 weeks before weaning. MARKETING/BUSINESS Compare actual year-to-date cash expenditures to your business plan. Determine if you are ahead or behind schedule. Attend educational field days. RANGE On publicly-grazed lands, coordinate activities with a range conservationist. Foster and maintain an open line of communication with the conservationist. Record level of grazing use by date. Determine if your grazing objectives are met. Take post-grazing photographs for monitoring. Use herding and supplementation to move animals away from riparian areas and improve distribution of use. FORAGES Continue hay harvests. Clip pastures for weeds and seed heads as needed or consider multi-species grazing with goats or sheep to control weeds. Rotate pastures as needed. Soil test for late-summer seeding.

19 July 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Due Apr 09 Due Apr 10 Due Apr 11 Due Apr 12 Due Apr Due Apr 14 Due Apr 15 Due Apr 16 Due Apr 17 Due Apr 18 Due Apr 19 Due Apr Due Apr 21 Due Apr 22 Due Apr 23 Due Apr 24 Due Apr 25 Due Apr 26 Due Apr Due Apr 28 Due Apr 29 Due Apr 30 Due May 01 Due May 02 Due May 03 Due May Due May 05 Due May 06 Due May 07 Due May 08 Due May 09 Notes:

20 August SPRING CALVING HERD Consider limited creep-feeding or early weaning during late summer if pasture is running short. Three to four weeks before weaning, vaccinate for clostridial and respiratory diseases per veterinarian and label directions. If needed, deworm and implant. Weigh at weaning and record. Practice lowstress weaning. FALL CALVING HERD Calving season begins. Cows should be moved to a clean, accessible pasture for calving. Consider new calving ground every two weeks for uncalved cows. Monitor for difficult calving. Calving difficulty can result in an increased incidence of BRD in pre-weaned calves due to a reduced ability to absorb colostral antibodies; it is also associated with increased time to first heat and decreased pregnancy rates in cows. Dip newborns' navels with disinfectant when possible. Identify calf with ear tag and/or tattoo while it is young and easy to handle. Administer injectable Vitamin E/Selenium if indicated. Record calf ID, dam ID, birth date, and birth weight if possible. Weigh registered calves during the first 24 hours following birth. Commercial male calves should be castrated and, if feedlot program allows, implanted according to product recommendations. Castration and dehorning are less stressful when performed on young animals. If applicable, schedule A.I. technicians. Record the identification number of the first calf born on the appropriate calendar date to serve as a record for a PVP program. For neonatal calves, administer oral antibodies or early vaccination for disease-causing organisms as recommended by veterinarian. Monitor, treat, and segregate calves for scours, respiratory disease, and navel ill. MANAGEMENT Repair and improve corrals for fall working and weaning. Identify poisonous plants in cattle environment and monitor for problematic consumption. MARKETING/BUSINESS Determine if yearling steer prices have peaked for the pasture season. For fall calving herds: Inform tax preparer of sales of unbred heifers in the breeding pool because they are considered breeding livestock by the IRS. RANGE On publicly-grazed lands, coordinate activities with a range conservationist. Foster and maintain an open line of communication with the conservationist. Record the level of grazing use by date. Determine if grazing objectives are met. Use herding and supplements to improve grazing distribution. FORAGES Continue hay harvest. Assess need for weed control. Test soils of fields to be seeded in fall and to determine pasture fertilization and lime needs. Determine species and varieties to be seeded in fall. Begin stockpiling forage for fall use.

21 August 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Due May 10 Due May Due May 12 Due May 13 Due May 14 Due May 15 Due May 16 Due May 17 Due May Due May 19 Due May 20 Due May 21 Due May 22 Due May 23 Due May 24 Due May Due May 26 Due May 27 Due May 28 Due May 29 Due May 30 Due May 31 Due Jun Due Jun 02 Due Jun 03 Due Jun 04 Due Jun 05 Due Jun 06 Due Jun 07 Due Jun 08 Due Jun 09 Notes: 31

22 September SPRING CALVING HERD Consult your veterinarian on the merits of a pre-weaning working of the herd, which may include implementing steps of preconditioning protocol such as booster vaccinations, deworming, etc. Pregnancy check and consider selling open cows and heifers and those weaning poor-quality calves. Deworm calves as needed if retaining more than 30 days. Creep feeding may give extra gain and prepare calves for eating dry feed at weaning, but is not cost effective if calves have adequate milk and forage. FALL CALVING HERD Fall calving continues. Consider new calving ground every two weeks for uncalved cows. Monitor for difficult calving. Calving difficulty can result in an increased incidence of BRD in pre-weaned calves due to a reduced ability to absorb colostral antibodies; it is also associated with increased time to first heat and decreased pregnancy rates in cows. Dip newborns' navels with disinfectant when possible. Identify calf with ear tag and/or tattoo while it is young and easy to handle. Administer injectable Vitamin E/Selenium if indicated. Record calf ID, dam ID, birth date, and birth weight if possible. Weigh registered calves during the first 24 hours following birth. Commercial male calves should be castrated. Castration and dehorning are less stressful when performed on young animals. Line up A.I. sires and/or purchase new bulls at least 30 days prior to breeding season. Choose a breed and use EPDs and visual observation to select the bull that best fits your program and budget. Quarantine any herd additions for at least 30 days. Have veterinarian perform breeding soundness evaluations on all bulls. Evaluate yearling replacement heifers for frame size, reproductive tract score, and weight. Heifers should reach their target weight of 55 65% of expected mature weight before being bred. A mature moderate frame size of 4 5 is desireable. For neonatal calves, administer oral antibodies for disease-causing organisms on farm as recommended by veterinarian. MARKETING/BUSINESS For fall calving herds: Inform tax preparer of sales of unbred heifers in the breeding pool because they are considered breeding livestock by the IRS. For spring calving herds: Evaluate your marketing plans: 1) selling calves at weaning, with or without preconditioning, 2) backgrounding calves for sale January-March next year and 3) retaining ownership and finishing the calves. Decide how many heifers will need to be held back for replacements. Decide if cull cows will be sold this fall or wintered and sold next spring. Inventory your potential winter feed supply and decide if you need to purchase other feed sources. Compare actual year-to-date cash flow expenditures to your planned expenditures. Make changes in cash flow and marketing plan needed to meet financial commitments. RANGE Make a utilization map for all grazed pastures and use it to plan for the next year. Assess establishment of new range plant seedings and determine if they are well rooted. This will aid in scheduling grazing at a safe time. Monitor range. FORAGES Continue hay harvest. Plant perennial grasses at optimal rate, date, and depth.

23 September 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Due Jun 10 Due Jun 11 Due Jun 12 Due Jun 13 Due Jun 14 Due Jun Due Jun 16 Due Jun 17 Due Jun 18 Due Jun 19 Due Jun 20 Due Jun 21 Due Jun Due Jun 23 Due Jun 24 Due Jun 25 Due Jun 26 Due Jun 27 Due Jun 28 Due Jun Due Jun 30 Due Jul 01 Due Jul 02 Due Jul 03 Due Jul 04 Due Jul 05 Due Jul Due Jul 07 Due Jul 08 Due Jul 09 Notes:

24 October SPRING CALVING HERD Wean calves. Vaccinate 4- to 12-month-old heifer calves for Brucellosis (Bangs). Vaccinate or booster vaccinate 6-month-old calves for clostridial and respiratory diseases with killed or modified live products, based on veterinarian recommendations. Give second boosters 3 4 weeks before weaning if possible. Pregnancy check and consider selling open cows and heifers and those weaning poor-quality calves. Put thin cows (body condition score less than 5) on high-quality feed or pasture. Fall is the easiest time to put weight on spring-calving dry cows. Obtain cow and calf weights at weaning and see your county Extension agent for information on record keeping programs. Cull cows based on performance and pregnancy status and make initial heifer selections, keeping at least 20% more than you intend to retain for the next breeding season. Keep back the best heifer calves born during the first half of the calving season as replacements. Utilize low-stress weaning such as fenceline weaning to reduce risk of BRD and minimize setbacks in average daily weight gains. Deworm cow herd as needed based on body condition, health issues, or on veterinarian recommendation. FALL CALVING HERD Prepare for breeding season. Line up A.I. services and/or purchase replacement bull(s) days prior to the start of the breeding season. Choose a breed and use EPDs plus visual observation to select the bull that best fits your production and marketing program. Quarantine purchased bulls for at least 30 days to reduce risk of BRD and other disease transmission. Have a veterinarian perform breeding soundness evaluations on bulls. If using A.I. and/or estrus synchronization, make plans now and order supplies and semen. Make final selection of heifer replacements based on health, weight, projected mature frame score, docility, and reproductive tract score. Record the identification number of the last calf born on the appropriate calendar date to serve as a record for a PVP program. Collect ear notches of calves and submit for BVD testing prior to breeding. Segregate and cull positives. Brand and castrate any calves missed or delayed. MANAGEMENT Check teeth of older cows. Cows with poor teeth don t maintain their weight. Remove insecticidal ear tags after hard frost. MARKETING/BUSINESS Plan your calf marketing program. Options include direct marketing, special feeder calf sales, weekly auction markets, private treaty sales to dealers or feeders, preconditioning calves, backgrounding yourself, or retaining ownership through the feedlot. Investigate various preconditioning program options and their economic impacts on your operation. Prepare affidavit (documentation) for mcool compliance. Inform tax preparer if sold cows and heifers were raised or purchased. Prepare an income tax estimate for this year. This will allow you to practice tax management for the rest of the year by adjusting expenditures and/or income to maximize after-tax income. Decide if cull cows will be sold this fall or wintered and sold in the spring. RANGE Make an overall utilization map for all grazed pastures. Use information that has been developed previously during the season. Use the map in planning for next year. Assess the degree of seedling establishment for new range seedlings. Are they well rooted? When can safe grazing be scheduled? Gather cattle, fix fence, take post-grazing photos, and monitor range use and condition. Evaluate monitoring date and this year's grazing management and develop plan for next year. FORAGES Apply phosphate, potassium (potash), lime, etc. according to soil test recommendations. Prepare seedbed for fall dormant grass seeding. Graze crop residues (beware of grazing restrictions on certain crop herbicides). Beware of prussic acid (cyanide) poisoning from grazing summer annual grasses following frost. Start inventory of hay supplies and needs; test hay quality. Consider broadleaf weed control in grass pastures. Fall is an excellent time to control perennial weeds.

25 October 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Due Jul 10 Due Jul 11 Due Jul 12 Due Jul Due Jul 14 Due Jul 15 Due Jul 16 Due Jul 17 Due Jul 18 Due Jul 19 Due Jul Due Jul 21 Due Jul 22 Due Jul 23 Due Jul 24 Due Jul 25 Due Jul 26 Due Jul Due Jul 28 Due Jul 29 Due Jul 30 Due Jul 31 Due Aug 01 Due Aug 02 Due Aug Due Aug 04 Due Aug 05 Due Aug 06 Due Aug 07 Due Aug 08 Due Aug 09 Notes:

26 November SPRING CALVING HERD Obtain cow and calf weights and see your county Extension agent for information on record keeping programs. Cull cows based on performance and pregnancy status and make initial heifer selections, keeping more than you intend to retain for the next breeding season. Evaluate body condition score (BCS) of cows after weaning calves. Sort thin cows (BCS<5) from the main cow herd so they can receive extra feed, if needed. Fall is the easiest time to put weight on spring-calving dry cows. Dry cows can utilize crop residues and poor-quality hay but don t let them lose weight unless overconditioned. Save higher-quality feeds until calving time. Replacement heifers should gain at an adequate rate to reach breeding size (55 65% of mature weight) by no later than 15 months of age. Increase feed to cows 45 to 60 days prior to calving. Work with your veterinarian to plan and obtain vaccines for bred heifers and dry cows; determine what to give and when. Place an emphasis on vaccinations needed to reduce BRD risk in both cows and calves. FALL CALVING HERD Breeding season begins. Pre-breeding work. Consult your veterinarian about vaccines and health products your herd needs. These may include: Deworming cows based on body condition scores or other health issues Boostering cows for Lepto (5-way), IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV and Vibrio Vaccinating calves for clostridial diseases (blackleg) and IBR, PI3, BVD, and BRSV Dehorn, castrate, and ID calves (e.g., ear tag, brand, tattoo) if not already completed. Cows with calves need 25 to 30 pounds of good quality hay or its equivalent daily. Supplement with grain if needed. Start breeding cows by November 1 for fall calving to begin in August. Observe performance of bulls during breeding season. If the number of cows returning to estrus is large, determine cause and consider changing bulls. At beginning of breeding season, record inventory of all cows in each breeding pasture. Record the identification number of the last calf born on the appropriate calendar date to serve as a record for a PVP program. MARKETING/BUSINESS Arrange for purchase of hay/forage for winter feeding program. FORAGES Begin grazing stockpiled forages, winter rye, or brassicas as needed if soils will not be harmed by animal impact. After a killing frost, fall alfalfa can be grazed or mowed. Use crop residues as needed or available. Continue inventory of hay supplies and needs. Continue testing hay for nutrient content. Frost-seed pastures depending on location. Dormant-seed cool season grasses if soil temperature is below 45 F. RANGE Consider photo monitoring. Provide protein supplements for fall/winter range grazing. MANAGEMENT Monitor cow herd for lice; use dusters, pour-on, or injectables for treatment and control. Treat for grubs in the first two weeks of November. Monitor cows for evidence of BRD; isolate affected animals, determine cause, and initiate effective treatment promptly for minimum impact on animal health.