In times of dry conditions and limited rainfall, cattle producers are encouraged to proactively prepare for potential forage shortages. Implementing a strategic herd reduction plan can help preserve limited resources while maintaining long-term herd performance.
Key Points for Beef Producers:
1. Prioritize Culling Early
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Only turn out productive cow/calf pairs to pasture.
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Immediately cull open cows, cows that lost calves, or those with health or structural issues (poor udders, lameness, eye conditions, etc.).
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Identify and remove cows with undesirable temperament or poor maternal traits.
2. Use Herd Records for Objective Culling
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Analyze two to three years of performance data.
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Identify the bottom 10–25% of cows based on calf weaning weights.
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Use caution when evaluating first and second-calf females, as their calves may be lighter due to age and development.
3. Conduct Timely Pregnancy Checks
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Perform pregnancy diagnosis shortly after breeding using experienced palpators or ultrasound technicians.
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Verify non-pregnant cows to avoid mistakenly culling pregnant ones.
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Ultrasound is particularly effective for identifying pregnancies as early as 30–35 days.
4. Implement Early Weaning Strategies
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Wean calves early (at 60–90 days) from cows slated for culling or struggling with body condition.
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Early weaning reduces the cow’s forage intake by up to 20% and increases grazing days.
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Work with extension educators to formulate rations for early-weaned calves if they’ll be retained.
5. Review Calving Records to Guide Deeper Cuts
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Identify mature cows (4+ years) that consistently calve late in the season.
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These cows tend to wean lighter calves and produce daughters with lower retention value.
6. Prepare Financially
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If herd reductions exceed normal levels, consult with your accountant or tax advisor to manage potential tax liabilities.
Conclusion:
In times when forage availability is limited, taking a proactive approach to herd management allows producers to make calculated decisions rather than reactive ones. Strategic depopulation planning can help stretch feed resources while preserving overall herd productivity and long-term sustainability.
