This is the time of year when Cattle producers in the Northern Plains are busy weaning calves if they haven’t done so already. SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate Warren Rusche says getting calves weaned and off the mama cows into the feedlots takes adjustments for the animals and high nutrient feed needs to be provided.
He says after a few days, producers need to shift those calves from long stem hay to nutrient dense feed.
Rusche says another important consideration is making sure there’s a good supply of water available because if calves don’t drink they won’t eat and if they don’t eat they’re not able to perform and they’ll likely get sick.
Rusche says getting cattle started is critically important and producers should manage their herds on a best case rather than least cost basis. He says that’s because just by adding 2 cents per head, that improves performance.
