Most of the time I love this time of year!  With the four snows and counting, the weather has been causing some unneeded stress.  Add to that a flat tire, that needed to be changed on a cold blustery day and my holiday cheer is fading!

As the year 2018 quickly fades into the history books here are some things to think about:

Spring-calving herds for January Planning

A 1,200-lb. cow in good body condition requires a minimum of about 12.9 lb. of TDN and 1.9 lb. of protein per day during late gestation.

 A 1,500-lb. cow requires approximately 15.3 lb. of TDN and 2.2 lb. of protein.

The forage source should contain a minimum of 54% TDN and 8% protein during

this period to meet requirements for maintenance prior to calving.

 Prepare calving facilities and equipment. Purchase and organize calving supplies such as tags, navel dip, tattoo equipment and ink, calf scales, etc.

Feed during evening hours to encourage daytime calving.

Fall-calving herds

 Remove bulls toward the end of January or early February to maintain a controlled breeding season of 60-70 days.

General Recommendations

Distribute hay feeding as much as possible to minimize perennial grass stand damage and to evenly distribute nutrients from manure and wasted hay.

Remove and discard plastic “net wrap” and twine from hay prior to feeding.

Test soil to determine phosphorus, potassium and lime needs for spring legumes, such as lespedeza, sweet clover, red clover and white clover.

Plan the financial management program for the year, including cash flow, deadlines for payment of interest and quarterly tax payments.

Ho Ho Ho!

Beef Issues Group will be meeting in Sabetha on December 17th at 7 pm.  Dr Bob Weaber, KSU Beef Specialist will speak about Genomics for small commercial herds.

Call 785-364-4125 for details!