News

Good time to fix body condition issues

With March and April the two most popular months to calve in Ohio, now’s the time to fix body condition issues.

John Grimes, Extension beef coordinator at Ohio State University says it’s a lot easier when the calf’s not so big inside the cow.

“Body condition issues can be a challenge,” said Grimes. “When we think back to what we experienced last winter, as far as weather extremes, we don’t want to get caught in that kind of situation, so it’s cheaper, it’s more efficient to improve or change body condition in mid-gestation.”

Another fall management tip often overlooked is palpation.

“As valuable as cattle are right now, if you’ve got some open animals, problem animals now’s time to get those identified and take advantage of the current market,” Grimes said.

Audio: John Grimes, Extension beef coordinator, Ohio State University

Writing in the Ohio State Beef Newsletter, Andrew Griffith at the University of Tennessee said producers should consider current prices, expected future prices, and current resources when making the culling decision, because the cow must pay for herself over any time period she is retained.