Don’t hurt the factory. With calf prices down from last year and economics being tight, it can be tempting to try to skip the mineral program. The problem with almost any nutrient deficiency is that you never see an immediate problem (other than with water). Nutrient deficiencies take a long time to catch up with you. What you think is saving you money can actually cost a lot in the long run. It can mean less vigorous calves at birth, more challenges with scours or respiratory disease, poor cycling rate post-calving and then poor breed-up for the next calf crop. It takes a long time for the problem to show up. Preg checking isn’t just the result of one day’s work. It is the 364 days prior to that day that shows how good you have done all year. There is no substitute for good nutrition. You can’t put on an extra body condition score overnight. You can’t make good quality colostrum through a needle. You can’t inject calves with vigor. You can’t fix re-breeding rates through a needle. All of those things need to be taken care of every single day of the year. If only every problem could be fixed through a needle or just overnight, imagine the issues we wouldn’t have! One size does not fit all. I have had this thought in my mind for several days now, and I have told many people that, “There is more than one way to skin a cat.” Whatever the situation is on your operation, let us help you find something that works for you. If you are the one that has to do the work, whatever supplement necessary needs to fit your program. The best mineral in the world doesn’t do any good if it doesn’t make it to the cow. Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Make sure the cows are in good body condition, supply a quality mineral and vitamin package, feed Rumensin to help improve your feed efficiency and talk to your vet about a vaccination program and if any newborn calf products should be used in your herd. A little preparation now can help us put healthy calves on the ground in a couple of months and get the cows ready for next season.
02.11.2019 | Agtegra
Are you ready for the pre-season? No, not baseball. I was thinking more along the lines of calving season. For those who calve in the spring, it is getting down to crunch time to make your preparations.
Are you getting the most out of every acre? Are you overspending on some acres? Data shows that if you aren’t variable rating your fertility, you probably aren’t maximizing the return on your fertilizer dollars.
Despite the snow and colder temperatures, many farmers are thinking ahead to spring. Spring planning has begun in earnest, and it’s time to talk with your agronomist about some key topics, according to Ryan Brick, Sales Manager with Agtegra.