Cattle producers know all too well that calves find ways to be born in the worst winter weather, and that was the case last month.
The area had several snowfalls, and it also had some of the wildest temperature swings in memory. Lyon County Extension ag agent Brian Rees tells KVOE News livestock producers need to watch the calves and their growth, but they need to concentrate on the mothers and their nutritional intake because it takes more energy for the cows to maintain their weights.
Rees says some calves were lost due to the weather conditions, especially the cold, although the cold snaps weren’t prolonged like they were last year.
Off that immediate topic, Rees says producers will need to keep track of forage conditions. Grass fire season has started, but grasses are still extremely dry despite upwards of 14 inches of snow last month. Rainfall would cause mud issues, but the rain is needed so grasses can get a good start. If the dry weather continues, Rees says landowners may have to consider not burning so they have some forage available for their herds.
