Timely planning and implementing vari-ous management practices on Mississippibeef cattle operations is essential for cattleproductivity, operational efficiency, andenterprise profitability. This publicationpresents general management recommen-dations for each month of the year.Specific considerations for both spring-and fall-calving herds are outlined as well.Some Mississippi herds calve during awinter-season that is between traditionalspring- and fall-calving seasons. Adjustmonthly recommendations relative to thetime of calving.

Seedstock producers need to performadditional tasks throughout the yearbeyond the recommendations for commer-cial cow-calf production. Performancedata collection at birth, weaning, and year-ling times is critical. Herd inventoryreporting and animal registrations throughbreed associations are also important. Forherds performing artificial inseminationand embryo transfer, additional manage-ment and planning must take place.

Monthly recommendations on stockeroperations depend on when cattle arereceived and marketed, size and age ofcattle stockered, growth targets, and previ-ous management. Design stocker nutritionand health management programs basedon the factors mentioned previously andtime of year. Many of the recommenda-tions presented here, such as those on for-age management and heat stress manage-ment, apply to both stocker cattle andcow-calf operations.

All Year

General RecommendationsKeep good production and financialrecords. Enterprise budgeting and cashflow analyses are worthwhile exercises.The information from these budgets andreports can be used to make knowledge-able production and marketing decisions.Develop a plan for managing credit needsfor the operation. Manage to improve unitcost of production. Small and large pro-ducers alike may benefit from formingalliances with neighbors for group cattlemarketing and bulk input purchaseendeavors. Take advantage of feeder calfmarketing programs such as age-, source-,and process-verified programs. Run abreakeven analysis on retained ownershipoptions, including stocker and finishingprograms, and consider risk managementstrategies before finalizing marketingplans.

Consider purchasing quality herd sirefrom a Mississippi breeder. Stocker opera-tors should remain flexible in determiningthe number of head to purchase and thenstock pastures according to current andprojected available forage amounts.Portable electric fencing is an excellenttool for implementing rotational grazing,limit grazing, strip grazing, or creep graz-ing systems. Management-intensive graz-ing systems are essential for stretching for-age supplies and associated expenses toimprove profit margins.

Mississippi Beef CattleManagement Calendar

Provide proper free-choice minerals and fresh water atall times, checking these supplies often. Group theherd into feeding groups such as mature cows withaverage condition, thin mature cows, and first-calfheifers. Match forage and feeding programs to thenutritional needs of each group and forage analysisresults. Nutritional requirements increase about 10 to15 percent in the last 30 to 45 days before calving.Maintain a good nutritional program targeting a bodycondition score of 5 (moderate condition) at calving forcows and 6 (high moderate condition) at calving forheifers. Do not underfeed females in an attempt toreduce calf birth weight. Develop replacement heifersto reach about 60 to 65 percent of expected matureweight by breeding time and 85 to 90 percent ofexpected mature weight by first calving. Monitor bodycondition closely for the entire herd, and supplementthin cows and heifers as needed. Plan for bulls to bewell developed and start the breeding season in abody condition score of 6.

Maintain a complete herd health program in con-sultation with a veterinarian, including internal andexternal parasite control and vaccinations. Monitor cat-tle for cancer eye, foot rot, injuries, and illness at alltimes. Be sure the health program includes BeefQuality Assurance (BQA) consistent practices.Mississippi offers disease monitoring and certificationprograms for beef cattle operations. Johne’s Diseaseand persistently-infected bovine virus diarrhea (BVD)programs are examples of animal health programsavailable in Mississippi. Ask a local or state veterinari-an about available state animal health programs.

Fill out a producer registration form for the farmor ranch from the Mississippi Board of Animal Healthif not already completed. This form is an importantstep to participating in the Mississippi Animal Diseaseand Disaster Preparedness Program. Be ready to han-dle severe weather conditions. Work to develop aranch-level disease and disaster preparedness plan.

JanuaryGeneral RecommendationsContinue the winter-feeding program. Watch bodycondition, and use winter-feeding groups according tocattle nutritional demands. Lush winter grazing maywork well for stockers, heifers, and fall pairs. Managewinter annual pastures to maintain at least 4 inches ofstubble height. Limit grazing can be used to stretchwinter pastures and hay. Limit graze winter annualforages for a few hours per day. Plan fertilization,weed control, and establishment for the spring pastureprogram. Fertilize cool-season grasses before the flushof spring growth. Use high magnesium mineral sup-plements for cows on lush winter pastures to preventgrass tetany. Vitamin A supplementation is an impor-tant part of the nutritional program, particularly if

frosted grass, weathered hay, or coproducts are the pri-mary feedstuffs. Monitor water sources, breaking ice atleast daily on watering tanks that are not freeze-pro-tected. Check for lice, and treat as needed. Start gather-ing records for tax purposes.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsContinue supplementation of pregnant females, target-ing good condition at calving. Have calving supplieson hand, including calving record books, ear tags,obstetric equipment, disinfectants, calf scales, andcolostrum. Check expected calving dates. Observe bredcattle closely as calving approaches, giving heifersextra attention. Make sure calves dry off quickly,receive colostrum within the first 6 hours, and havesome level of protection from wind and mud. Separatelactating cows from dry cows to feed more efficiently.Move pairs to clean pasture, and watch calves forscours. Tag, castrate, dehorn, and implant calves asappropriate. Maintain good calving records, includingcalf birth weights and information for age and sourceverification.

Consult a veterinarian to schedule prebreedingvaccinations or order vaccines. Keep yearling heifersgaining weight to reach two-thirds of mature weightby breeding time. Take yearling measurements, andreport performance data on seedstock cattle to breedassociations. Base heifer selection decisions on per-formance, temperament, soundness, and breedinggoals. Determine bull power needs. Make bull selec-tion decisions for the upcoming breeding season.Gather information about bulls at central test stationsand in purebred herds to locate potential herd sires.Check sale dates, and review bull performance infor-mation. Line up breeding soundness evaluations, andmake sure bulls are in good condition before thebreeding season.

Fall Calving RecommendationsCalculate fall calving percentage. Cow nutrient needsincrease dramatically after calving, so use the highestquality hay and feeds for lactating cows. Monitorbreeding activities in herds exposed for fall calving,and be prepared to remove bulls after a controlledbreeding season. If a high percentage of cows return toheat after 40 days of breeding, have bulls rechecked forbreeding soundness, consult with a veterinarian onpossible disease problems, and re-evaluate the nutri-tional program.

FebruaryGeneral RecommendationsContinue winter-feeding to ensure good rebreedingand calf performance. Evaluate the remainder of the

winter feed supply. Watch body condition, and matchwinter-feeding groups to cattle nutritional demandsand feed and forage supplies. Graze winter annualpastures, maintaining at least 4 inches of stubbleheight to avoid overgrazing. Limit grazing for a fewhours per day is an effective winter grazing method.Pull soil samples on summer pasture and hayfields toplan spring fertilization and liming program. This is agood time to apply herbicide to dormant bermuda-grass. Plan to fertilize annual ryegrass and tall fescuebefore the flush of spring growth. Continue high mag-nesium mineral supplement feeding for cows on lushwinter pastures to prevent grass tetany. Continue tolook for lice infestation, treating as needed. Plan toservice hay equipment well before hay season. Cowmarkets are typically favorable in the next few monthscompared to the rest of the year. Market cull cows ingood body condition. Gather records for tax purposes.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsContinue supplementation of pregnant females, target-ing good condition at calving. Have calving supplieson hand, including calving record books, ear tags,obstetric equipment, disinfectants, calf scales, andcolostrum. Check expected calving dates. Observe bredcattle closely as calving approaches, paying extraattention to heifers. Provide shelter for newborn calvesduring severe weather.

Separate lactating cows, first-calf heifers, and drycows into groups to feed more efficiently. Move pairsto clean pasture, and watch calves for scours. Consultwith a veterinarian for advice on scours preventionand treatment. Tag, castrate, dehorn, and implantcalves as appropriate. Always maintain good calvingrecords, including calf birth weights and informationfor age and source verification. Schedule prebreedingvaccinations, and order vaccines. Take yearling meas-urements, reporting performance data on seedstock tobreed associations. Make heifer selection decisionsbased on genetics, dam performance information, tem-perament, soundness, breeding goals, and progress totarget breeding weights.

Determine bull power needs, and make bull selec-tion decisions for the upcoming breeding season.Acquire quality herd sires with performance informa-tion from reputable sources. Schedule breeding sound-ness evaluations, and make certain bulls are in goodcondition and provided with exercise as the breedingseason approaches. For artificial insemination pro-grams, have ample semen and other supplies on handand facilities prepared for breeding.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsContinue using the best hay (based on forage testresults) and feeds for lactating cows. Monitor breeding

activities in herds exposed for fall calving. If a highpercentage of cows return to heat after 40 days ofbreeding, have bulls rechecked for breeding sound-ness, consult with a veterinarian on possible reproduc-tive disease problems, and re-evaluate the nutritionalprogram. Check on bull condition during the breedingseason, and provide supplemental feed as needed.Prepare to remove bulls after a controlled breedingseason. Keep bulls in a small pasture traps with effec-tive fences.

MarchGeneral RecommendationsMaintain at least 4-inch average stubble height on win-ter annual pastures to avoid overgrazing. Fertilizecool-season grasses according to soil tests if not doneearlier. Plan to incorporate legumes such as whiteclover into forage systems to reduce nitrogen fertilizerneeds and improve forage quality. Locate hybridbermudagrass sprig supplies for planting starting nextmonth. Spray winter annual weeds while still vegeta-tive for better control.

Watch for grass tetany, particularly on lactatingcows grazing lush pastures such as tall fescue or annu-al ryegrass. Feed a high-magnesium mineral supple-ment to cows and heifers on these pastures. Service for-age harvesting equipment well before hay season. Plansummer fly control before the fly population builds inthe warmer months ahead. Review options for anaplas-mosis control in the coming months. Consider market-ing cull cows in good condition. Cull cow markets aretypically favorable in the next few months compared tothe rest of the year. Finish tax returns this month toavoid last-minute preparation stress.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsCalving season is well under way. Calving suppliesshould be readily available. Dip navels, identify,weigh, castrate, and implant calves at birth as appro-priate. Include calving ease scores, dam body condi-tion at calving, and information for age and sourceverification in calving records. Acquire quality herdsires with performance information from reputablesources. Obtain detailed information on bull genetics,health program, and customer service offerings onprospective herd sires. Take time to study this informa-tion for making informed bull selection decisions.

Conduct breeding soundness exams, and makesure bulls are in good condition ahead of spring breed-ing. Provide additional nutrients to bulls if needed. Forartificial insemination programs, have ample semenand other needed supplies on hand and facilities inshape for breeding. Administer prebreeding vaccina-tions at least 30 days before breeding. Start breedingheifers about a month before the cow herd. Place cattle

with the highest nutritional needs (growing cattle, lac-tating first-calf heifers and cows) on the highest-quali-ty grazing and hay. Supplement the cow herd as need-ed according to forage test results. Cows need to be inmoderate-to-good condition to rebreed early.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsKeep bulls in a small pasture traps with effectivefences, and manage bulls to start the next breeding sea-son in good condition. Observe the cow herd forreturns to standing heat. Schedule pregnancy checksfor 45 to 60 days after the end of the breeding season orearlier if using ultrasound technology. For calves bornin an early-fall season, consider whether or not earlyweaning in late-March or April fits operational goals.Fence line weaning is a good option for reducing calfstress at weaning. Place early-weaned calves on a highplane of nutrition, and their dams on lower quality for-ages and feeds. Feeder calf markets are often seasonallyhigh in March and April, so consider optimum market-ing times and methods for fall-born calves.

AprilGeneral RecommendationsKeep a close eye on pasture conditions. Continue sup-plemental feeding as needed until forages are plentiful.Maintain at least 4-inch average stubble height on win-ter annual pastures to avoid overgrazing. Continue towatch for grass tetany. It is most likely to occur in lac-tating cows grazing lush pastures. Feed a high-magne-sium mineral supplement to these cattle. Plant and fer-tilize pastures according to soil tests to ensure ade-quate forage supply for late spring and summer if notdone earlier. Incorporate legumes such as white cloverinto forage systems to reduce nitrogen fertilizer needsand improve forage quality. Hybrid bermudagrasssprig supplies should be on hand for planting now.

Contact custom spriggers to get on their plantingschedules early. Hay harvesting season is around thecorner. Finish repairs and general maintenance to for-age harvesting equipment. Plan storage for upcominghay harvests. Start watching for horn and face flies.Consider the type of fly control chemicals used lastyear, and rotate chemical classes. Consider options foranaplasmosis prevention as biting insects becomeabundant and plan internal parasite control practices.April 15 is the deadline for filing federal and stateincome tax returns. Detailed and organized ranchrecords make completing tax returns much easier.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsClosely monitor pregnant females yet to calve. Calvingrecords should be well-organized now. Consider mar-keting late-calving females that do not fit the chosen

calving season. Markets for beef females are often nearseasonal highs this time of year. Acquiring quality herdsires should be a top priority now. Gather and usedetailed information on bull genetics, health programs,and customer service offerings on prospective herdsires. Schedule breeding soundness exams so anyneeded herd sire replacements can be obtained bybreeding season start. Implement the prebreeding vac-cination program.

Place bulls with herd in early April for mid-January calves. For artificial insemination programs,obtain semen and other needed supplies and preparefacilities for breeding. Maintain good breeding records,including heat detection records, artificial inseminationdates, dates bulls turned in and out, identification ofherd females and breeding groups, dates bred, returnsto heat, and expected calving dates. Make sure themature cow herd is in moderate to good condition torebreed early. Supplement the forage program if cowsare thin or spring pastures are coming on slowly. Placecattle with the highest nutritional needs (growing cat-tle, lactating first-calf heifers and cows) on the highestquality forage. Make sure bulls are in good conditionin advance of spring breeding. Provide additionalnutrients to thin or growing bulls. Monitor conditionof bulls during the breeding season.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsManage bulls to start the next breeding season in goodcondition. Observe the cow herd for returns to stand-ing heat. Schedule pregnancy checks for 45 to 60 daysafter the end of the breeding season, or earlier if usingultrasound. Establish permanent identification (tattoosor brands) for bred heifers that will remain in the herd.Implement a calf preweaning vaccination program asrecommended by a veterinarian. Consider whether ornot early weaning fits operational goals. Make sureregistered cattle are weaned within weaning age win-dows accepted by breed associations. Fence line wean-ing is a good option for reducing calf stress at wean-ing. Place early-weaned calves on a high plane ofnutrition. Feeder calf markets are often seasonally highthis month.

MayGeneral RecommendationsFertilize warm-season pastures according to soil testrecommendations. Incorporate clovers into pastures toreduce nitrogen fertilizer needs and improve foragequality. Sprig hybrid bermudagrass before moisturebecomes limiting. Plant summer-annual forages. Grazesodseeded annual ryegrass pastures to prevent shad-ing warm-season forages. Manage pastures to grazeyoung growth, and harvest excess for hay.

Make sure hay equipment is ready for operation.Record hay yields, forage test each cutting, and storehay to minimize storage losses. Grass tetany mayoccur in lactating cows grazing lush pastures. Feed ahigh-magnesium mineral supplement to cattle on thesepastures.

Make sure adequate shade is available. Artificialshades need to allow adequate air movement.Minimum shade requirements are 18 square feet perhead for 400-pound calves and 25 square feet per headfor 800-pound stockers. Fly and anaplasmosis controlprograms need to be implemented as insect popula-tions start to build. Rotate fly control product chemicalclasses.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsContinue close monitoring of pregnant females yet tocalve. Calving records should be well-organized now.Submit calving information early to breed associationsto take advantage of lower fees. Consider marketinglate-calving females that do not fit the calving season.

Obtain supplies, and prepare facilities for breed-ing. Implement heat synchronization protocols. Breedheifers ahead of the cow herd. Maintain breedingrecords, including heat detection records, artificialinsemination dates, dates bulls turned in and out, herdfemale and breeding group identification, dates bred,returns to heat, and expected calving dates. Makesure the mature cow herd is in good condition torebreed early. Supplement if cows are thin. Place cattlewith the highest nutritional needs on the highest quali-ty grazing and hay. Provide additional nutrients tothin or growing bulls.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsSchedule pregnancy diagnosis. Cull cows based onpregnancy status, soundness, health status, and per-formance. Market cows based on market conditionsand cow body condition. Establish permanent identifi-cation for replacement heifers. Implement calf precon-ditioning programs including vaccinations, weaningstrategies that minimize stress, and bunk breaking.Continue a high level of nutritional management forearly-weaned calves. Make sure registered cattle areweaned within acceptable weaning age windows.Collect and report weaning performance data.

JuneGeneral RecommendationsHurricane season begins June 1 each year. Prepare nowfor possible storms. Harvest bermudagrass at four- tofive-week intervals for best quality. Fertilize hay fields

using soil test information to optimize fertilizer invest-ments. Record hay yields, forage test each cutting, andstore hay to minimize losses. Maintain hay harvestingequipment. Observe cattle frequently, being careful toprevent heat stress. Work cattle early in the morning.Limit the time cattle spend in confined areas with lim-ited air movement. Provide fresh, cool water for cattleconfined for extended periods. Reduce cattle stress,especially for very excitable cattle. Provide adequateshade during summer.

Construct shades to allow adequate air movement.Minimum shade requirements are 18 square feet perhead for 400-pound calves and 25 square feet per headfor 800-pound stockers. Flies and biting insects areabundant now. Remove insecticidal fly tags as theybecome ineffective. Watch for pinkeye problems.Control for anaplasmosis.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsOrganize and review calving records. Submit calvinginformation early to breed associations. Consider mar-keting late-calving females. Maintain good breedingrecords, including heat detection records, artificialinsemination dates, dates bulls turned in and out,identification of herd females and breeding groups,dates bred, returns to heat, and expected calving dates.

Observe for returns to heat. Remove bulls fromherd females after a controlled breeding season.Monitor herd body condition. Supplement the forageprogram if cows are thin or forage quantity or qualityis limiting. Place cattle with the highest nutritionalneeds on the highest quality grazing. Provide addition-al nutrients to thin or growing bulls.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsManage bulls to start the next breeding season in goodcondition. After weaning, cull cows based on pregnan-cy status, soundness, health, and performance. Managemarket cows according to BQA guidelines, market con-ditions, and body condition. Select replacementheifers, and permanently identify them. Plan a heiferdevelopment program to reach target breedingweights. Vaccinate and booster calves based on veteri-nary advice. Wean calves at least 45 days before ship-ment and within accepted weaning age windows forregistered cattle.

Make sure fences in weaning areas are in goodshape. Implement weaning strategies that minimizecalf stress. Train calves to eat from bunks and drinkfrom troughs during preconditioning. Continue a highlevel of nutritional management for early-weanedcalves. Use weaning performance reports for market-ing and management decisions. Implement calf pre-conditioning, marketing, or retained ownership plans.

JulyGeneral RecommendationsWater requirements increase by two and a half times asthe temperature rises from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.Clip excess forage or harvest for hay. Control summerweeds. Watch dallisgrass pastures for ergot contamina-tion, clipping seedheads as needed. Avoid grazingheavily nitrogen-fertilized, warm-season annual pas-tures during drought to prevent nitrate poisoning.Harvest bermudagrass hay at four- to five-week inter-vals for optimum forage quality.

Use soil test results to optimize fertilizer invest-ments. Record hay yields, forage test each cutting, andstore hay to minimize losses. Maintain forage harvest-ing equipment. Monitor commodity prices, and pur-chase supplemental feed for winter as appropriate. Becarefil to prevent heat stress-related losses. Provideadequate shade for cattle.

Handle cattle early in the morning before the tem-perature rises. Limit the time cattle spend confinedwith limited air movement. Reduce cattle stress duringhot weather. Keep a close eye on fly numbers. Removeinsecticidal fly tags as they become ineffective, andimplement additional fly control methods. Rotate flycontrol chemical classes. Employ internal parasites,pinkeye, and anaplasmosis control measures.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsRemove bulls from breeding pastures if not donealready. Market bulls that will not be used again.Review breeding records, including heat detectionrecords, artificial insemination dates, dates bullsturned in and out, herd female and breeding groupidentification, dates bred, returns to heat, and expectedcalving dates. Pregnancy check herd females about 60days after the breeding season ends. Market open andlate-calving females. Supplement the forage program ifcows are thin or forage quantity or quality is limiting.Place cattle with the highest nutritional needs on thehighest quality forages. Creep feed calves if marketingplans and pasture conditions justify.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsAfter weaning, cull cows based on pregnancy status,soundness, health, and performance. Select replace-ment heifers and permanently identify them. Plan aheifer development program based on nutritionalresources and gains needed to reach target breedingweights. Make sure bulls are in good condition tobegin the next breeding season. Provide additionalnutrients to thin or growing bulls. Wean calves in areaswith good fences at least 45 days before shipment offthe ranch and based on market and pasture conditions.Minimize calf stress at weaning. Wean cattle within

accepted age windows. Use weaning performanceresults in marketing decisions. Vaccinate and boostercalves based on veterinary advice. Train calves to eatfrom a bunk and drink from a water trough. Continuea high level of nutritional management for early-weaned calves. Consider optimum calf-marketingtimes and methods.

AugustGeneral RecommendationsPlan winter grazing and feeding programs in advance.Monitor commodity prices, and purchase supplemen-tal feed for winter as appropriate. Control summerweeds. Clip or harvest excess forage. Watch dallisgrasspastures for ergot contamination, clipping seedheadsas needed. Avoid grazing heavily nitrogen-fertilizedwarm-season annual pastures during drought or cool,cloudy weather to prevent nitrate poisoning. Harvestforage for optimal forage maturity and quality. Use soiltests to optimize fertilizer investments. Record hayyields, forage test each cutting, and store hay to mini-mize losses. Determine if additional hay is needed.Maintain forage harvesting equipment. Heat stress canlower forage and feed intake, reduce growth perform-ance, depress milk production, harm reproductive per-formance, and even cause death. Reduce cattle stressduring hot weather. Work cattle early in the morning.Limit the time cattle spend in confined areas with lim-ited air movement. Provide adequate shade for cattle(18 square feet per head for 400-pound calves and 25square feet per head for 800-pound stockers). Continuemonitoring fly numbers. Remove ineffective fly tags,and implement additional fly control methods. Watchfor pinkeye and anaplasmosis problems as bitinginsects remain abundant.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsAcquire supplies for weaning ahead of time. Makesure fences where weaned calves will be placed are ingood repair. Consider creep feeding calves, as to mar-keting plans and pasture conditions or to introducethem to feeds before weaning. Avoid weaning calvesduring extremely hot periods if possible, and arrangefor calf comfort during these times. Vaccinate andbooster for respiratory and other diseases based onveterinary advice. Continue a high level of nutritionalmanagement for early-weaned calves. Allow bulls torest and regain condition, providing additional nutri-ents to thin or growing bulls. Market bulls that will notbe used for future breeding. Pregnancy check femalesabout 60 days after breeding season ends. After wean-ing, cull cows based on pregnancy status, soundness,health status, and performance records. Market cowsbased on market conditions and cow body condition.Establish permanent identification for herd replace-

ments. Plan to market open heifers. Develop heifers toreach target breeding weights.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsManage bulls to start the next breeding season in goodcondition. Evaluate herd sire options for the nextbreeding season. Monitor heifer weights, and adjustnutrition to meet breeding targets. Prepare for the fallcalving season. Have cows in good condition for calv-ing. Organize calving supplies. Move fall-calvingfemales close to handling facilities, and observe cattlefrequently. Manage late-gestation females in calvingpastures with adequate shade.

SeptemberGeneral RecommendationsDetermine winter supplementation needs based on theforage situation. Evaluate cool-season pasture optionsand byproduct commodity alternatives. Monitor com-modity prices, and purchase supplemental feed forwinter as appropriate. Watch for fall armyworms inpastures and hayfields. Watch dallisgrass pastures forergot contamination, clipping seedheads as needed.Ergot poisoning is most common in warm-seasongrasses in late summer or early fall as seed heads reachmaturity. Avoid grazing heavily nitrogen-fertilizedsummer annual pastures during drought or cool,cloudy weather to prevent nitrate poisoning.

Graze or clip pastures closely before overseedingwinter annuals. Plant and fertilize cool-season forages.Potassium fertilization is important for bermudagrassfields going into autumn and winter. Optimize fertiliz-er investments using soil tests. Apply lime as neededto make the most of fertilizer applications. Harvestremaining hay cuttings. Record forage yields, foragetest each cutting, and store forages to minimize losses.

Determine if additional stored forage is needed.Maintain forage harvesting equipment. Reduce cattlestress during hot weather. Work cattle early in themorning before the temperature rises. Limit the timecattle spend in confined areas with limited air move-ment. Supply confined cattle with access to fresh, coolwater. Provide adequate shade for cattle. Fly seasoncontinues in many areas of the region. Monitor flynumbers to determine if additional fly control meas-ures are needed. Remove insecticidal fly tags as theybecome ineffective. Watch for pinkeye.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsDetermine vaccination, deworming, and implantneeds. Acquire supplies ahead of fall cattle working.Repair working facilities and fences where needed.Wean calves based on market and pasture conditionsand weaning age windows, using weaning strategies

that minimize calf stress. Avoid weaning calves duringextremely hot periods. Arrange for calf comfort duringthese times. Wean calves at least 45 days before ship-ment. Vaccinate for respiratory and other diseasesbased on veterinary advice. Report weaning data tobreed associations in a timely manner. Use weaningperformance reports in cattle marketing decisions andto assess herd performance and nutritional status.Implement calf preconditioning, marketing, or retainedownership plans, considering seasonal price risks andbreakevens on calves.

Train calves to eat from a bunk and drink from awater trough. Continue a high level of nutritionalmanagement for early-weaned calves. Implement calfpreconditioning, marketing, or retained ownershipplans. Continue heifer development programs to reachtarget breeding weights, adjusting nutritional pro-grams for declining forage quality. Provide additionalnutrients to thin or growing bulls. Implement a nutri-tional program to get thin cows in proper body condi-tion before next calving.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsFall calving is under way for many Mississippi herds.Complete any remaining preparations for calving.Purchase or assemble calving supplies, including calfidentification tags and obstetric equipment. Maintaingood calving records, including birth weights andinformation for age and source verification. Move fall-calving heifers and cows close to handling facilities,and observe cattle frequently. Separate the herd intocalving and nutritional management groups. Managelate gestation females in calving pastures with ade-quate shade. After calving, plan to move cow-calf pairsto clean pasture to minimize calf health risk. Reviewyearling data collection age windows.

Collect yearling performance data, includingweights, hip heights, scrotal circumference measure-ments, and ultrasound body composition scans. Useyearling performance reports to make further culls.Reserve higher-quality forages and feedstuffs for thesegrowing cattle. Schedule prebreeding vaccinationneeds. Manage bulls to start the next breeding seasonin good condition. Evaluate herd sire options for thenext breeding season. Request information on upcom-ing bull sales. Check heifer weights, and adjust nutri-tion to meet breeding targets.

OctoberGeneral RecommendationsPurchase supplemental feed. Harvest remaining haycuttings. Ensure that hay harvesting equipment goesinto the off-season in good repair. Summer pasturequality and availability rapidly decline this time ofyear. Watch nutrition closely when grazing crop

residues. Take precautions to prevent prussic acid andnitrate poisoning. Potassium fertilization is critical forbermudagrass going into winter. Monitor for fall army-worms in forages. Observe annual ryegrass for blast.Warm, humid conditions increase blast likelihood.

Follow up on cool-season forage program imple-mentation. Watch body condition, and group the herdinto winter-feeding groups. Match forage and feedingprograms to the nutritional needs of each group. Heatstress conditions are still possible in some areas, somanage cattle appropriately. Horn and face fly seasonis ending in most areas. Remove remaining insecticidalfly tags. This is still hurricane season.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsFinish weaning late calves using weaning strategiesthat minimize calf stress. Use weaning performancereports to determine which cattle to retain. Identifyand cull bulls that have sired calf groups well belowherd performance averages. Vaccinate cattle based onveterinary advice. Train calves to eat from a bunk anddrink from a water trough. Continue a high level ofnutritional management for early-weaned calves. Afterweaning, cull cows based on pregnancy status, sound-ness, health, and performance. Permanently identifyreplacement heifers, and implement a heifer develop-ment plan. Separate bred heifers from cows, and pro-vide adequate nutrition as fall forage quality declines.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsFall calving is well under way for many Mississippiherds. Assemble calving supplies. Separate the cowherd into calving and nutritional management groups.Cows need to be in moderately good condition beforecalving. Maintain good calving records including birthweights and information for age and source verifica-tion. Move fall calvers close to handling facilities andobserve frequently. Manage late gestation females inpastures with adequate shade. Move pairs to cleanpasture to minimize calf health risk. Collect yearlingdata in proper age windows. Schedule an ultrasoundfield technician in advance. Use performance reports tocull yearlings. Reserve higher quality forages and feed-stuffs for growing cattle. Schedule pre-breeding vacci-nations. Breeding is now one to two months away formost herds. Check heifer weights, and adjust nutritionto meet breeding targets. Provide good nutrition forlactating cattle approaching breeding.

NovemberGeneral RecommendationsModify winter supplementation needs based on forageavailability and quality. Watch body condition, andgroup cattle into winter-feeding groups. Service feed-

ing equipment. Supplementation may be needed onresidual summer grazing. Offer hay before forageavailability becomes limiting. Implement managementintensive grazing systems. Examine annual ryegrassfor blast, particularly after warm, humid conditions.

Watch for lice, and treat cattle as needed. Removeany remaining insecticidal ear tags. Follow up on inter-nal parasite control practices. This is the last month ofhurricane season for the region. Stay vigilant. Makeany final plans for ranch expenditures and marketingsthis tax year.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsCheck weaned calves regularly for health problems,and make sure the nutritional program is providingadequate gains. If culling is not complete, finish it thismonth. Implement calf preconditioning, marketing, orretained ownership plans. This time of year is oftenideal for marketing cows and bulls. Calving may beginin December in some herds. Order calving supplies.

Check bred heifers frequently. Allow bulls to restand regain condition. Provide additional nutrients tothin or growing bulls. Market bulls that will not beused in future breeding seasons. Start identifyingneeds for herd sire replacements, and consider pur-chasing bulls at upcoming sales. Replacement heiferslikely need to grow at a rate of 1 to 1.5 lbs. per day tomeet target breeding weights. Separate bred heifersfrom the cows, and provide adequate nutrition.Monitor body condition closely, and supplement thincattle. Feed lower quality forages to dry, pregnantcows, saving the best forages for calving season.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsFall calving is wrapping up for many herds. Tag, cas-trate, dehorn, and implant calves as appropriate. Keepgood calving records, including calf birth weights andinformation for age and source verification. Continuefrequent observation of late gestation fall calvers.Manage them in calving pastures near cattle-handlingfacilities. After calving, move cow-calf pairs to cleanpasture to minimize calf health risk. Restock calvingsupplies, including calf identification tags as needed.

Cow nutrient needs increase dramatically aftercalving. Provide good nutrition for lactating cattleapproaching breeding. Start feeding a high magnesiummineral supplement about 30 days before lactating cat-tle are turned out onto lush winter pastures. Cattlemay be nearing the end of yearling data collection agewindows. Collect and report yearling data. Reservehigher quality feedstuffs for growing cattle, such asyearlings.

DecemberGeneral RecommendationsModify winter supplementation based on the foragesituation. Offer hay before forage availability becomeslimiting. Protein and Vitamin A supplementation maybe needed on remaining summer grazing. Managewinter annual pastures to maintain at least 4 inches ofstubble height.

Limit grazing for a few hours per day is a goodway to use winter forages efficiently. Stockers and fallcow-calf pairs are good groups to use lush winter graz-ing. Service feeding equipment. Group the herd intowinter-feeding groups, such as average conditioncows, thin cows, and first-calf heifers. Match forageand feeding programs to the nutritional needs of eachgroup. Cold, wet conditions increase cattle energyrequirements. Provide high magnesium supplementa-tion on lush winter grazing. Watch for signs of grasstetany. Monitor cattle for lice. Make end-of-year plans,considering impacts on upcoming income taxes. Plan aholiday labor schedule.

Spring-Calving RecommendationsCheck breeding records for expected calving dates.Make sure calving supplies are on hand. Observe cattleclosely as calving approaches, particularly bred heifers.Nutritional requirements increase about 10 to 15 per-cent in the last 30 to 45 days of gestation. Do not under-feed in an attempt to reduce calf birth weight. Developheifers to reach two-thirds of mature weight by breed-

ing time in early spring. Supplement thin cows andheifers as needed. Feed lower quality hay to dry cows,saving the best hay for calving season. Add weight andcondition to cows identified as culls before marketingthem. This is often an ideal time of year to market cowsand bulls. Allow bulls to rest and regain condition insmall pasture traps. Provide additional nutrients to thinor growing bulls. Identify herd sire replacement needs.Purchase bulls with performance information.

Fall-Calving RecommendationsFall calving is wrapping up or completed for mostherds. Calculate fall calving percentage. Observe anyremaining late gestation cattle frequently. Managethese females in calving pastures near cattle handlingfacilities. Move cow-calf pairs to clean pasture to mini-mize calf health risk. Watch calves for scours. Restockcalving supplies as needed. Complete prebreeding vac-cinations. Have breeding supplies and herd sires onhand. Breeding is already under way in some herdsand begins this month in other herds. Breed heifersahead of the cow herd. Heifers should be of sufficientweight and on an increasing plane of nutrition atbreeding. Provide excellent nutrition to lactating cows.Feed the best quality forages now. Turn out fertile,sound, well-conditioned bulls that complement herdfemales and marketing objectives. Watch for returns toheat. Rotate herd sires if needed. Keep accurate breed-ing records. Cattle may be nearing the end of yearlingdata collection age windows. Yearling cattle are stillgrowing and need high quality forages and feeds.

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Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in fur-therance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. GARY B. JACKSON, Director

Publication 2613 (POD-05-14)

By Dr. Jane A. Parish, Extension/Research Professor, Prairie Research Unit.