Garrard Coffey
Agriculture and Natural Resources

Timely tips – planning for the fall-calving cow herd

• Spraying or using a pour-on for flies while cattle are gathered can supplement other fly control methods. Remember to work cattle early in the morning when it is cool and handle them gently to minimize stress.

• Continue to watch for pinkeye and treat if necessary. Minimize problems by clipping pastures, controlling face flies and providing shade. Monitor the bulls’ activity and physical condition as the breeding season winds down.

• Fescue pastures tend to go dormant in August, so look for alternatives like warm season grasses during this period of time. Try to keep the young calves gaining weight. Go to pastures which have been cut for hay to have higher quality re-growth when it is available.

• Consider cutting warm season grass pastures for hay, if reserves have not been restored yet.
Fall-Calving Cow Herd

• Fall-calving cows should be dry and pregnant now. Their nutrient needs are minimal, and they can be maintained on poor pasture to avoid over fattening.

Keep a good free-choice mineral mix available at all times. You can use a lower phosphorus mineral supplement now if you want to save a little money. These cows are regaining body condition after a long winter feeding period.

• Cows should have been de-wormed cows in mid-July with a product that is effective against inhibited ostertagia.

• Get ready for fall calving and plan to have good pasture available at calving and through the breeding season.

If there are any questions or for information, contact the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service at 549-1430; e-mail DL_CES_WHITLEY@EMAIL.UKY.EDU; or visit the office currently located in Cumberland Regional Mall, 965 S. Highway 25W, Williamsburg.