Page 39 - MWC 2-3-2022s
P. 39
COWS, CALVES HOW TO DEVELOP The Midwest Cattleman · February 3, 2022 · P39
continued from page 35 continued from page 36
herd into small feeding areas, rate and the entire arrange- 1.25/head/day plus $0.25 - Conclusion
and unrolled hay provides ment. In the best interest of $0.40/head/day care fee and Taking the time to thor-
bedding for newborn calves so both parties, we recommend supplement or feed at cost. oughly develop a written
that they are not in direct con- working through the scenar- Winter feeding on crop agreement may seem a bit
tact with the ground. io and arrangement with an residue or pasture twice per daunting but doing so will
In addition to monitoring independent third party such week or less: $0.25-$.50/ help to clearly communicate
the weather forecast for se- as an Extension Educator or head/day care and feed de- expectations for all parties
vere winter weather events consultant. livery fee plus supplement or involved and also reduce the
and to be alerted to times Factors that influence a feed at cost. risk of misunderstandings.
when additional feed is need- custom calving rate Custom calving: $0.50 to Where appropriate, an attor-
ed, minimizing the effects of •Animal Class and Age – $0.75/head/day yardage fee ney should be consulted to
cold temperatures on new- calving heifers often requires (labor and equipment to feed draft a legal agreement. The
born calves involves planning more labor than calving run- a full ration and the use of information provided in this
ahead and considering calf ning age cows facilities including bunks, article does not, and is not
comfort and protection when •Calving due date (Janu- barns, working facilities, cor- intended to, constitute legal
making heifer development, ary - March born calves are rals, etc.) plus feed, supple- advice. It is provided for gen-
bull selection, nutrition, and often significantly more work ment, salt, mineral, bedding, eral informational purposes
pasture management deci- than April-May born calves) etc. at cost. only and you should not act
sions. Making sure that cows •Bull calving EPD (is this Live calf charge/bonus: or refrain from acting based
will have adequate access to known?) $50 to $100/head (varies de- on any information provided
forage and water even in sit- •Protocols and expecta- pending on protocols and ex- in this article. Please consult
uations with significant snow tions (tag, castrate, vacci- pectations at birth and labor with your own legal counsel
cover is necessary to provide nate, weigh, check interval, requirements depending on with respect to any particu-
sufficient calories to maintain inclement weather protocol, the animal age and calving lar situation or specific legal
body fat and heat production. etc.) due date) questions you may have.
And, protecting the cowherd Fee for assisting a diffi-
(and bulls) from winter wind Baseline custom calving cult birth: $75 (difficult birth
and providing bedding if on rates for consideration should be defined in the
concrete or mud/dirt will min- Winter grazing on crop agreement).
imize the effects of severe residue or pasture (minimal
weather. supplement or feed): $0.75-
