Conservation Efforts Harvest a Bounty of Success in Texas

Courtesy of the TSCRA Web site

During National Ag Week, March 16-22, Texans can thank farmers, ranchers, land managers and others across the state for their conservation efforts in protecting and improving soil, water and air quality, and wildlife habitats.

National Agriculture Day, March 20, takes place on the first day of spring as a way to celebrate American agriculture and the farmers and ranchers – the stewards of the land – who provide the food, fiber, shelter, energy and other materials we use on a daily basis. Read more on the TSCRA Web site.

March Beef Management Calendar

Livestock Update , March 2008 – Originally Published on the Virginia Cooperative Extension Web site

By Dr. John B. Hall, Extension Beef Specialist, VA Tech

Spring Calving Herds

• Move pregnant heifers and early calving cows to calving area about two weeks before due date
• Continue calving
• Check cows three to four times per day, heifers more often and assist early if needed
• Keep calving area clean and well drained, move healthy pairs out to large pastures three days after calving
• Ear tag all calves at birth; castrate male calves in commercial herds
• Give selenium and vitamin A & D injections to newborn calves

• Feed cows extra energy after calving; some protein may be needed also

• Keep high quality, high magnesium and high selenium minerals available
• Purchase estrous synchronization supplies; line up AI technician or AI supplies
• Order fertilizer; start getting equipment ready

Fall Calving Herds

• Pull bulls to maintain a 60-75 day calving season
• Remove bulls to bull pasture and check condition
• Begin creep feeding or creep grazing calves if desired
• Plan marketing strategy for calves
• Begin feeding high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany
• Make first selection of replacement heifers
• Order fertilizer; start getting equipment ready