Depending on the part of Region 9 in question, those forages can be quite different. From Coastal pastures to irrigated wheat or triticale, native grass and even cornstalks, the right balance of forage with protein can serve cattle well over the winter.

The story of topographical differences is much the same in Region 7.

“We’re really fortunate to have a corn and row-crop influence across the flatter parts of Nebraska and Colorado,” says Harsh when quizzed on typical winter-feeding trends in the area. “Our region is so environmentally diverse. Whether it’s the Sandhills; the flatter, row-crop parts of Nebraska; the high mountain country of Colorado; or the northeastern front range of Colorado, we have very unique environments.”

Those differences mean, much like Region 9, producers in Region 7 are able to take advantage of local resources, including an abundance of corn silage.

With corn prices what they are, many producers in Nebraska and Colorado have decided to capitalize on feeding corn silage once cattle are done grazing this fall.

Winter weather challenges

Unseasonably warm temperatures and increased moisture in parts of the country are certainly to thank for the extended grazing days some producers are now enjoying, but all good things must come to an end.

The trick is making sure cattlemen (and their cattle) are ready for the swift change in temperatures that might be headed their way.

“The challenges that would probably affect my area the most are the really nasty pop-up winter blizzards and harsh winter events that seem to happen around the first of the year,” Harsh explains. “Our producers often try to strategically move cattle where they’re going to have some sort of a windbreak or a barrier to help keep cattle out of the elements as best they can.”

While the extended cold weather is less of an issue farther south, sharp changes in temperature continue to be a plague when it comes to herd health.

While a solid herd health plan and nutrition can help to keep cattle on the straight and narrow, Tiner notes keeping cattle healthy can be daunting when temperatures drop suddenly and rise again.

“It seems like the last several years, the coldest part of our winter is late January and into February,” Tiner says, pointing out that, despite cold days in late fall to early winter, the snow and ice seem to hold until after the new year. “For now, the biggest challenge is keeping cattle healthy when you see all four seasons in one day.”

Editor’s note: “From the Field” is a regular Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA column featuring advice, industry news and Angus updates from regional managers of the American Angus Association. For information on how to contact your regional manager, click here. [Lead photo by PBouman from Getty Images.] 

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 17, No. 11-B