“Parts of southern Illinois are starting to green up already. Wheat and ryegrass are already almost a foot tall in some parts,” he notes, before adding that some producers in central Illinois are 12 to 18 inches behind on their yearly average moisture. “Then there’s northern Wisconsin, which won’t green up, start getting corn in the ground or start kicking out to grass until the end of May or early June. It just varies quite a bit for the region.”

Down in Region 5, the variation in drought conditions is present, but things are looking up. Region 5 RM Adam Conover is hopeful that as soon as Mother Nature sends a little warmth their way, producers will start to see spring in action.

“I’m hoping the grass will come on. The sooner our producers don’t have to feed hay, the better.”

For more information on moisture levels in your area and beyond, check out the U.S. Drought Monitor through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Health and nutrition

From Conover’s perspective, looking forward to what prebreeding shots the cow herd will need can certainly simplify management.

“It sure is smart to get the prebreeding shots in them while they’re still gathered up,” he notes, adding that a conversation about your mineral program with your nutritionist or veterinarian isn’t a bad idea, either. “Mineral protocols, particularly high magnesium in some areas, are worth discussion.”

Mafi has a similar suggestion for his producers on both the bull and female front.

“Consult with your [veterinarian] and make sure a breeding soundness exam has been completed on your bulls and that they’re in nice enough shape for turnout,” he suggests, noting that health-wise, those cattle should do just fine out on grass, but vaccinations play a role in developing strong calves later in the game. “Plan ahead. Knowing how you treat those females is important, because it’s not only their health in question. There’s some fetal programming that goes on there, as well.”

Keeping your eyes peeled

While mature cattle often do well from a health perspective while out on grass, that doesn’t remove the need to observe and check cattle closely.

“Probably the biggest need is also so elementary and so obvious: monitor your forage growth,” Conover stresses. “In my region, a lot of times cows are on smaller pastures and will probably stay on that same piece all summer. Pastures need rest and time for regrowth.”

Murray echoes another simple piece of advice that can sometimes be overlooked when producers have a lot of irons in the fire.

“When you see a cow in heat, write it down so you know if she cycles again,” Murray suggests, noting that just because a bull is kicked out on cows doesn’t necessarily mean he’s getting them bred. “You often don’t know what happens in the last 21 days, but if you notice cows are cycling, you can get on top of the problem fast.”

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.

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 18, No. 3-B