Realizing that the bulls did not read the planning manual is a typical and not that uncommon situation after all the long-term efforts are put in place. The bottom line is that the bull wont stay in the pasture. If there isnt a bull, there will not be calves.

Agriculture is a fast-moving, high-technology business. The production and processing of agricultural products for our consumption is demanding. These demands are not getting easier as consumers increasingly become distant from production.

Weaning weight has moved up and down through the years, which is more than likely due to environmental factors. However, the most recent data gathered by the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Associations Cow Herd Appraisal Performance System (CHAPS) program indicates a trend of increased 205-day calf weaning weight.

Growing cattle generate dollars to cover the daily upkeep and contribute to the income pool at the end of the day. The fixed costs of the beef business must be paid, but fixed costs can only be met once the variable costs are paid, which takes growth..

For the Dickinson Research Extension Center (DREC), the spring calving season has been OK. The moisture is good, but not excessive, which is good for the grass and the pending cool-season crops. As usual, the warm-season crops are a flip of the coin right now, but we will see.

If anthrax is diagnosed, the costs will increase. The expenses include proper disposal (preferably cremation) of those animals that die, isolation and antibiotic treatment for all animals displaying symptoms, subsequent vaccination of all the exposed animals and finally, herd quarantine.

The Benjamin Franklin axiom that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is as true today as it was when Franklin made the quote. Although many use the quote when referring to health, Franklin actually was addressing fire safety.

Several sets of cows have gone to cool-season grass. In fact, almost all the cows that are keepers at the center are on grass. Latercalving cows will sell at a pair sale in mid-May. This leaves cows that can maintain an early calving date within the herds expected calving season, which means pounds and dollars.

Source and age verification has a bite to it. As producers, many of the management discussions are relatively painless. The discussion is free, and opinions often are welcomed. Sometimes a particular view of a subject can change when other opinions are brought to the table.

While memories of the calving season are still fresh in your mind (and your calving book is your reference book of choice), now is the time to review this years calving distribution. Evaluate how your management is working.