By Andi Anderson
Ohio’s cattle producers have faced a tough year. Over the past 6 to 8 months, they’ve dealt with severe drought, muddy fields, harsh winter cold, and extreme temperature swings.
These harsh weather patterns have placed a lot of stress on cow herds, leading to lower pregnancy rates for both spring and fall calving herds.
To help farmers understand and respond to these challenges, the third session of the 2025 Ohio Virtual Beef School was held on March 26. The session focused on two critical questions: Why are cows open? and Should open cows be kept or culled?
Experts explained that stress from inconsistent weather is a major factor that can prevent cows from becoming pregnant. Changes in feed availability, body condition, and overall herd health all play a role. Even when farmers follow good practices, nature can take a toll.
The session also explored what producers should do when they identify open cows. Some cows may be worth keeping, especially if they are younger or have been productive in the past. Others, particularly older or low-performing cows, may need to be culled to protect overall herd efficiency and save feed costs.
Farmers were encouraged to evaluate each open cow individually based on age, condition, and past performance. Making smart decisions about which cows to keep and which to remove from the herd can improve productivity and profitability in the long term.
The Ohio Virtual Beef School continues to be a helpful resource for livestock producers across the state. These online sessions allow producers to learn best practices and make informed decisions for better herd management.
With unpredictable weather and changing herd conditions, knowing how to manage open and cull cows is more important than ever.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Ohio, Livestock