Optimizing Ohio Pastures for Spring Calving Success

By Andi Anderson

As Ohio enters the winter-to-spring transition, producers gearing up for spring calving face challenges associated with variable weather conditions, mud, and pasture management.

1. Weather Variability:

• Ohio experiences fluctuating temperatures, rain, and snow during early spring. Plan for these variations in managing both cattle and pastures.

2. Mud Management:

• Mud poses a significant challenge during calving. It increases stress on cattle and can adversely affect pasture health.
• Mud requires additional net energy for cattle maintenance. Intake reduction is observed at 5-15% in 4-8 inches of mud and 15-30% in 12-24 inches.
• Consider reducing stocking density and dividing groups based on calving due dates to minimize foot traffic on pastures.

3. Field Elevation and Slope:

• Fields with higher elevation and some slope dry out faster, as water drains more efficiently, and these areas receive more sun and wind exposure.
• Utilize fields with better drainage characteristics for calving to reduce mud-related issues.

4. Grazing on Hayfields:

• Opt for calving on hayfields with a solid sod base, minimizing mud-related problems. Supplementation may be required depending on the residual forage.

5. Rotation and Grazing Management:

• Employ rotational grazing and manage stocking density to prevent excessive damage to paddocks.
• Move cattle before pastures become muddy to limit negative impacts.

6. Heavy-Use Pads and Sacrifice Pens:

• Explore the use of heavy-use pads for feeding and managing cattle during adverse weather conditions, reducing damage to pastures.
• Consider sacrifice pens as a last resort, ensuring easy access to feed, minimal slope, and easy reseeding options.

Proactive pasture management, thoughtful grazing strategies, and a focus on minimizing mud-related challenges contribute to successful spring calving in Ohio. Remember, nature may pose challenges, but strategic planning and management practices can help mitigate their impact.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour