While they haven t had any major problems with their summer calving herd, Clark says it is important producers look at what climatic zone they are in and the amount of natural forages available. He says they have had a bit of a challenge with pregnancy rate of the first-calf heifers. But that tends to be a problem for many producers, regardless of when they calve. Some producers in northern Missouri have had pregnancy rate problems because they are turning out bulls for breeding in the heat of the summer. Clark says they may need to look at pushing calving up a bit or back, so they don t have this problem.
Money is saved in feed costs, and in labor costs.
Clark stresses it is important for producers to look at their own situations and fit their herd to available resources. In different states, situations are different. It s important to calve closer to green grass to allow the cow to do the harvesting of the forages when her needs are greatest, he says.