Money is saved in feed costs, and in labor costs.
Midwest producers may save money if they move their calving period to later in the season, say Nebraska researchers. For the past five years, University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers Dick Clark, a professor of ag economics, and animal scientist Don Adams have been studying the economic effects of moving the calving season from March to June. In Nebraska, we are talking about moving from spring to summer calving, but each producer has to analyze his situation in order to better match the nutrient needs of the cows with forage availability, Clark says. Moving from spring to summer is best for his area, but he says some producers may move calving to late summer or fall. He says the main goal should be to extend the grazing season and have the cows on the best-quality grass when they most need it during peak lactation, four to six weeks after calving.