Both yield and nutrient value of native hay have been augmented by establishing a mix of alfalfa and grass. While part of the reason for moving westward was to escape farming, the Bakers understand the value of planting additional forage crops in anticipation of dry years or tough winters. Consequently, some acreage is planted to millet and harvested as hay. Management logistics follow established ranch-country common sense. Protected pastures located nearer headquarters are managed to provide grazing during winter.
Supplemental hay is offered earlier only if weather dictates.
Calving starts toward the end of February for first-calf heifers, while cows calve during March and April. We do keep the heifers up close, with easy access to a calving barn. We don't expect much difficulty because calving ease has always been an important consideration for us, and it sure is for our customers. Leo says calving ease involves more than watching birth weight. But most are running spring-calving herds and calving out in the open, so they want the calves to come easy.