Welcome to Black Wolf Ranch, where we understand the importance of managing your Black Angus or Brangus herd throughout the summer months. As temperatures rise and pastures change, proper management becomes crucial for the health and productivity of your cattle. Here are our top 10 tips to help you keep your herd thriving during the summer season.
1. Provide Ample Shade and Shelter Ensure that your cattle have access to shade throughout the day, especially during the hottest hours. This could be natural shade from trees or artificial structures like shade cloth or shelters.
2. Ensure Access to Fresh Water Water is essential for cattle, especially in hot weather. Make sure there are plenty of clean water sources available and check them regularly to ensure they are not running dry.
3. Maintain Nutritious Forage Summer pastures can become depleted, so it’s important to manage grazing carefully. Rotate pastures to allow for regrowth and supplement with high-quality hay if necessary to maintain nutritional levels.
4. Implement Fly Control Measures Flies and other pests can stress cattle and affect their productivity. Use fly tags, sprays, or traps to keep pest numbers under control.
5. Monitor Heat Stress Cattle can suffer from heat stress, leading to reduced feed intake and productivity. Watch for signs such as excessive panting or drooling and take steps to cool them down if necessary.
6. Vaccinate and Prevent Diseases Summer is a time when diseases can spread more easily. Ensure your herd is up-to-date on vaccinations and practice good biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of illnesses.
7. Manage Breeding and Calving If you breed your cattle in the summer, be aware of heat stress on breeding success rates. Monitor cows closely during calving to ensure successful births and early calf care.
8. Plan for Water Availability In drought-prone areas, plan ahead for water shortages. Consider investing in additional water storage or drilling new wells to ensure your herd has enough water during dry spells.
9. Monitor Body Condition Regularly assess the body condition of your cattle. Adjust feeding regimes as necessary to prevent weight loss or obesity, which can impact reproductive performance.
10. Prepare for Extreme Weather Events Summer storms or heatwaves can pose risks to your herd. Have emergency plans in place, such as access to higher ground in flood-prone areas or shelters during extreme heat.
By following these top 10 tips, you can ensure that your Black Angus or Brangus herd remains healthy and productive throughout the summer months. At Black Wolf Ranch, we are committed to helping you manage your herd effectively. Whether you need replacement heifers, Black Angus or Brangus bulls, or quality hay, we have the resources and expertise to support your operation.
Visit our website today to explore our offerings of Replacement Heifers, Black Angus and Brangus Bulls, and high-quality hay. Contact us to discuss how Black Wolf Ranch can meet your herd management needs this summer.
About Black Wolf Ranch: Located in 15818/15820 Texas Highway 21 North Zulch, TX 77872, Black Wolf Ranch specializes in breeding and raising Black Angus and Brangus cattle. With a focus on quality and sustainability, we provide top-notch cattle and forage solutions to support your ranching goals.
