Livestock

Considering moving to fall calving or adding a fall-calving herd? Fall calving can offer benefits for some operations, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.

Compared to spring, fall calving may increase both calving rates and calf survival. Weather stress is typically less of a problem for fall-born calves. Generally, fall-calving cows give birth in better body condition and can return to estrus earlier than spring-calving cows. Calf losses from hypothermia are nearly eliminated. Fall-born calves are generally less stressed, consume colostrum better and may have better immune function. Fall-calving herds typically realize a 2% to 5% increase in weaning rate compared to spring-calving herds.

Depending on your area, fall calving may offer some pasture benefits, too. In a typical weather year, cows can spend their last days of gestation grazing lush, cool-season pastures. Fall calving could also reduce the negative effects of grazing endophyte-infected fescue because the toxic alkaloid concentration in the standing forage decreases as the season progresses toward cooler temperatures. 

Changing to a fall-calving herd—or adding one—can have its advantages, but the decision should be made with care. There are challenges, especially if you’re accustomed to spring calves. Here are a few considerations:

Before starting, operations that have success with fall calving typically conduct an economic and marketing analysis to ensure that the plan is financially sound. Seasonality of calf prices is important to consider when determining potential income advantages. CattleFax, USDA market intel and the Livestock Marketing Information Center all have good data to help inform a decision. Consider the prices and marketing options of the region in which the calves are sold, and look at the prices of yearlings and calves that have been backgrounded for 60 days. 

“Changing to a fall-calving herd—or adding one—can have its advantages, but the decision should be made with care.”

Take into account that culling rates, cull cow value and replacement rates will also change when you switch calving seasons. Cull cow prices are highest May through September, which adds value to open fall-calving cows. Feed costs will go up as you feed lactating cows and larger calves during the winter, but reduced labor at calving time and increased calf survivability may offset these costs. Not having to do calving checks in sleet is worth something. 

Changing from spring to fall calving can impact cash flow. There are a few options in making the transition. One version is to sell your spring-calving herd and buy a fall-calving herd. This requires the most change in management but may help cash flow since there are two sets of calves to sell in a year rather than all of them at one time. 

On the other end of the spectrum, you could delay breeding of your entire spring-calving herd. This is hard to do as it dramatically interrupts cash flow. Alternatively, you could delay breeding heifers for fall calving, buy some open spring-calving cows in the fall or buy fall-calving cows or heifers to replace a portion of the herd. Regardless of the method, pay attention to the changes in management and resources during the transition period.

While tedious, it is also important to consider the financial paperwork effects of changing the calving season. Taxes, depreciation, capital gains, operating loans and alterations to debt obligations may all be affected by the change. Lenders, tax attorneys and accountants are most helpful in analyzing the economic considerations. 

And don’t forget about the nutritional needs of the mama cow during her most critical time—late gestation and calving. To keep her productive, be sure to offer a high-quality supplement to maintain gut health and increase intake, digestion and absorption of the nutrients she needs for maximum performance as a new mother. Your MFA solutions provider can help you determine the right nutritional program to benefit both mama and her calf.

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