There are several factors to consider before changing calving seasons. First, what are the cow nutrient requirements compared to forage availability? The major costs in any ranching operation are forage, feed, and supplements. Consider when the forages you have available are highest in quality and when the bulk of the forage is produced. If forages were the only consideration, you would want the cow’s peak nutrient requirement (peak lactation) to occur about the same time the forage production and quality are peaking.
Another factor to consider is marketing alternatives. Consider taking advantage of seasonality in feeder cattle markets. According to the NAHMS data collected in 1997, 63 percent of U.S. beef calves are born in the months of February, March, and April. This means the bulk of these calves come to market about seven months later in October and November. Not surprisingly, seasonal price patterns for 500- to 600-lb feeder cattle in this area are typically lowest in October and November. The highest seasonal prices for 500- to 600-lb feeder cattle typically occur in May and June, coinciding with the seasonal demand for lighter weight grass cattle and feedlots looking to replace slaughter cattle marketed in the spring months.
The other marketing angle that should not be overlooked is the impact of seasonality on cull cow prices. Cull cow prices typically peak in April. Cull cows can make up about 15 to 20 percent of your revenue, and finding ways to increase their value will add dollars to your bottom line.
Another factor to consider is labor requirements. Most studies that evaluated calving seasons indicate calving in the summer or fall can reduce labor requirements. Calving on pasture generally reduces the need for intense labor inputs, even though birth weights may be increased slightly since the cow generally has better nutrition in these later calving seasons compared to winter or spring calving.
Consider weather conditions that occur in the breeding and calving seasons. High temperature conditions during the calving season can impact calf survival. In addition, high temperature conditions during the breeding season can impact rebreeding performance.
There is no one calving season that is ideal for everyone. The resource base for each cow-calf operation is unique. Therefore, the decision on when to calve will vary from ranch to ranch as well.
