UT Extension 2015 Beef Management Calendar Now Available

Smart herd management is one of the keys to a profitable cattle operation, and experts with University of Tennessee Extension strive to help producers make informed decisions that will affect their herd’s health, productivity and ultimately profitability.

One tool available from UT Extension is the annual Beef Integrated Resource Management Calendar, and the 2015 edition is now available.

Beef Integrated Resource Management is a system that utilizes all resources available to optimize herd production and net income. Says Justin Rhinehart, assistant professor of animal science and UT beef cattle specialist, “This calendar has been developed to assist you in formulating an overall management plan for your beef operation.” Rhinehart adds that the calendar is a handy and helpful tool for producers in visualizing and scheduling various cattle management practices and farm-related activities that occur throughout the year.

The calendar is designed to work best for producers who plan for spring-calving cows that are bred to calve beginning January 1 (with heifers beginning approximately 30 days earlier) and for those with fall-calving cows that are bred to calve beginning October 1.

The calendar also assumes that producers will follow these standard practices:

• The producer will consult local veterinarians to develop appropriate health programs.
• All practices will be carried out according to label and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) recommendations.
• Four general cattle-working opportunities are considered: (1) pre-breeding, (2) pre-weaning, (3) weaning and (4) midsummer.

The calendar includes brief descriptions and an outline of general business practices that producers should consider to enhance their operation’s success. Month-by-month management practices, including pasture management suggestions, are also included.

Copies of the calendar are available for free through your local county UT Extension Office. They may also be downloaded online from the UT Extension website: extension.tennessee.edu  Click on the “Publications” link at the top of the site, then search for publication “PB 1663” 2015 Beef Integrated Resource Management Calendar.

Additional beef management information is available online or at UT Extension office located in every county in the state.

UT Extension acknowledges the cooperation of the University of Kentucky Beef IRM Coordinating Committee in the adaptation of its calendar for use in Tennessee. Financial support was provided in part by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program.

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the UT Institute of Agriculture. With an office in every Tennessee county, UT Extension delivers educational programs and research-based information to citizens throughout the state. In cooperation with Tennessee State University, UT Extension works with farmers, families, youth and communities to improve lives by addressing problems and issues at the local, state and national levels.

Get more information from the Sevier County UT Extension by calling (865) 453-3695.