Spring vs. Fall Calving J.C. Hobbs, Area Specialist, Agricultural Economics

Oklahoma State University us currently conducting a study concerning fall calving. However the jury is out concerning which is more profitable. This introduction provides some food for thought but no definite answers.

The benefits include the splitting of some fixed costs if we can have both a spring and fall calving herd. This is especially true for bull costs, since bulls are utilized twice a year. Marketing of calves is another issue. Typically spring calving herds sell calves when the market is about four percent below the annual average price. Fall calving herds sell calves when prices are typically four percent above the annual average.

Disadvantages with a split herd are that smaller groups of fewer calves are available at either sale time. In addition more forage will be needed for fall calving herds and cows must be in better condition going into the fall since it is not going to be easy to improve their body condition over winter. With fall calving cows, the timing of calving is important to avoid having calves being born during winter storms. Another issue is that there may be additional labor needs to get fall crops planted and have time to be able assist with calving.

These are just a few issues that need to be taken into consideration when evaluating which calving season to select for your herd.

Note: Dr. Glenn Sek’s article titled “Alternative Calving and Weaning Seasons in the Southern Plains” was used to teach this concept. The High Noon Ranch budgets for fall and spring calving were also used to illustrate examples. Dr. Selk is a professor of animal science, OSU. CLICK HERE to download this paper.