Farmers Business Network outlined on Mar. 27 three key best practices for grass turnout to help cattle producers maintain herd health and promote successful breeding during the spring season.
The guidance is aimed at supporting farmers as they transition their herds to pasture, a crucial time that can impact both animal well-being and operational efficiency. The recommendations are divided into pasture management, breeding and bull power, and disease prevention.
Dr. Brian Dorcey of Southwest Veterinary Services and Dr. Monty Kerley from Boveta Nutrition, LLC emphasized the importance of matching cattle to available forage, avoiding early overgrazing, maintaining fences, managing weeds and trees before significant growth occurs, evaluating fertilizer investments based on return, and addressing cows’ mineral needs during this period. “When the grass matures, the seed heads can actually damage a cow’s eye and possibly lead to pinkeye challenges later in the grazing season,” Dorcey said. He also recommended haying or clipping pastures to refresh growth.
On breeding strategies, Kerley advised monitoring bull-to-cow ratios—suggesting between 1:20 or 1:30 depending on range conditions—and conducting semen checks close to turnout for real-time fertility assessment. Both experts highlighted biosecurity risks from newly purchased animals that may introduce diseases such as Bovine Viral Diarrhea or Johne’s disease into established herds.
Farmers Business Network offers resources including an online store with pasture sprays like Gunslinger AMP and vaccines such as Pinkeye Shield XT4 from Elanco. Products requiring prescriptions are managed by FBN’s pharmacy team with delivery arranged directly to farms within two days if refrigeration is needed.
The organization supports more than 120,000 farmer members who collectively manage over 185 million acres according to its official website. Farmers Business Network receives financial support from investors like GV and Temasek for developing technology platforms while providing nearly $3 billion in financing to growers according to its official website. The network aims to empower family farmers through data sharing initiatives and direct access to manufacturers according to its official website.
Additionally, Farmers Business Network utilizes fulfillment centers for direct-to-farm deliveries according to its official website, affiliates with entities such as FBN Inputs LLC for product distribution according to its official website, promotes transparency in farming operations according to its official website, supports sustainability efforts among family farmers according to its official website, and provides mental health resources along with educational content for rural communities according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Farmers Business Network encourages producers preparing for grass turnout season not only utilize available guides but also consult veterinarians about vaccine protocols tailored specifically for their operations.