It’s important to consider the approaching change in season and have a plan for when it rains; reassess feed demand after January pregnancy testing, evaluate remaining summer crop yields, and think about autumn pasture renewal/or autumn feed crops where applicable.
Pasture management
Good grazing management is about maximising the pasture you grow and utilise balanced with allowing pastures to recover following any dry periods in the summer. If it’s still dry in late summer, manage for over-grazing. Frequent intense grazing before plants reach the three-leaf stage reduces recovery of tiller numbers and recovery time.
Body condition score
Assessing cows' BCS in mid-February to mid-March determines if actions are required and helps plan for autumn, e.g. drying off decisions, OAD and feeding