Several years of drought, low cattle prices, and record-setting input and supply costs have led to a shrinking cattle herd, which, paired with strong consumer demand for beef, has pushed prices for beef and cattle to record levels.

Fall management planning helps ensure cattle enter winter with adequate nutrition and resilience to minimize losses and support performance. By late fall, cows should be entering winter at an optimal body condition score of 5 to 6 for mature cows and 6 for first-calf heifers.