Seminar set for Aug. 11 on feeding cattle in a drought

Press release

Whether getting a good or bad price on calves, it is critical to have the weight and maintain good body condition on cows who are carrying the next crop.

At 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the Frontier in Dunkirk, Marias River Livestock Association is holding a seminar on feeding and vaccinations during drought to help put weight on the calves and maximize cattle’s health.

A barbecue beef dinner will begin at 5 p.m. and presentations at 5:45 p.m. The meal is sponsored by Friesen Nutrition of Great Falls. 

Most ranches are experiencing the lack of quality grass this summer and the concern about poor hay or lack of hay this winter. There are many decisions to be made on what cattle to keep and sell, wean early or not, supplement or not. They are hard questions and different answers for each operation.

Cathy Lockard, bovine nutritionist for Friesen Nutrition, hopes to share information so that each rancher can figure out what will work best for their ranch and cattle.

What cattle eat this summer and fall will affect pocketbooks not only at shipping this fall but next year, too.

Lockard attended Oklahoma State University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees and a doctorate in 2018.

Cory Boswel, Elanco, will speak about feed supplements to help with efficient use of dry grass and how to maintain more cattle on that grass. He will also speak to vaccines to help with herd health which is vitally important during times of heat, stress and perhaps sketchy nutrition.

Boswel grew up on a cattle operation in North East Oregon and attended Oregon State University. He has been in Montana for more than 14 years. He has worked for Elanco, the second-largest animal health company, for five years.