As we enter the tough months of winter, even with the winds starting to dry the country out, our biggest problem from now to Spring is going to be the lack of nutrition in our feed. For those who planted Winter crops, with plenty of protein value, certainly will reap the benefits of it.

The importance of nutrition, especially for first calf heifers, can certainly not be underestimated. Things like, cleaning up of after birth, and the ability to milk are all based on the health of the mother.

The biggest problem we have as producers is certainly justifying cost of feed supplements, quality pasture and quality hay with the bottom line, as market prices leave a very slim margin.

The offset of this of course, is especially with core breeders is that they require good management to grow them into their full potential.
The importance of management over this period will be realised if we have a good spring, as the cattle will be that far in front as the season breaks.