National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association
SEPTEMBER 2026 | Vol. 42, No. 11 | NCBA. org
PLAN AHEAD FOR OPTIMAL COW NUTRITION AND HEALTH THIS WINTER
Nutrition strategy can have lasting effects on cow health, calf performance, reproductive efficiency and ranch profitability. As feed costs rise and forage supplies tighten in many areas due to drought, producers should evaluate herd condition and develop an adapted nutrition plan to ensure cows and heifers enter calving season prepared for success.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, some producers may find it challenging to procure hay this winter. Expect higher feed prices from tight supplies and additional delivery costs. Even for cattlemen and women in regions with abundant feed this year, it is still an optimal time to identify the herd’ s needs in the months ahead. For spring calving herds especially, bred cows and first-calf heifers demand attention to their nutrition.
Before producers can calculate energy, protein and vitamin needs for cattle, they should take account of Body Condition Scores( BCS). BCS is one of the most powerful indicators of future reproductive success and calf performance. Determining females’ BCS and establishing a feed strategy is critical before cold weather because BCS at calving and the first three months post-calving are closely tied to reproductive success and a calf’ s immune system development. 1, 2
BCS assesses energy stores and is scored on a scale of 1 to 9 for beef cattle, 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese. It is important to maintain a BCS of 5 to 7 for females and this is often more challenging throughout winter. 1, 2 A BCS of 5 to 6 for mature cows and BCS 6 for bred heifers is optimal, and producers can thoughtfully manage grazing systems, dial in supplementation protocols, and minimize animal stress to achieve this. 1
Regional differences play a part in the equation— producers in drought-prone areas face additional challenges. While a BCS 5 or 6 is best, it could be difficult to accomplish in dry areas and may require further investments in hay and supplementation. Keep in mind, it is easier to maintain BCS and cow weight throughout pregnancy, rather than correct a
Winter feed strategies establish resilient herd health and breeding success.
poor BCS in late pregnancy or early lactation. Producers are responsible for providing their herd with high-quality nutrition so cattle can perform at their best.
“ Cows can adapt to whatever feed or byproducts you put in front of them, but it is our responsibility to make sure it is as balanced as possible for the health of the cow and the health of her future calves,” said Dr. Julia Herman, DVM, beef cattle
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