As we move through July, many spring-calving herds are nearing the end of breeding season. If bulls were turned out in late April or early May, now is a good time to think about when they should come out. That decision has a direct impact on next year’s calving season, labor, marketing, and your bottom line.
A defined breeding season pays dividends. A shorter breeding window leads to a more uniform calf crop, tighter calving and weaning periods, and fewer late-born calves to manage. Calves that are closer in age and weight are easier to market, easier to sort, and may better fit value-added programs or uniform load lots.
It also supports reproductive efficiency. Cows that calve early have more time to recover and cycle before the next breeding season. Over time, keeping pressure on a defined calving window helps identify females that consistently breed back on time and those that fall behind.
There are reasons producers sometimes stretch the season. A longer breeding window may result in a few more bred cows and avoid selling opens during the lower fall market. But that comes with a trade-off. A wider calving season usually means more labor, harder sorting, less uniform calves, and reduced performance from late-born calves at weaning.
If you’re on the fence, one option is to extend the breeding season slightly, then pregnancy check early enough to sort cows into early-bred, late-bred, and open groups. That gives late-cycling cows another chance, while still allowing you to manage and market groups strategically. Late-bred cows may be sold separately, moved to a different calving group, or managed differently than the core herd.
For operations using artificial insemination followed by natural service, bull removal is especially important. Leaving bulls out too long can dilute some of the benefits of AI, including synchronized calving, genetic improvement, and a heavier, earlier-born calf crop. Pulling bulls on schedule helps preserve those gains.
This is also a good time to record information. Note bull turnout and removal dates, breeding pasture groups, bull assignments, and any cows that showed late heats, health problems, or other concerns. Those notes can help guide preg-check decisions, culling, and next year’s breeding plan.
And don’t forget about the bulls. Once they are pulled, they are easy to overlook, but post-breeding care matters. Many bulls lose weight during the season and may be dealing with hoof problems, injuries, pinkeye, foot rot, or parasite pressure. Check body condition, evaluate feet and legs, treat health issues, and provide nutrition to help them recover. Younger bulls, especially, may need extra time and feed to regain condition before winter.
If you have multiple bulls, consider sorting by age or size to reduce fighting and allow more targeted management. Bulls are a major investment in your herd’s future genetics. Taking care of them after breeding helps ensure they are sound, fertile, and ready for next year.
As this year’s breeding season winds down, take time to step back and evaluate the plan. Pulling bulls on schedule, recording good information, and caring for bulls after turnout can help set up a more productive and profitable calving season next spring.
Ben Beckman is a beef systems Extension Educator serving northeast Nebraska. He is based out of the Cedar County Extension office in Hartington. You can reach him by phone: (402) 254-6821 or email: ben.beckman@unl.edu.
