If you have a fall weaning date circled on your calendar, there could be benefits to moving it up just a tad, says Elaine Griggs, assistant professor and South Dakota State University Extension cow-calf specialist.

Peak milk production in cows is expected to occur about 60 days after calving. At that time, dietary needs peak and a 1,200 pound cow in this stage needs about 2.8 pounds of crude protein. A non-lactating cow needs half that.

Now consider that in some parts of the country, drought is still prevalent. If so, early weaning could be a management tool, Griggs says.

To read more about choosing the best time to wean, click here.

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