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MANY RAPPAHANNOCK BEEF CATTLE formers should be looking for ways to supplement their future income. Just consider what some of our neighboring Virginia formers are doing with ~ sheep. In the 1976 commercial Returns Per Ewe Contest Joyce^ Trimpi of Rockbridge County took first place in the more than 100 ewe flock category. With 127 ewes, she sold 206 lambs and 809 pounds of wool for $11,552, a return per ewe of $91. Second place winner was John Bauserman of Fauquier County, whose 464 ewes brought sales of 680 lambs and 4,199 pounds of wool worth $39,333, a return of $85 per ewe.
In flocks of 25 to 100 ewes, Carl Armstrong of Highland County placed first. His 35 ewes produced 66 lambs and 238 pounds of wool worth $3,174 for a return of $91 per ewe.
Since the snow crusted over, your cows have been relying on you for about 100% of their feed requirements. Make sure they are getting enough energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet their requirements. Cows on dry winter rations need an ample supply of fresh water. With the combination of below zero nights and below freezing days, check to see that the water hole stays open.
Dividing the cow herd into three parts during the calving season can save feed and reduce calf loss. All dry cows should be held in one pasture and fed as dry cows. As you check your cows, pick out the ones that are springing and move them into the calving pasture. Ideally, the calving pasture should be located close to the house where it is easier to keep an eye on the cows about to calve. After a cow has calved and the calf is off to a good start, move her into the third pasture with other cows that have calved. Under this system dry cows will not be overfed and develop too much internal fat for easy calving. Cows will not over milk at time of calving and this should reduce the amount of scours in newborn calves. When you are checking your cows on a cold winter night only those in the calving field have to be checked.
THE VIRGINIA BEEF INDUSTRY Convention will be at The Homestead, February 3-4-5.
The Rappahannock Madison Annual Fruit Growers School will be at Graves Mountain Lodge, Wednesday, February 9. □
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