Hillsborough County cattle producers considering a fall calving schedule should evaluate their winter feed supplies before making the switch, according to new guidance from the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Allie Williams, small farms and alternative enterprises extension agent for UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, published the advisory Monday, Oct. 12, outlining the advantages and challenges of fall calving compared with spring calving.

The central concern is whether producers can provide enough nutrition for cows nursing calves during Florida's winter months, when pasture quality typically declines.

Summer grazing offers advantages before calving

Florida cattle generally have access to their highest-quality forage during summer, when cows preparing for fall calving have relatively low nutritional demands.

That gives producers an opportunity to improve body condition, a measure of an animal's energy reserves, before calves are born.

The challenge begins when cows start producing milk. Their nutritional requirements increase just as warm-season grasses lose quality.

By winter, producers must ensure cows receive enough energy, protein and minerals to maintain milk production, preserve body condition and prepare to breed again.

Williams cautioned against assuming pasture or hay alone will meet those needs. She recommended evaluating available forage and adjusting supplements as conditions change, particularly during drought.

Some winter weight loss is expected, but excessive losses can reduce reproductive performance and affect calf growth.

Forage management also varies across Florida. Producers in northern areas generally have more cool-season grazing options, while those farther south face greater limitations.

Stockpiling warm-season grasses, including limpograss where suitable, can help extend winter grazing.

Heat and calf marketing affect the decision

Florida's heat, humidity, rainfall and insect pressure create additional challenges for cattle operations.

Late-summer heat stress can reduce feed intake and cause cows to lose body condition before calving. Williams emphasized the importance of adequate water, shade and forage during that period.

Fall calving can also offer flexibility in when producers sell their calves.

Because July and August often bring difficult conditions for calf growth, producers may benefit from marketing calves in spring or retaining them longer to gain additional weight on summer pasture.

The best approach depends on available forage, labor, supplementation costs and market conditions.

Williams emphasized that changing calving seasons affects the entire production cycle, not just the timing of breeding.

Producers should evaluate whether their operations can support lactating cows through winter and whether the potential benefits justify additional feed and management costs.

For more information, producers can contact UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 or visit the extension office at 5339 County Road 579 in Seffner.