Fall Beef Management in Ohio: Forage Challenges and Herd Prep

By Ted Wiseman

As fall deepens across Ohio, cattle producers are entering an important time of year for the beef herd and forage management. With winter on its way, the decisions made now will shape herd health, feed efficiency, and economic outcomes through the cold months.

This year, however, brings added complexity: forage quality is down significantly, especially in first cutting hay, which suffered from delayed harvests and excessive rainfall in many regions.

The Ohio State Beef Team recently evaluated 180 forage samples from across the state and found that overall forage quality was notably poor. Many of the samples, especially first cutting hay, showed significantly reduced protein and energy levels.

This decline is largely attributed to delayed harvests caused by wet spring conditions, which led to overly mature forage with diminished nutritional value. As a result, producers must be especially cautious when planning winter feeding programs. Relying on low-quality hay without proper supplementation could compromise cow body condition, reduce reproductive performance, and increase the risk of health issues throughout the herd.