HASTINGS, Neb. (AP)--Through the years, many cattle producers have settled into a routine of calving in late February and March. But calving later in the season brings many advantages, say two Hastings-area cattlemen whose calves begin arriving in April.

"Calving on green grass means you don't fight March mud and slop," said Steve Aksamit, a Deweese area rancher.

"And it's much better to check cattle without being all bundled up," said Lavern Schroer, who ranches near Nelson.

Aksamit and Schroer began adjusting their calving periods about seven years ago. Both have witnessed feed savings since that time.

Aksamit said he saved $150 per head on feed in 2004. Schroer said his feed costs declined 30 percent.

Ron Seymour, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educator for Adams County, said nursing cattle require more nutritious feed than non-nursing cows do.

Late season grasses contain more nutrients than do grasses available during the normal calving season. Because of this, cows that have their calves later in the season can get many of the nutrients they need by eating the grass. Cows that calve in February and March require more feed to get the needed nutrients.

Aksamit sees the later calving season as nature's way.

"Deer fawn in May; pheasants hatch in May and June. Cattle should calve in May and June, too," he said.

Dewey Lienemann, NU Cooperative Extension educator in Webster, said the university has been pushing for later calving for several years but ranchers have been hesitant to embrace it.

He said one main concern for later calving is that extremely hot temperatures can be hard on larger cows and heifers. For that reason, he said calving should be completed by the middle of June.

Seymour said he believes a later calving season makes financial sense for ranchers.

"There are different perspectives for different calving seasons," he said. "But, fact is when cows aren't milking they don't eat as much. And summer calving means having to feed less feed."

Date: 3/23/05