Autumn-calving cows: With autumn calving getting into full swing on some farms, monitoring is key to avoid any losses. Where calving is taking place outdoors, it is advisable to move cows nearing calving to a maternity paddock near the yard – or somewhere close where they can be watched regularly during the day.

Mature cows may not be a major concern, but first- and second-calving cows should be moved if possible. If intervention is required, they can be easily moved into a yard or pen for handling. In general, if calving is not progressing after one to two hours after the water bag has burst, then the cow should be handled using gloves to ensure the cow is dilated and that the calf is in the correct position. Calving cameras are invaluable in keeping an eye on things at night or when away from the yard.

Don’t forget to supplement autumn-calving cows with minerals before calving.

Finishing cattle off grass: Speaking to grass finishers, cattle seem to have done very well at grass for the last two months and some are reporting cattle coming fit earlier than other years. Keep a close eye over the coming weeks to ensure cattle do not run out of spec. If cattle to be killed next month appear lean, start to feed them at grass. Ideally, cattle will be fed for four to six weeks prior to slaughter for the feeding to have an effect. Grass will provide more than enough protein for the animal, so buy a high-energy ration (UFV 0.95+); a protein level of 12% is fine. Ideally, a simple mix of barley, soya hulls and beet pulp will do the job. You could include some maize meal if you are feeding late-maturing continental animals. Feeding 3kg to 4kg/day should suffice in heifers and dairy-bred steers, with 4kg to 6kg/day enough for continental-type steers. Split the meal into two feeds per day. Autumn grass is lower in energy, so higher meal levels will increase energy intake and help animals hit the correct fat score. It will also help to improve grading and kill-out. If ground conditions are difficult, you may be better to house and feed indoors for the final few weeks.

Clostridial vaccine: If clostridial disease has been a problem on your farm in the past, it’s important that you vaccinate against it. Ten-in-one vaccines are the best to use, giving maximum protection. It’s a two-shot programme and you need to follow up with the second shot four to six weeks after the initial shot. This vaccine will give six months’ cover for a number of these diseases. Consult with your vet as to the risk level on the farm and whether to vaccinate or not.

COVID-19 safety: Marts are an integral part of farming business. We all have a responsibility to try to limit the spread of COVID-19 within our community. One outbreak linked to a mart will put every mart in the country under huge pressure. A lot of marts have stipulated that masks must be worn at sales and it’s important to adhere to recommendations around hygiene, social distancing and wearing masks while in marts. We’re all in this together.