Eden Shale Update - February

For the past year we have been running the smallest herd at Eden Shale since we took over the farm 13 years ago. At weaning time in September 2024 we had 103 cows. It was extremely dry that fall and the cull market was strong so we culled hard in the fall of 2024. We then had lower than expected conception rates this year leaving us with a total of 72 head of bred females to calve spring 2026.

These lower numbers have made it easier to manage the grazing rotations around the farm. The lower number of mature cows has freed up forage allowing for more stocker calves to be added during the growing season. Instead of trying to have a full pot load of home raised calves, we now have half load and we will purchase the other half to graze with ours this summer and market together as a full pot load in August.

This strategy allows us to market the steers at the end of the summer and therefore stockpile more fescue during the fall regrowth. With a smaller herd of mature cows to carry through the winter, we are able to graze longer into the winter months, while also needing less stored hay once we start feeding. Less days feeding in the barns means reduced amounts of manure to manage next spring.

As of writing (January 7th) we are still grazing our 72 head of bred cows. The younger first and second calf heifers were turned into their last paddock of grass yesterday and once it is grazed they will be moved to their first hay bales of the season. The mature cows have enough grass to last longer if we don’t get any snow, but I would expect them to be switched to hay somewhere about the middle of January.
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Our Farm Manager, Greg Cole, does a great job of managing our forages and maximizing the number of grazing days. Any time you can still be grazing in January I consider it a success!

Photo taken January 6, 2026