Controlled Calving 
Season

Advantages:

• Calves older at traditional time of sale

• Older, bigger bulls to sell for purebred operations

• Avoids breeding during hottest part of year

• Little problem with mud at calving

Disadvantages:

• Calving in coldest part of the year--longer time from calving to pasture

• High cow costs due to more need for stored feed

• Cows take longer to recycle

• Calves grazed during summer forage slump

• Commercial calves marketed when prices are low

Spring Calving

Calves born March-May-65-75% of herds in Virginia

• Cows bred in June and July; calves weaned from October to December

Advantages:

• Favorable weather for calving

• Lactating cows fed primarily on pasture-costs lower (dry cows over winter)

• Calves marketed before winter begins

Disadvantages:

• Can be muddy at calving

• Calves grazed through the summer forage slump

• Calbes sold when prices are low

Fall Calving

Calves born September to earl November-20-30% of herds

Cows bred in December and January; calves weaned late spring/early summer

Advantages:

• Weather favorable for calving​

• Cows usually dry during summer forage slump

• Cows cycle back quickly after calving

• Avoid breeding during hottest part of the year

• Calves marketed during year's highest prices

Disadvantages:

• Lactating cows and calves fed during winter--cow costs are increased

• Calf health may suffer in western Virginia

• Breeding during shortest days of the year

• If weaned early spring, calf weight might be light

• Need to keep calves longer to make up for winter