Spring at the Ranch: What’s Happening Now

Spring is in full swing at A & B Hill Ranch, bringing significant changes across the operation. With calving season wrapped up, our focus shifts to preparing fields for planting, maintaining pastures, and ensuring our cattle are set up for success in the warmer months ahead. This season comes with its own challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns to making sure equipment is in top shape for the work ahead. The transition from winter to spring means long days spent managing livestock, prepping fields, and making sure everything runs smoothly as we move into another busy season on the Ranch.

Wrapping Up Calving Season & Branding Calves

Our calving season runs from January through March, and as we head into April, we take time to evaluate how the season went. We check calf health, ensure cows are recovering well, and make any necessary adjustments to improve next year’s calving process. April also marks branding time at the Ranch. Branding is not just a tradition; it is a legal requirement in many states, including Colorado, where it is necessary for proving ownership and preventing cattle theft. Each brand is registered with the state and must be inspected when cattle are sold or moved across certain boundaries. Additionally, when a cow is set to be processed, a Brand Inspector must inspect the livestock and provide the proper paperwork, which is then submitted to the processor at the time of drop-off.

The branding process itself is quick and done with care to minimize discomfort. The brand is applied for just a few seconds, affecting only the top layer of the hide, much like briefly touching a warm metal gate on a sunny day. While it may seem harsh, branding is a critical management tool that ensures cattle can be identified throughout their lifetime, providing security for our herd and compliance with livestock regulations.

Preparing for Spring

Spring also marks the beginning of the farming season at the Ranch. This means getting equipment ready, checking soil conditions, and preparing fields for planting. Before heading into the fields, we inspect tractors, grease moving parts, replace worn components, and fine-tune each machine to ensure everything runs smoothly in the field. Seed drills are calibrated for proper depth and spacing, and we carefully plan our dryland planting strategies to make the most of available moisture. We primarily grow triticale for seed and hay, as well as hay millet and sorghum for hay.

Managing Pastures

With warmer weather, our grazing strategy shifts. We monitor grass growth, rotate pastures, and ensure our cattle have access to fresh, nutrient-rich feed. Proper pasture management now sets the stage for healthy cattle and efficient grazing throughout the summer. This also includes maintaining fences to keep pastures secure, checking water sources to ensure they are clean and accessible, and controlling weeds to promote the growth of native grasses suited to our area.

Crop Schedule for the Season

Our crop cycle follows a carefully planned timeline to ensure the best possible yields for our crops.

• Spring (April-May): Fields are prepped, and triticale begins growing from its overwintered state. New plantings of hay millet and sorghum are made once the soil warms up.

• Early Summer (June-July): Triticale reaches maturity and is typically harvested for hay or seed. Baling occurs shortly after cutting to preserve quality. Hay millet and sorghum continue growing through the hot months.

• Mid to Late Summer (July-August): Hay millet is ready to be cut and baled. Sorghum follows, depending on growing conditions.

• Early Fall (September-October): Any remaining sorghum hay is harvested and baled before frost. Fields are prepared for the next season.

Weather Considerations

Spring weather plays a major role in our planning. Late frosts, unexpected dry spells, or heavy rains can all impact planting schedules and pasture growth. We closely monitor forecasts to make the best decisions for when to plant, move cattle, and cut hay. Dryland farming means making the most of natural moisture, so timing is everything.

Baling Process

Baling hay is a crucial step in preserving forage quality for later use. Once triticale, hay millet, or sorghum is cut, we allow it to dry to the right moisture level before baling. This helps prevent mold and ensures the hay maintains its nutritional value. If hay is baled too wet and stored too closely together, it can generate internal heat as it ferments, which may lead to spontaneous combustion. That risk makes moisture monitoring and timing absolutely critical. Once the hay is baled, we also take samples to be tested, ensuring the nutritional content is safe and balanced for our cattle. Depending on weather conditions, baling can be a race against time to secure high-quality—and safe—feed.

Ranch Products & Customer Connections

At A & B Hill Ranch, we are proud to provide high-quality products directly to our customers. We offer hay for sale, harvested from our own triticale, hay millet, and sorghum crops, providing a reliable source of feed for livestock operations. We sell ranch-raised beef straight to consumers, offering a trusted source of locally raised meat. Additionally, we sell triticale seed from our crops, both cleaned and uncleaned, for those looking for a reliable seed source. If you’re interested in purchasing beef or seed, feel free to reach out!

Looking Ahead

As we move further into spring, we’ll continue balancing fieldwork with cattle care, all while keeping an eye on changing weather conditions. There’s never a dull moment, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deeper into the busy season. If you have any questions about our operation or are interested in our ranch-raised beef, feel free to reach out!