Although many areas of Kansas have received some precipitation in recent weeks. The drought monitor (released 06/18/2026) indicates that in excess of 60% of the state is experiencing abnormally dry (D1) to exceptional drought (D4) conditions. Recent rains have likely improved pasture conditions and “green up”; however total forage production may be lower than normal due to lack of moisture earlier in the grazing season. Thus, cattle producers in these regions should closely monitor pasture and cow body condition and may want to consider early weaning as management tool to maintain (potentially improve) cow condition and reduce daily forage demand on pastures.
Early weaning is not well-defined but generally refers to weaning calves at less than 200 days of age (conventional weaning 180-220 days of age). Calves reared in extensive environments have a functional rumen at approximately 45 days of age and are capable of using dry feeds. Various research suggests that weaning calves no earlier than 90 days of age, with 120-150 days of age being suggested as the ideal minimum age to implement early weaning. The removal of the calf and cessation of lactation reduces cow energy requirement by 25-30%. The nutrients consumed by the cow previously being biologically allocated to support lactation are now available to support cow body weight gain.
A study (Table 1). designed to evaluate preconditioning duration conducted at K-State documented that cow body condition scores of cows grazing native grass pastures improved from 5.5 to 6.0 in 60 days following weaning calves at 100 or 115 days of age. The results of this study indicate the potential improvement in cow body condition that may be achieved by early weaning. There are many production benefits associated with improving cow body condition post-weaning especially if cows are managed to maintain that condition through calving. Early weaning can be especially beneficial for young cows which are more vulnerable to environmental stressors (i.e. reduced forage availability) due the increased nutrient demands associated with growth.
Consider Early Weaning, Even if Pasture Conditions Have Improved