Mineral Season & Management

Mar 01, 2024


Mineral

Planning for Spring

I wanted to start out my article introducing myself as I am new to the company. My name is Avery Bermel, Premier’s new Beef Cattle Consultant. Hailing from Nebraska, I grew up in the cattle industry, actively involved in the cow-calf community. With experience at a Hereford seedstock producer and a local feedlot, my journey continued at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, where I earned my associate degree in Animal Production Management. I then pursued a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a focus on beef nutrition at South Dakota State University, graduating in December 2023. Shortly after, I made my way to Wisconsin, where I have since started my journey with Premier as a Beef Cattle Consultant. I am very excited to get to know you all and help you manage your beef herds. 

Spring is the start of calving in most of the nation and especially here in the Midwest. Spring also brings May turnouts to grass and the start of the fly season. It’s good to think ahead and plan for this busy spring by putting out mineral for your cattle.

With calving here, it is important to understand that this is a very stressful and energy loading time for our cows, heifers, and calves. A lactating cow with a calf on her side is at her largest nutrition requirements. A first-calf heifer is still trying to grow, feed a calf at her side, and eventually grow next year’s calf all at the same time. A newborn calf is better set up with better immune function when the mother was previously on minerals. For all these reasons, getting adequate amounts of minerals in your cattle is very important. Consult with your nutritionist to make sure you have a concrete plan on how you’re going to attack this year’s mineral program. 

The warmer weather brings flies and the need for prompt implementation of your fly management strategies. There is roughly a 60-day window prior to pasture turnout when Altosid should be fed to your cattle. Other management practices such as oilers, pour-ons, and fly tags can assist you during peak fly season. If you notice ongoing fly issues, take a look at your mineral placement. Mineral that is placed close to water increases intake while mineral placed farther away from where cattle usually gather decreases intake. Cattle’s intake of mineral with Altosid is vital in getting complete fly control and the best overall results. 

Reach out to your Nutritionist today to discuss your mineral needs and the best options for you and your business. Don’t forget to take advantage of our mineral promotion going on now to get our lowest prices on minerals. Let’s work together to take the steps to get you and your business ready for calving, pasture turnout, and fly season!

Avery Bermel

Beef Cattle Consultant
 

 

Recent Posts

Jul 01, 2025
I hope everyone had the chance to enjoy the Independence Day holiday with family and friends. Thanks to all of you who called in your orders early and helped minimize the added pressure that the short work week brings. I’d also like to thank all of you who returned your propane contracts by the due date. With a short window of when contracts are mailed to when they are due back, we really appreciate your patience and support. If reading this reminded you that your contract is still sitting on the kitchen table, just pick up the phone and call the energy office nearest to you. Our friendly staff will be glad to take care of you. On behalf of our energy team and everyone at your cooperative, thank you for choosing us to serve your propane needs again this year.
Jun 30, 2025
I’m going to start with something most of you don’t want to hear. In 4 months, you will be firing up your furnace for the first time. In 6 months, you’ll be shoveling snow. I’m not suggesting that you should go out and buy that new snow thrower that you’ve had your eye on. However, now is a great time to buy propane for the winter.  
Jun 30, 2025
Did you know that Premier Cooperative is the largest Up North Plastics dealer in southwest Wisconsin?  Top producers know that the best way to preserve the quality of high-value forages is to store their feed in Up North silage bags.   Up North plastic has 2 to 3 times the puncture and tear resistance of foreign competitor’s products.  With the ever-increasing value of feed stuffs, why risk using anything but the strongest, most reliable, time-tested bag on the market?  Match that with Up North’s outstanding service record, and you have a combination that is unrivaled in the industry.  Trust the protection of your feed with Up North Plastics.