News > Co-op News > Spring Success Starts with a Strong Mineral Program

Spring Success Starts with a Strong Mineral Program

Feb 02, 2026

Protect your Herd & Bottom Line

Planning ahead is one of the best ways to protect both herd performance and your bottom line. Spring is right around the corner, bringing calving, pasture turnout, and fly season—all of which place increased demands on your cattle. Booking your mineral now allows you to lock in the best prices of the season while ensuring your herd is ready when it matters most.

You already know the importance of feeding a well-balanced mineral and vitamin supplement—but that’s only half of the equation. The other half is consistent intake. If cattle don’t consume mineral at targeted levels, even the best formulation can fall short.

Phosphorus is often called the “Master Mineral” because it plays a role in nearly every metabolic function in cattle. Delivering adequate phosphorus depends not only on mineral content, but on cattle consuming the right amount every day. That’s where mineral design and intake control matter most.

Purina® Wind and Rain® mineral formulas are research-tested to deliver optimal mineral nutrition through consistent, targeted intake, protected by industry-leading weather resistance. That means less loss to rain and wind, fewer intake swings, and more of your mineral investment actually being utilized by the cattle—rather than ending up on the ground.

Supporting Your Herd During Peak Demand
Calving is one of the most nutritionally demanding periods for the cow herd. Lactating cows are at their highest nutrient requirements, first-calf heifers are supporting growth, milk production, and rebreeding, and calves rely on their dams for early immune support. Cows on a consistent mineral program going into calving are better equipped to handle stress and set their calves up for a stronger start.

Fly Control Starts Before You See Flies
Fly season success depends on early planning. Products containing Altosid must be consumed consistently for approximately 60 days prior to pasture turnout to be effective. Mineral intake and placement play a critical role—minerals placed near water encourage intake, while poor placement can limit consumption and reduce fly control results. Having mineral out early helps ensure fly control works when it’s needed most.

A successful mineral program starts with a plan tailored to your operation. Work with your Premier Cooperative nutritionist to select the right mineral and take advantage of current mineral promotions. Booking early allows you to lock in some of the lowest mineral prices of the season while ensuring availability and peace of mind heading into spring.

Avery Bermel
Livestock Nutritionist

Mar 31, 2026

After nearly a decade in this role, it is not often a question of “if” herds are overcrowding, but more so “how much”? There are a ton of factors to consider when deciding to keep a cow around. Is she carrying a black calf? Is there enough feed inventory on hand to feed the herd and have the desired carryover? What might the income per stall look like at 140% overcrowding versus 125%? The challenge is that no two dairies have the same answer.

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As spring inches closer, it gets more tempting each day to fire up the tractor and get in the field. However, deciding when to plant is one of the first (of many) management decisions that will impact your crop’s performance this season. Here are six tips to help you decide the right time to put your corn and soybean seeds in the ground.

Mar 31, 2026

In case you skipped Matt’s article to get to your favorite section of the newsletter, Farmers Union Cooperative of Ossian, IA will be merging into Premier Cooperative on August 1st. I’ve been there a couple of times, and I’m really impressed with their staff, facilities and rolling stock. Their energy division is rock solid, and I am very excited to begin working with them.