Every 3-4 months: Update expectations for market trend forecasts, inflation, and interest rates (see Forecasts input panel).

1-2 months before weaning: Check and update price expectations for impending weanling sales in the Sales input panel. Review your Replacement Cost report and compare to market prices as you consider the question of purchasing or raising breeding replacements. Review your Breeding Herd Size report to determine the numbers necessary to be retained or purchased as replacements to attain your goals (see the Management and Sales input panels).

Weaning month: Determine the year’s actual pregnancy %, weaned %, culled %, and update future expectations accordingly in the Statistics input panel. 

3 months before calving: Assess Body Condition Scores (BCS) of cows, remembering that the primary consideration for breed back of cattle is BCS at time of calving. Consider feed supplementation if necessary and if your Ranch Vision cost-benefit analysis shows it would be cost-effective.

1-2 months before bull/ram/buck purchases: As you begin shopping for breeding males, run a Ranch Vision cost-benefit analysis to compare potential prices with how expected progeny differences will impact your operation (see the Purchases, Sales, and Statistics input panels).

1-2 months before any livestock purchases: Update current price expectations for impending purchases in the Purchases input panel. For stocker and feeder enterprises, check Breakeven reports and run cost-benefit analyses to l see if adjustments in purchases timing is indicated.

1-2 months before any livestock sales: Update current price expectations for impending sales in the Sales input panels. For stocker and feeder enterprises, check Breakeven reports and run cost-benefit analyses to see if adjustments in sales timing is indicated.

At least 2-3 times annually: Update all inputs and reassess your management plan. Use the Scenario Feature to see if changes should be made.