When preparing to turn your herd out to pasture, there are a few management decisions that need to be considered. 

Using a simple checklist is an efficient way to make sure you are prepared.  

• Minerals in lush spring growth can be a problem due to grass tetany concerns.  Grass tetany is a mineral imbalance in the body that presents itself as neurological symptoms, such as staggering gait, tremors, muscle twitching in the flank, and hyper behavior.  Supplying a mineral supplement that contains increased levels of magnesium 2 to 3 weeks prior to turning out and continuing for several weeks into the early beginning of the grazing season should limit incidences.  It would be better for the grass and will lower the risk of grass tetany, if turnout is delayed until forage is 4 to 6 inches tall.
• Fencing is important to keep cattle in the pasture and out of the neighbor’s pastures or corn fields. Be sure to walk the pasture and check fences to ensure they are in good condition before cattle turnout.  Do the posts need replaced or wire stretched so the fence is tight with no broken wires?  Don’t forget that fences should be monitored throughout the growing season.  If you have electric fences, check that the charger is working properly and that the fence is reading between 5,000 and 9,000 volts.
• Is the grass at least 4 to 6 inches tall?  If conditions are dry, maybe give the grass more time to develop deeper roots before grazing.  Monitor grazing readiness of the predominate grass species, and you may have to delay your turn-in starting date.  You could also look at growing degree days for a starting date.
• Water is a very important nutrient that cattle cannot live without.  Make sure cattle have access to adequate drinking water. Be sure to check water level, access to ponds or tanks, and that the well is working properly.  Water quality is a concern during all times of the year, but even more so in the summer.  Water tanks or ponds may need to be cleaned routinely to prevent algae growth and to remove manure.  Keep an eye out for blue-green algae, as it is toxic to cattle and can kill an animal in as little as 24 hours.  Manure contamination can limit water intake and result in dehydration and a reduction in performance.
• This is a good time to review your herd health program which includes fly control and vaccines.   Administer any necessary treatments before turning your cattle out to pasture.  There are many fly prevention options to choose from, including ear tags, pour-on products, and some feed through options.  Your fly control should change every year to a different mode of action to avoid resistance.  Dewormer and vaccines should be administered at this time also. Consult your local veterinarian to help with a herd health plan for your operation.