Overview: October is a checkpoint for Wyoming ranchers. From hay piles to cow condition, discover 7 things this month reveals about the rest of your ranch year.
October is more than just the month that bridges fall and winter — it’s a turning point for Wyoming ranchers. The calves are weaned, the pastures are winding down, and the first frosts are reminding us that winter is knocking at the gate. But October does more than just mark the end of grazing season. It gives ranchers a clear window into how the rest of the ranch year is likely to play out.
When you step back and take stock this month, here are 7 things October can reveal about your herd, your feed, and your bottom line!
1. Body Condition Scores Don’t Lie
Take a walk through the herd this October and really look at your cows. If they’re holding a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 5–6, you’re on track. But if you see ribs or sharp hips, it’s a red flag. Thin cows heading into winter take longer to cycle back, leading to weaker breed-back rates in the spring. October is the time to adjust rations, add higher-quality hay, or consider protein supplementation to make sure cows don’t fall behind when the snow hits.
2. Pasture Health Reflects Next Spring
What you see in your pastures right now is a direct reflection of how they’ll look next spring. Overgrazed fields in October don’t bounce back easily in Wyoming’s short growing season. Instead, bare patches invite invasive weeds like cheatgrass and larkspur. Pulling cattle before the land is grazed too hard protects root systems, conserves moisture, and ensures you’ll have stronger stands come May.
3. Your Hay Pile Predicts Stress Levels
Every rancher does the hay math in October. Do you have enough to get through a Wyoming winter that could stretch long into April — or even May? If the stack looks light now, it’s only going to look worse when the wind howls in January. October is your chance to line up extra bales, whether it’s cow hay, straight alfalfa, or timothy/grass mixes. Securing feed early means you avoid higher prices and tighter supplies later in the season.
Also Read >> Buying Hay in Bulk? Here’s How to Get the Best Deal Without Sacrificing Quality
4. Calf Weights Signal Your Management
Weaning weights tell a story. If your calves came off the cow strong this fall, it shows your summer grazing, mineral program, and cow health were on target. If weights are lighter than expected, it’s a sign that nutrition or pasture quality may need tweaking. October is when you take that report card and use it to plan better for next year’s calf crop.
5. Mineral Program Shows in Herd Health
The shine of a cow’s coat, the energy levels in your herd, even the strength of your calves — these all point back to minerals. Wyoming soils can leave cattle deficient in copper, zinc, and selenium, which means a good mineral program is not optional. If you’re seeing rough hair coats, low energy, or weaker calves, October tells you it’s time to reevaluate before breeding season sneaks up again.
6. Weather Prepares You for Winter Feeding
October weather in Wyoming is a preview of the months ahead — frosty mornings, warm afternoons, and the occasional snow squall. These swings remind ranchers that cows burn more energy than we sometimes realize just staying warm. It’s also a heads-up to check equipment, feeders, and water sources before you’re in the middle of a blizzard. October teaches us that flexibility is key in winter feeding.
7. Planning Now Means Breeding Success Later
Ultimately, October is about setting the stage for next year. Strong, well-fed cows breed back faster, produce healthier calves, and keep your herd moving forward. The time you spend this month evaluating nutrition, feed supplies, pasture condition, and herd health directly determines how smooth your calving and breeding seasons will be next year.
The Takeaway for Wyoming Ranchers
October is not just another stop on the ranch calendar — it’s a report card and a roadmap all in one. From hay piles to herd health, what you see now tells you what you’ll be dealing with six months down the road.
At All Around Ag, we know the challenges Wyoming ranchers face when it comes to feeding programs and hay supply. That’s why we’re committed to helping ranchers secure the right hay — whether it’s alfalfa, timothy, or cow hay in the right bale type for their winter feeding plans.
Because when October speaks, it pays to listen.