Back to back drought years sure isn't fun.  However, it does help you find out whether or not your intentional efforts are working.  Our breeding program over the last few years has been very intentional about making sure that mama cow doesn't have to stop herself from being healthy in order to keep her calf growing.  Two years of drought, and results are the same as last year.  We were extremely excited about our breed-back and overall condition of the cows this fall, and the calves weighed more than expected when loading the trucks.  They also took right off during weaning.  Sometimes I would say it is almost easier to wean when they are stressed like this... but let's not get carried away to say that we prefer it.  This year we weaned opposite of last year.  We pulled the bull calves off in early September, due to lack of rain and grasshopper pressure.  This also allowed for a longer time, slower ration gain, and smaller starting ration to counter high feed prices. This helps with maintaining body condition, while still passing along some savings to the customer.  Though it proved to be a lot more work, we hope you enjoy the finished product.  Their resilience has impressed me, though the drought, 3 stretches of subzero temps, ice storms, and everything else that God and man could throw at them.  I am certain these bulls will pass on hardiness and resilience in the herds to come!