Ranchers can save on feed costs by calving in June instead of March, said experts from the University of Nebraska.

Nebraska ranchers and feedlot operators are trying to look for alternative ways to manage their herds as the cost of corn and fuel rise.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska West Central Research Center have studied year-old calves.

A calf born in June is 40 pounds lighter than one born in March, said Aaron Stalker, a beef nutritionist. However, there was only an US$11 difference in gross value. This is due to calf prices being seasonally lower in October and November, Stalker explained.

In addition, Stalker said that June calving cows graze almost all year round, ranchers save more than US$70 in feed calves per cow.

The benefit is about US$65 more per cow that was generated from the June calving herd than the March calving herd, Stalker said.