As heat indexes continue to hold in the upper 80s and 90s here in Western Pennsylvania, we’re monitoring the herd closely. Black-hided cattle like our Angus cows naturally absorb more heat, so shade, rotation timing, and water access all become critical this time of year. Even with stress conditions, our cattle are holding condition well thanks to calm temperaments, strong mineral support, and consistent forage quality.
Our rotational system is designed with weather extremes in mind. Earlier morning moves allow us to work with the cattle before heat stress peaks, and multiple shaded zones across paddocks help keep respiration rates stable. We’ve made targeted changes to mineral availability as well, drawing from observed intake patterns and seasonal stress markers.
This year’s calf crop — especially our heifer group — is showing the kind of structural consistency and maternal design we aim for. A few of the AI matings we made last year are producing calves with exactly the kind of quiet disposition and skeletal balance we need for long-term replacements. One heifer in particular, out of a Beal Breakthrough daughter, stands out for her early growth and foot quality.
Forward Momentum
We’re preparing now for fall breeding selections. Our goals remain the same: functional, low-input Angus cattle that can thrive on a forage-first system with minimal intervention. We’ll be evaluating pasture condition as we head into reseeding windows — especially in areas where cover density has dropped off after repeated use.
We’re also reviewing grazing patterns from earlier this year, making notes to align our next rotation window with some of the more responsive paddocks. It’s been helpful referencing broader examples of long-term management — both within our network and from projects we’ve followed elsewhere, including academic work and field-oriented programs managed at the local level.
We’ve also been referencing archived infrastructure resources — a few technical threads that, while older, still offer useful guidance for planning water delivery and signal systems across the pasture layout. Small efficiencies add up when you’re moving cattle every couple days.
We’ll have more updates on weaning weights and breeding pairings by early fall. As always, we appreciate the growing interest in our program and the support from producers who value long-term selection with real-world application.
— Cody Deluisio
Founder, Deluisio Angus
