In southwestern Minnesota, Beaver Creek farmer and rancher Pete Bakken weaned calves over a month ago. With good summer grazing conditions, Bakken says those calves weighed up well, are vaccinated and on feed. BLAC-X Farms is also receiving calves from western South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming for the feedlot. “We were somewhat concerned because of how Mother Nature treated us during calving. However, the calves arriving are quite healthy and have weaned off well.” With wet conditions continuing into fall, Bakken says lot maintenance is a priority. “On sunny days, we’ve been in the dirt lots with a box scraper. Also, keeping some bedding under the cattle helps.”