Feed & Nutrition

Beef production is the largest segment in American agriculture, adding more than $60 billion to the U.S. economy.

With today’s increasing grain prices, producers are looking for alternative feedstuffs for their cattle.

Evaluations to extend the grazing season look promising for: spring grazing of winter cereals; summer and/or fall grazing of pearl millet, teff, cereals, vetch or rapeseed combinations; and fall/early winter grazing of turnips or rapeseed with stockpiled pasture/pearl millet/cereals.

When cost of production rises, producers aggressively seek out information and tools that can have a positive influence on their bottom line.

The nutritional needs of cows increase by 25 percent to 35 percent after calving compared to late gestation. For many producers, this postpartum period comes at a time when they are still feeding stored forages.

Forage is a beef producer’s greatest resource, but sometimes it needs to be stretched or alternatives considered and fed when Mother Nature is less than cooperative.