Reducing Winter Feed Costs

Another option utilized by many farmers is to turn the livestock out onto fields late in the fall or spring to specifically extend the grazing season. This could involve turning cattle out in a corn field or hay field, which was harvested for the year. In both cases the cost associated with feeding a quality forage must be considered against the savings by extending grazing by feeding a lower quality feedstuff.

The changing of reproductive cycles particularly with beef cattle can also provide you with savings. If you are planning to have your cows calve in early spring there may be a better option. Peak grazing periods should correspond with peak forage production. Early spring calving will result in increased feed demands before sufficient grazing nutrients are available. This results in increased feeding of stored feeds to make up the shortfall. If you could have the cows and calves grazing during the peak demand for nutrients and match it with maximum forage production it would save you money.

There are many strategies available to decrease you winter feed costs and increase your bottom line. Each farm is unique and one option may not work for everyone. But, with some forethought and a little creative thinking it is possible to realize some additional savings this year on the farm. Farming is hard enough, why not take some time and see if you can find some savings this winter.

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