Regarding supplements, most cattle producers have a love/hate relationship. On the one hand, they see the value in how supplements improve cattle performance, but on the other hand, they cringe at the extra costs they bring. It’s why many producers hold off on feeding supplements unless absolutely necessary. But here’s the thing—viewing supplements as an investment rather than just another expense can actually save you money in the long run. With the right approach, supplements can boost herd health, improve performance, and ultimately increase your profits when it’s time to sell. This strategic view of supplements as an investment, not just an expense, can significantly affect your herd management and financial outcomes, making you feel financially savvy and strategic.
It’s common knowledge that forages alone won’t meet all of your cattle’s nutritional needs. The dip is especially true when forages start to mature, leaving gaps in nutrients like protein and energy. Understanding and addressing these nutritional gaps with the right feeds can fill in those gaps, ensuring your cattle stay healthy, perform well, and continue to gain weight or stay in good condition. This proactive approach to supplementation, based on a clear understanding of your herd’s nutritional needs, helps maintain herd health and improves overall productivity, which can mean better returns down the line.
So, how do you get the most effective use of supplements without overloading your budget? It starts with understanding that supplementation isn’t just about adding anything extra—it’s about complementing what your pasture already provides. You can keep your cattle in top condition by choosing the right supplements for your specific needs without wasting resources. We’ll take a closer look at how to select the right supplements, when to feed them, and how to make sure your investment pays off.
Roughages, often overlooked but crucial, are an essential part of a cow’s diet. While the focus is usually on crude protein, energy, and mineral content, understanding the role of roughages is equally essential. A certain amount of roughage is necessary to keep the rumen functioning and aid in the digestion of protein, energy, and minerals, contributing significantly to cattle’s overall health and production. This knowledge empowers you, the reader, to make informed decisions about your cattle’s nutrition.
Minerals 
Hay is one of the most essential parts of keeping your cattle healthy through the winter. When the grass goes dormant, hay steps in to provide the nutrition they need. But before you can even think about feeding, you’ve got to understand what’s in the hay you’re offering.
Heifer development, while challenging, is a rewarding task that shapes the future of your herd. The transformation of young heifers into productive mothers is a process that, with careful planning and management, can lead to long-term success. Every decision, from nutrition to breeding, has a lasting impact on the productivity of your herd, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation for the future.
It may not seem like it now, but winter is coming. The change in seasons also brings new problems to deal with to keep your cattle performing at their best. Keeping your cattle healthy during the stress of colder winter temperatures can be a pain in the neck. It is also doable.
Protein supplements are often needed during the fall and winter months. This need is because, during this time, most of your tame pasture forages go into dormancy. When this happens, things like their protein content will go down.
As the days grow 
Nutrition significantly affects your herd’s health during the cold winter months. Producers should plan ahead for their fall and winter forages to meet this need. There are many factors to consider when figuring out how much hay will be needed.
It’s hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures will be getting cooler (
