Tag: farm management

Announcing the best reasons to supplement cattle this fall

Announcing the best reasons to supplement cattle this fallIt’s hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures will be getting cooler (somewhat), and the days are getting shorter. Fall is undoubtedly a time of year when a lot of transitioning will be going on. Now is also the time to consider what supplements to provide for your cattle.

Most people are focused on weaning their calves at this time of year. They are also looking to get their cows rebred for next year’s calf crop. With all of these changes, there is also a change that is going on with your cattle’s nutritional requirements.

Because of these increases in your herd’s nutrition needs, it is essential for you to have a supplement program in place during this time of year. As you may have noticed, your forages are changing as well. With these changes, they may not provide all the nutrition you need. There are various types of supplements, such as protein, mineral, and energy supplements, each serving different nutritional needs. Here are some reasons for you to feed supplements this fall.

Continue reading

How to actually safeguard your herd from nitrate toxicity

How to actually safeguard your herd from nitrate toxicityDespite the time and equipment costs, growing your own feed can be a powerful strategy. It allows you to maintain an inventory, reducing the risk of short supplies and protecting you from seasonal price fluctuations. Moreover, it empowers you to tailor energy and protein production to match your herd’s feed requirements, giving you a strong sense of control and confidence in your operations.

However, despite all of this, there is still the risk of the weather turning against you. Weather events in the weeks, days, and even hours leading up to the harvest can ruin your best efforts. They can transform a carefully raised feed source into a nutritional time bomb. If you are not careful, they can reduce your production and endanger your animals’ lives.

Times of extreme stress, like during a drought, can cause a build-up of nitrates. While consuming some of them is not bad for your animals, if they eat too much, it can become deadly. Here are some things to look for to prevent this from happening.

Continue reading

How to drought-proof your farm with 4 surprisingly simple steps

How to drought-proof your farm with 4 surprisingly simple stepsThe threat of drought in any year is a real problem for most of the country. Many of us have sometimes seen severely less than average rainfall, which can strain our businesses. The most frustrating thing about it is that drought is one of the few things we, humans, have no control over.

And if things could not seem worse, we can also see higher-than-average prices for the inputs we need, such as fuel, fertilizer, and grain. Drought and high feed prices can result in higher cow/calf costs nationwide. This scenario is a real problem because agriculture is one of the few industries with a very thin profit margin.

Despite the current challenges, it’s crucial to recognize your resilience as an agricultural producer. You’ve successfully weathered storms before, and you can do it again. While you can’t always control what is happening, there are ways that you can make it more tolerable for you. Here are four strategies that can help you navigate these challenging times:

Continue reading

Surprisingly simple ways to reduce cattle feed expenses

Surprisingly simple ways to reduce cattle feed expensesWhile the necessity of feeding supplements in cattle operations is undeniable, it’s not a task that most ranchers relish. As we all know, feed costs can be a significant financial burden, often constituting the most considerable portion of annual expenses. However, by implementing strategies to reduce these costs, such as optimizing forage production and minimizing hay waste, you can save a substantial amount. This not only eases the financial strain but also significantly improves your operation’s overall profitability.

As I said before, the total amount that it can cost you depends on a few things. Such factors include the time of year and the current forage conditions. In a drought situation, feed costs can total 70% of the total yearly expenses.

Reducing feed costs without sacrificing overall production may seem challenging. However, it’s crucial to understand that some producers, known as ‘low-cost producers,’ have mastered this balance. They recognize that productivity is vital to any successful operation, and this understanding is what makes them sustainable and profitable.

Continue reading