Consider the size of the cow , her lactation status and forage quality to calculate your per-cow daily hay needs .
“ Allow yourself flexibility ,” Bailey says . “ If you plan on feeding for 90 days , plan for 120 days .”
Cheap feed may not be cheap in long run .
Not all bales are created equal , Bailey says . Weights and nutritive values vary . The lower the nutritive quality , the more supplementation will be needed and this adds to winter feed costs .
“ Overestimating bale density is a common mistake ,” he says . “ Assume your bale weight is 10 % less than indicated .”
He uses guidelines offered by Kansas State Extension Agronomist Keith Martin . Most round bales will contain 9-12 lb . of dry matter ( DM ) per cubic foot ( cu . ft .). Loose , spongy bales will likely have a density of 9 lb . DM per cu . ft . or less . Bales that deform slightly when pressed or spiked will likely have 10 lb . DM or less . Rigid bales that deform when pressed hard will likely have 11 lb . DM per cu . ft . Bales that only deform under the tractor ’ s weight will likely have 12 lb . DM per cu . ft .
Feed costs account for 60 % of a beef cow enterprise . Knowing the quantity and quality of hay you buy or grow directly affects the bottom line , says Bailey .
Fa mily Focused
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We are proud to be building our family and our strong Limousin herd simultaneously . We have been fortunate enough to acquire genetics from the nation ’ s most elite operations . With the constant goal of raising winning show heifers and herd sire prospects , we are proud of the results we are getting .
Elite show heifer prospects available private treaty by AHCC Barn Burner , MAGS Aviator and CELL 20 / 20 .
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PJ , Meghan , Harper & Henley Torgerson 41146 221st St . - Artesian , SD 57314 - ( 605 ) 350-7488 - pjtfarms @ gmail . com Kaylee White , Woonsocket , SD
We welcome your interest in our program . Call or visit today .
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