Winter Feed

[Nicky]

Really wish we could distribute moisture more evenly in the world. We've got more grass than we can handle this year. Looking at haying some to make use of it and stock up on feed because you never know when these good years will come to an abrupt halt. We've had 3 decent years for grass, counting this one, but before that was 8 years of drought or well below average.

I really hope rains come to those who need it, and sun for those who are flooded right now. Always bear in mind that there are more important things in life than feeding cows, so please don't stress yourselves to the point of illness. Ask for help in creating a grazing plan, or de-stock if need be. Good luck.

I wish you could distribute more rain this way too! Like you, it has been mostly drought over the past decade, but the last two years were good. I thought I would be "smart" and conserve a couple of sections at home to help get through a dry stretch. My observation, the cattle have broke off and trampled more of my "saved" feed, than they've eaten :? . The only feed they are interested in are on the bottoms.

My question, we just moved pastures on the forest (over two weeks earlier than normal), and plan on putting protein blocks out to see if we can get them to utilize some of the old feed in the new pasture better. Does anyone have an idea on how densely to distribute the blocks?

We've been using Smartlix tubs in the late summer thru winter. I think the label says one to 15 -20 hd. That's about what we put out and consumption is pretty close to what they say it will be. Once they know what they are you can really use them to graze where you want them to. And they will eat that older dry feed really well with it.

 

[WyomingRancher]

Really wish we could distribute moisture more evenly in the world. We've got more grass than we can handle this year. Looking at haying some to make use of it and stock up on feed because you never know when these good years will come to an abrupt halt. We've had 3 decent years for grass, counting this one, but before that was 8 years of drought or well below average.

I really hope rains come to those who need it, and sun for those who are flooded right now. Always bear in mind that there are more important things in life than feeding cows, so please don't stress yourselves to the point of illness. Ask for help in creating a grazing plan, or de-stock if need be. Good luck.

I wish you could distribute more rain this way too! Like you, it has been mostly drought over the past decade, but the last two years were good. I thought I would be "smart" and conserve a couple of sections at home to help get through a dry stretch. My observation, the cattle have broke off and trampled more of my "saved" feed, than they've eaten :? . The only feed they are interested in are on the bottoms.

My question, we just moved pastures on the forest (over two weeks earlier than normal), and plan on putting protein blocks out to see if we can get them to utilize some of the old feed in the new pasture better. Does anyone have an idea on how densely to distribute the blocks?

We've been using Smartlix tubs in the late summer thru winter. I think the label says one to 15 -20 hd. That's about what we put out and consumption is pretty close to what they say it will be. Once they know what they are you can really use them to graze where you want them to. And they will eat that older dry feed really well with it.

I wish we could use tubs, but we need a source easy to transport on a wheeler/horse into the rougher country. I'm excited to try it, it sounds like you've had success getting cattle to graze other areas with them.

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

I wish you could distribute more rain this way too! Like you, it has been mostly drought over the past decade, but the last two years were good. I thought I would be "smart" and conserve a couple of sections at home to help get through a dry stretch. My observation, the cattle have broke off and trampled more of my "saved" feed, than they've eaten :? . The only feed they are interested in are on the bottoms.

My question, we just moved pastures on the forest (over two weeks earlier than normal), and plan on putting protein blocks out to see if we can get them to utilize some of the old feed in the new pasture better. Does anyone have an idea on how densely to distribute the blocks?

We've been using Smartlix tubs in the late summer thru winter. I think the label says one to 15 -20 hd. That's about what we put out and consumption is pretty close to what they say it will be. Once they know what they are you can really use them to graze where you want them to. And they will eat that older dry feed really well with it.

I wish we could use tubs, but we need a source easy to transport on a wheeler/horse into the rougher country. I'm excited to try it, it sounds like you've had success getting cattle to graze other areas with them.

Moormans used to have a Mintrate block the size of a salt block and 33lbs.

 

[WyomingRancher]

Moormans used to have a Mintrate block the size of a salt block and 33lbs.

Yeah, I think that's similar to what we've got ordered. Our neighbor is weaning and putting his calves in a lot next week. He's done preg-checking as well, so he can lighten the load even more. I hope to do the same in August. It went from the absolute best conditions to the absolute worst :? . I hope we all start to get moisture soon!