The DroughtThe Drought

SurvivingSurviving

BackgroundBackground

• High Corn Prices

• Scarce hay supply

• Drought

• Heat

• High Corn Prices

• Scarce hay supply

• Drought

• Heat

Impact on-Impact on-

• Summer Grazing

• Winter Feed

• Water Supply

• Nitrates / Poisonous Plants

• Summer Grazing

• Winter Feed

• Water Supply

• Nitrates / Poisonous Plants

What do I do to meet needs when forage quality is not the issue but forage quantity is?

DROUGHT!

What do I do to meet needs when forage quality is not the issue but forage quantity is?

DROUGHT!

Assess SituationAssess Situation

• Inventory Cattle

• Inventory Feed Supply

• Do the numbers match?

• Inventory Cattle

• Inventory Feed Supply

• Do the numbers match?

Animal Management Issues

Animal Management Issues

• Pregnancy check, cull opens

• Cull older, lower producing cows

• Cull problem cows, disposition, arthritic, teat, udder and feet problems.

• Pregnancy check, cull opens

• Cull older, lower producing cows

• Cull problem cows, disposition, arthritic, teat, udder and feet problems.

Conduct a feed and animal inventory

Conduct a feed and animal inventory

• Use ASC-78 as a guide

• Group animals by their needs

• Compare how much feed is needed vs what is on hand

• Use ASC-78 as a guide

• Group animals by their needs

• Compare how much feed is needed vs what is on hand

Allocation of Hay to Various Classes of Cattle Based on Quality

Allocation of Hay to Various Classes of Cattle Based on Quality

Quality of Hay

High

Low

Quality of Hay

High

Low

Classes of Cattle• Young Calves• Weaned Calves• Replacements• Yearlings• Bred Heifers• 2-year old Cows• Lactating Cows• Mature Cows, last 1/3 of

gestation• Mature Bulls• Mature Pregnant Cows, first 2/3

of gestation

Classes of Cattle• Young Calves• Weaned Calves• Replacements• Yearlings• Bred Heifers• 2-year old Cows• Lactating Cows• Mature Cows, last 1/3 of

gestation• Mature Bulls• Mature Pregnant Cows, first 2/3

of gestation

Nutritional Quality of Forages

Nutritional Quality of ForagesCrude Protein TDN

Excellent 11.2%+ 56%+

Good 9.5%-11.1% 50%-56%

Fair 8.2%-9.5% 50%-56%

Poor 7.3%-8.2% 50%-55%

Very Poor <7.3% <48%

Source: Parish, Jane et al. 2007. Producer Guide to Coping with Drought Conditions

Approximate forage intake by beef cattle

Approximate forage intake by beef cattle

Forage TDN % DMI (%BW)

Well-eared silage 60-70 2.5 to 3.3

Actively growing pasture 70 2.0 to 2.5

Legume hay, good 55-60 2.5 to 3.0

Grass hay, good 50-55 2.0 to 2.5

Mature grass hay 45-50 1.5 to 2.0

Grass hay, poor 40-45 1.0 to 1.5

Straw 35-40 1.0 or less

Are Alternatives Available on the Farm?

Are Alternatives Available on the Farm?

• Corn that will make little or no grain yield

– Chop it as silage

– Do not graze or roll it for hay due to nitrates

• Soybeans that will not set a bean

– Graze or roll as hay, prevent bloat if grazing

– Cut and roll when all leaves are still green

• Corn that will make little or no grain yield

– Chop it as silage

– Do not graze or roll it for hay due to nitrates

• Soybeans that will not set a bean

– Graze or roll as hay, prevent bloat if grazing

– Cut and roll when all leaves are still green

Soybeans for Hay or SilageSoybeans for Hay or Silage

• For silage, harvest at R6 stage

• May need to wilt after cutting

• Forage beans yield 3-4 tons/ac of DM

• Grain beans yield 2-3 tons/ac of DM

• Animals do not like the silage, eat 20% less than corn silage

• For silage, harvest at R6 stage

• May need to wilt after cutting

• Forage beans yield 3-4 tons/ac of DM

• Grain beans yield 2-3 tons/ac of DM

• Animals do not like the silage, eat 20% less than corn silage

Soybeans for Hay or SilageSoybeans for Hay or Silage

• Hay may need to be harvested at a little earlier stage

• Should be conditioned to crush stem or hard to cure

• If too mature at cutting, will lose bean due to conditioning

• May have feeding loss of up to 20% due to stem refusal

• Hay may need to be harvested at a little earlier stage

• Should be conditioned to crush stem or hard to cure

• If too mature at cutting, will lose bean due to conditioning

• May have feeding loss of up to 20% due to stem refusal

Baling or Grazing Corn StalksBaling or Grazing Corn Stalks

• 120 bu corn = 4 to 5 tons residue/acre

• Cows consume grain, leaves, husks, cobs, stalks in order

• 1 acre of stalks = 30 days grazing/cow with mineral, protein supplementation

• Should be strip grazed

• Baling leaves much of the best (grain, leaves, husks) in the field

• 120 bu corn = 4 to 5 tons residue/acre

• Cows consume grain, leaves, husks, cobs, stalks in order

• 1 acre of stalks = 30 days grazing/cow with mineral, protein supplementation

• Should be strip grazed

• Baling leaves much of the best (grain, leaves, husks) in the field

Corn StalksCorn Stalks

• High Nitrates have been detected

• Low quality feed

• Requires protein and energy supplementation

• Considerable waste in feeding

• Stores poorly

• High Nitrates have been detected

• Low quality feed

• Requires protein and energy supplementation

• Considerable waste in feeding

• Stores poorly

What is an Acre of Stalks Worth to Graze?

What is an Acre of Stalks Worth to Graze?

Hay Cost/Ton

$80 $100 $120 $140

$/lb of hay $0.04 $0.05 $0.06 $0.07

$/Cow for 30 days

$34.00 $42.50 $51.00 $59.50

Performance of Cows fed Baled Corn Stalks

Performance of Cows fed Baled Corn Stalks

Supplement Trt. CSM CSM + Corn

Int. Wt. lbs 1088 1092

Wt. loss, lbs 28 36

Int. BCS 5.3 5.4

BCS loss -.45 -.50

Rosepine Res. Sta. Rep. 11, 2000; Free choice access to corn stalk bales for 42 days. Supplements were cottonseed meal at 1.3 lbs dry matter or 1.3 lbs + 2.0 lbs of ground corn dry matter.

Cow Rations with Baled Corn Stalks

Cow Rations with Baled Corn Stalks

Ration 1 2 3 4 5

Stalks 12.5 10 10 10 10

SBHulls 3.5 10 3.3 2.2

CGF 4.0 3.3 4.4 6.1

Corn 2.3 2.3

DDGS 2.2

Protein Block

X X

Limest. .1 .1 .1 .25

IRM Min .25 .25 .25 .25 .25

1200 pound pregnant, dry cow in mid-November; Corn stalks valued at 48% TDN and 5.0% CP on DM basis.

Cow Rations with Baled Corn StalksCow Rations with Baled Corn Stalks

Ration 1 2 3 4 5

Stalks 12.5 11 12.5 10 12.5

SB Hulls 11 11 5.5 4.5 3

CGF 1.1 2 5.5 4.5 3

Corn 5.7

DDGS 3.3

Protein Block

X X X

Limest. .1 .1 .1

IRM min .25 .25 .25 .25 .25

1200 pound pregnant, dry cow in mid-January; Corn stalks valued at 48% TDN and 5.0% CP on DM basis.

Gain of Stocker Cattle on Normal or Drought Corn Silage

Gain of Stocker Cattle on Normal or Drought Corn Silage

Normal Drought % Change

Trial 1

Head 44 44

ADG, lbs 2.06 1.88 9.6

Trial 2

Head 18 56

ADG, lbs 1.72 1.32 30

Nebraska

Nutrient AnalysisNutrient AnalysisDM Basis

Feed DM % TDN% CP%

Corn Silage 34 69.9 8.2

Grass Hay 91.9 56.6 10.7

SB Silage 61 56 16

SB Hay 91.6 60.9 16.3

Corn Stalks 51.7 54 7.6

Source: Dairy One Laboratory, Cornell University

Baseline AssumptionsBaseline Assumptions

Feed Stuff

Tons / Acre

DM tons / Acre

TDN tons / Acre

CP tons / Acre

Corn Silage

18 6.12 4.28 0.50

Grass Hay

1.5 1.38 0.78 .148

Nutritional NeedsNutritional Needs

Spring Calving Cow, 1200 lbs, Winter 120 days

TDN lbs CP lbs

Daily 12.37 1.81

Total 1484 217

What will it take?What will it take?Acres needed

per cowCows fed per

acre

Corn Silage .17 5.7

Grass Hay .951 1.08

What will it cost?What will it cost?

Value per acre

Total cost per acre

Cost per cow

Corn Silage

(120 bu)

$420 $559.27 $95.07

Grass Hay

(1.5 tons)

$187.50 $187.50 $178.31

What can I pay for silage?

What can I pay for silage?

• Based on previous estimate, hay costs $178.31 per cow to winter

• How many tons of corn silage will it take to winter them?

=> 3.06 tons

• You can pay $58.27 per ton of corn silage if hay is $125 per ton

• Based on previous estimate, hay costs $178.31 per cow to winter

• How many tons of corn silage will it take to winter them?

=> 3.06 tons

• You can pay $58.27 per ton of corn silage if hay is $125 per ton

What can I pay for Corn Silage?

What can I pay for Corn Silage?

$80 $100 $120 $140

Corn Silage (per ton)

$37.29 $46.62 $55.94 $65.26

Standing Corn (per ton silage)

$29.32 $38.65 $47.97 $57.29

Standing Corn (per acre)

$527.76 $695.70 $863.46 $1,031.22

If I need to buy feed, what should I buy, hay or

something else?

If I need to buy feed, what should I buy, hay or

something else?

Nutrient dense feeds such as grains, commodities, etc., are

cheaper per unit of nutrient compared to hay.

Be sure and compare on a dry matter basis.

Nutrient dense feeds such as grains, commodities, etc., are

cheaper per unit of nutrient compared to hay.

Be sure and compare on a dry matter basis.

Stretch Hay with Supplement

Stretch Hay with Supplement

Feed the hay on hand and buy supplement

• Corn will replace hay at the rate of 1.0 lb. Corn can replace 2.0 lb. of hay

Feed the hay on hand and buy supplement

• Corn will replace hay at the rate of 1.0 lb. Corn can replace 2.0 lb. of hay

Alternative FeedsAlternative FeedsFeed CP UIP, %

CPTDN, % Starch %

Corn 9.8 55 90 70

DDG 30.4 52 90 18

DBG 29 50 66 10.7

SBH 12 25 77 6

CGF 23.8 22 80 25.4

W Midds 18.7 21 69 37.8

NRC – Beef 2000 Update, PAS 16:69 - 99

How much hay does a cow have to have

daily?

How much hay does a cow have to have

daily?

Limit fed Corn vs. Hay Rations for Cows, 3 Year Summary

Limit fed Corn vs. Hay Rations for Cows, 3 Year Summary

Ration Corn Hay

Wt. Loss, lbs -53 -72

Calf B. Wt. Lb 102 96

Wean Wt. Lbs 634 613

Conception % 91 84

Average Daily Feed Intake, lb

Hay 2.1 30

S. Corn 11.3 ------

Supplement 2.5 ------

Ration Corn Hay

Wt. Loss, lbs -53 -72

Calf B. Wt. Lb 102 96

Wean Wt. Lbs 634 613

Conception % 91 84

Average Daily Feed Intake, lb

Hay 2.1 30

S. Corn 11.3 ------

Supplement 2.5 ------

Limit Feeding High Energy Rations for Growing CattleLimit Feeding High Energy Rations for Growing Cattle

Corn Silage GEC + Supp.

Head 45 44

ADG, lbs 1.94 2.46

F/G, lbs DM 7.42 4.68

KY, PR-337, p 54

Corn Silage GEC + Supp.

Head 45 44

ADG, lbs 1.94 2.46

F/G, lbs DM 7.42 4.68

KY, PR-337, p 54

Economics of Corn vs. Hay to Cows

Economics of Corn vs. Hay to Cows

Feed Price, $ Unit $ / lb

Shell Corn $175* Ton $0.0875

Supplement $300 Ton $0.15

Hay $125 Ton $0.0625

Daily Feed Cost, $ Per Day

Ration Corn Based Hay Only

Three Trial Average $1.50 $1.88

Winter Feeding Cost** $195.00 $244.40

*Corn purchased at $4.90 / bu from feed dealer

**Assumes 130 day winter feeding period

Assuming 130 Day Winter Feeding

Assuming 130 Day Winter Feeding

• Corn based may be cheaper depending on hay / corn price

• Even if hay is cheaper, what is the goal?

• Do we want to minimize costs, or maximize profit?

• What is the value of a 21 lb increase in weaning weight and a 7% increase in conception rate?

• Corn based may be cheaper depending on hay / corn price

• Even if hay is cheaper, what is the goal?

• Do we want to minimize costs, or maximize profit?

• What is the value of a 21 lb increase in weaning weight and a 7% increase in conception rate?

Value of Increased Production

Value of Increased Production

Hay Only Corn Based

Avg. WW 613 lbs 634 lbs

Conception Rate 84% 91%

Lbs. weaned / cow 515 lbs 576 lbs

Income per cow* $515 $565

Difference -------- +$50

*613# @ $100 / cwt, 634# @ $98 / cow

What about by-products?What about by-products?

LimitationsLimitations

• Moisture content

• Nutrient profile

• Storage

• Contaminants

• Moisture content

• Nutrient profile

• Storage

• Contaminants

• Economics

• Availability

• Transportation

• Economics

• Availability

• Transportation

Soy HullsSoy Hulls• Excellent palatability

• Less starch content than grains; therefore, less negative effect on forage utilization

• Safer, less incidence of founder

• Excellent palatability

• Less starch content than grains; therefore, less negative effect on forage utilization

• Safer, less incidence of founder

Type of Energy Supplement and Gain of Steers on Hay Based Rations

Type of Energy Supplement and Gain of Steers on Hay Based Rations

Supplement Corn/SBM Soyhulls

Steer Wt. lbs 626 629

Sup. Intake lbs

7

($.68 / day)

7

($.56 / day)

Hay Intake lbs

11.7 11.5

ADG, lbs 1.8 2.2

KY PR – 417, p. 86

Corn GlutenCorn Gluten• By-product of soft

drink industry• May be wet or dried• Corn gluten “feed” is

around 22-25% CP; corn gluten meal is about 60% CP

• Low starch

• By-product of soft drink industry

• May be wet or dried• Corn gluten “feed” is

around 22-25% CP; corn gluten meal is about 60% CP

• Low starch

Trial 5: Different Feeding Regimes for Conditioning Weaned Calves (45 days postweaning) Feed

Soyhulls/

Corn/SBM1 Corn Gluten Feed2 Commercial3

Steer calves, no. 15 15 15

Pens 3 3 3

Calves/Pen 5 5 5

Initial (Weaning) Wt, lb 517.4 515.9 516.5

Final Wt, lb 628.1 655.3 658.3

Postweaning gain, lb 111.5 138.7 141.7

Postweaning ADG, lb 2.48 3.08 3.15

Suppl. intake, lb/da 10.4 10.4 10.4

Hay intake, lb/da 11.8 15.1 11.5

Feed Cost per lb of gain, ¢4 33 27 451Diet consisted 88% corn and 12% soybean meal with hay ad lib. 2Diet consisted of 67% soyhulls and 33% corn gluten feed with hay ad lib. 3Diet consisted of a commercial preconditioning feed (14.6% CP) with hay ad lib. 4Feed costs based on corn - $2.50/bu; soybean meal - $200/T; soyhulls - $70/T; corn gluten feed - $120/T; commercial feed - $220/T; and hay - 2.5¢/lb.

Corn Gluten FeedCorn Gluten Feed

• High level of Sulfur (around 0.6%)

• Limit to 50% of DMI due to its high sulfur content (Cu deficiency and polio)

• High level of Sulfur (around 0.6%)

• Limit to 50% of DMI due to its high sulfur content (Cu deficiency and polio)

Distillers GrainDistillers Grain

Distiller’s Grain (30%CP)Distiller’s Grain (30%CP)

DM% Price

$/T

DM #

Ton Feed

Cost

#/DM

Dried 88 120 1760 6.8

Modified 50 58 1000 5.8

Wet 30 38 600 6.3

Storage of Wet Distillers Grains

Storage of Wet Distillers Grains

ChallengesChallenges

• Transportation costs

• Equipment needs for handling and storage

• Rancidity

• Transportation costs

• Equipment needs for handling and storage

• Rancidity

Methods of EnsilingMethods of Ensiling

• Silo Bags

• Bunker Silos

• Covered Piles

• Silo Bags

• Bunker Silos

• Covered Piles

Ensiling WDG With Soy Hulls

Ensiling WDG With Soy Hulls

Advantages of a 70:30 Mixture

(50:50 DM basis)

Advantages of a 70:30 Mixture

(50:50 DM basis)• Reduces dust in soybean hulls

• Reduces seepage

• Decreases CP content to 21%

• Maintains high energy values

• Reduces dust in soybean hulls

• Reduces seepage

• Decreases CP content to 21%

• Maintains high energy values

Ensiling WDG with Crop Residues

Ensiling WDG with Crop Residues

• On farm study

• Blended corn stalks with MWDG

• Blend was 60% DM– Cool at bag

opening– Heated quickly

• On farm study

• Blended corn stalks with MWDG

• Blend was 60% DM– Cool at bag

opening– Heated quicklyGarcia et al., 2004

Recommendations Recommendations

• DM of blends should be no more than 50%

• Drier blends do not preserve as well

• Use of WDG over MWDG is preferred

• DM of blends should be no more than 50%

• Drier blends do not preserve as well

• Use of WDG over MWDG is preferred

Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Early Winter

Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Early Winter

Feed/Ration 1 2 3 4 5

CGF 7.8 2 5.5 3

SBH 12 4.5 9 6.0 6.5

Grass Hay 3 3 3 3 10

DDGS

Limestone .2 .1

Protein Block

X

Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Late Winter

Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Late Winter

Feed/Ration 1 2 3 4 5

CGF 6.7 5.5 2.3

SBH 15 7.3 6.0 9.0 11

Grass Hay 3 3 3 3 10

DDGS 2.0 2.2

Lime .1 .1 .1

Protein Block

X

Meet the nutritional needs

Meet the nutritional needs

You must maintain body condition

–Calving

–Rebreeding

You must maintain body condition

–Calving

–Rebreeding

Energy Deficiencies Affect

Energy Deficiencies Affect

• Cow Rebreeding

• Calf Health/Survival

• Calf Growth Rate

• Cow Rebreeding

• Calf Health/Survival

• Calf Growth Rate

Energy Deficiencies Decrease Calf Survival Through Lowered

Immunoglobulin Transfer to Calf

Energy Deficiencies Decrease Calf Survival Through Lowered

Immunoglobulin Transfer to Calf

Timing of Deficiency Influences Effect

Timing of Deficiency Influences Effect

• Pre-calving deficiency days of post partum interval

• Post-calving deficiency % conception

• Pre-calving deficiency days of post partum interval

• Post-calving deficiency % conception

BCS and Cow-calf Performance

BCS and Cow-calf Performance

BCS 3 4 5 6

Wean age, da

194 200 216 215

Calf ADG, lbs

1.88 1.93 1.97 2.00

Wean Wt. Lbs

441 452 504 512

% Preg 51 76 92 100

JAVMA 207:1292

BCS 3 4 5 6

Wean age, da

194 200 216 215

Calf ADG, lbs

1.88 1.93 1.97 2.00

Wean Wt. Lbs

441 452 504 512

% Preg 51 76 92 100

JAVMA 207:1292

Limit Forage ConsumptionLimit Forage Consumption

• Supplement Forage

• Feed in Hay racks

• Utilize all hay before moving rack

• Delay feeding by 12 hours after roll eaten

• Move feeding area to reduce mud

• Supplement Forage

• Feed in Hay racks

• Utilize all hay before moving rack

• Delay feeding by 12 hours after roll eaten

• Move feeding area to reduce mud

Rumensin for Wintering Cows

Rumensin for Wintering Cows

• 50 – 60% of total cost is winter feed• Prevent and control coccidiosis• Improved feed efficiency• Feed in 1 lb of feed daily

Cow and Calf Performance, Feed Intake, lbs

Control Rumensin

Precalving Hay 26.8 23.2

Postcalving Hay 30.5 26.2

SBH 3.5 3.0

Total Feed Costs and Savings

Control Rumensin Difference

Hay @ $120

$168.50 $146.27 $22.23 (13.2%)

Hay @ $40

$63.86 $56.51 $7.35 (11.5%)

Feed Prices• Soybean Hulls = $70/ton• Supplement = 5.35 or 6.85 ¢/lb• Hay = $120 or $40/ton

Cost per day on Purchased Hay

$75 $100 $125 $150

25 lb $0.94 $1.25 $1.56 $1.88

30 lb $1.13 $1.50 $1.88 $2.25

Dis

ap

peara

nce

per

day

Cost of hay per ton

Cost per day on Hulls / HaySubstituting Concept (Late Winter)

$100 $125 $150

$140 $1.20 $1.24 $1.28

$160 $1.35 $1.39 $1.43

$180 $1.50 $1.54 $1.58

Cost

per

ton o

f so

y

hulls

Cost per ton of hay

*Ration: 15 lbs soy hulls, 3 lbs grass hay

Cost per day on Hulls / HayStretching Concept (Late Winter)

$100 $125 $150

$140 $1.57 $1.70 $1.82

$160 $1.68 $1.81 $1.93

$180 $1.79 $1.92 $2.04

Cost

per

ton o

f so

y

hulls

Cost per ton of hay

*Ration: 11 lbs soy hulls, 10 lbs grass hay, w/ protein block

Restricting Hay Intake for Cows Nursing Calves

Restricting Hay Intake for Cows Nursing Calves

Hay Access, hrs

4 8 24

B. Wt. Ch. -125 -61 -44

Final BCS 5.4 5.5 6.1

BCS Ch. -.63 -.25 .15

Calf ADG lb 2.17 2.15 2.21

Milk, lbs 9.9 9.9 10.1

Hay Disap. 22.4 32 36

%<24 hr. 38 11.1 -------

PAS 21:182-189

Restricting Hay Intake for Cows in Last Trimester of Gestation

Restricting Hay Intake for Cows in Last Trimester of Gestation

Hay Access hrs

3 5 7

B. Wt. Ch. +52 +70 +106

Final BCS 5.3 5.3 5.6

Hay Disap. 15.4 17.6 20

%<7 hours 23 12 ---------

PAS 21:182-189

Savings from Limit Hay FeedingLactating Cows

Access 4 Hours 8 Hours 24 Hours

Hay Consumed 22.4 32 36

Hay Savings / Day 13.6 lbs 4 lbs ---------

$ per day* $0.85 $0.25 ---------

Saving over 130 days

0.88 tons

0.26 tons ---------

Total $ Savings* $110.50 $32.50 ---------

* Hay valued @ $125 per ton

Savings from Limit Hay FeedingDry Cows

Savings from Limit Hay FeedingDry Cows

Access 3 Hours 5 Hours 7 Hours

Hay Consumed 15.4 17.6 20

Hay Savings / Day 4.6 lbs 2.4 lbs ---------

$ per day* $0.29 $0.15 ---------

Saving over 130 days

.299 tons .156 tons ---------

Total $ Savings*

$37.38 $19.50 ---------

* Hay valued @ $125 per ton

Early Weaning of CalvesEarly Weaning of Calves

• Decreases nutrient needs of the cow

• Cheaper to feed calf than cow

• Calves as old as 50 days can be weaned

• Feed conversion 4 to 5 lbs/lb of gain

• Good health practices

• Must be able to reach feed and water

• Decreases nutrient needs of the cow

• Cheaper to feed calf than cow

• Calves as old as 50 days can be weaned

• Feed conversion 4 to 5 lbs/lb of gain

• Good health practices

• Must be able to reach feed and water

Early Weaning Rations, 300 lb Calf, ADG = 2.0 lbs

Early Weaning Rations, 300 lb Calf, ADG = 2.0 lbs

Feed/Ration 1 2 3 4

Corn 2.0 2.3

CGF 1.5 3.3

Soy Hulls 5 3.3

Alfalfa hay 5.5

Grass hay 5

SBM-44% 2 2.2 1.7

SBM-49% 1.0

DDGS 1.3 1.65

Limestone .15 .1 .15

Dical Phos. .1

Preconditioning Rations - Normal Wn. WeightsPreconditioning Rations - Normal Wn. Weights

Ration 1 2 3 4 5

Grass Hay

3.3 4.4 6

Alf. Hay 5.5 5.0

SB Hulls

4.4 6.5 6.4 1.1

CGF 3.3 1.1

Corn 5.7

SB Meal 2.0 .7 2.0 1.8

DDGS 1.6 2.2

IRM St. Min.

.25 .25 .25 .25 .25

500 lb calf, ADG = 2.5 lbs for 45 days. Grass hay 50% TDN and 9% CP; Alfalfa 62% TDN and 19.9 CP DM basis.

Feed Price AssumptionsFeed Price AssumptionsFeed Price Feed Price

Sh. Corn $175 / ton DDG’s $175 / ton

Corn Gluten

$150 / ton Alfalfa Hay $200 / ton

Soy Hulls $160 / ton Grass Hay $125 / ton

SBM 44% $285 / ton Limestone $3.05 / bag

SBM 48% $293 / ton Dical $10.25 / bag

Feed Cost of GainEarly Weaning Rations

Feed Cost of GainEarly Weaning Rations

Ration Cost per Day Cost / lb gain

1 – Alf, corn, SBM

$1.04 $0.52

2 – Hay, Corn, SBM

$0.84 $0.42

3 – Hull, Gluten, SBM, DDG

$0.88 $0.44

4 - Hull, Gluten, SBM, DDG

$0.82 $0.41

Feed Cost of Gain(Pre-conditioning Rations)Ration Cost per Day Cost / lb gain

1 – Hay, SH, CGF, SBM

$1.17 $0.47

2 – Hay, SH, DDG, SBM

$1.11 $0.45

3 – Hay, SC, SBM $1.24 $0.50

4 – Alf, SH, SBM $1.40 $0.56

5 – Alf, SH, CGF, SC, DDG

$1.20 $0.48

KY Feeder Steers(Week of 9-27-07)

Average Weight

Avg. Price per cwt

Value per head

Difference

3wts $121.21 $424.24

4wts $114.25 $514.13 $89.89

5wts $110.33 $606.82 $92.69

6wts $106.42 $691.73 $84.91

7wts $102.36 $767.70 $75.97

8wts $102.86 $874.31 $106.61

Sellout now and buy back in spring?

Sellout now and buy back in spring?

• Stock cows averaging near $650 this fall• Pairs ranged from $850 to $1,000 last spring• Wintering costs – (140 days @ $1.75) = $245• Mkt. value + winter feed savings = $850 to

$950• Considerations

– Prices for pairs this spring– Quality– Tax considerations

• Stock cows averaging near $650 this fall• Pairs ranged from $850 to $1,000 last spring• Wintering costs – (140 days @ $1.75) = $245• Mkt. value + winter feed savings = $850 to

$950• Considerations

– Prices for pairs this spring– Quality– Tax considerations

WarningWarning

Consider all alternatives before you pay too much for poor-quality large round hay bales or other sources of

roughage.

Consider all alternatives before you pay too much for poor-quality large round hay bales or other sources of

roughage.

Long Term AdjustmentLong Term Adjustment

• Store a surplus of hay (carry-over)

• Consider some warm season grass pasture

• Select cattle for reproductive efficiency

• Calving season

• Store a surplus of hay (carry-over)

• Consider some warm season grass pasture

• Select cattle for reproductive efficiency

• Calving season

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?