Feed Testing & Ration Building Tools
Greenwood County has enjoyed a mild weather pattern the last few weeks following our large snowstorm. For many producers, this unseasonably warm stretch is welcomed, as many of us have started spring calving recently.
As our spring calving cows move into yet another calving season, I want to take a minute to remind producers of the importance of meeting the nutritional needs of their cowherds. I have several tools available to help you at our local county extension office.
Ration Building Help:
I can help area producers build rations for their cowherd. I enjoy working in nutrition and have a ration building software known as “BRANDS.” If you need help building a ration, swing by my office and let’s talk about your operational goals and available feed resources, and we can get something figured up.
Feed Testing:
Another critical component of proper livestock nutrition is knowing the nutritional value of your hay and other supplemental feedstuffs. Do you know the protein and TDN value of your brome, or that 2-year-old prairie hay you have been feeding?
I encourage local producers to bring their hay and feed samples to the office so we can get them tested for analysis. If you need a hay probe, or assistance in taking the samples I can help you, as we have resources here.
I always enjoy getting out of the office and seeing producer’s places…I am happy to come out and look through your cowherd with you, and provide a handson consultation on several items including Body Condition Scoring, range management, and long-range planning.
I can be reached at the office at 620-583-7455, or by email at [email protected]. I look forward to working with you.
