Feeding supplements are a reality in any cattle operation—but let’s be honest, it’s not something most of us enjoy spending money on. Feed costs can take up a considerable part of your annual budget, sometimes more than any other expense. In tough years, especially during droughts, feed alone can account for as much as 70% of your total operating costs.
However, here’s the good news: there are ways to reduce those costs without compromising quality. By focusing on your forage production and reducing hay waste, you can make a serious dent in your feed bill—and significantly boost your profitability. This potential for increased profitability should inspire you to take action and make the necessary changes in your operation.
It begins with thinking like a low-cost producer. These are the individuals who have figured out how to stretch their resources without sacrificing performance. They understand that staying productive is crucial to maintaining a successful business, and they make informed, long-term decisions that keep their costs low year after year. By adopting this strategic mindset, you can take control of your operation and make decisions that will lead to long-term success.
Improving forage quality, using your pastures wisely, and storing hay correctly—these aren’t just good habits. They’re strategic moves that pay off in the long run. Even minor adjustments can lead to significant savings when you add them up across a herd. This reassurance should give you the confidence to make these changes, knowing that they will have a positive impact on your operation over time.
So, while you may not be able to ditch supplements entirely, you can take control of how much you’re relying on them. And the more you understand your forage, your land, and your feeding habits, the more money you can keep in your pocket.
Forage First: Build a Strong Foundation
When it comes to running a profitable cattle operation, forages aren’t just part of the plan—they are the plan. Good forage is the foundation of a solid nutrition program, and the more high-quality forage your cattle can eat, the less you have to rely on expensive supplements. That means less money going out and more staying in your pocket.
If appropriately managed, forages can meet the majority of your herd’s nutritional needs with minimal supplementation. And when you’ve got plenty of good grass in front of your cows, profitability starts looking a whole lot more realistic. But boosting your forage production doesn’t happen by accident—it takes a little planning, and it all starts with the soil.
A soil test is one of the most valuable tools in your forage toolbox. It tells you exactly what’s going on beneath the surface—what nutrients your pasture is missing and what you need to add. Without that information, you’re just guessing. And guesswork can get expensive fast.
Once you’ve got your soil test results in hand, you can apply the right fertilizer and lime at the right time. That small step can make a big difference in your forage yields and quality over time. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make.
If you’re looking for ways to reduce feed costs and improve your bottom line, don’t overlook your pastures. Start with a soil test—and give your forage program the attention it deserves.
(And if you’re new to soil testing or need a refresher, check out my article “Don’t Hold Back Your Soil Test” for a step-by-step breakdown.)
Weeds and Stocking Rates—They Matter More Than You Think
If you want better forage—and let’s face it, who doesn’t—then you’ve got to stay on top of two significant factors: weeds and stocking rate. These might not sound exciting, but they’re game-changers when it comes to getting the most out of your pastures.
First, let’s talk weeds. Left unchecked, weeds compete with your desirable grasses for sunlight, water, and nutrients. And guess what? Weeds usually win that battle. When they take over, your pasture becomes less productive, and your cows have less quality forage to graze. That means more money spent on feed to make up the difference.
Now, stocking rate—this one often gets overlooked. Many folks think they know how many cows their pasture can handle, but they’re basing it on total acreage, not usable acreage. Rocks, gullies, brush, and bare spots? They all reduce how much forage your cattle actually have access to.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Control weeds early to reduce competition and improve forage growth.
- Evaluate your pastures honestly—what looks like 100 acres might only have 80 grazeable.
- Adjust your stocking rate to match your land’s actual carrying capacity.
Managing these two factors isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s part of a long-term strategy to build stronger pastures and lower your feed bill over time. It may require some initial effort, but the payoff is well worth it.
And if you’re not sure how to figure out your actual grazeable acreage, be sure to check out my article, “Estimating Your Grazeable Acreage.“ It’ll walk you through it step by step.
Know What Your Forages Are Actually Providing
If you really want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to feeding your herd, then knowing what’s actually in your forages is a must. Guessing will only get you so far—and most of the time, it ends up costing you more in unnecessary supplements.
That’s where forage testing comes in. By figuring out what nutrients your hay or pasture is actually providing, you can make smarter decisions about what, if anything, needs to be added. Maybe your
cattle are already getting plenty of protein from your grass—no need to buy extra if it’s not required.
Here’s how to get started:
- Test at different times of the year. Forage quality changes with the seasons, so testing just once won’t provide a comprehensive picture.
- Sort hay bales into lots. Group them based on when they were harvested—first cutting, second cutting, and so on.
- Understand the differences. First-cutting hay typically has more nutrients than later cuttings because the plants are younger and less mature.
Once you’ve tested your forage, you can “fill in the gaps” instead of guessing what your herd might be missing. This knowledge not only helps your cattle stay healthy and productive, but it also helps you avoid unnecessary spending on supplements.
Bottom line? Feeding without a forage test is like throwing darts in the dark. A little upfront effort with forage testing can go a long way in helping you manage feed costs and improve efficiency in your operation.
Hay Waste: The Hidden Feed Cost You Can Fix
Hay is one of the most significant feed expenses for cattle producers—not just the hay itself but everything that goes into it. You’re paying for seed, fertilizer, fuel, equipment wear, and labor. When you add it all up, hay can cost anywhere from $0.02 to $0.07 per pound of dry matter. That might not sound like much at first, but over time, it adds up—and in many cases, it ends up being more expensive than other feed sources.
So if you’re going to spend that kind of money, you want to make sure it’s not going to waste. Unfortunately, that’s precisely what happens when hay isn’t stored or fed properly.
For example, a study from Oklahoma State found that hay stored outside without cover can lose up to 50% of its dry matter before it ever gets to the cows. That’s like throwing half your feed bill straight into the wind.
And it doesn’t stop there. How you feed the hay matters just as much. If you’re just rolling bales out on the ground, cattle are going to trample on it, poop on it, and pick through it. Research shows that feeding without a rack—such as a hay ring—can result in losses of up to 40%.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to cut down on waste:
- Store hay under cover or on a well-drained surface to prevent moisture damage.
- Use hay feeders, such as rings or racks, to keep bales off the ground.
- Avoid feeding more than cattle can clean up in a day or two.
Making a few changes here can save you a lot in the long run—and help you stretch your hay investment much further.
Keep Tabs on What You’re Spending—and Why
Let’s face it—no matter how well you manage your pastures or how excellent your forage quality is, you’re probably not going to eliminate feed supplements completely. And that’s okay. The key is making sure you’re spending wisely and not overfeeding just to cover unknowns.
That’s where tracking your supplement costs really pays off.
Keeping a simple record of what you’re buying, when you purchase it, and how much it costs can provide valuable insights. If you start noticing consistent patterns—such as needing extra protein every fall or always running short on energy in the spring—that could be a red flag. It might point to a forage production issue or indicate that you’re not buying the best-quality hay for your herd’s needs.
Here’s why tracking matters:
- Spot potential problems early – Regular supplement use in mild conditions might signal low forage quality.
- Plan ahead – Knowing when your herd typically needs a boost allows you to prepare rather than react.
- Save money – With predictable needs, you can shop around, pre-contract, or lock in better prices on bulk feed before demand spikes.
You don’t need fancy software—just a notebook, spreadsheet, or even a phone app can do the job. The goal is simple: get a clear picture of where your money is going and why. The more you know, the better you can manage costs without sacrificing herd health or performance. And in today’s market, that kind of insight is worth its weight in feed.
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