Using a hay bale to supplement your cattle is a tried-and-true method that many producers use. It is reasonably priced compared to other feedstuffs, though the quality can vary depending on many factors.
While using a hay bale, many people tend to look at the upfront cost. While this may be good initially, it is not always best to be the only way. You will want to examine how much that particular will cost per unit of energy or protein.
Like with other feedstuffs, it is always a good idea to break down the price into simple units to compare apples to apples. Though a hay bale may look like a good deal initially, it may not be. Once you have broken down the price into those units, you will find it will cost you more.
Fertilizer costs have increased significantly over the last few decades, even more so over the last couple of years. For example, nitrogen fertilizer has doubled in just the last two years. With the way things are going, it does not look like they will change for the better any time soon.
Feed costs remain the single most significant expense for any cattle producer. Depending on different factors, this expense can easily be half of the total annual expenses for a rancher.
As sure as the turning of the world being in winter means having to buy feed. The reason for that is that during this time, forages go dormant and provide less for animals. Though they do not like it, producers must buy supplements to feed their animals during this time.
Hay is an essential part of any winter feeding program. It is used to supplement cattle’s nutritional needs when forages become dormant. However, when it comes to feeding harvested forages, you need to know what you have in order to understand what to provide.
A protein tub is an excellent way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture, you don’t need to check it every day. Not having to check it daily is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
Having to feed supplements is sometimes necessary for cattle operations. That being said, it is something other than what most ranchers like to do. Feed costs remain the single most considerable expense for any cattle producer. The amount really depends on different things, but it can easily be half of the total annual expenses.
Using a hay bale to supplement your cattle is a tried and true method that many producers use. It is reasonably priced compared to other feedstuffs. Though, like other feedstuffs, the quality can vary depending on many factors.
Fertilizer costs have increased a lot over the last few decades, even more over the last couple of years. An example of this is that nitrogen fertilizer has doubled in just the last 2 years. With the way things are going it is not looking it will change for the better any time soon.
Feed costs remain the single largest expense for any cattle producer. Depending on different factors this expense can easily be half of the total annual expenses for a rancher.
