Stretching fodder and feed supplies when money is tight

I have received many calls from customers in the last few weeks regarding what feeds represent value for money this winter.

Some are asking the question because they anticipate running short on fodder, and want to stretch supplies.

Many are also finding it hard to secure the volumes of beet that they had budgeted for.

Those who grew their own cereals had lower yields than expected, and as a result are going through their stocks quickly, and it will not last to the spring unless usage is slowed down.

Ideally, if feed supplies look like being short, you should purchase necessary supplies as soon as possible.

There are very few signs of feed getting cheaper, come the spring.

Most beef farmers I speak to are adamant that they will not make the same mistake that they did last spring, and turn all stock out as early as in the spring of 2012.

Many may not agree, but it is a common sentiment among beef producers. They will be happier to lengthen the traditional housing period by a week, to bank up an extra supply of grass. This will provide a feed safety valve until the main growing season arrives.

Value for money feeds? Buying silage may not be the best option, due to quality issues.

Many are looking at maize meal as a great option to stretch forages and concentrates, because it offers very good value this winter.

It is a high energy, excellent quality feed. It is a must-include ingredient for all finishing cattle this winter, due to the lower quality energy available in most forages and concentrates.

It will help animals to achieve their final fat cover. Maize meal in many instances I have heard this week is available at a similar price to rolled barley.

Digestible fibres such as soya hulls, citrus pulp and beet pulp are also common topics for discussion, as options to replace forages and concentrates. Hulls supply seems to be tightening up lately, while citrus prices have increased accordingly. Beet pulp nuts are available widely this winter, but vary in quality, so make sure you know what you are getting before delivery.

Remember that no single straight is capable of balancing diets for all stock on a beef farm, if you have different categories of varying ages, sexes and production systems.

Many are looking at three-way mixes as an excellent option for this winter, but remember to add minerals to these blends.