Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/924041
39 farm406 Utilizing lower quality forage, along with high quality forage maximizes the efficiency of a winter feeding program and is critical in extending feed supplies on years when good hay is in short supply. Summary: • Technology has advanced to the point where the Highline forage processor delivers accurate cutting and blending of forages reducing winter feeding costs. • Financial stability comes from monitoring costs and strategically employing technology that gives a good return on investment. • A Cost of Production worksheet can be found using this link https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/business-and-economics/ financial-management/pubs/cop_beef_cowcalf.pdf post-calving months. Historically, these cows ate free choice long hay during pre and post-calving. Utilizing the blending capabilities of the forage processor during the 2016-2017, 190 day winter feeding period, Ghelen reduced his feeding cost by more than $50 per cow. Calving in January put additional pressure on his feeding program but the blended hay and straw diet supported a 93% pregnant rate in his cows at rebreeding time. He was able to chop and blend two 1900 pound bales of forage and blend in grain in fewer than five minutes. Not only did it reduce his bottom line, but it drastically cut down on time spent feeding the herd. And precisely feeding the daily requirement for each animal does not allow those animals with a high residual feed intake to eat more than they need. Additionally, Ghelen installed a scale option to improve his accuracy in daily feeding. By changing the aggression settings on the processor, he was able to dial up a specific blend that adjusted the ratio of hay to straw. This feature allows backgrounders, heifers and cows to be fed differently, according to their needs, all while keeping daily feed costs for the herd under control. By introducing a forage processor to his operation, Ghelen added little to the expense side yet saw a great return on investment resulting in an increase to the bottom line. The future for feeding ruminant animals can be more profitable by understanding and selecting the correct forage processor model for your livestock operation. S A S L E FELTON ANGUS FELTON ANGUS February 12, 2018 March 12, 2018 March 15, 2018 HOLDEN HEREFORDS HOLDEN HEREFORDS MALEK ANGUS MALEK ANGUS Bull Bull Upcoming Bull Sales Upcoming Bull Sales WINTER WINTER