FEEDING COSTS

   Some feed companies promoting self fed feeds have  grossly exaggerated  feeding cost to the point that many producers are confused on the subject.

   Feeding cost is generally about 12˘, per head, per day, with feeding three times a week. This totals about $18 per cow in a 150 day feeding season.

   As a general rule with feeds over 25% protein, twice a week feedings are very workable and reduces the feeding cost to about 6˘, per head, per day or $9 per cow in a 150 day feeding season.

   Once a week feeding  can reduce these cost to 4˘, per head, per day or $6 per cow for a 150 day feeding season, but generally can not be accomplished on large ranches due to the fact that a cake feeder will not hold enough feed to accomplish the goal.

   However, there is another option that is superior to all the above. Wait until late morning, when cattle are going to water and then feed. In so doing, a producer can feed twice a week and spend half the time feeding, thus reducing feeding cost to 4˘, per head, per day or $6 per cow in a 150 day feeding season.

   A producer can still see the cattle twice a week and have time to get those other projects done. Feeding cows on water, twice a week will have basically the same feeding cost as self fed feeds put out once a week and checking cattle once a week.

   There are several advantages to feeding cattle on water, twice a week. The biggest advantage is that cattle’s  grazing cycle is not disrupted like it is feeding early in the morning. This is a much bigger advantage than originally thought. The second advantage is that cattle are not waiting on the cake feeder or chasing every pickup in the county.

   Bottom line is that feeding cost can be reduced by about $12 per cow, which translates to $6,000 on a 500 cow operation and better results are obtained (timid cows have a better chance at the feed).

  Next, please go to the “Feeding Cost Calculator” and plug in your actual expenses to determine “Your Feeding Cost”...then play with some options like feeding twice a week or cutting the feeding time in half by feeding on water. As you play with feeding frequency, adjust fuel cost accordingly...FEEDING COST IS A REAL EXPENSE.

Dan E. Gary (806) 467-1987 or email to jrpumpjack@arn.net