Q. Do cows need protein supplement on cornstalks? (Oct 3, 2012)
A. A number of factors can influence whether or not there is a benefit to feeding cows a protein supplement when grazing cornstalks. The following are a list to consider when determining whether or not the feeding of a protein supplement is needed.
Q. What is the feed value of cornstalk bales? (Nov 13, 2012)
A. Corn stalk bales are everywhere this year and can provide much needed winter feed. But before you feed those bales, first find out what they have to offer nutritionally. Sample and test your bales as soon as possible so when snow gets deep or other feeds run out you will already know how to best feed your corn stalk bales.
Q. Can I limit feed dried distillers grains by adding salt and feeding through either a tub or a creep feeder? I want to use the dried distillers as a protein supplement. (Nov 27, 2012)
A. I don't know why it couldn't be used in this situation. It would be important that the salt be uniformly mixed in the dried distillers and remain uniformly distributed throughout the feeding period. The diet would have plenty of phosphorus. Calcium would need to be added to the mixture.
Q: What are projected cow costs for 2013 in Nebraska? (Dec 4, 2012)
A: Projected cow costs for 2013 in Nebraska will really vary throughout the state based on the cost of available feed resources. The drought has resulted in a shortage of feed that has caused prices to sky rocket. For operations needing large amount of harvested feed to get their cows through the winter, this will have a tremendous impact on their production costs for 2013.
Q: What is the going rate to charge for calving out and yardage of first calf heifers? (January 6, 2010)
A: This information is from an old survey conducted by Dr. Gosey in 1994, but is a good reference to get you started. Feed costs have gone up and labor costs, so you would want to make those adjustments.