Hay inventory and testing
- Getting your hay tested is the only way to know for sure what the nutrient content of your forage is.
- Estimate your winter feeding needs now to prepare for this winter.
- If you want to get your hay tested or would like help estimating your winter feeding needs, please call the office.
Group cattle for winter feeding
- Animals that require more nutrients can be separated from those that are in maintenance to help utilize hay supply more efficiently and use supplemental feed appropriately.
- If there are cows with lower body condition scores, separating these out can allow for them to catch up to cows in adequate condition.
- This of course depends on the amount of space and forage you have available but may be a good option if your operation allows for this.
Pasture and grazing management
- Typically around this time of the year our cool season forages’ growth will begin to slow and they need longer recovery times.
- From November to January fescue forages are recommended to start grazing at 4-6 inches of growth and stop grazing at 2-3 inches. Recovery times are typically anywhere from 45-90 days.
- Begin monitoring for cool season weeds such as chickweed and buttercup.
Sources:
Grouping the Cowherd for Winter Feeding
