Feed Forum

Photo submitted by a local producer to our feed department manager.  It's great to see how our local coop is reaching out to the next generation of producers!  It's about more than just making feed.

 

 

Meeting and Mill Work

By Tyler McCoy, Feed Department Manager

Next week we have our producer meeting in Viborg and would love to see you come out for a free meal. Brooke and Leah have put together some great presenters that would love to learn more about how we can help you be more successful.

The mill in Montrose had one of its two major shutdowns on President’s Day weekend. The legs were raised 15 feet along with a new finish bin distributor. We also changed from 8” spouting to 12” to help the pipes breathe and allow the feed to flow better into the finish bins. The belts were replaced with double cups closer together so that the legs can handle the new mixer. Our next shutdown is next week March 14-17th. They will be tearing out the old scale, mixer, surge and bottoms of the legs. We will then be doubling the size of the scale, mixer and surge to 4 ton. Please make sure to check bins and commodity sheds so that you don’t run out while we are shut down and I hope to see some of you next week at our Producer Meeting. As always thanks for your business!

3/8/2024

 

 

Cattle Market

By Brooke Brunsvig, Nutritional Consultant

I’ve been trying for a while now to wrap my head around the cattle market from various perspectives. I recall many a calf sale in the winter of ’22-’23 from which the seller left with a smirk on their face, but I wouldn’t say expecting that kind of sale to happen multiple years in a row. I also recall having many conversations with leery producers on the finishing side of the equation, and the story has only gotten wilder since then. I haven’t heard anyone really come to a consensus about what is happening, and more importantly, is likely to happen soon. There are numbers coming out our ears about lowest X since 19XX, but I want to focus on what I believe drives things most, females.

We have the smallest beef cow herd since 1961, the smallest beef replacement heifer total since 1950, and further the smallest bred beef heifer number recorded since 2001. Most of the decrease has been in the top ten cow states. This all tells us that, unlike during other droughts, cows have been slaughtered instead of moved around the country. From an Article in Beef Magazine by Krissa Welshans, ‘What’s in store for 2024?’, high prices happen a year to a year and a half before herd expansion begins because feeder cattle supplies hit their lowest levels when this happens. We haven’t started herd expansion yet, and analysts don’t think feeder prices will hit their highs until 2025.

I hope my insights help, or at least spark more thought. Please reach out to me or any of your local CFC personnel for a conversation or assistance in capitalizing on the market in any way we can. 

2/23/2024

 

 

Coccidiosis

By Shannon Voegele, Nutritional Consultant

Many of you are probably fighting muddy conditions in your cattle yards.  This time of year is when Coccidiosis likes to show up in your herd.  Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease that affects several animal species. In cattle, it may produce clinical symptoms in animals 3 weeks to 1 year old, but it can infect all age groups.

Coccidiosis can cause significant economic losses in cattle. Industry experts estimate the losses at $100 million each year. Although most cattle are exposed to coccidia and infected, many of the infections are self-limiting and mild or asymptomatic.  Many cattle are affected and experience weight loss or decreased weight gains without showing obvious signs of illness and these cattle account for the majority of the economic losses. Deccox is a feed additive intended to be used for the prevention of coccidiosis.  We have Deccox products on hand at CFC, let me know if we can help get it added to your ration or if you need more information on the product. 

2/16/2024

 

 

 

 

 

Are you thinking about creep feeding?
Call a Nutritional Consultant or Location Manager for pricing and availability today.


Keep our feedlot programs in mind once you wean your calves.
Call a Nutritional Consultant or Location Manager for details.


Central Farmers Cooperative is dedicated to serving our patrons.
Please call the location nearest you to find out how one of our professional staff members can help you.


 

 Feed Staff

Tyler McCoy
Department Manager
Cell: 605-421-0872

Brooke Brunsvig
Beef Consultant
Cell: 605-480-4147  

 

Shannon Voegele
Nutritional Consultant
Cell: 605-750-0207