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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.

Weaning Considerations

By Brooke Brunsvig, Nutritional Consultant

Since August is upon us, it feels like September is already next week and has me starting to gear up for weaning considerations. At this stage of the game, that includes thinking about creep feeding or not to creep calves in preparation. As our region reverts to more droughty conditions (though we got to start the year with magnificent grass growth and pastures calves disappeared into) we need to consider what is the best way to reach our end goal for this calf crop.

No argument, we are paid on weight, and hands down, the most efficient weight is gained the younger the calf is. Creep feed generally has a 5-7:1 conversion and you can realize 30-60 added pounds at weaning easily. It will take 8-12 pounds of feed to put on a pound of gain once they’re in the feedlot. Calves with genetically high growth potential will not get overly fleshy for sale from creep feeding. These calves will start on feed quicker than their non-crept counterparts. Factor in how your cows milk; calves on creep from first calf heifers or poor milkers will have the same gain as calves without creep from more mature cows or better milking cows. Creep won’t fail to pay back unless you finish the critter or come very close to doing so, but the longer you feed them at home post-weaning, the less of a return generally seen.

IMPORTANT: It is a misconception that creep feed reduces nursing pressure on the cow, BUT a bit more of the grass in the pasture will end up available to her if the calves are busy eating creep feed.

1.5-2% of their body weight is typical consumption. When the calves are eating greater than 2% of their body weight in creep feed, it is time to wean or make them work the creep gate harder if you’re not quite prepared to pull the trigger.

Starter feed and stress tubs are also topics of conversation when we get to visit. Consider Recharge from Hubbard, it is a great and highly economical rumen health supplement that comes in .5lb pellets and a drench. It can be used as a starter, but also as a pulse fed immune booster where CTC might have been run in the past. Disclaimer: IF the critter is sick, you still need CTC.

8/9/2024

Summer

By Shannon Voegele, Nutritional Consultant

High heat and declining forage quality can put added stress on your cattle during these summer months. This is a prime time to be putting out protein tubs in your pastures to help stretch your feed source. Protein deficiency can inhibit your gains, and lower production, so it’s important to use your supplemental feeding program to add protein into the diet. This will improve rumen function and increase digestibility of the fiber.

Flies are also a big concern this year. We have several options we can discuss for fly control. Fly control methods are also critical in helping to control pink eye. Don’t forget to make sure you are checking your water sources to make sure they are staying clean and keep a close eye on calves showing signs of summer pneumonia.  These temperature swings can put calves at an increased risk especially this time of year when they are not receiving as much immunity from their mothers. 

8/2/2024

Feed Fleet

By Tyler McCoy, Feed Department Manager

One of our companies’ major variable expenses has always been on truck repairs.  It’s something that has plagued the industry for many years. If you figure out freight, then you have a great chance to make money, the pandemic really tipped the freight world upside down. When I took over, I knew we had a big problem with truck repairs, but we also had a lot of older equipment. I tried to upgrade, and it worked for a while but this year the wheels are coming off. To counter, the board approved the feed department to purchase their first ever brand-new truck. We are trying to see if buying new and paying a warranty will be cheaper than paying for repairs. We also purchased a new older model Peterbilt and moved the old feed body off an older straight truck for Canova. Last month the board approved a new straight truck for Tyndall/Springfield, so we found a good used 2016 Freightliner to put that body on just this week. Coop is in a great position to upgrade and there doesn’t seem to be a bigger need for our department. It also really seems to help with morale, I mean who doesn’t like a new shiny toy? As always, thank you for the business and the support.

7/12/2024

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