This winter has been very difficult for our cattle (and our beef producers!)
As we entered fall 2009 it appeared we had lots of grazing available and adequate hay stocks. That has changed drastically with snow and ice covering our cornstalks and stockpiled grass, and extreme weather increasing the cows’ feed requirements.
“As we start the calving season, we need to be sure cows keep in good body condition and nutrient requirements are met,” says Joe Sellers, Iowa State University Beef Program specialist.
Some hay harvested in 2009 was low quality.
“In a typical year, almost all of our cool season grass/legume mix hay is more than adequate in crude protein, and often is high enough in energy to meet the beef cow requirements the last part of gestation,” Sellers says. “Unfortunately, this year’s hay was more variable in quality and may not meet the basic cow requirements.”
If the cow herd is not maintaining body condition, producers may need to add protein and energy supplementation. Corn co-products such as corn gluten feed and distillers grains are good sources of both protein and energy. Corn also may be added to provide needed energy. Actually testing hay for nutrient values can allow you to match supplementation to what you really need.
In addition to basic protein and energy needs, it is important to meet mineral and vitamin needs with supplements or free choice minerals. Be sure to monitor mineral consumption to ensure critical micro-minerals such as copper, zinc and selenium and needed vitamins are consumed at high enough levels.
Local producers who need help with beef cow rations can contact their local ISU Extension beef specialist. Contact Sellers at (641) 203-1270 or sellers@iastate.edu.
Farm
March 1, 2010
Tough winter for Iowa beef cows
- Farm
-
- Benz new member of American Angus Association
-
Northey: $271,000 from USDA available to help promote specialty crops, comments accepted on program priorities
Groups promoting fruits, vegetables, nuts and flowers encouraged to consider applying.
- Wetlands Reserve Program applications due Feb. 17
- New AGI policy
-
Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey encourages century and heritage farm owners to apply
Applications must be postmarked by June 1 to be recognized at Iowa State Fair.
- B.V. Sodbusters 4-H Club January meeting minutes
- Putnam County’s Extension info night SWCD meeting set for next week
-
Local couple awarded 2012 Iowa Seedstock Producer of the Year
-
Centerville High School FFA donates money to C.A.A.R.E.
- IFAA offers Iowa youth $97,000 in scholarships
- Have fun, support 4-H at Iowa 4-H Foundation Gala
- Reed family receives Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
- Premium Standard Farms completes installation of Next Generation Technology seven months ahead of schedule
- Property taxes, regulatory reform and infrastructure funding among Iowa Farm Bureau priorities for 2012 legislative session
- Educational opportunities at 2012 Iowa Pork Congress
- More Farm Headlines
