Grazing crop residues (especially after harvest of corn or grain sorghum) can routinely be used to provide a substantial number of days of grazing for beef cattle, but can be especially valuable in years when pasture and hay production have been less-than-optimum. This option becomes even more attractive if grassed [...]
During a discussion of the economics of forage-livestock production, the point will usually be made that stored feed (predominately hay) should be a major consideration. It is a fact that feeding animals during times when pasture forage is not available is typically the greatest expense associated with production of grazing [...]
Once a forage-livestock producer has decided to plant a given forage species, he or she will usually find there are several varieties of which seed is available. So how should a person go about deciding which variety to plant? Advice from friends, neighbors, and respected advisors can be helpful, but [...]
Numerous management factors can have an impact on the economics of beef production, as well as on other livestock enterprises. Every farm is different, so the relevance of a given issue to a particular farm varies. However, a management approach that typically is of great economic value often interacts with [...]
The most expensive aspect of raising livestock is providing feed for them. In general, pasture forage is less expensive than hay or other stored feed, including hay. Here is a concise review of the major options for reducing stored feed. Â Use Cool Season and Warm Season Forages On some [...]
