Nebraska Extension Series On Evaluating Feed Options Amid Drought, Higher Hay Prices
By Natalie Jones | IANR Communications
With drought conditions affecting forage availability and higher hay prices
increasing winter feeding costs, Nebraska Extension will offer its Fundamentals of
Feeding the Cow webinar series this fall to help cattle producers evaluate feed
options and make informed nutrition decisions.
The four-session online series will be held Nov. 9, 12, 16 and 19 from 7:30 to 8:45
p.m. CT.
Fundamentals of Feeding the Cow is designed to help producers better understand the
nutritional needs of beef cows and how those needs change throughout the production
cycle. Participants will learn how to evaluate available feed resources, compare
alternatives, and develop feeding strategies that meet cow requirements while
managing costs.
The series comes as drought conditions and higher hay prices are prompting some
producers to take a closer look at available forage supplies and consider
alternative feeds. Knowing a cow's nutrient requirements - and how to accurately
compare feeds based on nutritional value and cost - can help producers determine
which options make the most sense for their operations.
The series will cover four key areas:
* Understanding how a cow's nutrient requirements change throughout the
production cycle
* Reading and interpreting feed test analyses and feed tags
* Comparing feed options and determining the best buy
* Developing cost-effective, year-round feeding plans
Nebraska Extension educators Erin Laborie, Troy Walz and Brock Ortner will lead the
series. Sessions are designed to provide practical information producers can apply
to their own operations, with opportunities for participants to ask questions
throughout the course.
Registration is $65 and includes a notebook of Nebraska Extension resources.
Participation is limited to 40 people, and registration is due Oct. 26.
