7 Tips for Smart Cattle Feeding this Winter

As cattle producers face winter conditions with limited hay and forage resources, the University of Missouri Extension office has seven tips to make it through the winter.

1. Test hay and sort by quality, then match with the appropriate supplements for precision feeding.
2. Reduce waste by using cone-type hay feeders or tapered-bottom feeders.
3. Store bales in a covered location or at least with no soil contact to reduce spoilage.
4. Divide forage ground into smaller areas with temporary fencing materials to easily extend grazing days for a given area.
5. Limit cow access to hay feeders to reduce waste while achieving optimal performance (only when testing is complete).
6. Know what your bales weigh. This can help you make informed purchasing decisions.
7. Know your operational costs and other implications before deciding to cull or feed through the winter.

Read more on winter feeding tips for cattle producers here.