Reduce Feed Access to Extend Forage Supplies Amidst Drought

Making forage go farther is a priority for every cattle producer in consecutive years of severe to exceptional drought. Beef Specialist Ron Lemenager at Purdue Extension says beef producers can adjust their feed management strategies to extend feed supplies. Lemenager researched the impact to performance when allowing access to feed on hourly increments. He says dry matter intake in an 8-hour timeframe is similar to 24-hour feed access.

The Indiana-based specialist says this reduction in feed access will significantly reduce wasted hay residue outside the bale ring. As cutting hay yields declined between 10 and 30% nationwide, small management changes can make a big difference in extending forage supplies amidst drought conditions.

Read more on cattle feeding during a drought here.