Forking out for Feed - Feed shortages 2023

Low Moisture early this spring...

has resulted in small pockets of crop loss, leading to varying tonnages of silage during the harvest season. For instance, the eastern side of the region yielded about two tonnes per acre for barley, while areas closer to Ponoka experienced upwards of 11 tonnes per acre.

Dry areas are not a new phenomenon in Alberta, as the province experiences a wide range of climates. To combat these conditions producers in the southern region have implemented irrigation systems and canals to alleviate the effects of the consistent drought.

As the demand for feed outpaces supply, skyrocketing costs are putting additional financial strain on producers. The unpredictable nature of feed prices creates volatility in the market. To address the challenges posed by feed shortages, cattle producers in 2023 are exploring various solutions. Some are implementing innovative feeding strategies, such as utilizing alternative feed sources or adopting precision feeding technologies to optimize nutrition and reduce waste. Others are investing in improved storage and preservation techniques to extend the shelf life of existing feed supplies. Producers must prioritize the health and welfare of their herds while navigating the environmental implications associated with limited feed availability.

In recent years, the global agricultural sector has faced numerous challenges, and one of the critical issues affecting cattle producers is the shortage of feed. As we enter 2023, the scarcity of feed has become even more pronounced in certain areas where others have thrived, posing significant challenges for producers.

Hay production was particularly challenging this year and failed to achieve a successful two cuts. Producers resorted to one of two methods to cope with the situation. The first method involved taking an early first cut with shorter grasses, resulting in a significant drop in quantity for most producers. The losses ranged from a quarter to half of last year's hay quantity. A lack of spring moisture caused much of the first cut to dry out and burn, resulting in lower protein levels and depleted minerals. While the second cut was usually decent, stunted growth meant that quantity was still limited. The second method involved only having one cut, which resulted in higher amounts of hay in one cut, but no more than anyone who opted for two cuts. However, most timothy and alfalfa had headed out, leading to mature grasses. While this method produced a higher fibre content, protein levels were not particularly low.

Dealing with different silage outputs, we have come across drier silage this year that was difficult to achieve optimal density. This can also lead to air pockets within the silage, which can cause spoilage and result in a lower quality feed for livestock. On the other hand, high moisture silage can become too dense and lead to reduced oxygen levels within the silage. This can create an environment for harmful bacteria to grow, leading to the production of toxins that are harmful to livestock. To ensure the best quality silage for your livestock, it is important to carefully monitor moisture levels during the chopping process. While dry silage may have lower as-fed yields, it can provide a more consistent feed quality and better preservation of nutrients. On the other hand, high-moisture silage may require higher feeding rates due to the lower concentration of nutrients in each bite. It's important to note, however, that dry matter content is not the only factor to consider when evaluating silage quality. Other factors such as nutrient content, fermentation quality, and palatability should also be taken into account. Using inoculant, 2 in 1 silage tarps, and ensuring proper packing will be a savior when looking at minimizing losses.

Extend your Forage

Protein Tubs - Supplement lacking nutrients such as protein and energy to reduce your forage intake.

Can reduce hay consumption up to 25%. Can reduce silage consumption up to 20%

Hay and Feed Sampling - Feed tests offer precise values for dry matter, protein, minerals, vitamins, and energy content of feed, enabling customized diet formulations that reduce waste and provide optimal nutrition.

Mineral and Salt - These elements help in the proper functioning of the body, including growth, digestion, sexual health, quality of meat, etc. These can be provided in various forms, such as blocks, or premixes

Swath Grazing - Swath grazing involves cutting and leaving forage crops such as corn or cereal grains in the swaths for the cattle to graze on. Additionally, swath grazing can improve soil health as animal manure fertilizes the land. It also allows for better utilization of the entire crop, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.

Grazing Stubble Fields - Turning cattle out on harvested fields is a great way to make use of any extra feed that may have been missed, reduce days on stored feeds and clean up fence lines and field edges. While this is a short-term solution, it can be a longer-term strategy if you limit the number of cattle per field.

Feeding Straw - Stretching quality hay or silage can be achieved by supplementing with straw. However, it's essential to note that straw lacks required amounts protein, vitamins, and energy. Therefore, a quality mineral program or protein tubs will be required to feed straw. Be mindful of impactions if cattle are on a heavy straw diet. Adding in Urea via protein tub can aid with hard to digest fibre within the straw.

Extending Grazing - By using a rotational grazing system, you can either maintain grazing or leave your cattle on more depleted grass for longer periods of time. This method, combined with the addition of protein and minerals, can help you save money. Consider planting an annual grass such as rye with your cereal blend, for additional fall pasture.

Weigh your feed - Minimize over or under feeding by knowing the proper weight of your bales. Over feeding and wasting hay can cost a lot over a winter. It is important to know the weight of your grains and minerals too, one pail of oats will typically be lighter than one pail of barley. use a food scale and mark out the desired amount on your bucket or scoop.

Planning for 2024

Number one; Let talk. Our team can help you prepare for this winter and look ahead into 2024.

Soil sampling can provide important insights into the health and fertility of soil, which is essential for successful crop growth. By analyzing the composition of soil samples, farmers and agricultural experts can determine the levels of nutrients, minerals, and organic matter present in the soil. This information can then be used to make informed decisions about fertilization, irrigation, and other aspects of crop management. Additionally, soil sampling can help identify potential issues such as soil contamination or nutrient deficiencies before they become major problems. We can use this information to plan next seasons crops and how they can be rotated, worked or changed to best suit the soil.

Our nutrition team has been diligently gathering feed samples and testing nutrient, energy, and protein levels. We can provide on farm assessments to look at stored feeds and silage pits. Infrared cameras allow us to easily identify heat spots within silage pits and other stored feeds. Our silage density tests can look into fermentation and how well silage is packed. These analyses will allow us to create custom rations that meet all of your herd's nutritional needs. In addition, we will develop custom-blended mineral programs to fill any gaps.