Haylage, corn silage, high moisture corn along with soybean meal, Brewer's grains and blood meal are the major ingredients. Cottonseed and fish meal have also been used. Alfalfa dried hay is fed to the cows in production. All rations are weighed and mixed so that the Nierman Family knows exactly what is fed. A dairy consultant has been hired to formulate rations for the milking herd and replacement animals.
All supplements are mixed on the farm.
No commercial prepared feed is used. All feed stuffs are tested and used accordingly. The consultant also checks cows body fat periodically and does routine pregnancy examinations. All cows and replacements are on a strict vaccination program. The use of a consultant has greatly improved herd health and decreased veterinary costs.