As a result of this summer's adverse weather, beef producers may again be faced with a shortage of winter feed similar to last winter. Now is the time to evaluate winter feed supplies vs. requirements and develop a plan of action. If the feed supply is inadequate then additional feed must be acquired, or cattle numbers reduced. The number of days that feed is required must be determined. This will vary from around 90 to 150 days, depending on the climate in your area and the amount of stockpiled forage available.
Stockpiled forage is an excellent way to reduce stored feed requirements.
A quick, easy way to estimate feed requirements is on the basis of animal units. Utilizing this method each animal unit will require approximately 25 pounds of hay or 50 pounds of corn silage, assuming average to good quality hay or silage. The herd total is 48 animal units. You also must have a good estimate of the quantity of feed available to determine if the animals' needs can be met. When estimating quantity of hay it is best to obtain the average weight of several bales and then multiply this times the number of bales.