Fontanelle, IA | robbertsfarms - 9/23/2025 06:43
Currently feeding our small cow-calf herd with round bales in winter feeding, as do most in my area. It definitely fits my current program, and I don't have a need to change, but as our herd will be growing over the next few years, I know I will probably be stretching how much should be being fed by rounds and should be fed by wagon. I'll admit I have hated the idea of being married to the feed wagon daily, grinding feed, and all that comes with that. But it appears from what I have read and been told that it will be the most efficient use and best management of feeding that many head. So, all that to say, when and why did you make the change to feeding by wagon? Or what's the most head being fed by rounds only? Not trying to bash feeding by wagon by any means, just haven't had any experience with it, and trying to learn as much before transitioning the operation.
Looking in my own mirror, the only things that I’m asking myself /influence my decisions are:
1. What’s it currently costing to feed my cows?
2. What are time and equipment constraints under my current system vs. what I perceive time and equipment will be under my “proposed” system?
3. Where do feed prices and cattle prices trend into the future?
4. What is my time worth? Does the savings add up to justify the process?
Have I stepped over dollars to save dimes? Have I missed 100’s of $$$ of other opportunities by saving pennies? Sorry, that’s all I got…. |
How did you switch feeding programs?
