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About Us
County Impact Statements - Perry County
Beef Producer Benefits from the Arkansas Beef
Improvement Program
Can you really cut your winter feed and mineral costs without reducing herd
performance? Perry County cattleman Kenny Brixey did. In his first year in the
University of Arkansas’ Supplemental Feeding Project, part of the Arkansas Beef
Improvement Program, Brixey reduced his feed costs by 27 percent. All without
compromising his cow/calf herd’s performance.
George Davis, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service Livestock
Specialist, and Perry County Extension Agent, Tom Moody, worked with Brixey on
the two-year program. The first step in the project was testing hay to determine
its nutrient and mineral content. Blood samples were also collected to determine
the animals’ mineral levels. The test results were then used to formulate a
balanced feed ration and a mineral program for Brixey’s herd. Test results
showed Brixey’s hay was of high quality. His lowest hay sample had a crude
protein content of 13.5%. And, the hay’s TDN (energy) level was high also,
ranging from 55 percent to 70 percent. Davis said hay and blood tests revealed
adequate levels of minerals. He told Brixey he could feed a less expensive
mineral and still meet the herd’s needs. Brixey said the hay tests revealed
something else: some of his hay was high in nitrates. So, now they feed the high
nitrate hay to animals that are less susceptible to nitrate toxicity and they
dilute it by setting out hay that’s lower in nitrates. Moody said the ABIP team
will test Brixey’s hay again this year and continue to fine-tune the producer’s
supplemental feed and mineral program.
Brixey said, "One of the main reason he agreed to take part in the program
was to find out if he was getting his money’s worth from his mineral program. We
definitely benefited from the program. I’m glad I took part in the program."
Kenny Brixey, ABIP participant, shown with George Davis, Shane
Gadberry and Tom Moody, Perry County Extension Agent.
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Impacts
- Kenny was able to reduce his feed needs by feeding the high quality hay
to the animals that needed it most.
- Brixey reduced his feed costs 17% by feeding the high quality hay.
- Kenny was able to reduce his mineral costs for a 12-month period from $11 an
animal unit to $8 per animal unit.
- According to the 1997 Census, Perry County had 310 livestock producers
with 14,518 head of cattle.
- 30 producers were able to evaluate their own farm operations through an ABIP
workshop.
- A Beef Bull Soundness Clinic was held with 10 producers testing 28
bulls.
- 72 producers protected their herd using the calfhood Brucellosis vaccination
program.
- Three producers are enrolled in the Arkansas Steer Feedout Program.
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