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County Impact Statements - White County
Stockpiled Fescue Management Reduces Hay Feeding
Feeding beef cattle in the winter is the greatest expense for beef cattle
producers. Stockpiled fescue is a way to reduce feed cost in the winter months,
by grazing instead of feeding hay or supplements. Marty Martin in Velvet Ridge
was looking at ways to become more efficient in beef cattle production. One of
his main goals was to reduce the amount of hay and supplementals being fed.
Stockpiled fescue management is a part of a state wide Focus Program,
Reducing Winter Feed Cost. This program addresses the management problem of high
beef cattle winter feed cost. The goal of the program is to increase beef cattle
producer's awareness of management considerations in reducing winter feed costs,
through producer cooperative demonstrations.
Fescue was stockpiled on 65 acres beginning, September 19th and 2 tons/acre
of broiler litter was applied. Thirty-two cows and one bull were turned in on
the fescue on December 15th. The cattle grazed the fescue til February 5th. The
cattle did not require any hay or supplement for the 52 days of grazing.
The Martins were very satisfied with the program and the feed expense saved.
They plan on utilizing other fields the same way. The information gained from
the program is being used to educate other producers about the savings from
stockpiled fescue.
Beef cattle grazing stockpiled fescue on day 24 of the
demonstration.
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Impacts
- The Martin's reduced their hay feeding by 52 days.
- The nutrient value of the stockpiled fescue was 18% protein and 69%
energy (TDN) versus his hay value of 9.5% protein and 51% TDN. The fescue
was considerably better quality.
- The 32 cows increased their body condition score from 4 to a 5.
- Economic information has been developed that is of benefit to all beef
cattle producers in White County.
- Local Extension Agents have gained valuable field experience with local
producer.
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