The high prices of corn, a major energy source for most livestock feeds, and depleted hay reserves are going to impact winter feeding costs this year. Overwintering costs are one of the most expensive inputs in a cow-calf operation, and small per-head daily savings can really add up by the time spring arrives. Last year’s drought led to many different types of hay and alternative feedstuffs being fed to area livestock. While some of these products were brought into the area from great distances at great expense due to sheer necessity, others not normally used around here could economically find their way back into the winter feeding repertoire for years to come.
In order to assist producers in preparing for the coming winter feeding season, the Smith County Extension office, along with the East Texas Farm and Ranch Club, will be holding a Winter Feeding Strategies Workshop beginning at 6:00 PM June 28 at the Pico de Gallo restaurant (713 WSW Loop 323) in Tyler.
Topics to be covered at the meeting include: types of hay, energy sources, and protein sources. Different age and production categories of beef cattle (i.e. dry cows, pregnant cows, lactating cows, developing heifers, breeding age bulls, or young growing calves) have different nutritional requirements. Come to this meeting to learn how to best match the nutritional needs of your cattle with economical and appropriate feed sources. The speaker for the meeting will be Dr. Jason Banta, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist from the TAMU Research and Extension Center at Overton.
For planning purposes, participants are asked to call the East Texas State Fair office at (903) 597 - 2501 by June 26.
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