Forages are a critical part of feeding programs to make it through northern winters. North Dakota State University Extension Livestock Systems Specialist Janna Block recommends farmers conduct a thorough hay inventory for the upcoming feeding season. “You need to have your bale count, bale weight estimate, livestock inventory, average livestock weight and take those times the number of days in your feeding period.” Block says livestock producers can have a more accurate estimate if you take into account forage quality. “As forage quality increases, digestibility increases so cattle are able to eat a little bit more. You also have to take into consideration if you’re feeding bulls, cows, steers, or heifers.”
