Winter feed costs can take a big bite out of cattle producers’ bottomline. NDSU Extension Livestock Specialist Karl Hoppe says one of the most overlooked opportunities to reduce expenses is limiting feed waste. “Cows are really good at wasting feed if you give them the chance. They’ll pick through the good stuff and leave the rest.” Hoppe also encourages producers to test their feed to ensure cattle are getting adequate protein and energy. Lower-cost feed alternatives, including sugarbeet byproducts, may also help control expenses. However, transportation costs need to be factored into the equation.
