Additionally, there may be other custom-feeding opportunities to utilize low-cost feed resources such as drought-damaged silages or cornstalks in other regions, even if it is only short term to stretch tight hay supplies.
While many other factors should be considered, here are a few tips critical to a successful custom-feeding beef cow arrangement.
- Nutrition. Maternal management during the second and third trimester of gestation has a large impact on the health, performance and productivity of the calf. It’s important to ensure the caregiver is working with a reputable nutritionist to ensure beef cow requirements are met.
This includes sufficient mineral and vitamin supplementation, especially if cows will be fed low-quality storage feeds or grazing cornstalks, to ensure vitamin A and E deficiencies are not of concern during calving season. Evaluating body condition score prior to delivery will aid in determining what the nutritional program of the herd needs to look like.
- Management. Knowing the facilities and environment the cows will be maintained in is important. Communication among the owners, caregivers and veterinarians is important to establish health protocols that ensure successful pregnancies.
Outlining realistic performance expectations up-front and determining financial responsibilities, including death and pregnancy loss risks, yardage and feed costs charges, as well as treatment expenses, ensures both parties have similar management goals.
- Biosecurity. Last, biosecurity is very important when cows return to the cow-calf operation, especially if the custom feeder has cattle from multiple sources on the premise. Minimizing commingling of cattle and separating sick animals from the group will help prevent illness or disease from spreading.
Entering a custom-feeding agreement will require some research and good communication between the two parties involved. Having a written agreement that includes expectations of both the owner and feeder is important to address any concerns prior to a mishap.
As always, having input from your extension specialist, nutritionist and veterinarian is useful to ensure your cows will receive the best nutrition, management and health care in a custom-feeding arrangement. 
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Erika Lundy
- Extension Beef Program Specialist
- Iowa Beef Center - Iowa State University
- Email Erika Lundy
