Cattle feeders - Articles

Crushing the cattle crush: A smarter way to navigate feedyard operations

By breaking the cattle crush spread into its individual components and managing each one separately, feeders can respond to market conditions more precisely. While this method offers flexibility, it doesn’t eliminate risks, and outcomes can vary, as all strategies depend on market conditions.

December 19, 2024

Luke Frantz

For years, cattle feeders have relied on the “cattle crush spread” as a hedging strategy. This involves buying feeder cattle and corn while selling fat cattle. The idea has been to manage costs and stabilize returns.

3 ways you can practice effective hay management for a healthier and happier herd

By using proper storing techniques, establishing a feeding schedule and investing in the right equipment, you can ensure every hay bale is used to its fullest potential.

November 4, 2024

Kaydence Michalsky

With increasing prices affecting every aspect of daily life, finding ways to save money without compromising quality is essential.

Cattle handling 101: 7 strategies for optimal winter feeding

Applying the best management practices to your winter feeding program is key to reducing feed waste.

December 1, 2023

Kaydence Michalsky

The key to support your cattle is finding the right feeding practices to minimize waste.

South Central: Hay storage and feeding considerations this winter

October 23, 2023

Jason Banta

Reducing hay storage loss and feeding waste are always beneficial, but given limited forage supplies and the price of hay, this year they are even more critical.

Riding the bull: The power of options in cattle feeding

Cattle feeders can thrive in bullish markets by employing options as a risk management tool. With the use of put options, cattle feeders can safeguard against price declines while enabling gains with price increases.

August 16, 2023

Luke Frantz

In the realm of cattle feeding, navigating a bullish market can feel much like riding a bull – thrilling, swift and inherently risky. But for those equipped with the right financial tools and strategies, this volatility can be beneficial.

Improving pasture conditions bolster feeder calf demand

June 19, 2023

Russell Knight and Hannah Taylor

With generally improving pastures and lower expected feed costs this year, the demand for feeder calves is well supported.

4 steps to safer winter cattle handling

Winter can be a tough season to navigate, but planning ahead, preparing cattle and facilities, providing the right nutrition and taking safety precautions can make it easier.

November 29, 2022

Liane Carter

Following these four steps for safer winter cattle handling can help take the sting out of winter weather.

Considerations when using self-feeders to finish cattle

Self-feeders exist on almost every cattle feeding operation, but they’re not always utilized properly. Taking these steps will help your self-feeders be as efficient and profitable as possible.

November 29, 2022

Don Cleaver and Heidi Doering-Resch

Regardless of why you utilize them, there are right and wrong ways to manage a self-feeder that can impact the overall health and performance of cattle. Compiling a list of things to consider will help you effectively utilize a self-feeder to reach your end goals.

4 ways to simplify winter feeding

December 6, 2021

Carrie Veselka

Every operation has its own unique approach to feeding cattle through the winter. Some feed hay on the ground in open fields, some use hay rings or feeders, or one of the many other options. Regardless of which option is used, each situation will come with challenges. Wear and tear to pastures, feed waste, equipment challenges – the list goes on.