How much hay do you need for this winter? The answer to this question depends on several factors. How long do you expect to feed hay? How big are the cows? Are the cows lactating or not? How much hay will be lost because of storage and feeding losses?

Forage for grazing, hay, baleage or silage production is critical for cow-calf operations. Producing quality forage and hay is also important to reduce or eliminate energy and protein supplementation for the cow herd.

Pastured animals that exhibit defensive behaviors such as tail flicking, skin twitching, leg stamping, lying with their legs tucked underneath, standing in water and bunching in corners of pastures are likely being attacked by the stable fly.

There are many different opinions regarding the U.S. cattle herd and what 2024 will hold for inventory levels. While some believe rapid regrowth is right around the corner and even underway, others are hesitant that regrowth of the herd from historic lows will be a slow and potentially delayed process.

There are important considerations surrounding feeding decisions when hay supplies are limited.