The dry growing conditions of 2022 and 2023 have left some cattlemen with a short supply of hay and poor pastures that resulted in stored hay being fed during the summer. Tight hay supplies will likely lead to higher prices later in the winter-feeding period. Other feeds like corn silage and corn stalks are available but need proper supplementation. Controlling feed cost while meeting all the cow’s nutrient requirements requires knowledge of both the feed supply and the animal’s requirements.

Several workshops to help producers plan for the beef cow winter feeding programs will be held in late November and December. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef specialists will discuss the current hay situation, the impacts of the dry conditions on forage quality, potential toxicity concerns and balancing cow rations in late gestation and early lactation. Local meeting locations and times are:

Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m., North Iowa Fairgrounds 4-H Learning Center, Mason City, meal provided by Cerro Gordo County Cattlemen. RSVP to 641-231-1711

Nov. 29 at 6:30 p.m., Northeast Research Farm Borlaug Center, Nashua, meal provided by Chickasaw County Cattlemen. RSVP to 641-231-1711

Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m., Tama County Extension Office, Toledo, 641-484-2703

All cattle producers are encouraged to attend. Please contact the number provided or local county Extension office for additional details.