The Future of Feed Resources for Cow-Calf Producers

Imagine a world where you could be certain that you always could produce enough feed no matter what the weather does each year. How much weight would be taken off your shoulders? How would that change your view on feeding cattle during the winter or droughts? The team at Renaissance Ag joins the show to discuss how the PastureBox system is revolutionizing how cow-calf producers provide feed for their herds and manage feed costs through the dry years. Brady Blackett, Kara Thronton and Zachary Crump joined me for a podcast interview to discuss a research project focused on the effects of feeding barley fodder to cow-calf pairs as well as where they see PastureBox systems fitting into the future of the beef industry.

Managing Feed Costs

The number one input cost for most cattle operations is feed and with the droughts the United States has been experiencing the past several years, this is a topic on everyone’s mind. When it comes to managing feed costs, many producers turn to alternative feedstuffs or improved genetics. In many cases, cattle producers reduce their herd numbers during dry years as well. Cattle producers depend largely on weather conditions to provide feed to their livestock. However, this may not be the case in the future with the PastureBox system rising in popularity. 

What is a PastureBox?

A PastureBox is a controlled environment that allows barley to sprout within 6 days by using a fully automated system. The nutritional value of this barley fodder falls somewhere between forage and grain as it possesses the qualities of being both a forage and a grain. It is higher in protein, energy and digestibility making it a valuable feed source for cow-calf producers. Barley fodder is primarily fed by mixing it in a totally mixed ration. However, it has also been fed by rolling out round bales and then laying the fodder biscuits on top of the hay.

The Research Behind Feeding Barley Fodder

Utah State University conducted a study on 20 cow-calf pairs to measure performance with and without barley fodder in the diet. Half the pairs received a diet of poor-quality alfalfa. The other half of the pairs received half poor-quality alfalfa and half barley fodder. The research study was unique because it was conducted on an as-fed basis. This study lasted 90 days and the team collected weights, body condition scores, milk samples and rumen fluid to evaluate if growth and animal health varied between the diets. The results showed that statistically there was no difference in performance. The next step of the process is to test the economic portion of the study and look deeper into if the average daily gain of the calves will be higher. Dr. Thornton is excited for the economic portion of this research because in the first trial, the test group that received barley fodder was getting 60% less dry matter in their diet but still performing at the same level as the other group.

This was one of three studies that will be conducted about the effects of feeding barley fodder in the beef industry. Blackett recognizes that there is a lot of research left to be done but is excited to see where it goes and how this will impact cow-calf producers.

A Peek into the Future

While Renaissance Ag is only a 2-year-old company, its future is looking bright. Feeding barley fodder and the PastureBox systems that are in use are going over well with beef producers. The team is excited to continue helping beef producers by changing the way they source feed and manage their cattle through periods of drought.