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Stretching feed supplies with straw

While a number of producers got the moisture they needed for a great hay crop, others are once again looking at tight feed supplies

Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist Travis Peardon says that may mean trying to stretch out feed by adding straw to the daily rations.

"Usually we want to feed some sort of a concentrate with straw just to bring up specifically those energy and protein levels. Then you have to look at the total ration and see what we need from minerals and vitamins just to make sure our cows requirements are being met."

Peardon suggests if you are trying to stretch out your feed, plan on using the straw first.

He says as we get further into winter, the cows get into that second and third trimester that calf is growing inside them. 

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In the spring of 2023 OMAFA, along with the University of Guelph, gathered a group of 18 producers from the beef, sheep, and dairy sectors to support a three to four year research project related to measuring grass growth in Ontario. The producers use a Rising Plate Meter to capture grass growth and record livestock movements. This presentation will explain how the group interact/support one another, some initial findings, as well as the benefits for the research team and our farm.

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