February 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 17 Precision Feeding Precision feeding or precision nutrition involves matching what you’re feeding to what an animal’s individual needs are. This can be supported by sorting your herd into like groups – older cows, first-calf heifers or those that are over or under conditioned. “As we gain more understanding of range cows’ dietary requirements, as feed and forage testing becomes more accessible and environmental impacts are clearer, we see precision nutrition as a solution,” Herrick says. Precision feeding can also help with another common challenge: balancing a variety of forage qualities across the seasons. “A common question from producers is often, ʻI’ve got four or five different forages, what do I feed, when?’” Herrick says. “Matching your forage qualities to the nutritional needs at different stages of production can help.” That means considering lower quality forages early and prioritizing higher quality forages leading up to and after calving. Numbers Matter “It may be surprising, but very few producers really know their cost per head per day,” Herrick says. “Getting the nutrients into your cattle is important, but capitalizing on ways to reduce your feed costs while optimizing performance should be the goal.” It’s also important to know the value of the forages you grow. Watching hay markets, talking with folks in the industry or staying in touch with hay buyers can be strategies to understand what it costs to produce your forages. Land rent, seed prices, baling and storage costs should all be factored in. “Sometimes it’s important to think outside the box,” Herrick says. “If you produce a high-quality forage you might assume you should feed it. I might ask you ʻwhy?’ “Another option would be to sell at a premium and buy a lower quality forage with supplementation still at a lower price, which has a positive impact on profitability for your operation while still getting the herd what they need. Different approaches – but you can’t make those choices if you don’t know your numbers.” Nutrition Is Health When it comes down to it, nutrition and health cannot be separated. Working closely with your nutritionist, veterinarian and trusted partners will only improve herd health and longevity over time. “Health on a range cow is surrounded by nutritional management, and consistency is key,” Schutz says. “The magnitude of hardships caused in the winter months cannot be overstated. Getting proper nutrition consistently and ensuring cows are being fed effectively to keep them in a normal state, regardless of the environment, are critical in the overall success of that herd and operation.” ~NC~ Selling approximately 175 RegisteRed Angus Bulls • 50 RegisteRed Angus HeifeRs Wed, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 At the Bull Center • neAr ClArkson, ne 24tH AnnuAl Production SAle Call or stop by anytime! Nick Jindra • 402-920-3171 • Clarkson, NE 68629 nickjindra@hotmail.com • www.jindraangus.com Designed by Chrisman Cattle Services lArgeSt Sire grouPS by Woodhill Domain • Jindra Superior • Jindra Assurance • Sterling Pacific Tehama Tahoe • Jindra Strategy • Hoover No Doubt • Jindra Cutting Edge Jindra Megahit • Hoffman Thedford • KCF Bennett Exponential • Jindra Xpansion Smith Valley Gratitude • Connealy Bohannon • Connealy Guardrail Williams Hollywood • Connealy Clarity • Hoff Blockbuster Preserving the power of Scotch Cap genetics Jindra Assurance x Jindra Megahit BW 87 • Adj. WW 802 • $C 294 lot 35 - 20818697 Gratitude x Jindra Top Notch BW 81 • Adj. WW 804 • $C 220 lot 101 - 20848145 Bohannon x No Doubt BW 80 • Adj. WW 828 • $C 256 lot 123 - 20847971 Jindra Superior x Resource 1441 BW 81 • Adj. WW 767 • $C 293 lot 91 - 20818748 Jindra Xpansion 121 x Guinness BW 84 • Adj. WW 953 • $C 269 lot 53 - 20818753 Jindra Assurance x Jindra Rectify BW 83 • Adj. WW 806 • $C 287 lot 26 - 20818690 Hollywood x Jindra Superior BW 74 • Adj. WW 790 • $C 333 lot 5 - 20845218 Bohannon x Colonel BW 77 • Adj. WW 847 • $C 284 lot 126 - 20847973
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