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BEEF HERD WINTER FORAGE CALCULATOR

Extension Education

Joseph Walter
EXT AGT III MS
University of Florida
COCOA

Abstract

\r\n Winter feeding requirements for cow-calf operations in Florida constitute 40-60 percent of the annual operating budget. Often, cow-calf operators either over or under estimate their winter feed needs resulting in surplus resources being wasted or more often improper nutrition being provided the herd. Objectives: Toraise producer awareness of the importance of accurate estimations, to provide them with an improved understanding of basic beef nutrition, and to enable them to improve enterprise efficiency through calculated winter feed estimations. Methods: Five programs have been delivered to producer and agent groups around the state. In these programs, participants were provided a “how to” EDIS publication AN244  Winter Feed Estimator: A Practical Tool for the Beef Cow-Calf Producer and a corresponding slide chart to be used to calculate herd dry matter requirements. Results: As a result of these programs 100% (n=120) of the participants indicated knowledge gain and 65% indicated that the results were significantly different than was expected (most indicated that the calculated value was much larger than expected). Conclusion: Producers who rely on uncalculated estimations typically under estimate herd requirements. The effect of this error results in longer calving seasons, lower weaning weights, and increased secondary health issues. By properly feeding their herd producers will see improved operating efficiencies. 

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: M. W. Warren, J. H. Walter, E. W. Jennings, M. J. Hersom
  1. Warren, M. Extension Agent II, University of Florida, Flager County, Florida, 32110
  2. Walter, J. Extension Agent II, University of Florida, Brevard County, Florida, 32926
  3. Jennings, E. Extension Agent IV, University of Florida, Pasco County, Florida, 33513
  4. Hersom, M. Extension Beef Cattle Specialist/Associate Professor, University of Florida, Florida, 32611