U.S. farmers have harvested over half of their corn and three-fourths of their soybeans, according to the October 19 USDA crop progress report. For dairy and beef operators this means the ability to supplement waning pasture grasses with corn stalks. But, there are considerations before turning the cattle into the stalks according to Aaron Berger, a University of Nebraska Extension educator.
Source: Hay and Forage, October 20, 2020. Link. Berger offers these key considerations for livestock producers who plan to utilize cornstalks as a late fall/early winter forage resource:
- Scout fields prior to grazing
- Determine stocking rates
- Forage quality varies over time
- Diet needs vary with livestock class
- Weather matters
INSIGHTS: Note the content about scouting the fields for corn and corn piles left behind during harvest. Bovine veterinary teams and cattle sales teams can help producers use their corn stalk forage more effectively by sharing this article.