Paralleling methods used to build roads through swamps, Mark Hilton, DVM, shares methods for using hay pads to keep cattle less muddy as winter hay feeding begins. He also shares the benefits of limiting 24/7 free access to hay and includes study results.
Source: BEEF, November 2019. Link. When asked, 100 percent of beef producers who have built hay pads and now use time feeding of cows say they would never go back to feeding in the mud or giving 24/7 access to hay.
“I should have done this years ago”
INSIGHTS: This is a great article to share with every cattle producer. Consider it for social media, newsletters and for a handout during VFD meetings.