{"id":1430,"date":"2026-04-23T15:14:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T19:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/?p=1430"},"modified":"2026-04-23T15:15:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T19:15:00","slug":"supplement-feeding-in-drought-conditions-for-cattle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/2026\/04\/supplement-feeding-in-drought-conditions-for-cattle\/","title":{"rendered":"Supplement feeding in drought conditions for cattle."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Hunt Sanders<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/Current-drought-monitor-4-23-26.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/Current-drought-monitor-4-23-26.png 720w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/Current-drought-monitor-4-23-26-300x234.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">current drought monitor map April 23, 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ams.usda.gov\/mnreports\/lswgeorgia.pdf\">Link to Georgia Livestock Review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cmegroup.com\/markets\/agriculture\/livestock\/feeder-cattle.html\">Link to Feeder Cattle Futures Quotes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/beef.caes.uga.edu\/\">Link to UGA Beef Page<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Develop Drought Strategy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1: Understand where you are at in production<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Late lactation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Late gestation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry cow<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>2: Understand forage situation<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pasture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conserved forage\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How many bales, how much do they weigh? <strong>TEST HAY<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>3: Explore all options for feed resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buy hay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Develop hay replacement ration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nutrition Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"723\" height=\"479\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-5.png 723w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-5-300x199.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Daily Requirements of cows at different reproduction stages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p><strong>What are some roughage sources to replace hay?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wheat straw<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gin Trash<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cotton Seed Hulls<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crop Residue<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Drought Stressed Crops (Be Careful of nitrates)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p><strong>What\u2019s Available?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commercial feed<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lick Tanks and Tubs: Convenient but keep watch on intake<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Byproduct blend<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Price<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Evaluate on DM basis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Look at $\/nutrient<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Minerals<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When Considering Commercial feeds for <strong>hay replacement<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crude protein <strong>at least<\/strong> 11%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crude fiber 25% or lower<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Supplement for low quality hay<\/strong> (8% CP, 48% TDN): (<strong><em>This can get a dry cow by, but not a lactating female.<\/em><\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crude Protein at least 18%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crude Fiber 8% or lower<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>NOT CURRENT PRICES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"637\" height=\"353\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-4.png 637w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-4-300x166.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Commodity replacement feeds chart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If hay is not available<strong>: General idea<\/strong> of replacement rations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Roughage sources such as peanut hulls, cotton seed hulls, cotton residue, corn residue, gin trash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"357\" height=\"305\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/replacement-rations-for-cattle.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/replacement-rations-for-cattle.png 357w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/replacement-rations-for-cattle-300x256.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 357px) 100vw, 357px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">General idea of replacement rations chart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is buying hay the economic choice over hay replacement?<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It depends on price of hay and replacement feeds per ton. Think about your <strong>hay waste<\/strong>. If you are in a situation where 20% or more hay gets wasted, think about how much money is lost. In situations where waste is high, hay replacements could be more economic. Again, it depends on the price per ton of feed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sourcing hay:<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Buy sooner than you need it to avoid being out in tight spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put your eyes on the hay, Test the hay once you buy if test is not available at purchase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"722\" height=\"554\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-7.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-7.png 722w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-7-300x230.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Energy and protein sources for cows<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"637\" height=\"822\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-6.png 637w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-6-232x300.png 232w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bermuda Grass Spriggers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"688\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-8.png 688w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/files\/2026\/04\/image-8-300x251.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Do you sprig Bermuda grass QR code<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Extension Value added services:<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several resources your county agent has access to for assisting the public:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>SpotOn Digital Sprayer Calibrator &amp; nozzle cleaner tool <\/strong>&#8211; Accurate flow rate checking of individual sprayer nozzles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fertilizer Spinner-Disc Spreader Calibration <\/strong>&#8211; spread pattern testing of fertilizer spreaders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hay Moisture Tester \u2013 <\/strong>Evaluation and assessment of hay to bale at optimum moisture content &#8211; decrease mold growth and increase feed value. Test baled or unbaled (in field)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Forced Motor Planter Calibration \u2013 <\/strong>at-plant insecticide hopper box calibrations. Potential benefits: increase insecticide application efficacy with the appropriate and effective application of product label and recommended control rate. Decrease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mobile Irrigation Lab <\/strong>\u2013 Pivot efficiency evaluation\/Irrigation audits to support water conservation and decrease irrigation costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Harvest Moisture Testing <\/strong>\u2013 Corn and soybean moisture testing to decrease drying time and fuel costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enviroscape Watershed Model &#8211; <\/strong>Environmental education programming tool. Interactive demonstration of the sources and effects of water pollution. Present and illustrate watershed\/stormwater concept.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rainfall Simulator Tabletop Educational Program tool &#8211;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital wind meter educational tool <\/strong>\u2013 Anemometer measures wind speed to support safe pesticide applications and reduce drift.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pivot Calibrations<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drone imagery<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hunt Sanders Link to Georgia Livestock Review Link to Feeder Cattle Futures Quotes Link to UGA Beef Page Develop Drought Strategy: 1: Understand where you are at in production 2: Understand forage situation 3: Explore all options for feed resources Nutrition Requirements What are some roughage sources to replace hay? Wheat straw Gin Trash Cotton [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":562,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/562"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1430"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1430\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1442,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1430\/revisions\/1442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1430"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/benhillcoag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}