Even if we were not in a drought and having significant shortages of forage and hay, livestock producers would have to watch their animals carefully in the cold weather that is occurring this week and may continue into next week.  Wyatt Bechtel of Drovers Magazine here describes the changes that producers may need to make to ensure that their cattle maintain their body condition over the next few months in preparation for calving.  He discusses the nutrient needs of the cattle as well as the economic costs of different feeding strategies.

Source: Commons Wikimedia