Ever heard the saying “a cow can starve with a full belly”? Well, it’s very possible if you are not providing the nutrient requirements for your cattle. They can eat until they’re about to “pop,” but still be hungry for the nutrients they need to do their job. With the excessive rains May through July followed by a drought this past August, some hay crops were less than desirable. I recommend testing your forages. Call your local extension agent for recommended tests. If you don’t know what nutrients are in your hay, then you can’t supplement correctly to make sure you are helping your cattle work for you not against you.
