A note from our Nutrition Department:
Cooler temperatures are upon us! The JFM nutrition team would like to remind you to have stored forages tested before feeding this winter. Testing forages is an economical way to help identify nutritional deficiencies before they become on-farm problems. This is especially important for growing, pregnant and lactating cattle. Additionally, testing corn silage for mycotoxins and nitrates may be a good choice this year after a tough growing season in many areas. Please reach out to gain assistance with this!
At JFM we also recognize that fall/early winter is the time of year to fill the feedlot with replacement cattle. Receiving cattle are under an immense amount of stress. Many are newly weaned, vaccinated and have changed environment multiple times before reaching their final destinations. JFM has a range of products geared towards reducing stress in the receiving period as well as valuable knowledge regarding starting cattle off. Contact your JFM nutrition team for more information on this!
Additionally, as temperatures get colder and barns begin getting more closed in for the winter be sure to be monitoring air quality and ventilation. Cattle are prone to respiratory issues caused by ammonia and mobile pathogens being transferred through moisture in the air. Be sure to get barns opened up and aired out as much as possible.
Finally, as we brace for even more cold winter weather, be sure to be adjusting the dry matter percentage on on-farm feedstuffs stored outdoors. Your sales representatives will be happy to assist in doing this to ensure consistent rations day to day.