This document discusses a winter forage calculator tool developed by University of Florida Extension to help cattle producers better estimate their herd's winter feed needs. The tool considers five key factors: number of cattle, frame size, feeding period length, bale size, and moisture content. Programs were delivered to educate producers on using the tool. Results found 100% of participants gained knowledge and 65% realized they had previously underestimated their herd's requirements. The workshops helped producers improve feeding efficiency and cattle performance.

1. Beef Herd Winter Feed Calculator
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Warren, M. W. ; Hersom, M. J. ; Jennings, E. W. ; Walter, J. H.
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Extension Agent II, University of Florida, Flager County, Bunnell, FL, 32110 Extension Beef Cattle Specialist/Associate Professor, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611
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Extension Agent IV, University of Florida, Pasco County, Dade City, FL, 33513 Extension Agent II, University of Florida, Brevard County, Cocoa, FL, 32926
Five Factors Considered When Planning Winter Forage Needs
Winter feeding requirements for cow-calf operations in Flori-
1) Number of cattle
da constitute 40-60 percent of the annual operating budget.
2) Average frame size
Often, cow-calf operators either over or under estimate their 3) Length of feeding period
winter feed needs resulting in surplus resources being wast- 4) Bale size
5) Moisture content
ed or more often improper nutrition being provided the herd.
Objectives: To raise producer awareness of the importance
of accurate estimations, to provide them with an improved
understanding of basic beef nutrition, and to enable them to
improve enterprise efficiency through calculated winter feed
Forage Quality Must be Assured
estimations. Methods: Five programs have been delivered to
producer and agent groups around the state. In these pro-
grams, participants were provided a “how to” EDIS publica- Laboratory test insures
tion AN244 Winter Feed Estimator: A Practical Tool for the adequate quality
Beef Cow-Calf Producer and a corresponding slide chart to
This estimator assumes
be used to calculate herd dry matter requirements. Results:
adequate quality to meet
As a result of these programs 100% (n=120) of the partici- nutrient requirements of
pants indicated knowledge gain and 65% indicated that the the class of cattle
results were significantly different than was expected (most
indicated that the calculated value was much larger than ex-
pected). Conclusion: Producers who rely on uncalculated
estimations typically under estimate herd requirements. The
effect of this error results in longer calving seasons, lower Winter Feeding Seminars Educate Producers
weaning weights, and increased secondary health issues. By
properly feeding their herd producers will see improved oper-
ating efficiencies.
Producer Workshops Yield Results
100% indicated a gain in knowledge
2011
Winter Feed 65% indicated they had under estimated
Toolkit:
Es ma ng Stored their herd’s winter forage needs prior to
Forages for the Cow
‐Calf Herd attending workshop
Wednesday, June 1st
Flagler County Extension
Contact: Mark Warren
Flagler County Extension