Stretch Forage Supplies with Smart Feed Alternatives

By Scout Nelson

Limited forage production caused by persistent drought is creating challenges for livestock producers across the Plains. Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, encourages producers to evaluate forage inventories early and explore alternative feed options before supplies become tighter and prices increase.

Producers should estimate how much feed is needed for the rest of the grazing season and winter. Planning purchases early provides more flexibility and helps reduce feeding costs.

Agricultural byproducts offer practical solutions when hay supplies are limited. These feeds provide valuable sources of digestible energy, protein, and fiber while helping conserve forage.

Common byproducts available in South Dakota include distillers grains, soybean hulls, wheat middlings, beet pulp, corn gluten feed, and sunflower meal. These feeds work best when included in a balanced ration instead of completely replacing forage.

Soybean hulls provide digestible fiber and moderate energy, making them useful for replacing part of a hay ration. Wheat middlings supply balanced amounts of protein, energy, and fiber for many classes of livestock. Beet pulp supports rumen health with highly digestible fiber, while corn gluten feed offers protein, energy, and fiber at an economical cost. Sunflower meal provides high protein for livestock consuming lower-quality forage or crop residues.

Feed testing remains an important management tool. Testing forage and byproducts allows producers to compare feed based on cost per pound of nutrient instead of cost per ton, helping identify the most economical feeding options.

Example feed comparisons show the value of nutrient-based purchasing:

• Soybean Hulls: $250 per ton, 12% crude protein, $1.04 per pound of crude protein
• Distillers Grains: $300 per ton, 30% crude protein, $0.50 per pound of crude protein
• Wheat Middlings: $240 per ton, 18% crude protein, $0.67 per pound of crude protein

Crop residues also provide valuable grazing opportunities after harvest. Corn stalks, small grain stubble, soybean residue, and sorghum residue help extend grazing days and preserve hay supplies.

Residues contain the highest nutritional value immediately after harvest because livestock first consume grain, husks, and leaves. As grazing continues, nutrient levels decline, often requiring additional protein supplementation.

A useful guideline when grazing corn residue is that if corn kernels no longer appear in cattle manure, livestock should either be moved or receive additional protein supplements.

When grazing sorghum residue, producers should also watch for possible nitrate accumulation following drought or heavy fertilizer use. Forage and nitrate testing help ensure livestock safety.

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