The most appropriate feed cube option will vary depending on forage or hay quality, nutrient needs and body condition of the cows, and cost of the cubes.

How much value conditioning can add depends on crop, field conditions and other hay processes.

At this point in the year, beef producers have eliminated a good portion of those winter haystacks and are hoping green spring grass is in the future.

When it comes to buying feed, the option that appears to be the cheapest may not be. 

During times of limited forage, crop residue is sometimes used to replace other hay sources. Crop residues could include cornstalks, grain sorghum stubble, straw from cereal grains (e.g., wheat, oats, etc.) and even soybean hay.

Hay testing is always valuable, but it is especially helpful when using crop residues and developing diets to stretch limited hay supplies. Before sending a sample in for analysis, it is always good to visit with a nutritionist to see what labs they recommend and what tests would be most appropriate for the sample being analyzed.