Finding the right ration mix for your dairy herd is critical to maximizing performance and profitability, but in the era of high feed costs and increased uncertainty, getting it right is trickier than it looks.

An effective risk management adviser should be able to provide you with advice on local feed contracts as well as strategy on managing longer-term price risk using futures and options. With this team, you can take control of your financial future and achieve your long-term goals.

Is it OK to just feed cows, or does it matter what nutrients are fed? Think of it this way: We work to reduce variation during feeding, for both consistent ingredient and nutrient delivery.

Increasing ingredient costs have wreaked havoc across the dairy industry, leading to elevated ration costs not seen in many years. Feed costs per pound of dry matter (DM) are rising as much as 20% or more as corn and soybean meal prices climb, minimizing farmers’ profit margins.

Early in my career, I had a feed store manager tell me, “Only the rich can afford cheap feed.” While he was partially correct, feeding dairy cows does allow us the opportunity to feed a variety of byproducts, based upon their nutrient value. There are a variety of software options that can describe the relative value of byproducts compared to more traditional feedstuffs, such as alfalfa hay, corn silage, corn and soybean meal.

A review of your dairy’s performance measurements and rations can indicate where areas of opportunities and challenges lie, and help identify clear goals. I’m sure that “Strategic plan for 2021” (or some variation of this) has been on your to-do list since early December. You might be asking yourself, what are my priorities and where should my time and attention go? Or, how can I best use my management team, strategic partners, and technological tools to take action and accomplish my 2021 goals? And, where should I start?”