Summary: In this article, Attica Veterinary Associates' Sam Leadley compares the nutrient needs of three sizes of heifers. He advises that for a 170-pound heifer to gain one pound a day in warm weather, she'll need to be eating between 3.5 and 4 pounds daily. Because this article was so popular, we asked Sam Leadley a follow-up question: Q: Why do you think this topic was of interest to producers in 2011? A: I believe most of us have fallen into the trap of “same old, same old” when it comes to feeding grain to weaned calves. What we were doing in the ’90s we kept doing the next decade as well. Why change? Heifers were alive, reasonably healthy. And who is checking on rates of gain? Underfeeding weaned heifers, primarily grain, is a silent thief. Letting these young heifers stand still or gain at a slow rate when their maintenance needs are low sets us up for having to pay for much more expensive gains later in life. When farm managers become aware of the potential profits that can be claimed by a small change in management they often want to know the details. How will size of heifer determine feeding rate? Will weather make a difference? These are down-to-earth questions that managers want answered by practical articles in Progressive Dairyman. —Sam Leadley, Calf Management Consultant, Attica Veterinary Associates [See the full list of the Top 25 articles of 2011. See the list from 2010.]

The foundation of profitable livestock production is good forage management. The definition of “good” forage management depends on the livestock enterprise, the farm and the economic environment.

Forage yield has a major impact on the economics of harvesting stored feed. As first harvest is delayed, forage yield increases but forage quality decreases.

Brothers Isaac, Abe and Luke Lemmenes and their father Roy employ a wealth of skills to custom harvest some 10,000 acres of hay and 4,500 acres of corn every year.

You may be wondering why winter would be a good time to discuss a hay management program. My experience is that a key to a successful hay program is planning.

“Management is key” can be heard echoing through offices around the world, spoken by some of the most talented businessmen in their industries. Where is your management taking you?