Cow nutrition remains one of the most important management concerns for producers heading into calving.

To best utilize hay, it is important to consider hay quality, nutrient requirements of the cows it is being fed to and how the hay will be fed.

With winter weather and lower temperatures setting in, it is time to talk about when cows feel the cold. The big factors that determine the lower critical temperature for cattle are temperature, wind speed and heaviness of winter hair coat.

With careful attention to utilization, producers can significantly reduce hay waste and get more nutrition from every bale.

A good hay test can prove valuable when designing a winter feeding program. There can be a lot of information on a hay test, and knowing which numbers to focus on may not always be clear.

Adding nutrients, organic matter and ground cover to poorly productive lands have some raving about bale grazing.

Hay is a major component of winter feeding programs for many cow-calf operations. Reducing hay losses during storage is critical to reduce overall winter feeding costs.