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Feed Forum

Photo submitted by a local producer to our feed department manager.  It's great to see how our local coop is reaching out to the next generation of producers!  It's about more than just making feed.

Profitability

By Brooke Brunsvig, Nutritional Consultant

The current focus for most of Central Farmers customers and farmer/feeders in the region is in the combine. Your feed consultants are anxiously waiting for producers to pull the trigger on weaning. We talk constantly about best practices in the process; that’s all very important and good, but we need to circle back to the big picture of profit potential. As I did last year, I write this early October update trying to wrap my head around the scope.

I haven’t gotten much feedback, if there have been any decisions made yet, about when cow/calf producers are planning to sell their calf crop this fall. There was a feeder market high seen in July, but to put things into perspective, the market closed on Sept 24 at $244.02; the market has only been a bit higher one time when looking back on 2014, 2015, and 2020 to now.

Now the question is will they stay good for the fall, or what’s the market projection? There are indications that retention has not started, which was a factor for the fall in the market seen in 2015. Onsetting drought with the low inventory levels likely mean prices won’t dip as low as typically seen this time of year. Lastly, grain prices are 18-24% lower than last year which allows feedlots to retain cattle longer, making them bigger. The grain price makes cattle favorable to add pounds all throughout the industry, in my opinion.

We again have 0% interest financing options for both Hubbard and Purina feeds. We have 30% protein tubs at many locations for optimum utilization of the late season grass and corn stalks soon. All of us at CFC aim to do our best for the profitability of your operation.

10/4/2024

Weaning Tips for Beef Calves

By Shannon Voegele, Nutritional Consultant

Weaning is considered one of the most stressful periods in the life of a beef calf. During the weaning process, calves are exposed to various stressors that include removal from their dam, castration, vaccination, dehorning, exposure to different pen or pasture environments, changes in feed and water sources, and exposure to season climate changes.

We can help eliminate some stressors by using stress tubs pre and post weaning.  Stress tubs are highly palatable molasses-based supplement that entices cattle to taste.  It provides the key nutrients needed for a fully functioning immune system so that cattle are fully prepared to face and/or recover from the stresses of weaning and transportation, respond to vaccination programs, and start more quickly on feed.

As you proceed with weaning this fall, let us know how we can help incorporate a stress supplement into your program.   There are also 3 weaning programs people generally use, total separation, fence-line and 2-stage.  Each way has its pros and cons and there are also various creeps and starter feeds we can use during this time.

I’m looking forward to working with you on keeping your beef operation moving in the right direction.  Make sure you have started conversations with your vet on what vaccination program you should proceed with this year.  Hopefully we can make your weaning season as smooth as possible and avoid any setbacks. 

9/27/2024

MCC Room Upgrade

By Tyler McCoy, Feed Department Manager

With the new upgrades to the mill the next bottle neck we have is having enough power. Our current electrical system is out of power boxes so we will be building a new MCC room to the west of the mill. It will switch most of the mill over to 480 volts, which will save us money on our electrical bill and allow our motors to run more efficiently. It will also house our air compressor so we can keep it out of the elements and away from all the grain dust. It will also be nice to get the electrical boxes out of the mill office so our employees will have more room in the office. We will not be able to receive grain from September 23^rd to October 4^th while they pour footings and walls. We narrowed up our bid because we would like to be full before construction begins on the 23^rd.

Also, we just found out this week that Highway 38 will be closed from Humboldt to Salem starting next week. The latest intel that I have received is that they plan on having it closed for the rest of September as they are replacing all the culverts on the 16-mile run. Nope, not ideal, but we pray they have it done by corn harvest. Also, Tyndall has their new straight truck running around starting next week. It’s a sharp-looking truck and will help us service our customers better in our southern regions. As always, thank you for your business and I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous harvest.

9/6/2024

Are you thinking about creep feeding?
Call a Nutritional Consultant or Location Manager for pricing and availability today.

Keep our feedlot programs in mind once you wean your calves.
Call a Nutritional Consultant or Location Manager for details.

Central Farmers Cooperative is dedicated to serving our patrons.
Please call the location nearest you to find out how one of our professional staff members can help you.

 Feed Staff