Are you looking for ways to cut costs on your dairy? According to the University of Missouri Extension, using grass instead of grain or silage to grow replacement heifers is an overlooked option for saving money, enough to affect the profit margin. You can learn more about cutting costs for heifer development at the Dairy Grazing Conference, held July 6-8, in Joplin, Mo.
“Dairy producers must look at every means to trim costs,” said Joe Horner, University of Missouri Extension dairy economist. “Raising heifers on rotational grazing systems will be the subject of one talk and two farm tours,” Horner said. “High-quality forage with well-managed pastures can cut purchases of grain and concentrate. That can save hundreds of dollars per heifer.”
On high-quality forage, heifers grow to optimal size and weight at calving time in 24 months of age, he said.
Holstein heifers must gain 1.8 pounds per day from birth to calving to keep herd replacements on schedule. Smaller crossbred heifers must gain 1.4 pounds per day. “Those goals are possible with quality forage and management,” Horner said.
“It is not enough to just quit feeding supplement and turn heifers out on open pasture,” he added. “That won’t work.”
Dairy budgets show that Missouri producers typically spend hundreds of dollars on grain to raise replacements, Horner said. At today’s feed prices, $200 per heifer could be trimmed with good grazing.
Dennis Turner, of Heifer Haven, Hartville, Mo., will speak on “Managing Dairy Heifer Profitability in a Pasture System.” He raises commercial heifers on contract for dairy-herd owners. He will appear on the program, July 6, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, Joplin.
On July 8 he will open his management-intensive grazing operation for tours by registered participants. He has 300 acres of improved pastures with capacity for 600 replacements. In addition to feeding, he offers health, nutrition and reproductive protocols, including artificial insemination.
On July 7, one of four featured farm tours will be at Friend Heifer Ranch, Aurora, Mo. This operation raises replacements for New Zealand milking herds located in southwest Missouri.
Much of the grazing conference will be on how to grow and manage quality grass that supports milk production.
Source: MU Extension News