Episode 14
Winter Rations & Alternative Feed Considerations with Elizabeth Nernberg
Elizabeth Nernberg is a Livestock Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture based out of Roblin. For over 20 years, she has worked with livestock producers in planning their winter-feed program. Elizabeth is dedicated to assisting clients lower their winter feed costs and working with them to balance their own rations.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with honours from the University of Manitoba, majoring in Animal Science. Growing up on the farm and being a 4-H beef member for 9 years, it is no surprise she still enjoys helping out on their 4th generation cow-calf operation today, with the 5th generation right beside her.
During this episode, Elizabeth and I discuss the assistance that Livestock Specialists in Manitoba can offer to producers who are making decisions on their winter feeding programs. This includes help with balancing rations, understanding feed tests or determining what types of winter feeding might work best for your operation.
We also touch on some of the most common mistakes or oversights that Elizabeth sees when producers are planning for their winter rations. Elizabeth urges all producers to plan early and conservatively for their winter feeding needs, in order to ensure you are not scrambling to find feed in the winter months when it may be less available or higher cost.
Elizabeth shares information on topics including the importance of feed testing, differences in rations for different classes of cattle and differences in nutritional needs of cattle who calve in the winter versus spring months. We also touch on some innovative feeding methods being used by Manitoba producers and some cost-effective strategies to increase the performance of your winter ration.
The link to the cost of production information which shows feed costs at 37% of the total costs in a 300 head operation is below. The budget for 150 head has it pegged at 45% of the total costs.
COP Beef Cow-Calf.xls (gov.mb.ca)
Link to the Feed Plan Online Calculator:
If you are wanting to find out more about winter feeding strategies, or to get some assistance in planning your winter rations, you can reach out to any of the Livestock Feed Specialists through the website below, or call 1-800-769-6224.
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/crop-management/forages/contacts.html
The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP), Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA).
We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!
Instagram: @MBBeefandForage
Facebook: @MBBeefandForage
Twitter: @MBBeefandForage
Website: www.mbfi.ca
Email address: information@mbfi.ca
