Farmers Should Check Forage Supplies Before Winter

By Scout Nelson

Cattle producers should review their forage supplies before winter feeding begins. A forage inventory can help farmers understand how much feed they have available, estimate winter needs, and identify possible shortages before cold weather arrives.

Forage supplies may be limited following the effects of drought on forage production during 2026. Planning ahead can help cattle producers make better feeding decisions and control one of the largest expenses on many cattle operations.

North Dakota State University Extension specialists recommend beginning with an inventory of hay, silage, and other feeds that are available for winter. Harvested hay should be organized by lot. A lot can include hay made from similar plant species and harvested from the same field within a 48-hour period.

Bale weight is another important part of the inventory. Using a commercial scale to weigh several loads or individual bales can help producers estimate the average weight of their hay.

Moisture content should also be considered. Hay weight includes moisture, but moisture does not provide nutrients to cattle. Producers can measure dry matter using a Koster moisture tester, microwave testing, electronic testing equipment, or commercial laboratory.

If dry matter information is not available, an initial estimate of 85% to 90% can be used for hay inventory purposes. However, laboratory testing is recommended when producers are balancing a ration.

The next step is estimating how much feed cattle will need during winter. Feed intake can change based on forage quality, animal size, production stage, weather, and supplementation.

“For initial planning, an estimate of 2.5% of body weight can be used to determine forage dry matter intake per animal per day,” says Hoppe.

Producers also need to account for forage losses. Having enough hay stored does not mean all of it will reach the animals. Hay stored outside can lose as much as 20% of its dry matter, while storage inside can reduce losses to about 7%.

Feeding methods also affect the amount of hay that is wasted. When hay is provided in bunks, waste can range from 3% to 14%.

“If bales are rolled out on the ground, waste could reach 45%, particularly when cattle are provided multiple days of hay at one time,” says Rogers.

Giving cattle large amounts of forage at once can also increase intake beyond what they need. When weather and labor allow, feeding smaller amounts each day can help reduce waste.

For example, if hay costs $100 per ton, cutting waste by 25% could save about $25 per ton. These savings may help cover the cost of equipment such as feed bunks, bale processors, and feed wagons.

When purchasing hay, producers should look beyond the price per bale or ton. Bale weight, moisture, nutrient content, and transportation costs all affect the actual value of the feed. A lower-priced bale may not provide the lowest cost per unit of nutrients.

Forage quality and cattle nutrient needs should also be considered when making winter feeding decisions. Laboratory forage testing and a balanced ratio can help producers provide cattle with the nutrients they need.

Producers who need additional feed can use NDSU’s FeedList (ndsu.ag/FeedList-26), to find hay, corn and other feedstuffs. The free service connects farmers and ranchers who want to buy or sell feed. It also includes listings for pasture available for rent and other available feeds.

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Hay Hotline and interactive map provide another resource. Producers can use the service to find hay and feed for sale, pasture or hay land for rent, and hay transportation services across North Dakota. The map is available at https://www.nd.gov/NDDA.

Forage prices may increase as the winter-feeding period gets closer. Completing an inventory early can help producers identify shortages, compare purchasing options, and make feeding plans before prices rise.

Planning before winter gives cattle producers more time to address potential problems. Farmers and ranchers can contact their local NDSU Extension agent for assistance with completing a forage inventory and developing a winter-feeding plan.

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