FEEDING FACTS
FINISHED CATTLE GETTING CATTLE READY FOR HARVEST B Y J I M M Y PA R K E R With the pandemic, inflation hitting near record levels and a multitude of issues in our national supply chain, we have seen empty shelves in grocery stores from time to time in the last couple of years. These factors have made a number of producers decide to finish cattle and hogs locally for at-home use or to sell directly to local consumers. Recently, there are more questions asked about the best way to get cattle ready for harvest than any other feeding question we hear.
14
Cooperative Farming News
So, what is the best way to get cattle fat enough to make a good steak? There really is no one answer. Some people are looking for a “grass fed” option and that is a good niche but will require excellent forages and a long time to reach an acceptable product. Other are looking for locally grown products that are at least finished with some grain. While the grass-fed option was likely the most popular on farm product a few years ago, when the grocery store shelves emptied out, the demand for
