What Can be done about high cost of cattle feed?

Grain prices and high demand must be a problem in Illinois.  Cattle numbers are up a bit and it makes sense to raise and feed cattle in Illinois.  We have land that is better suited to grass production than rowcrops, but finishing the cattle on corn is can be expensive right now. 

Cattle producers need to ask if they are getting the most out of their grassland.  If you are raising and feeding alfalfa, monitor the soil potassium.  Maximize alfalfa production by maintaining high potassium tests.  a really good alfalfa crop can use up as much as 400 pounds of potash in a year. 

Feed your cattle grass for as long as you can.  You can get a good corn-fed flavor out of your beef with only 60 days of corn.  Intensive pasture management can double grass production.  If you are not using intensive grazing, check with NRCS about getting EQIP funds to help you get started.  Keep water tanks close to grazing paddocks.  Close water increases grazing efficiency. 

Think about adding warm season grasses for summer grazing.  Switchgrass and Eastern Gamma Grass are good choices.

Graze those cornstalks.  Cattle will glean gran and browse on crop residue as well.   Provide some winter shelter.  Even a dense windbreak can help. 

Try distillers grains.  Distiller's grains are especially suitable for a portion of your cattle ration. 

All of the above can help you grow cattle with less expensive feed costs.