Beef Cattle Research Council offers feed cost calculator and regional trends

Aug 25, 2020 | 3:00 PM

CALGARY, AB. — Harvest has begun and crop potential is looking very good in Southern Alberta. Ample spring rain, weeks of August heat produced lush crops of every variety.

Winter feed will be plentiful for many areas, but could be the opposite in others. Since feed prices are driven by supply, demand and the cost of alternatives, the costs will vary for producers. Ample supplies in some areas will push the cost down, while other areas could see limited supplies at increased prices.

In Alberta, depressed yields in 2018 and 2019 pushed hay prices to record highs last June. This year, tame hay growth in the province is rated good to excellent in 93 per cent of cases, a 37 percentage point improvement over the five-year average. While an adequate supply of quality forages is expected for Alberta this year, cold and wet weather will reduce supply in the north.

In the province of Saskatchewan, some pastures are in poor condition while excess moisture has plagued the north. The issues have prompted producers to increase their reliance on silage and greenfeed due to low forage production the last three years

Manitoba producers may have to buy more alternative feeds this year, due to poor yields and quality of first cuts below average, as well, effects on pasture from consecutive years of drought will limit the length of time cattle can be on pasture and contribute to poor hay yields.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 26, 2024

2h ago

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

With that in mind, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has a Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator – a decision-making tool – that can help producers compare the cost of feed alternatives available in their area. There is also information on low-cost feed alternatives.

The calculator can help analyze a wide range of feed inputs and allows producers to consider unique and regionally specific, cost-effective alternatives.

When using the tool, simply adjust the labels and pricing to include the feed types and prices applicable to your region. The lowest cost ration will vary based on local conditions and availability, so it’s helpful to explore trends across Canada to translate into savings.

For examples on how to use the Winter Feed Cost Comparison Calculator, the BCRC has examples posted on its sight, along with various graphs and tables outlining feeding ration costs.

by Dori Modney with files from BCRC