Online Feed Resources
Cattle Producers in Drought Areas Weighed Down by Winter Feed Worries
When livestock producers need feed for their animals, it can sometimes be a challenge to find what they need, especially where drought has been an issue. Feedstuff Finder, developed by the University of Missouri Extension, is user-friendly and will help farmers and ranchers find hay and co-product feedstuffs.
"The ongoing drought in Missouri and several other states led us to see the need for a website for producers to find the feed they need for their livestock," Joe Horner, MU Extension agricultural economist, told DTN.
P[L1] D[0x0] M[300x250] OOP[F] ADUNIT[] T[]
Feedstuff Finder launched Dec. 1. Horner said his team created the site using the layout from a similar online resource created during the COVID pandemic to help consumers find local foods. The MU team wanted this new website to be user-friendly for farmers and ranchers, and free to use. The mapping feature helps users see where the feed is located, and a calculator helps them estimate trucking expenses.
Horner said they hope this one-of-a-kind tool connects the livestock industry with local feed producers. Established for Missouri producers, the site is set up for the entire lower 48 states, and increased use is expected in the future in other states. The site helps producers selling hay and other feedstuffs list their location, price, type of feedstuff, and nutritional information.
"We have allowed those making the listings to price it how they normally would. They can go back in and make changes as needed when sales are made," Horner said, adding that feed is the most significant cost for most livestock producers.
"Cattle producers don't want to reduce their herds any more than they already have due to drought conditions. If Feedstuff Finder helps them find the hay needed to get them through the winter, that is a major win for us and for the industry," Horner said.
MU Extension collaborated with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the MU Agricultural Electronic Bulletin Board to populate directories and help users become familiar with Feedstuff Finder. Instructional videos, in-person training and other resources will be available to assist new users.
For more information, go here: www.feedstufffinder.org.
Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com
Follower her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JennCattleGal
(c) Copyright 2023 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.
