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How much forage can a non-ruminant handle?

Pigs on pasture

With high grain prices the new reality, it’s time to find out

By Jim Van Der Pol Kerkhoven, Minnesota — For years we have fed a little hay in winter to gestating sows by throwing a small bale in their bedding every few days. This is no big deal, especially when compared to the summer pasturing we have been doing for decades. Grain has long remained the major part of the winter gestation ration.

But with major changes afoot with fuel and grain prices, we have decided to look closely and critically at forages with an eye to building a pig production practice that will be more durable going into the future. Sows are the place to start, as their systems seem to handle forage well, and we perceive that they benefit from it. Continue reading “How much forage can a non-ruminant handle?”

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Grass-fed beef by the numbers

Even EPDs have their place in genetic selection

By Jim Munsch Coon Valley, Wisconsin—I am often asked about the best breed for grass-based beef production. Most grass-fed experts say that a high proportion of English genetics is important. I lean that way myself — we have Angus.

But I always tell people that the specific breed is not the most important factor in grass-fed, as within each breed there are animals that can do well in your grass system, and those that won’t. When asked about breeds, I instead treat the questioner to a long explanation involving “type” and the methods for managing genetics. Continue reading “Grass-fed beef by the numbers”