Feeding Management in a Time of Rising Costs

with Jeff Semler

As feed costs account for approximately two-thirds of the total cost of production, it is important that producers consider nutrition management a top priority. Alternative feeds and differences in feed-value will be discussed. To determine if other feeds are a better value than corn or soybean meal, comparisons can be made based on the cost per unit of nutrient. Sample diets for Creep Feeding, Growing Lambs, Finishing Lambs, and Late Gestation Ewes will be discussed along with examples of how to substitute different ingredients but still get a balanced feed through use of free computer software programs. Ruminant nutrition for graziers will also be discussed.

About the instructor: Jeff Semler, University of Maryland Extension educator in Washington County, recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agriculture Agents. Jeff is an alumnus of West Virginia University where he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science; he also has a Master’s Degree in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut where his emphasis was in the area of the Physiology of Reproduction.

Jeff’s current teaching goals include continued strengthening of the profitability of agriculture as well as increasing agricultural literacy. One of his on-going research projects is the investigation of various forage production methods under both conventional and organic management. Jeff has a lifelong love of farming and his goal is to assist farmers with their livelihood while maintaining or improving their soil, plant and animal resources.