If you’re a cattle farmer, then you know that feed is the most expensive component of your operation. That means that you’re always looking for ways to cut costs and make more money.
One way that cattle farmers do this is by adding extra calories and sugar to their cow feed rations. This practice is nothing new and has been around for decades.
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1. It’s a great snack
If you have a cow on your farm, feeding it gummy bears can be a great way to treat them and get them a little extra energy.
They’re also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that can boost their immune system. They’re also low in fat, so they can be a healthy alternative to junk food.
In recent years, some farmers have been adding candy to their cattle’s diet in an attempt to cut feed costs while satisfying their sweet tooth. They do so by blending in cheaper byproducts, such as partially melted candy bars, that would otherwise go to waste.
They’re also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can improve a cow’s health. They’re also low in fat and sodium, so they can be a healthier option than junk food.
2. It’s cheap
As the price of corn skyrockets and farmers struggle to keep up with demand, some savvy livestock farmers are feeding their cows candy. Among the goodies they’re tossing in their feed bins are gummy worms, ice cream sprinkles, marshmallows and bits of hard candies.
While the practice is not new, it has become more popular in recent years as corn prices have soared. Cattle nutritionists, commodity dealers and bovine aficionados say this is a clever way to help reduce cattle feed costs.
To make a batch of gummy bears, pour a packet (85 grams) of flavored gelatin into a bowl. Add cold water and stir well. Heat the mixture on medium-low for 10 minutes until the gelatin swells and is fully dissolved. Then use a food-grade dropper to fill your candy molds. The bears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several weeks. The best part is they don’t contain any preservatives, so they taste fresh for a long time to come.
3. It’s easy to pack
For a variety of reasons, including the fact that they can be found at any supermarket (and often cheaper than their corn-fed counterparts), candy makes for a fantastic snack when it comes to a farm or ranch. Among other things, gummy bears help to satisfy the cows’ sweet tooth and keep them occupied, which is a win all round.
It’s also an eco-friendly choice, thanks to the use of plant-based gelatin. The same is true for the fruit juices used to make these little tidbits of tasty edible joy, though you’ll probably want to stick to organic juices or those made with less processed and refined ingredients in general.
The best part of all this is that it’s also an excellent way to teach children about the merits of reducing food waste. It’s not just a novelty item – it’s also a great calorie counter, especially for those with diabetes or weight problems – and it gets the kids out of the house, which is always good news.
4. It’s tasty
Gummy bears are one of the world’s most beloved candies, with a wide variety of flavors. They’re made of a mix of sugar, glucose syrup, starch, flavoring, citric acid and gelatin.
Despite their sweet and colorful nature, gummies aren’t all that healthy for you. That’s because they are primarily made from gelatin, which is produced by boiling skins, cartilage and bones of animals.
As a result, they can contain high levels of saturated fat and aren’t very good for your teeth. However, you can make your own gummy bears that are healthier for you!
Cattle farmers struggling with record corn prices are feeding cows a wide range of bulk candy, including gummy worms, chocolate bars, ice cream sprinkles and marshmallows. This strategy is a savvy way to cut down on feed costs, according to livestock experts and commodities dealers.
