When it comes to feed costs, buying bulk cattle feed is the most cost-effective way to keep costs in check. While it costs roughly $20-$40 per ton less than bagged feed, it requires additional capital investment for bulk feeders and feed bins. Although the benefits are significant, producers must consider other costs when deciding which option to choose. Not only do feed costs comprise a significant portion of a livestock operation, but they also require the use of vehicles, fuel, and labor to transport the feed.
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50-pound bags are palatable
Bulk cattle feed comes in various forms and has a variety of benefits for your animals. Its palatable flavor and wholesome ingredients are perfect for your livestock. You can choose between a 50-pound bag of standard feed and a custom-made bag to meet the exact requirements of your animals. The bulk cattle feed you buy can be formulated to fit your particular needs. If you are not sure what type of bulk cattle feed is right for your operation, you can contact a company that specializes in supplying quality products.
They are transportable
Whether it’s for the ranch or the barn, bulk cattle feed is highly transportable. With proper packaging and handling, bulk feed can be transported from one location to another. Depending on the product, bulk feed is transported in reusable super sacks. These sacks can be used again for feeding livestock. When transporting livestock feed in bulk, ensure that it’s level ground to prevent damage to the products.
When transporting bulk feed, producers should use a large transportable vehicle to facilitate the delivery. This will help ensure the feed’s proper temperature during transportation. Also, it will save on fuel, labor, and equipment costs. Bulk feed is also more environmentally friendly, as it can be stored at room temperature and delivered to livestock without risking contamination. Moreover, producers who use large transport vehicles are required to store their feed at a secure place.
They are non-GMO
If you’re a farmer, you might be interested in purchasing quality, non-GMO bulk cattle feed. While these products are often not labeled as “non-GMO,” they are a far better choice than conventional grain. In addition to being non-GMO, quality feeds are grown by local farmers using organic techniques and contain high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients. They are also produced using natural supplements such as herbs and essential oils. Unlike traditional feeds, these products are blended using techniques that avoid excessive processing.
Original Feeds, a premium all-natural blend of non-GMO grains and small grains, is a great choice. This feed is labeled as “Back to the Basics,” but it has more benefits than that. The grain in Original Feeds is lab-tested and free of antibiotics, growth hormones, and animal by-products, making it ideal for feeding a variety of breeds.
They can reduce feed costs
One of the most obvious ways to cut feed costs is to purchase bulk feed. The price of grains is skyrocketing, and soybeans and corn are staple feeds. Other feeds are also on the rise. Farmers need strategies to keep their livestock healthy at high feed costs. In May, for example, pelleted soy hulls cost about $170 per ton, and the price of soy hulls in Indiana hit a high of $205 per ton.
While many producers would like to save on feed, the costs of grain, by-products, protein, fat, vitamin, and mineral prices are on the rise. Even milk prices are above their long-term average. While these costs can be high, the cost savings can be substantial. In addition to feed costs, bunker storage can add up, and bunker storage is expensive. Therefore, purchasing cattle feed in bulk can reduce feed costs and increase profitability.
They are less expensive
While feeding your livestock in bulk may seem like an unnecessary expense, it actually saves you money. While it may be harder to monitor the feed price, buying by the ton will eliminate the need for price monitoring, checking prices, and driving into town. This way, you can focus on other important aspects of running your business. If you aren’t sure what to look for in bulk feed, there are several things you should consider.
A major disadvantage of buying cattle feed in bulk is the expense of delivery. Many feed stores and mills sell bagged feed in 50-pound paper bags. These bags aren’t reusable, so the producers with small herds may prefer bagged feed. Additionally, producers who don’t have a large feed truck or farm truck may prefer bagged feed. In this case, they will have to pay for labor to deliver the feed.
