IFA 3-Way Mix
IFA 3-Way Mix for cattle is a premium all-purpose grain feed that is made with locally milled grains that improve the energy content and digestibility of the feed. It is the ideal feed for livestock that must grow fat and gain weight, and it is perfect for multi-species feeding.
Haystack Mountain and IFA have decades of experience working with farmers and ranchers in the Intermountain West. They work together to develop new seeds and mixes that are specific to the needs of the region. Their years of experience and expertise help them produce a high-quality, cost-effective feed that meets the needs of livestock producers.
Triticale
Triticale is a new variety of wheat and rye that combines the nutritional value of wheat with the heat tolerance and hardiness of rye. It is harvested at the boot or dough stage and is usually grown during the fall and winter seasons. It has several beneficial characteristics for cattle. It is a highly nutritious hay, suitable for dry cows and can be used to produce silage or dry hay.
Triticale is a versatile feed crop that can be used as a winter pasture after harvesting the grains. Improved varieties have an awn-reduction trait that enhances its suitability for silage and hay systems. Available in both winter and spring types, triticale is highly competitive with wheat for biomass yield. It is slightly inferior to winter rye for biomass yield, but the earlier triticale is planted, the greater its biomass yields.
Triticale is similar to alfalfa in terms of protein content. Its early maturity and high moisture content make it an excellent choice for dairy cows. In fact, it is so similar to alfalfa that it can even be fed as the sole forage for lactating cows.
Rye hay
When producing rye hay for cattle, there are several key aspects to consider. The most important factor is timing, because rye can be harvested as early as mid-May. The best time is for cutting rye when the stalks are still young. However, if cutting is delayed, it can result in a lower-quality product.
Grazing rye for cattle is advantageous in many ways. It is a winter cover crop that is a good nutrient recycler, as well as a topsoil loosener and weed preventer. Rye also has forage value, and can be used to supplement other feeds in corn-soybean rotations and on idle acreages.
Forage made from rye can be harvested in a number of forms, including silage, haylage, and wrapped baleage. However, harvesting rye should be done at an early boot stage, when the forage is still highly nutritious. After harvest, rye should be dried to produce a silage or baleage. This is easier said than done, as it contains a lot of moisture.
