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Looking at alternatives to higher-priced distillers grains

Tighter supplies and higher prices for the ethanol co-product distillers grains have cattle producers looking at options.

University of Nebraska Extension beef specialist Randy Saner says distillers grains have been a great value for cow-calf producers. But with the increased cost, producers are looking at options, including whole soybeans.

“You’ve got to limit how many (soybeans) you feed,” Saner says. “For a cow-calf, we’re only going to do probably two pounds—two to three pounds. You can’t feed over five because the high fat will affect the fiber digestion.”

Steve Berger, a livestock feed consultant with Furst-McNess, says they’re constantly evaluating feed rations for cattle feeders. And even with the higher price, he says distiller grains are hard to beat.

“We’ve looked at different things like putting soybeans in,” Berger says. “But still, with the energy value and the protein that we get out of distillers by-products—and the palatability—it’s still the king of the country.”

Brownfield spoke with Saner and Berger at the Buffalo Bill Farm and Ranch Expo in North Platte, Nebraska.

AUDIO: Randy Saner

AUDIO: Steve Berger