Poor Hay Doesn’t Have to Equal Poor Livestock Performance

Dec 04, 2025

By Garth Ruff

We know that hay quality across much of Ohio is poor this year. Out of 180 samples submitted as part of an OSU eBarns program from 29 counties, only one of those samples met the energy or TDN requirements for a 1200 pound lactating beef cow. For sheep and goats, that means that the forage is poorer yet. As we head towards winter having a plan in place to maintain animals on pasture will be key.

I have these types of discussions with producers fairly often, and usually (not always) supplementing additional energy into the diet seems to aid in rectifying the situation.

As managers we must remember that livestock utilize nutrients in waste not, want not hierarchy. Think of an order of operations where Maintenance > Development > Growth > Lactation > Reproduction > Fattening.

Source : osu.edu

Video: World Without Cows - Official Trailer

In World Without Cows, journalists Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth take viewers on a global journey to explore the essential role of cattle in agriculture, food systems, and rural economies. Through interviews with farmers, ranchers, and environmental scientists, the documentary challenges the growing wave of misinformation surrounding cattle and climate change.

Prompted by the rise of unscientific narratives that paint livestock in a negative light, Michael and Whitworth set out to tell a more balanced story—one rooted in evidence and lived experience. The film highlights the cultural significance of cows, their contribution to global nutrition, and the innovations within the industry aimed at reducing environmental impact.

World Without Cows is a compelling reminder of the complexity and importance of livestock in a sustainable future.

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