When the weather cooperates (soon), we will be into full on harvest mode, with a record yield set to back up last year’s record. It is also the time of year when those of us who use barley to feed sheep through the summer and autumn will store grain on farm, direct off the header, to bring out in February.
The yields this year will be very high again which, as we know, typically results in lower protein grain. And anybody who has spent time trying to deliver barley into any stack will tell you the quality will vary significantly within the same paddock depending on soil type.
So how do you know what nutritional value you have in your silo for sheep feeding next year?
Here at Milne Feeds, we test every load of grain that comes across our weighbridge because we know and understand the variability that occurs in grain crops. Figure 1, below, shows approximately 70 loads of barley receivals over a 6-week snapshot. The protein ranges from 7 –15%, across 6 suppliers, and supplier 2 had a range of 7 – 11% across a single property. We can also observe how the starch levels vary over the same period (Figure 2). Starch levels, and the effect on the rumen micro-flora, are a topic for further in-depth discussion in a future article but, in general terms, starch contributes to issues such as ‘grain poisoning’ or acidosis.
So, in terms of nutrient variation, how does a farmer, with results such as Supplier 2, store barley for feeding sheep and know with certainty that it meets the nutritional specifications to achieve maximum growth and reproduction targets in the flock and, most importantly, that the starch levels are in the range where acidosis won’t be an issue?
Milne Feeds’ Swaps and Offsets programs have been widely adopted for all the issues mentioned above. Hand the barley variability over to the stack, or the feed miller who understands and can manage it, and use EasyOne®, which is manufactured, and tested, to meet set specifications in every load. That way you know exactly what nutritional specification your sheep are receiving and can achieve better feed conversion and safer results. EasyOne® pellets also have the additional benefit of containing a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, essential trace minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin E, an important anti-oxidant. This balanced nutrient profile, combined with Milne Feeds’ Hyfibe® technology, to ensure an easy introduction and minimize the risk of acidosis, means that feeding pellets is far better value than grain.
If that doesn’t get you across the line, then the pricing may help. Although still early days, EasyOne® looks to be priced in the high $300s this year. In comparison, barley is looking to be around the mid $300s – so the spread to sell your barley and bring in EasyOne® is very appealing, given all the advantages of a consistent, complete pelleted solution.
The Milne Feeds sales team of Wayne Manoni, Paul Nenke and Brett Blanchett are happy to talk you through the Swaps and Offsets program any time, on 9351 0726.
