Today in Pictures

[furrowtickler]

I started pushing Vitamin A on the cows a few years back. Put it in their water midwinter. When you look up what amounts they are theorized at using each day, and then look at how much the mineral mixes supply IF the cow eats the recommended amount, it still doesn’t come close to touching their requirements.

I think most minerals are alright if you don’t have a big deficiency but they are maintenance levels only. As soon as their food -or water- falls short for some reason, the minerals will never get them back up to sufficient levels. They’ll constantly fall into a bigger hole.

When I see farmers in places like the UK that supply topical iodine and copper boluses that release throughout the year… it makes me feel like our mineral options and understanding really might not be great in Western Canada. We’re just stuck in the status quo of the last 40 years.

I think you’re very correct
the exact same can be said about crops .
Been way too focused just on NPS and to a far lesser extent K
This has changed somewhat the past few years finally as more available micro nutrients are becoming available

[Old Cowzilla]

Quit using Co-op mineral and salt years ago because the cattle don't like it. Other guys like it because they use less thinking they are saving money. As for micro's anywhere cattle are pastured or manure is spread micro's are always higher than continuous cropping ground. I am thinking feed sup is keeping Micro levels higher. One of the few advantages of a mixed farming op.