Feeds often not tested

A national survey found only 40 per cent of beef producers have their feed rations tested and testing in Ontario was even less than the national average.

Now Prof. Cathy Larson of the University of Saskatchewan and  Emma Stephens, a bioeconomist at the federal government’s Lethbridge Research Station, are launching a follow-up study for beef producers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to determine whether they test feed rations and, if so, how often.

They said it should be done at least once a year, but found that many farmers don’t bother as long as they feel their cattle are healthy and doing well.

They will be asking farmers whether they have tested their feed during the last three years, whether they use a probe to gather samples from forages and who on their farm is responsible for testing.