Estimated average cost for a feeder is $18,000 with an additional $4,000 for the computer management software used with the transponders and feeder. Less sophisticated models are considerably less costing as low as $2,000 with each feeding station capable of feeding up to 25 calves.

Feeder cattle are weaned calves that reach a weight of between 600 to 800 pounds. At this point, cattle producers feed them a diet of high-energy feed to promote weight gain. Ultimately, when they reach a weight of about 1,200 to 1,400 pounds, feeder cattle are slaughtered to produce beef.

The automatic feeder for calves is the heart of an automatic feed system. It mixes the portions, supplies the calves around the clock with freshly-prepared calf feed and reliably monitors feeding.

The best time to sell calves is when the market is high. Traditionally, February and March are the best times of the year. During this time, wheat and oats are readily available for grazing and growing calves.

Two more important factors that cattle buyers should consider are size and condition. Fleshy, over-conditioned calves generally convert more poorly, and generally are less efficient in their gains later on.

Automatic calf feeders are more labour efficient than manual calf feeders. There was no difference in weight gain between either systems, however, data from this study in relation to welfare and health needs to be analysed before definite conclusions can be made about automatic calf feeders.

The automatic feeder for calves is the heart of an automatic feed system. It mixes the portions, supplies the calves around the clock with freshly-prepared calf feed and reliably monitors feeding. You decide how much your calves can feed and whether to feed them fresh milk or milk replacement.

7 steps to reduce feed waste

1. Properly adjust feeders and repair or replace broken ones.
2. Reduce “leftover” feed in nurseries or finishing barns after a turn by calculating feed delivery with respect to when the barn will be empty.
3. Carefully monitor feed augers to prevent auger over-run.

For a beef cow, CWT is between $135 and $165. It is an average of $140 per 100 pounds. A calf that weighs 500 pounds costs around $700.

ASK A CATTLE BUYER… The best time to sell calves is when the market is high. Traditionally, February and March are the best times of the year. During this time, wheat and oats are readily available for grazing and growing calves.