For TN Cattle Producers

[Ken Scharabok]

TN Farmers' Co-op has a new product called pasture extender. Comes in something like 8%, 10% and 12% protein. Best I can tell it is some type of sawdust (but might be finely chopped up corn stalks) sprayed with molasses water and then some lumps of a molasses blobs in it.

(Whole kernel corn is about 8.5 - 9% protein.)

Bought a bag of 8% as an experiment. My cattle love it - licking the feed trough clean.

[RedHogs]

What the price???

[Ken Scharabok]

I paid $3.90 for a 50-lb bag for 8%. Locally whole kernel corn is $5.60 50 lb bag.

Ingredients: Roughage Proten, Processed Grain By-Products, Molasses Products, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Plant Protein Products.

Apparently it has been a hard sell for them so far.

[tinknal]

Any urea in this stuff?

[Ken Scharabok]

None is listed on the label, nor are any warnings given not to feed it to other livestock. Says it is: "For Weaned Beef Cattle on Pasture". Recommend checking with local Co-op manager before giving to other livestock.

They recommend .050% body weight per day (five pounds for a 1,000 animal) plus at least .050% per day dry matter, such as pasture or hay. Introduce gradually and provide free access to fresh water and minerals.

I've sent a message to Co-op HQs asking what the roughage products are. Sure looks like finely chopped up spruce.

They also offer a per ton price.

[ericakc]

Originally Posted by Ken Scharabok

They recommend .050% body weight per day (five pounds for a 1,000 animal)

0.05% would be 0.5 pounds for 1000 pound animal

[Ken Scharabok]

My error: It is 0.50% (one-half of one percent).

[Ken Scharabok]

The roughage products are rice hulls and rice bran.

[mikeefaith]

Where in Tennessee do you buy? We are in Paducah, Kentucky and would love to try feeding some of the product.

[Ken Scharabok]

Go to the nearest member of the Tennessee Farmers' Cooperative. If they don't have it in stock, they should be able to order it.

[mtman]

what is the price for 12% i pay in the summer 5.50 for 50# sack in colder months when i will feed more i get 14% for 115.00 a ton

[Ken Scharabok]

Do a Google search on Tennessee Farmers Cooperative and then find the one closest to you. Contact them for a price quote. Price may vary among co-op outlets.

My local one says they aren't selling much of it. Most of the local cattle producers have cut down on their herds rather than supplemental feeding.

My cattle are still in EXCELLENT condition. Almost grass fat even though we are way behind in average rainfall this year. I give it more as a treat than necessity.