Better feed prices and concerns about lower-quality hay for the winter have some cow-calf producers once again thinking about a move back to the creep feeder, says Patrick Wall, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist.

In a recent editorial for the Iowa Beef Center's “Growing Beef” Newsletter entitled, “Creep Feeding Economics in 2014,” Wall makes the case for creep feeding into fall:

"Research suggests cows can come in 20-30 lbs. heavier and in better body condition if her calf has access to creep feed. A little extra flesh may help that cow endure a period of low quality hay or reduce the amount of purchased supplement it takes to get her back in a body condition score (BCS) of 6 prior to calving next spring."

To read more about the economics of creep feeding, click here.

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