Ohio farmers are facing one of the lowest hay quality seasons in years, according to data from Ohio State University's eBarns program. Of 180 forage samples submitted from 29 counties, only one met the nutritional energy needs of a 1,200-pound lactating beef cow. For sheep and goats, the outlook is even worse.

As winter approaches, livestock specialists urge producers to act now to protect herd performance. "Supplemental energy is often essential to carry livestock through an Ohio winter," says Garth Ruff, beef cattle field specialist with OSU Extension.

Ruff explains that animals prioritize nutrients in a strict order: maintenance, development, growth, lactation, reproduction, then fattening. This means a thin first-calf heifer, still growing herself, won't likely rebreed on poor forage alone. If she isn't maintaining body condition, reproduction is unlikely.

To address the energy shortfall in pasture-based systems, supplementation is key. But not all methods are equal in cost or effectiveness.

Additional forage can help-especially if it's a high-quality, second- or third-cutting round bale-but Ruff warns that even a full belly won't rebuild body condition unless energy density is sufficient.

He stresses the importance of a forage test. "Hay quality varies dramatically from farm to farm. A cheap, year-old bale that's been exposed to the elements may look like a deal, but the dry matter losses make it overpriced."

Protein tubs, often marketed as all-in-one solutions, are not always cost-effective. "They may help in stocker or weaned calf situations, but most tubs don't provide the energy needed for mature cows or thin heifers," Ruff cautions.

When it comes to efficiency, grain-especially whole shelled corn-is hard to beat. With known energy requirements, farmers can calculate daily intake. Research from Ohio State shows that just 2.5 pounds of corn per day maintained body condition in third-trimester heifers, even under muddy winter conditions. At $7 per bushel, that's about 25 cents per head per day-far cheaper than the cost of open cows or extended breeding intervals.

Bottom line: winter forage supplementation is no longer optional for many producers. Ruff recommends carefully weighing cost per unit of energy, analyzing available feed sources, and tailoring strategies to animal class and condition.

As Ohio livestock face another cold season, smart supplementation decisions can protect productivity, animal welfare, and long-term profitability.