Livestock crops

[The Big Cowhuna]

Do you grow any crops, other than hay, that is specifically meant to feed your livestock? All of my livestock are turned out to pasture and I supplement that with hay and feed, but maybe I should grow more crops for them to cut down on some expenses. Does that work for you?

 

[Digger]

Usually in the fall and winter I rely on wheat and rye which are easy to grow. When my harvest is winding down, I will turn the animals out to graze wherever it won't hurt them. There's a lot they can eat. Even pumpkins and squash are edible, but something like potato vines could be a problem since they can be toxic. Anything that isn't toxic is fair game to me.

 

[Andrew T]

I grow oats as cover crop in the fall and winter, and I let my chickens eat those in addition to their regular food. I bet you could save some money by growing more crops for your livestock to eat.