The real cost-saving aspect of strip-grazing milo lies in eliminating the expenses associated with mechanical harvesting. By allowing cattle to graze the milo directly, producers can feed their cattle for as little as 60 cents per head per day, as opposed to the significantly higher costs of supplementing pasture grazing with expensive hay.
Implementing strip-grazing requires the use of simple poly wire electric fencing, which is moved daily to confine the cattle to designated areas. The cattle are kept close together and primarily consume the grain heads, completing their feeding within a couple of hours. This method not only reduces costs but also ensures efficient utilization of the milo crop.
Moreover, strip-grazing milo allows producers to retain soil fertility on their farms. By avoiding the export of nutrients through selling harvested milo, producers can maintain the fertility of their land, providing an additional benefit to their overall operation.
Lee encourages cattle producers, particularly those who also have row crops, to consider strip-grazing milo as a "no-brainer" winter feed strategy. Those with existing infrastructure and equipment can easily adopt this method and reap its financial rewards. While strip-grazing milo is not yet a widely adopted practice, Lee is working to spread awareness and convert more producers to this cost-effective and efficient approach.
Demonstration plots showcasing the benefits of milo grazing can be found at Sanborn Field on the MU campus and at the MU Bradford Research Farm near Columbia. With its proven advantages, strip-grazing milo presents an innovative solution to minimize winter feed expenses and enhance profitability in cattle operations.