While our cattle have access to either grass or hay at most any time throughout their lifetime, we offer grain in their diet for several reasons. The primary benefit of grain is the extra marbling, or internal fat, that is formed in the beef. This gives the beef a more robust flavor and improves the tenderness of each cut you prepare.
Secondly, land is a limited resource. Feeding grain allows us to have more cattle in a smaller area where their health can be easily monitored and so they are not subjected to predators.
Finally, mixing a feed ration allows us to fine tune nutrient needs for the animal. Carbohydrates, forages, minerals and proteins are all needed in the correct balance.
So, what specifically do our cattle eat?
Our calves are born in the fall of the year, typically September or October. Calves are kept with their mothers through the winter where they nurse when they choose. Cows are fed a ration of silage (whole chopped corn plant), dried distiller grains (for protein) and a roughage such as dry hay or wheat straw to help them feel full through the day. As calves get older and can reach into the feed bunk, they start eating with their moms and supplement their nursing with mixed feed.
More about Dried Distiller Grains (DDG)
DDG's are 1 of the 3 products that corn is broken down into when it is fermented to remove the alcohol. Ethanol, CO2 and DDG's are the result of this process. Ethanol is used widely for fuel. CO2 has many uses; it's used to make dry ice that we use sometimes when shipping beef. Don also enjoys CO2 in his Mountain Dew. DDG's are high in protein and used in animal feed. What a wonderful way to utilize all parts of the corn kernel.
Calves are typically weaned in March and are placed on cover crop pasture such as wheat or rye. As the cover crop is grazed, crabgrass naturally replaces it through the summer. Crabgrass is not only nutritious but thrives in the heat and dry conditions that are typical in our part of Indiana. Calves are introduced to a grain and protein supplement mix about five months before they are harvested.
Depending on the weather, cattle have access to both their grain mix as well as grass and/or dry hay. Quality home-grown ingredients combined with years of selective breeding result in the most flavorful beef you can buy.
Find out for yourself - shop our products that are shipped monthly.